Major Ian Battersby
I enlisted in the Reserves in 1982, then the regular Army in 1988 as a Gunner (Private Soldier) and remain proud to have worked my way through the ranks serving in the UK, overseas and on Operations in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Iraq and Afghanistan, achieving the pinnacle of a soldier’s career, rising to Regimental Sergeant…
I enlisted in the Reserves in 1982, then the regular Army in 1988 as a Gunner (Private Soldier) and remain proud to have worked my way through the ranks serving in the UK, overseas and on Operations in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Iraq and Afghanistan, achieving the pinnacle of a soldier’s career, rising to Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).
Not yet ready to leave the Military, in 2010 I applied for a Queens Commission and so began a new career as a Commissioned Officer until September 2022. Having served a total of 42 years, I am now the CEO of Cheshire and The Isle of Man Army Cadet Force.
I enjoyed my and my families time working all over the world and I’m keen to stay involved with the forces to give back what the army has done for us – supporting service leavers and veterans is an avenue I thoroughly enjoy for all the right reasons.
Having served with Veterans into Logistics’ Founder, Darren Wright, I’ve been involved from the start acting as COO, Trustee and now an Ambassador. Darren experienced multiple, complex issues many service leavers experience when taking the step to living outside the very protective army bubble, and I’m proud to stand beside him.
Veterans into Logistics provides unique, holistic support that goes above and beyond anything other HGV training providers can offer; passionate about its mission to tangibly change the lives of our valued veterans, the charity not only secures gainful employment for the veterans but offers mentorships and so much more besides.
Too many veterans return to civilian life with no direction and little support and may take the wrong path. I know with this training and life-skills support, these individuals shine in the workplace. Veterans are reliable, punctual and diligent; determined to succeed and perfect for logistics careers, not to mention fiercely loyal to their new employers and colleagues.
I look forward to the future challenges and achievements supporting Veterans into Logistics as they continue to change and add-value to veterans’ lives, and their families.