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On patrol with 7 Scots in Croatia: Inverness soldier says what Reserves offer is “unbelievable”

Sgt Andrew Braid of Inverness.    
Picture by Kami Thomson
Sgt Andrew Braid of Inverness. Picture by Kami Thomson

Sergeant Andrew Braid, of Drakies in Inverness, joined the Reserves in April after leaving the regular army and the higher rank of colour sergeant in 2013.

He spent 16 years as a soldier and was part of the 7th Armoured Desert Rats Brigade during the Iraq invasion in 2003, and also served in Afghanistan and Kosovo.

The 39-year-old, who is married with two children, works for the Scottish National Blood transfusion service in Inverness and his job involves transporting donor samples throughout the Highlands and Moray.

He said: “It’s an absolutely brilliant job and I love it. It was something totally different when I left the army. I get to meet different people every day of the week.

“Being in the military was something I had done for a long time and I wanted back into it. I had started to miss it a wee bit.

“I would recommend the Reserves to any person, even if they are not working or if they are in full-time employment. What they offer is unbelievable. It’s the chance to do stuff within the military, but on your own terms.

“You gain leadership and teamwork skills, and confidence. Young guys are working in this environment with experienced regulars and they get that ‘oomph’ about themselves.

“I am absolutely going to be part of the Reserves until they kick me out.”