Time setters Manon and Frank are researchers and air force reservists

What kind of work do you do as a reservist?

Manon: ‘Around 40 TNO employees are reservists. Some colleagues use their specialist expertise, for example as cybersecurity reservists. My role as a Security & Safety Reservist is more general: I am called up when they need extra hands. As a reservist, you can contribute to various ceremonies, such as Prinsjesdag, the commemoration on Dam Square on 4 May and a state visit from Italy. I also supported the NATO Committee on Reserves secretariat as a minute-taker for three months.’

Frank: ‘I am a Security & Safety Reservist in the Air Force, just like Manon. What I enjoy most is being the “enemy” in supporting exercises carried out by professional soldiers and other reservists. There are a number of training days each year, but most of the time I am on actual deployments in various locations. For example, if a helicopter is going to an open day somewhere, you can assist as a security guard.’

How long have you been a reservist and why?

Frank: ‘I started reservist training about three years ago. I thought it would be cool to get away from my desk and discover a different world. I enjoy the variety.’

Manon: ‘I became a reservist with the Royal Netherlands Air Force just over four years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was working in IT at the time and did not want to sit behind a computer all day. Now I combine it with my work at TNO.’

How can you combine it with your daily job?

Frank: ‘As a reservist you have to be available for about 300 hours a year, in principle in your own time. But when reservist activities have to take place during office hours, I can request partial payment of my TNO salary. TNO has a special reservist scheme for this, because TNO consider the cooperation with the Defence reservist teams to be valuable.’

Manon: ‘I think it is remarkable that TNO has a reservist scheme. Once every two years, there is also a meeting and dinner for all TNO reservists, which the COO attends. This shows that TNO values our commitment.’

What do you bring back to your work at TNO?

Manon: ‘TNO started conducting defence research on behalf of the government in 1947, and the Ministry of Defence is still one of our largest clients. At the Defence, Safety & Security unit, colleagues work every day to create a resilient society. And as a reservist, I make a very concrete contribution to that. I now also have a better understanding of the language and world of defence, so I can more quickly provide context for new questions at TNO. It has also taught me to step out of my comfort zone.’

Frank: ‘It broadens my perspective on defence, my social skills and leadership abilities. I bring the things I learn in that environment back with me to TNO.’

What qualities do you need to become a reservist?

Frank: ‘Being a reservist is really suited for people who like to take a look behind the scenes, who are curious. It does require a lot of flexibility. Plans change at the last minute, for example due to bad weather. You also have to be able to deal with authority.’

Manon: ‘You need to be physically fit for the basic training, because you go on bivouac and then spend whole weekends lugging and hauling things around. Many people expect it to be like the tv-show Kamp Van Koningsbrugge, but it is not that bad. With a little perseverance, you will get through it.’

What else is good to know?

Manon: ‘I did not expect it to be so rewarding. In terms of personal development, social contacts, discovering new possibilities. It is much more than just “a bit of training”.’

Frank: ‘You do need a lot of cupboard space for the equipment! And during the process, there are several moments when you can still say, “Hey, this is not for me after all”. So, are you considering it? Just sign up and give it a try.’