The British Army is holding an engagement event in Mansfield Market Square on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th July to demonstrate a wide variety of paid opportunities to anyone seeking a challenge, adventure or training in their spare time.

The event is being held to support the British Army’s new Reserve recruitment campaign – A Better You – after it was identified that over two thirds of 18-35 year olds felt that the amount of personal sacrifice, of which time is a major factor, was too high.

Seven different Army Reserve units/corps will be involved, including 4 Mercian, 101 Military Working Dog Squadron, 162 Regiment RLC, 13 Air Assault Support Regiment and The Royal Yeomanry, offering a wide variety of paid opportunities to anyone seeking a challenge and adventure or training in their spare time.

The event will also give visitors an insight into some of the cutting edge technology and valuable equipment the Army uses every day.

This includes virtual reality headsets powered by Oculus Rift to provide an amazing 360-degree experience of what it’s like to do an Army parachute jump, drive a Challenger battle tank and to take part in military exercises.

Major General John Crackett, Director Reserves, said: “Too many young people aren’t considering the Army Reserve because of false preconceptions: from thinking they don’t have enough time to be a reservist to believing that they will have to join for a long time and it’s difficult to leave when the reverse is true.

“The Army Reserve should be a top choice for all those wanting to make the most of their spare time. This event in Mansfield will help encourage young people to have open and honest conversations with current Reservists about their experiences, discuss any reservations and consider all that The Army Reserve has to offer.”

Local Sergeant Neil Orton, 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment, will be attending the event and said: “I have been in the Army Reserves in Mansfield for 26 years now and I have loved every minute of it. The Reserves has allowed me to travel the world, on both exercise and operations, where I have made friends for life. The Reserves offers something for everyone, it is an amazing experience.”