On National Reserves Day (22 June), Ministry of Defence civil servant and RAF Reservist Lesley Woods is proud to be the third generation in her family to serve. From eating a sheep’s head in Jordan to rescuing stranded baby turtles on Ascension Island, or evacuating a TV crew from a burning tent, Lesley’s grabbed every opportunity and is now bringing forward the next generation.
I wanted to join the RAF from the age of eight; I grew up on epic stories of crazy adventures, my bedroom shelves filled with postcards and presents from exotic locations.
Mission impossible
At age 21, the RAF turned me down at Officer Selection. I had joined the Air Cadets, done my research, prepared for all the interviews, but I was too keen.
“Go get some life experience,” they advised. I pursued my second love, public relations and media, and my ambition of joining faded into memory. It was only after a chance encounter with a Reservist who said there was such a thing as a ‘Media Squadron’ that I tried again aged 33. I also joined the Civil Service that year.
I’ve often used the skills learned in the Reserves to help me in my Civil Service career, but I always felt that the two roles demanded different qualities. I had feedback that my day job colleagues thought I was very militaristic in my line management, too forthright in my approach, yet that same unflappable confidence helped me progress to a Grade 7 role.
Mould breaker
In my initial officer training, one of my RAF instructors asked that I “refrain from using media language” when I briefed others. As a mature woman, expected to lead men in their late teens and early twenties, he thought my approach undermined strong leadership. They seemed concerned I didn’t fit the mould – I’m very glad I didn’t!
As I progressed through courses at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, I gained an appreciation of how I could add value by remaining my authentic self. I started to bring everything I was to both jobs, rather than compartmentalise myself as fitting into either one perfectly. This is the real value of what Reservists bring – we have a different perspective on life, with a foot in both camps. For me, the lesson of seeking to lead (and know) yourself before leading others is key.
A woman's place
Being a female leader in Defence can be tough. I never took maternity leave, I chose not to start a family, but I’m now in that other M word that’s currently a hot topic – menopause. Reflecting on how times have moved on for women in the Armed Forces, I’m conscious of how much still needs to change.
I’ve been very lucky in my own adventures, with opportunities that my grandmother and mum could only have dreamt of. From eating sheep’s head in Jordan, to rescuing stranded baby green turtles on Ascension Island, or evacuating a documentary crew from a burning toilet tent in Afghanistan, I’ve experienced many memorable moments from being a Reservist. But those are stories for another day!
Be a Babel Fish*
In March 2020 I was tasked to lead a combined media team at Army Headquarters, but lead it as a civilian. The advantage is that I was able to combine the best of both my worlds, effectively listening and translating for each side of the team. If I had been in uniform, I may not have had the ear of more senior military staff, which was essential to our success. Conversely, if I lacked my Reserve experience, I may not have had the confidence of my team; still some cultural issues to iron out!
Back to the future
My Dad joined the RAF as a 15-year-old apprentice in 1963, going on to serve almost 40 years. He passed away two years ago, leaving me a box crammed with military souvenirs and the advice to always look after others ahead of myself. In my part-time role as a Squadron Leader for RAF Media Reserves, it’s now about what I can give back to the next generation joining after me. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this as a second career alongside the ‘day job’. We could use more babel fish!
If you come across a Reservist in your office, ask them what their best adventure has been… you never know what stories you might uncover.
* Douglas Adams 1979 novel ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ – a babel fish is a universal translator in the form of a small fish that you place in your ear.
5 comments
Comment by Julia Terrell posted on
Thanks Lesley, very interesting account. Are you able to give more details about rescuing the stranded baby green turtles on Ascension Island? HOw did you get to hear about them? Thanks
Comment by Agnieszka Rudel posted on
Fantastic insightful article Ma’am. It’s so important to talk about woman’s position and honest perspective in the male dominated environment by bringing all those challenges, including our bodies, to the day light. All the best.
Comment by Lesley Woods posted on
Thanks Agy, it’s a pleasure to serve alongside someone as passionate and talented as you.
Comment by Gavin Thomas posted on
Thank you Lesley for sharing with us your personal journey. It sounds like you have enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to follow in the military foot-steps of your parents, whilst being able to have a career with the Civil Service.
Whilst I have never been a military reservist, I have been fortunate within my Civil Service role to have had the opportunity to be posted overseas and be able to enjoying some amazing life experiences, and meet some pretty remarkable people. So I can fully appreciate the buzz you probably got from your adventures.
Really encouraged that you are now looking to use your personal experience in a positive way in supporting the next generation. I am sure that as a role model you will inspire others.
Comment by Lesley Woods posted on
Thanks Gavin. Glad you’ve had adventures; so much out there outside Whitehall! Keen to give back, I like the phrase that says we rise by lifting others.