They may say soldiering is a young person’s game, but a Territorial Army (TA) soldier from Perthshire has proved that’s not always the case.
Major Richard Barker (52), from Balbeggie, is deployed with The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS) on their tour of duty in Helmand province.
Usually a sales development consultant with a Perth insurance company, Maj Barker is a member of 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland one of the TA regiments formed after the amalgamation of the Scottish regiments.
Far from being a “weekend warrior,” however, Maj Barker spent years as a regular soldier and was regimental sergeant major of 3rd Battalion The Black Watch before retiring.
That experience inspired him to join the TA.
Maj Barker is working with 2 SCOTS as their officer commanding “learn and adapt,” identifying how to improve effectiveness through experiences in theatre and reviewing reports.FascinatingHe also speaks to locals to gauge how British and other International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops are perceived, and to find out what is needed to help their communities.
Maj Barker said, “It’s a fascinating role that I have. By assessing opportunities we can develop our tactics, techniques and doctrine to better suit what we are trying to achieve out here.
“It’s really good to feel that your work can make a real difference to the success of the operation.”
Maj Barker is looking forward to returning in April to see his wife Sharon and children Christopher (23) and Jamie-Ross (18), and a well-earned break before going back to his day job.
He said, “I enjoy my civilian job, but I also had a brilliant career as a regular soldier and it’s great to be able to continue my involvement with the army by serving in the TA.
“Even when I was a regular soldier, I was always taken by the professionalism and commitment of the TA to give up their spare time to serve their country, and that’s what motivated me to join.”
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user isafmedia.