Home   Sudbury   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Sudbury volunteer conquers gruelling tests to qualify as Royal Navy reservist




Officer cadet Ellie Coleman is taking part in a two-week intensive training course (3146799)
Officer cadet Ellie Coleman is taking part in a two-week intensive training course (3146799)

A woman from Sudbury has qualified as a Royal Navy reservist, after passing a gruelling training course with flying colours.

Ellie Coleman was put through her paces during an intensive two-week course at Britannia Royal Navy College in Devon.

“Training was so difficult that passing – and passing well – was a massive achievement,” said the 21-year-old.

“As the youngest on the course, I felt a little extra pressure going in.”

Miss Coleman, who is a member of the Gateshead based unit HMS Calliope, underwent a series of training assessments.

The course involved ceremonial and weapon training, strategic studies, theoretical and practical leadership development and intensive physical sessions.

The volunteers also perfected their boat skills on the River Dart.

After successfully completing the training, they were formally commissioned as officers.

Miss Coleman, who is studying conservation biology as a post-graduate student at Newcastle University, hailed the experience as invaluable.

“It has set me up with life skills, not just for the Navy but for civilian life too, including grit and determination, a sense of humour, and that even though something feels bad at the time, it’s not quite as bad as it seems,” she said.

Miss Coleman was keen on becoming a volunteer for various reasons. “I joined the RNR to do something different, for the challenge, to meet new people and learn new skills,” she said.

The Maritime Reserves is made up of members from the RNR and the Royal Marines Reserves.

The Maritime Reserves have assisted in major operations, including counter-terrorism and anti-piracy work in the Persian Gulf.