The 4th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (4 YORKS) swapped their traditional region for Dumfries and Galloway earlier this month for a tactical exercise.
The Army Reservist infantry unit, normally spread throughout God’s Own County, embarked on Exercise Yorkshire Strike, a test of their prowess in a rural environment.
4 YORKS deployed a platoon of soldiers, who work in a wide variety of jobs in their civilian lives, to Kirkcudbright to go through live firing and grenade throwing.
Private Schofield, a personal trainer in her full-time role, said: “Being here is really beneficial. The skills that we’ve learnt during lessons on drill nights, we’ve had to put them into practice here.
“Being a personal trainer helps, I’ve got an understanding of fitness and nutrition, being able to apply that here is great. Military fitness is different but it’s something I’m working on. It’s just about getting that bergen on your back and getting used to having that weight on you.”
The Reserve provides something completely different Private Schofield
The Reservists were not alone in their endeavours: they were supported by regular personnel to ensure the delivery of a comprehensive training package.
Integration between the Army Reserve and their full-time counterparts, often drawn from the rest of the Yorkshire Regiment, is something that is key to the success of 4 YORKS.
While the likes of Private Schofield are now back in the North of England, the experience gained will surely pay dividends for years to come.
She said: “The Reserve provides something completely different. It’s pushed me way out of my comfort zone. It’s challenging, which is great.”