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

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.