Chamber members impressed by Reserves

Dundee’s Oliver Barracks was the venue for a successful Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce networking event sponsored by HRFCA.

Host unit for the evening – attended by 50 Chamber members – was A company of 7 Scots with input from 225 Medical Regiment, 205 Field Hospital, 2 Signal Squadron and 105 Regiment Royal Artillery.

Activities kicked off with an introduction and welcome by Tim Allan, president of the Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Allan spoke of the “two-way street between business and Reserves” and thanked 7 Scots Commanding Officer Lt Col Piers Strudwick for hosting the event.

The audience of 50 then listened to a short presentation from HRFCA Regional Employer Engagement Director Ron Macgregor who emphasised the extra value Reservists can give to their civilian employers.

He added: “The Reservist brings a huge number of skills to the military party and a lot of those skills – including leadership, team-building and assertiveness – are then taken into their civilian life. All those skills don’t go away when they take off their uniform, they are taken into their jobs.”

Mr Macgregor encouraged Chamber member to give their full support to any members of staff they have in the Reserves.

“They are an asset to you,” he said.

The event then moved outside where a military capability demonstration took place with a simulated artillery and mortar response to incoming fire on a FOB (forward operating base). With five artillery rounds and the same number of shells ‘fired’ onto enemy positions it was safe to move on to see 225 Medical Regiment treating a simulated casualty who had suffered a leg wound. The casualty – in pain and bleeding heavily – was quickly and expertly assessed and patched up before being moved to an ambulance for transportation to a field hospital.

Scenario over, the crowd dispersed to look at stands featuring weapons and equipment used by Reservists of the attending units who were on hand to talk visitors through the kit.

The evening ended with thanks from Lt Col Strudwick and a strong feeling that each and every visitor now had a stronger appreciation for the valuable work of the Reserves – a feeling supported by the positive feedback both on the night and in the social media response that followed.