Please tell us a bit about yourself
I am Sergeant James Perry, a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) currently serving with 3rd Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (3 PWRR). I attested in May 2024 and, after completing the Advanced PTI Course in October 2025, I will assume the role of Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor (QMSI) for the Battalion.
I am proud to be the first lateral entry sergeant into this role. To achieve that, I went through a demanding selection process, beginning with an initial interview at Aldershot and meeting very high fitness standards at the assessment centre, before securing sponsorship from 3 PWRR. My Corps is with the Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC), and I am attached arms to 3 PWRR. While the RAPTC is my professional home, 3 PWRR holds a special place in my heart, as they backed me from the start and welcomed my expertise.
In civilian life, I am one of two Fitness Consultants for Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS). Both the Army and Fire Service operate in the tactical athlete space, and there is a real synergy between the two roles. The access I have to RAPTC resources and networks strengthens my fire service work, and vice versa. I live in Kent with my wife, Lucy, and our four-year-old son, Thomas. Thomas is very proud of both of my jobs and often says he wants to work for the Army, the Fire Service, or sometimes both, when he grows up.
What training have you done or are currently doing with the Reserves?
I have completed the RAPTC PTI Course and am now preparing for the Advanced PTI Course, which will qualify me to assume the QMSI role at 3 PWRR. My focus has been on delivering Soldier Conditioning Assessments, Role Fitness Tests, and structured PT programmes.
Being the first lateral entry sergeant has meant adapting quickly, learning Army culture and processes while bringing in expertise from the tactical athlete world. Having 3 PWRR as my sponsor unit and the RAPTC as my professional backbone has made that possible, creating a synergy that enhances both my military and civilian roles.
Is your employer supportive and how?
Yes, KFRS has been very supportive of my Reserve service. They allow me to use Gold Covenant leave for courses, provide flexibility around training commitments, and recognise the value of the leadership and resilience skills I gain through the Army. They also see the direct crossover between military and firefighter fitness, both roles demand that people are ready to perform under extreme pressure.
Ann Millington, CEO at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, adds: “We have had a number of reservists and ex-military colleagues working for KFRS over the years and we have seen clear benefits:
Reservists have a range of valuable skills from their military training. This includes advanced first aid, strong leadership abilities, and discipline. These skills complement those of our firefighters, making the team stronger and more effective. Many reservists are already well-trained so we encourage applications so we can attract a more diverse group of applicants, helping the service find the right people for the job. As a Service we also want to demonstrate our support for the armed forces.”
What do you enjoy most/get out of being a Reservist?
I most enjoy the sense of dual identity, being part of both the RAPTC and 3 PWRR. The RAPTC provides me with a professional family of PTIs, while 3 PWRR gives me a community of soldiers where I can apply that expertise.
I also value the pride of breaking new ground as the first lateral entry sergeant, and the way my Reserve service benefits not just me but also my family. Thomas loves hearing about both my jobs, and it makes me proud to know he sees service and fitness as something worth aspiring to.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in your military career and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge has been balancing Reserve service, a demanding civilian job, and family life. It often means very early mornings and late nights so that I can fulfil all my responsibilities, but I make it work because I believe in the value of both roles, and because Lucy and Thomas support me in doing so.
Another challenge was stepping in as the first lateral entry sergeant. I had to earn trust quickly, adapt to Army systems, and prove my ability through action. I overcame this through discipline, humility, and by leaning on other Senior NCO’s with 3PWRR and the RAPTC network for support.
What would you say to anyone considering becoming a Reservist?
I would say, if you are committed, it is one of the most rewarding choices you can make. You will be challenged physically and mentally, but you will also gain confidence, resilience, and skills that transfer directly to civilian life. If you have specialist expertise, the Army now has routes, like lateral entry, that allow you to bring that knowledge in and make an immediate difference.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about your time as a Reservist?
For me, being a Reservist is about connection and balance. There is a symbiosis between my RAPTC role and my civilian role with Kent Fire and Rescue, each strengthens the other. It is demanding to juggle, but it is absolutely worth it.
Most importantly, my family are part of the journey. Lucy supports me tirelessly, and Thomas takes pride in what I do, often saying he wants to follow in my footsteps. That makes the long days and sacrifices worthwhile.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is run by the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority (KMFRA) – ‘the Authority’. The Authority is the governing body of KFRS and is responsible for ensuring we provide fire and rescue services throughout Kent and Medway.
KFRS is led by our Chief Executive Ann Millington, and a team of directors who are supported by assistant directors
3 PWRR is an Army Reserve Battalion. They are based across the Southeast of England with company locations in Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
They have a proud history of achievements that include recent operational experience in Afghanistan and Iraq in support of the Regular Army as well as in Cyprus supporting the United Nations mission.
3 PWRR are currently ‘paired’ with 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment as part of the restructured Army under the Army 2020 concept. Thus, are now on the cutting edge of Army Reserve units with the very latest kit available across the Battalion.