Life in the army reserves – the balance of work, training and physical activity: an ethnographic study

ABSTRACT

Physiological, psychological and social risk factors influence the health and wellbeing of military personnel and units. Whilst evidence has investigated employment within the regular military, the same cannot be said for reserve personnel. Reservists negotiate civilian employment whilst balancing the rigours of military life. Little is known about the lives and experiences of these individuals despite their reliance within the military. The current study sought to understand the health, lives and experiences of reservists through an ethnography consisting of observations, lived experience, conversations and semi-structured interviews. Forty personnel participated in the study which took place in one combat unit of the British Army. Data were collected across training exercises and weekly meetings. In total 300 hours of data were analysed using an iterative process. ‘Life as a reservist’, ‘the risk factors and implications for health and wellbeing’ and ‘the critical promotion of physical activity and health within the Army’ were identified within the data. While the training the Army Reserves undertake is supportive of health and wellbeing, the structure within the Army reduces choice and control. Enriching training and social support can mitigate these antecedents of ill-being. Further effective training can provide a setting to foster resilience and prepare personnel for deployment. The study highlights the differences and similarities between full-time personnel and the experiences of reservists, both in terms of health, wellbeing and the training undertaken. Future research may seek to understand the differences in theatres of operation, and attitudes of those responsible for promoting health and wellbeing.

KEYWORDS:

• Army
• exercise
• health
• organisational
• morale
• military
• resilience
• wellbeing

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests. This activity was conducted through Loughborough College and under the auspices of the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) England. The NCSEM is a collaboration between several universities, NHS trusts and sporting and public bodies. The research was supported by Loughborough College through an undergraduate thesis. No funding was received. Gregory Mann is an Army Reservist and at time of writing, a Potential Officer of the British Army. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NCSEM, NHS, Loughborough College or the British Army. All authors contributed to the manuscript and design. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. The authors wish to acknowledge and thank the Soldiers and Officers who took part in the study.

Notes

1. To protect the identity of the regiment, no further information can or will be provided on its size, geographical location or structure.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

G. J. Mann

G. J. Mann is a reservist soldier in the HMAF-UK The British Army and graduate of Loughborough College. Gregory holds a BSc in Sports Coaching and is a Potential Officer of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The current study formed a component of Gregory’s undergraduate dissertation thesis. Findings have been and continue to be presented back to the population it seeks to serve. In accordance with the British Army’s ‘values and standards’ and LEADERS code (see MOD 2015) the content of the current study represents the voice, opinion and attitudes of Gregory and not necessarily the British Army.

A. J Brinkley

Dr A. J Brinkley is a Research Associate in the National Centre of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University and is Lecturer in Exercise Psychology at Loughborough College. Andrew holds a BSc in Sport Psychology and Physical Activity and Health from the University of Derby, a MRes in Sports Science – Psychology from Nottingham Trent University, and PhD in Psychology from Loughborough University. Andrew leads a variety of projects across sports-based health interventions, organisational psychology and mental health and wellbeing. His work is disseminated through international journals, through international conferences and through translation to the population he seeks to serve.