Balancing service: From commando gunner to NHS physiotherapist and Army Reservist

I joined the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in 2001. At just 18 years old, I earned the coveted Green Beret, an achievement that shaped my identity and values. In 2007, after several years of service and the opportunity to travel the world, I left the Armed Forces to pursue a new path as a physiotherapist. 

I currently work as a Case Manager for Op RESTORE, the national NHS‑commissioned service supporting military veterans with physical health‑related injuries. Alongside this, I continue to serve as an Army Reservist, working as a combat medic with 144 Parachute Squadron, which provides medical support to 16 Air Assault Brigade. 

Joining the Reservists allowed me to reconnect with service life while developing the skills and experience needed to eventually deploy as a Combat Medic. The combination of civilian clinical practice and military medical training has proven to be incredibly beneficial.

My role as a reservist gives me first hand insight into combat related injuries and the full patient journey, from the point of injury through rehabilitation, potential medical discharge, and transition into NHS care. This understanding is invaluable in my NHS role, enabling me to empathise deeply with veterans and apply clinically informed decision-making when managing complex cases.

I now have a much broader understanding of how military medical services operate and have deepened my knowledge of anatomy, physiology and specialist medical procedures. This has boosted my clinical confidence and strengthened my ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. 

Support from my organisation has been exceptional, I receive 12 days of special leave for military duties. 

Balancing reservist responsibilities with NHS work can be challenging, particularly as Armed Forces courses can be arranged or cancelled at short notice. However, my role is primarily remote, reflecting Op RESTORE’s national remit, which provides a healthy work life balance and the flexibility needed to manage family life alongside training commitments. The understanding and encouragement from my employer have made all the difference. 

One of the highlights of my reservist service to date has been passing my combat medic class 3 course. It was challenging, rewarding and a genuine pleasure to return to a military garrison environment, combining realistic medical training with soldiering. Knowing there is still more advanced medical training to come is something I find genuinely exciting. 

Despite the strong support the NHS gives Reservists, there is still more they can do to benefit from their skills and experience. Generous special leave policies are essential, but so is recognition. Simple actions, such including  Reservists’ Armed Forces roles in one-to-one discussions can help identify valuable transferable skills that benefit the wider organisation. 

For trusts looking to better support reservists, flexibility is key. The Armed Forces Covenant should be embraced as a meaningful commitment that guides decisions that are made in trusts. Reservists are a vital part of the Armed Forces and employing them brings clear benefits. Actively promoting that support, whether internally or through social media, can also make organisations more attractive places to work.