An Army Reservist has found a 12-month deployment in Cyprus to be a world away from her normal civilian role.
Lance Bombardier Pushman, Royal Artillery, takes part in Battlefield Casualty Drills Training (BCDT) in Cyprus on Op Tosca
Lance Bombardier Pushman, Royal Artillery, takes part in daily physical training sessions inside the United Nations Protected Area (UNPA) Nicosia, Cyprus.
Lance Bombardier Pushman (centre), Royal Artillery, during a peacekeeping patrol on the rooftops within the Nicosia buffer zone.
Lance Bombardier Annabel Pushman, Royal Artillery, places a UN flag on their vehicle before entering the buffer zone on Op Tosca in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Lance Bombardier Annabel Pushman balances her Reservist commitments with 104 Regiment Royal Artillery with running her own business selling and hiring out vehicle trailers.
The experience has been adrenaline fueled, pressured and engaging.
Prior to deploying to the eastern-Mediterranean island, Annabel's training involved taking part in various exercises to prepare for Operation Tosca – a mission led by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
“The experience has been adrenaline fueled, pressured and engaging,” said Annabel, who grew up in Malvern and still lives in Worcestershire.
She has been a Reservist for four years, with this deployment being her first overseas operational tour.
“I put my civilian life on hold to join 17 other members of my regiment to integrate with 5th Regiment, Royal Artillery for pre-deployment training," she said.
I feel that my journey has been remarkable – learning to cope with scenarios such as public order demonstrations and trying to de-escalate potential riots involving Molotov cocktails.
“It was an intense and comprehensive preparation period that lasted three months, aimed at ensuring we were ready for the challenges ahead.
“I feel that my journey has been remarkable – learning to cope with scenarios such as public order demonstrations and trying to de-escalate potential riots involving Molotov cocktails.
“When you train alongside more than 20 different regiments you also get so much value out of it and you build camaraderie and friendships.
“We were briefed by experienced soldiers who gave us a detailed understanding of what to expect in Cyprus, not only in terms of the operational role, but also life on the two camps in Nicosia—the last city in the world divided by a demilitarised zone.
“Their insights were invaluable and offered a realistic picture of life in Cyprus and the complexities we would face while deployed.”
With our training complete, we quickly adapted to our responsibilities and the intensity of the mission became very real.
The final phase of Annabel’s training involved simulating roles on the mission, with platoons conducting patrols, providing guard duties and participating in Quick Reaction Force (QRF) exercises.
This hands-on experience was crucial and exposed the troops to worst-case scenarios, such as helicopter crash rescues and encounters with armed civilians in the buffer zone.
5th Regiment Royal Artillery officially assumed command of Sector 2 from 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, in October last year.
Though the job is demanding, there has been ample opportunity for personal growth and recreation.
Annabel said: “With our training complete, we quickly adapted to our responsibilities and the intensity of the mission became very real.
“As peacekeepers, our main task is to maintain a constant presence in Sector 2 of the Buffer Zone, which is divided into western, central, and eastern operational areas.
“Each area is patrolled by a platoon from the Operations Company, day and night, ensuring a continuous monitoring presence across the sector.
“The Buffer Zone, which varies in width from just five meters to seven kilometeres, lies between the Greek Cypriot National Guard on the southern ceasefire line and Turkish Forces on the northern line.”
This deployment has been my first operational tour and it has been an incredible opportunity to experience life in the Army outside of the UK and alongside a Regular unit.
In addition to regular patrols, Annabel’s platoon is responsible for providing 24/7 security for their camp at the Ledra Palace Hotel, located in the heart of Nicosia.
The extravagantly named, yet modest base, has a bullet-riddled exterior and is a stark reminder of the region’s troubled history, dating back to the 1970s.
She said: “Though the job is demanding, there has been ample opportunity for personal growth and recreation.
“There’s daily fitness sessions and access to a fully-equipped gym.
“Many of us, including myself, have completed several marathons and even a 70km ultramarathon organised by the regiment, which took us along the scenic coastline from north to south Cyprus.
“I’ve also learned rock climbing, kayaking and mountain biking, balancing the intense work schedule with exciting activities.
“This deployment has been my first operational tour and it has been an incredible opportunity to experience life in the Army outside of the UK and alongside a Regular unit.
“Being part of this historic mission and working with such a dedicated team has been both humbling and rewarding.”
As my tour draws to a close, I leave Cyprus with new skills, unforgettable memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
104 Regiment Royal Artillery has responsibility for Royal Gun Salutes in Wales, which Annabel describes as “monumental and moving occasions to be part of”.
She said: “To wear the uniform for these significant events is very special.
“As my tour draws to a close, I leave Cyprus with new skills, unforgettable memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
“These experiences began when I first learned my basic soldiering skills in 2020, alongside people that will remain friends for life. I’ve been given so many opportunities since then and have grown, both personally and professionally.
“I’m very proud to be a Reservist and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
