At 26, I have found myself living in two very different worlds. One in uniform as a Combat Medical Technician in the Army Reserve, and one in a civilian role within the Ministry of Defence, working in the Air TLB. On paper, they sit neatly side by side. In reality, balancing both has been one of the most demanding and rewarding challenges I have taken on.
I have been a reservist for nearly five years. Officially, the requirement is 27 days of service a year. Like many, I tend to do far more, usually around 60 days. Between training nights, exercises and courses, it quickly becomes more than a part time commitment. It becomes part of who you are.
Alongside my core role, I serve as the Medical 2IC for my regiment and act as one of the national training leads for Reserve Combat Medical Technicians across the country. That involves supporting around 400 CMTs, organising virtual sessions with subject matter experts, and delivering multiple training exercises each year for all levels of experience. It is a responsibility I take seriously and one that adds another layer to an already demanding routine. At the Sqn level, I have recently been appointed as the Sqn Recruit mentoring team leader, giving me the responsibility to plan the FOE for the recruits and mentoring them through their journey from medical, attestation to passing out of basic training. A very rewarding role!
That level of commitment was recognised in 2026 when I was awarded Best Reservist in Buckinghamshire. For me, it was not just a personal milestone, but recognition of the consistent effort, discipline and sacrifices that come with balancing both careers. It reinforced a mindset I have always believed in. Put the work in and let your performance speak for itself.
Before joining the MOD, I spent seven years working as an estate agent. It was fast paced, demanding and often required weekend work. Moving into the Civil Service was a major shift, but one that brought clear advantages. The MOD is, perhaps unsurprisingly, highly supportive of reservists. That backing makes a real difference when trying to juggle commitments.
Even with that support, balancing both careers still comes down to personal discipline and resilience.
One of the biggest challenges is that the Army is built around the Regular force. As a reservist, you are often working around that system. Courses can come through with as little as two weeks' notice if spaces become available. That can be difficult to manage alongside a civilian job, even with an understanding employer.
There is also the issue of resources. At times, it can feel like the Reserve is operating with less, but that has never held us back. If anything, it forces you to be more adaptable, more driven and more determined to deliver.
Then there is perception. Some Regular soldiers still underestimate reservists. Rather than letting that frustrate me, I have always used it as motivation. On my LCpl ALDP, I was awarded top student out of a cohort of 30, with only five of us from the Reserve. Moments like that, alongside being recognised as Buckinghamshire’s top reservist, reinforce that standard is not defined by whether you are Regular or Reserve, but by the effort you put in.
The hardest part is the constant cycle. A full working week straight into a field weekend, then back into the office on Monday morning. During my time as an estate agent, there was a period where I worked extended stretches with barely a break. Across 26 days, I had just one day off. Physically it is tiring. Mentally, it is even harder. You quickly learn how to manage your energy, your focus and your recovery.
One of the biggest battles is motivation, especially when working an office job. After a full day at a desk, it is easy to switch off. That is where discipline takes over. For me, the key is simple. Do not sit down when you get home. Get changed and go straight to the gym or go for a run. No delay, no negotiation.
That habit has made a significant difference. It is not perfect and I have let it slip at times, like anyone. But over the last few months, I have locked back in, and people have started to notice. That in itself becomes fuel to keep pushing.
Setting up my fitness page, @Btan.fitness, has also been a big driver. Documenting what I do keeps me accountable. It is harder to cut corners when you are putting it out there. No one wants to make a fool of themselves online.
If there is one factor that has made the biggest difference, it is the people around me. My colleagues in the Army Reserve and my Chain of Command have consistently pushed me to be better. That support and belief go a long way when things get tough.
Balancing life as a reservist and a civilian is not easy. It requires discipline, adaptability and a willingness to sacrifice comfort at times. But it is also incredibly rewarding.
If you are considering the Reserve, especially if you have left service and miss it, I would strongly recommend it. You can take it as far as you want. For me, it works because I commit fully.
At the end of the day, the more you put in, the more you get out.
HARD TARGET JOURNAL CONTRIBUTOR
Written by: Brandon
British Army Reservist Combat Medic Technician
Instagram: @btan.fitness
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