A McDonalds employee has passed phase one and two Reserve training in record time.

Private Ryan Shippey, 31, took just four months to complete the modules required by 4th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment – despite working full time at the fast food restaurant.

The speed has impressed his senior colleagues within Burma Company.

“I can honestly say it is unprecedented,” commented Capt Mally Birkett. “Usually it takes our Reservists around 18 months to get through all the training courses. “And it’s even more incredible because it’s happened against the backdrop of a pandemic.”

The Barnsley-based infanteer used his holiday and unpaid leave to complete the courses.

He paid tribute to the Army’s support and encouragement. “I couldn’t be happier with how it’s all gone,” he added. “Once I got halfway through phase one I knew that I wanted to do a lot more and take it further. “Getting the training done quickly means that all the opportunities open up to me quicker, too. “I hope to deploy this year.”

Reference

Soldier. (2021) From Maccy D to Infantry. Soldier: Magazine of the British Army. March 2021, pp.16.