Why John's signed up for the Army again - aged 41

It’s 15 years since former Grenadier Guardsman John Jeffrey left the Army, only to find himself missing the ‘camaraderie’. Here, he explains to THOMAS COOPER, in his third report from Croatia, why the lure of the military life was too strong to resist

- THOMAS COOPER

OHN Jeffrey put his job on hold to fly out to Croatia for a Nato training exercise.

The 41-year-old former Grenadier Guardsman was among reservists taking part in combat scenarios alongside the Croatian armed forces in the week-long Exercise Sava Star.

Stoke City fan John served in the regular Army from 2001 until 2006, and became a reservist in 2021 after missing life in uniform.

Speaking from the field, John said: "I was originally in the Grenadier Guards. So I did a lot of ceremonial duties, serving in the Queen's Guard and that kind of thing. But now I've reenlisted in the reserves as a private infantryman. I’m doing all my training again.

"I just missed being in the forces. The camaraderie and friendship I got out of my time in the regular service. Being a part of something that’s bigger than yourself. Plus, it's important for me to challenge and push myself. I felt like my normal civilian life and work just wasn’t giving me that."