THIS month, reservists from the Royal Wessex Yeomanry carried out an annual live fire and manoeuvre exercise at Lulworth Gunnery Range. Jessica Rees went behind the scenes with the reservists and followed them as they loaded tanks, aimed and fired, to find out the role of reservists in the future of the armed forces.

Reservists have been in the fields of the 7,500 acre Lulworth Gunnery Range on the Jurassic coast facing stormy weather, sleet and snow, as they train using one of the most sophisticated Armoured Fighting Vehicles in the world, the 62 tonne Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank.

Today, the sun is shining as the Armoured Reinforcement Regiment reservists prepare to put on a show of their weeks work, and prove that in a high pressured environment they would be able to defend the UK and deliver a mighty military force.

The recent announcement of a restructuring of the army called for army regulars and reserves to fully integrate and form one united force of 82,000 regular personnel and 30,000 trained reserves by 2020.

The new structure has called for an expansion of the Army Reserve and an increasing role in supporting the armed forces both at home and overseas.

On the firing range, Lieutenant Colonel John Godfrey, Commanding Officer of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, greets us at the first stop in the field, a store lined with highly explosive ammunition.

Lt Col Godfrey said: "This is the only reserve regiment to train with the biggest tank, the Challenger 2, and train to the same standard as the regulars.

"There are three crews of four men training in the tanks today, taking the roles of driver, gunner, loader and commander. We also have medics, clerks and chefs who are assisting us who allow the regiment to exist and function in our own right."

The army recruits for many different roles for the active-duty volunteer reserve force. Some civilians choose to bring skills from their day job into their reserve role while others choose a different line of duty to separate their civilian and army roles.

Private Charlene Baker, 28, lives in Weymouth with her 10-year-old son Reece. For her day job, Private Baker is a dental nurse, but on exercise today, she is in full military uniform and on hand in an ambulance, training as an army medic.

Private Baker said: "I've just started my medic training, it's a role that can give you the most opportunities as a woman. My family have been incredibly supportive and being here today is about doing something out of normal day to day life."

Lance Corporal Toby Davison, 29, from Wimborne, a nuclear physicist by day, has been a reservist for two and a half years and is now a loader, and is lifting ammunition into the tank ready for firing.

LCpl Davison said: "I decided to join the reserves because I wanted to do something different. I wanted to diversify my life and I've always loved tanks so I thought why not, give it a try and see what happens.

"Because I'm interested and keen I try to throw as much grit and determination as I can at the reserves."

On balancing civilian and reservist careers, LCpl Davison said: "Sometimes it can be difficult, mainly because I try to do as much as I can with the reserves.

"I just love the new experiences, getting to crew tanks, the camaraderie and everything. It's a whole set of experiences you don't get with a regular civilian day job and it's that diversity and portfolio of experiences that really draws me to it."

As we walk a kilometre across the range, we take a position closer to the tank as the heads of the reservists duck down and the hatches slam shut.

A little orange light starts flashing, signalling the ammunition is engaged and live firing is about to begin.

Sergeant Chris Walker hands out ear defenders and body armour for everyone on the range ready for fire.

We are stood about 50 metres away from the tank as inside the crew are narrowing in on a computer controlled moving target far away in the distance.

Describing what it feels like to be inside the tank, Captain Harry Mossup, a former regular, and now reservist said: "In the tank when the hatch is down it's very claustrophobic and dark, and smells of oil and is a pretty uncomfortable place to be.

"You can't see much and when the blast fires, you just hear a teeny pop! But if the hatch is up, the goggles come flying off your face but it's good fun bouncing around in there."

The barrel of the tank makes minimal movements, circling the target.

Next, three rounds of gun shots are fired followed by silence.

Holding our breaths, knowing what is coming but still not quite prepared for the blast, the crew and tank have engaged the target and fire, sending shock waves through the air, creating a cloud of fire and an almighty bang.

The firing is impressive, as is the commitment and determination of the reservists who juggle family life, day jobs and their army role.

Captain Idi Adams, a former regular soldier and now full time reservist said: "With the draw down on regular numbers, having well trained reservists is so important for the country and our defence.

"There's a career structure, and although it is difficult, everyone here today is dedicated.

"The squadrons do such important training and adventure training abroad in Iceland and Germany, the enthusiasm is great because they have chosen to be here."

To find out more about the role of an army reserve, visit army.mod.uk or to watch a video of the live firing, visit dorsetecho.co.uk