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On patrol with 7 Scots in Croatia: Exercise Sava Star

A member of 7 SCOTS on a patrol exercise.    
Picture by Kami Thomson
A member of 7 SCOTS on a patrol exercise. Picture by Kami Thomson

Exercise Sava Star represents two weeks of arduous training completed by new recruits after they finish a common military syllabus spread over a week, or four weekends.

Major Danny McCallum is responsible for executing the training plan at 7 Scots, which is usually completed over a period of two to three years.

During this time, Reservists can undertake a junior leadership course which involves learning how to look after eight men in the field, or a senior course which involves commanding a platoon of 32.

Skills can be developed through courses in engineering, radio communications, catering and medical first aid, and driving licences can be gained for cars, large vehicles and quad bikes, as well as for specialist armoured vehicles.

Once training is complete a Reservist can expect to be deployed – should they volunteer – on an operation for a year with 365 days prior notice.

Major Ron McGregor, whose role in the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association is to facilitate employer engagement, says that on average £8,500 worth of transferable skills are picked up by Reservists in training, according to recent studies.

He adds that the MoD will also pay for someone to shadow an employee prior to their leave, and if the employer has to go through a recruitment agency, the MoD will also pay the surplus wage cost of the new recruit.