BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN RESERVES

Northern Ireland’s reputation for delivering a healthy contribution to the Reserves has been given a further boost after a team bringing recruits up to the mark received top-level praise.

The Ballykinler based Army Training Unit was given an outstanding rating in its first Ofsted inspection, impressing the watchdog with its high standard of care and welfare to troops. Staffed by a 30-strong cohort, the unit puts Reservists through two elements of their phase one training before they join a phase two course focused on their military role.

Commanding Officer Lt Col Simon Cassells (R Irish) was delighted with the report adding that his team worked hard to look after personnel and bring out the best in them. He said the centre – which is part of the Initial Training Group – continued to bring recruits from a variety of cap badged up to the required standard for military service. He added “I’m pleased with the efforts of my team, who continue to ensure that the best training is delivered. The inspectors clearly seemed very happy with all that we have been doing.”