

Q&A Session 3 - James Duczak
Army Reserve
Question 1
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How did you get into army reserves, and how long have you been involved?
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Answer
After serving in the regular forces for over 12 years but wanting a career change, going into the reserves was a bit of a no-brainer. In many ways, I wanted to still serve my country but also, I wanted a career in Aviation. By joining the reserves, I could do bit of both. At the time of saying this I’ve done around 3 years in the Reserve Army.
Question 2
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What made you join the reserves?
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Answer
We are in a very volatile world now, who’s knows what the next few years will bring. At least its better to be half trained in military operations or have a greater understanding. Plus, in my role as a Tank Commander being on an Armoured platform, is awesome. Remaining current and competent on tanks means so much, once you’ve experienced tank life and have a crew with you. Sometimes you don’t need much more in life.
Question 3
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Since joining, have you specialised in any specific role? And what does that role consist of?
Answer
My specific role is solely Tank/Crew Commander. Just staying current annually is already demanding but still achievable. Being in a previous aviation role, I also bring skills and quals such as Helicopter Landing Site manager and Helicopter Handling instructor. Other then that, its troop management and team leading.
Question 4
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Referring to your specialised area, what sort of training do you complete to carry the role on?
Answer
Mainly its about getting time on platform or in the simulators, for experience and refresher training and some competency testing. For Tanks, its broken down into three categories driving and maintenance, Gunnery, and communications. Taking D&M for example, annually training would involve casualty evacuations, Maintenance tasks such as track on/off or engine servicing to driving or commanding the vehicle on and off roads. As a commander you must be current in all areas, hence it can be quite demanding to stay current, were as a gunner would stick to gunnery, driver to driving until that induvial is ready to move position etc. These are tick in the box exercises, were as we do go out on exercise to practice maneuverers or live fire.
Question 5
What is your most memorable memory since joining?​​
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Answer
There’s been some incredible experiences, and fire service really opens up a whole band of experiences that just wouldn’t be possible without it. Working with 2 great crews always has moments of teamwork, and friendships become much stronger when you realise you can rely on people in a dangerous, pressured environment.
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For me, I’m a bit of an adrenaline junky and so the opportunity to do something that requires competence to mitigate an element of risk is irreplaceable.
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My favourite job that springs to memory was a house fire caused by a lightning strike. We needed to get water into the roof space, so my other Breathing Aparatus teammate gave me a boost up through a tiny loft hatch and passed up the hose reel jet. Laying in the insulation, fighting a fire so directly, feeling the heat, and gradually turning the situation around is an experience and feeling that will be hard to beat!
Question 6
what is your favourite part about being within the Reserves?
Answer
Honestly, its the people, stories and experiences we have together. Regular or reserve. We all walk away with a story or experience (good, bad or funny).
Question 7
How can the public help the reserves?
Answer
Easy either join or learn about all the roles on offer and what can be gained from a career in the Reserve Army and pass on to someone who might be interested. Its an open door. And you get paid for it too... just reach out. Its not all about tanks or running around. There are some skilful and interesting roles with opportunities to the world.