Several Auctus Management Group staff took on the Army Reserve Employer Challenge, a Military Activity Day (MAD) aimed to engage and educate people about the Army Reserve. This is part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, to which we were granted Gold Member status in 2019.
Developing Leadership & Team Building
A combined team from the 37 Signal Regiment and the 159 Regiment RLC hosted the exercise, including a wide range of activities. Capt. Andrew Barnard was the event manager, and WO2 Gurung was the event coordinator. The goal of the day was for attendees to participate in various military-style activities centred on problem-solving, team building, and leadership abilities. These activities complemented their day-to-day duties while also giving them a greater knowledge of the Army Reserve.
The day was hot and sunny, but the challenge continues whatever the weather, including deep snow. The Swynnerton Training Area, 4 miles west of Stone, Staffordshire, was the host venue. Participants brought a small backpack or day bag, gloves, thick socks, a woolly cap, a fleece jacket, a water bottle, Gortex waterproofs, and walking boots (for strong ankle support). Qualified and experienced Army professionals planned each activity and implemented all required safety measures once they had completed risk assessments.
Learning About The Army Reserve
The purpose of the programme is to provide people with an overview of the Army Reserve. It is educational and, most importantly, entertaining. Attendees had lots of opportunities to ask questions so that they could fully comprehend the commitment required and the numerous benefits the Army Reserve may provide to both them and their company.
Pankaj Kapoor, Operations Director for RSS Infrastructure, commented, “I thoroughly enjoyed the day. I learnt a great deal, and it was very well organised.”
Pankaj was joined by Steven Morley from INFRA Skills and John McDonough from Auctus Management Group. They worked together on various activities, including an assault course, map reading, and a communications challenge.
Steven said: “The day was very challenging and took me out of my comfort zone. I learned a lot, and it was great to work with John and Pankaj. It was an excellent day. The organisation and delivery by the Army Reserve was first class. I would highly recommend this to any employer.”
John McDonough, Fleet Manager at Auctus Management Group, also enjoyed the Employer Challenge. John said: “I am always keen to learn new skills, and this was a great opportunity to do so. The Army Reserve offers a lot of transferrable skills that employees can use in the workplace.”
Army Reserve Engages with Employers
The Employer Challenge is just one way in which the Army Reserve is engaging with employers. The day was a fantastic opportunity for Auctus Management Group staff to learn more about the Army Reserve and develop their skills.
We are proud to support the Employer Challenge. We look forward to working with the Army Reserve in the future to support our employees’ personal growth and help them develop their leadership skills.
The day ended with a debrief led by the organisers, during which they provided feedback and answered any final questions.
The Employer Challenge is just one of the many activities the Army Reserve offers to employees and employers. If you are interested in finding out more, please visit The Army Reserve webpage
