RNR Role: Information Systems
Civilian Job: Programme Manager
Did you need many outside skills to join Information Systems?
Only basic computer skills required - being able to switch on a computer and have some understanding of office applications. During training nights at your unit you’ll be given the opportunity to study for your European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) via the Defence Learning Portal. If you missed some weekend training you can also catch this up too.
Has all your training been based in the UK?
No it hasn’t. One year, my annual training took me to Singapore where I worked at an RAF air station. It’s true we do a lot of our training at HMS Collingwood, but meeting up at weekends with reservists from other parts of the country always adds a good social aspect to the training.
Where did your mobilised duty take you?
I was mobilised to work on board RFA Largs Bay, predominantly in the North Arabian Gulf. It was fascinating. As part of a Task Group, I found myself communicating with ships from other nationalities, including the Australians. But it wasn’t all work because ports of call included Iraq, Dubai, Oman, Bahrain and Cyprus.
Describe a typical day when you were deployed on RFA Largs Bay
I worked in the Communications department on the bridge of the ship – a busy place! The watch (shift) pattern was usually 4 hours on, then 8 hours off. When off duty I made good use of the gym and circuit training normally took place in the afternoons.
