Reservist Chris Poole has reached an exceptional milestone in his Army career, recently being promoted to Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) and the Brigade Sergeant Major of 19th Light Brigade – a role very few Reservists achieve.
Reservist Chris Poole, Brigade Sergeant Major, 19th Light Brigade
“WO1 positions in the Reserve space are very limited,” Chris explained.
“Most of the roles are filled by Regular serving Warrant Officers, so to be selected for this particular opportunity, as a Reservist, and becoming the first Queens Own Yeomanry soldier to achieve WO1 is an honour and privilege.”
Chris admitted he never imagined he would reach this level. “Looking back, I never thought I would progress to WO1.
“Even 12 months ago, I wouldn’t have thought I would achieve this position.”
“Most of the roles are filled by Regular serving Warrant Officers, so to be selected for this particular opportunity, as a Reservist, and becoming the first Queens Own Yeomanry soldier to achieve WO1 is an honour and privilege.”
From civilian life to military ambitions
Chris’ Army journey began in 2002, initially in the Infantry with the Kings and Cheshire Regiment and then 4 Mercian, before transferring to the Royal Armoured Corps and the Queens Own Yeomanry in 2016.
A joiner by trade, he had always been interested in the Army but did not pursue it straight after school. That all changed in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks.
“I’d always been interested in the Army when leaving school but never pursued that aspiration and consequently my civilian life then took over,” he said.
“However, in 2001, after the Twin Towers attack, I saw an advert in the local paper to join the Army Reserve. They were looking for people to go to Canada because personnel had been pulled out of an exercise to deploy in the aftermath of the attack.
“That was the turning point for me, and service in the military became a priority and personal goal.”
Since then, Chris has embraced every opportunity, taking part in overseas exercises in places like Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Florida, and Germany, as well as multiple operational tours.
“In 2001, after the Twin Towers attack, I saw an advert in the local paper to join the Army Reserve. They were looking for people to go to Canada because personnel had been pulled out of an exercise to deploy in the aftermath of the attack.”
A journey of challenges and rewards
Being a Reservist has not always been easy, but Chris says the rewards far outweigh the challenges. He encourages anyone thinking about joining to take the leap.
“Personal development is a big thing in the Reserve, but camaraderie and a sense of support in the Army is a massive benefit,” he said.
“The Army is always supportive of your civilian life and role. They work hand in hand, but sometimes one takes priority over the other, which can lead to challenges when you have to put your personal life on hold.”
Chris added: “I would recommend a Reservist career to anyone.
“The professional and personal gain you get is something that makes you a better person.
“If someone wanted to join now and go on a similar path, I’d say enjoy the journey and take up every opportunity that’s offered. It will ultimately develop you as a person and give you skills that transfer from military life to civilian life.”
“I would recommend a Reservist career to anyone.”
Future aspirations
Looking ahead, Chris is determined to keep pushing himself. “I will be the 19th Light Brigade Sergeant Major for the next three years. Moving forward, my aspiration is to apply for a commission and continue my service.
“As long as my body continues to serve me, I intend to continue my service within the Army Reserve for as long as I can.”
