From Center Parcs to Cyprus: Reservist swaps civvy manager day job to become sapper
Army reservists are supporting regulars in the Royal Engineers while deployed as peacekeepers in Cyprus.
39 Engineer Regiment is leading Operation Tosca 44 but has reserves under its command, including from the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers.
The reservists and regulars patrol Sector 2 of the Green Line Buffer Zone together as United Nations peacekeepers.
Moving the centre of his world
The six-month tour is Sapper Stephen Brickell's first operational deployment and a big change from his day job as an assistant logistics manager.
"My job in the UK is working for Center Parcs," Spr Brickell said. "That involves making sure that all the lodge side of the business works effectively, so we get the linen out and look at the inventory, anything from a knife and fork, all the way up to a bed."
He manages a team of around 120 people for his civvy job at the holiday resort firm, but in the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers he is taking orders as the bottom rank.
"I'm obviously out here as a sapper [private], not a manager," said the 31-year-old from Warminster.
"But there's still that element of teamwork to make sure we're completing the same job and make sure it's a successful mission."
Asked if there was a change from giving orders to taking orders, Spr Brickell said: "There's definitely a change having to take that step back and listen rather than try and offer what you think is the right decision."
He added: "It's definitely a break for my head as well, not having to think all the time."
The relationship between UN peacekeeping and reservists
The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers is the Army Reserve's senior infantry regiment, and dates back to 1539.
It is common for Britain's permanent peacekeeping role in Nicosia to use reservists, including as senior or commanding officers.
"He [Spr Brickell] is in charge of 120 people; that's a company commander," said Captain Mike Owens, 39 Engineer Regiment, adding "he has got leadership skills that he can pass onto the younger sappers."
"We are going to be working with our Army Reserves potentially in conflicts. You do not want to be going out of the door straight away if you don't know each other."
Capt Owens added: "Operations like Op Tosca, low-level exercises are key and integral to making sure the team builds on itself and makes itself a warfighting, dependable organisation."
The UN expanded its role in Cyprus after the 1974 ceasefire between the Republic of Cyprus and the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus is one of the UN's longest-running missions and has around 800 international personnel under its command, including around 230 British personnel.
39 Engineer Regiment is due to hand over duties in Sector 2 to 8th Battalion The Rifles in September.
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