This Armed Forces Week, we celebrate the soldiers and officers who serve part-time in the British Army Reserve and hear from one woman whose life was transformed by the decision to join.
From crisis to possibility
Lance Corporal Manpreet Maycock has served for 12 years. Born in New Delhi, India she combines her job at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust with service in the Army Air Corps.
Her path to military service began during one of the lowest points in her life. Raising her young children with no support network and facing a period of homelessness, she could not have imagined where that journey would eventually lead.
Then one day, she saw a recruitment poster featuring two women.
"For the first time in a long time, I felt possibility," she said.
"Most people I asked said no. They told me it was not for women like me, not for Indian women and not for single parents.
You do not have to fit a particular mould or come from a particular background
"Joining the Army was not seen as a traditional path for someone from my background. But now, when women from my community see me in uniform, many tell me how proud they are. Often what they really mean is, 'I've never seen someone like me doing this before.'
"But I trusted my instincts, and it was the bravest decision I have ever made."
Building confidence and opening doors
That decision to join the Intelligence Corps changed the course of Mandy's life.
It gave her confidence, resilience, and a belief in herself at a time when she needed it most. It opened doors to experiences she had never imagined possible and challenged her to step outside her comfort zone.
Twelve months ago, she transferred to the Army Air Corps, where she compares her role to a Formula One pit crew, working behind the scenes as part of the team that keeps helicopters operational.
She has represented the British Army at events in the USA, India and Canada, and has taken part in field exercises, battlefield tours and Army skiing expeditions across Europe.
"The Army has showed me I was capable of far more than I realised.
“It has taught me that no one else gets to decide what I can or cannot do because of my gender, my background or how I look."
The Army has taught me that no one else gets to decide what I can or cannot do because of my gender, my background or how I look."
Supporting other women
The experience has also shaped Mandy's passion for supporting and encouraging other women to pursue education, careers and opportunities that give them choices.
Having rebuilt her own life, she hopes her story will encourage others.
Her message is simple:
"Believe in yourself, be financially independent and never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot achieve.
"Life will knock you down sometimes, but don't give up. Keep moving forward, keep learning and keep building a life that is your own."
A family connection to service
Her grandfather served with the British Indian Army during the Second World War, and today she volunteers as Secretary of the Memorial Gates charity, which honours the contribution of soldiers from across the Commonwealth.
Through her work with the Memorial Gates, she is passionate about ensuring that the stories of Commonwealth service personnel, including the women who served during the First and Second World Wars, are not forgotten.
"I feel proud to follow, in my own way, a path connected to that history."
Is the Reserve right for you?
Mandy believes the Army Reserve can provide opportunities for anyone willing to take the first step.
"It offers the chance to challenge yourself, learn new skills, build lifelong friendships and discover strengths you may not even realise you have,” she explained.
“You do not have to fit a particular mould or come from a particular background.
"If you are thinking about joining, do not let fear or other people's expectations hold you back. It could change your life in ways you never imagined."
The Army Reserve offers the chance to challenge yourself, learn new skills, build lifelong friendships and discover strengths you may not even realise you have
A career that fits around your life
One of the biggest attractions of the Army Reserve is flexibility. Reservists serve part-time alongside their jobs, families and communities. They gain new skills, qualifications and experiences while continuing their civilian careers, and can support the Regular Army when needed.
