Private Tyler Burnell, C Company, 3rd Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself 
I am in C Company 3PWRR and in my civilian occupation I currently work for Eurostar. I have recently moved out of my parents’ house and into a flat share with some friends. Thanks to the additional wages from the Army Reserves and previously living at home, I was able to save up for a deposit on my own place. My family were and are incredibly supportive.
2. What do you enjoy about being a Reservist?
I joined the Reserves to help me get hands on experience whilst going through the process to join as a Regular Army Officer. My unit, chain of command and peers have been extremely supportive and helped me in many ways. For me, the best part about being a Reservist is the sense of family! Even outside of our scheduled training, we have often meet on regular occasions to go for runs or for social events.
While working full time in a desk job, the Reserves gives me the chance to be a part of something bigger and gives me that time outside. On training courses and weekends with the unit I have loved sleeping in the field, even in the rain! I can honestly say I now sleep better in my Basha than I do my own bed! Joining the infantry reserves has been the best decision I’ve ever made; the memories and opportunities for development are next to none.
This year, we are going to Estonia for a training exercise which I am planning on attending after successful completion of the Combat Infantry Couse (CIC). The guys are so supportive with everything from helping me get familiar with weapons handling to building strength with the role fitness test.
3. What would you say to anyone considering joining the Reserves?
To anyone looking to join as a Reserve or on the fence about it, I would say do it! It has been the best decision I’ve ever made. If you are looking for something to give you that sense of fulfilment and achievement outside of your normal life, joining as a Reserve is definitely a good option. There are chances to deploy, along with adventurous training and exercises abroad.
In January my unit went Skiing and we are encouraged to complete more AT where we can! There is always options for people to attend Drill nights and have a look at what it is all about and I would encourage people to do this. We receive the same training and opportunities for travel, promotion and social events as those in the Regular Army.
The benefit is that you can do it alongside your day job. We have people that do it alongside University, full time jobs and some alongside being a parent. There is a place for everyone, no matter what your day to day life looks like. Plus you get paid!