Physical endurance, pistol training, and learning how to shoot down an enemy at 300 metres is all in a day's work for an RAF reserve.

The RAF reserves are on the lookout for new recruits and I was invited to take an inside look at a reserves' training weekend for the No 3 Tactical Police Squadron, based at RAF Henlow.

So instead of enjoying my normal Saturday morning lie-in I headed to the base to meet squadron leader Bev Peart.

Not being a fitness fanatic, I did feel slightly apprehensive about the physical training that was waiting for me and I must admit I had images of being told to "get down and give me ten," if I did something wrong.

But luckily it wasn't anything like my over active imagination had built it up to be, though I was put through my paces.

My day began with a game of basketball, followed by weapon training,
and I finished the day off watching the reserves being tested on live pistol firing at Chicksands.

Jason Finnegan, 41, is one of the reserves on the squadron and he is waiting to be deployed to Afghanistan later this year.

He said: "I was a member of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force 20 years ago but left to join the police. I had a whale of a time and once I joined the police I missed that military way of life.

"There's something really special about the military, it's hard to put your finger on it. It's the guys you're with, the camaraderie. You live with people day in, day out, it's this fantastic enthusiasm you all seem to have. All you need is bucket loads of enthusiasm and dedication."

It takes a new recruit around two years to be fully trained and it is likely they will be deployed on operations within three years.

Recruits are expected to attend 27 training days a year - which works out to around one weekend a month.

Cpl Chris Ward, 29, has been a reserve for the last five years. He has already been deployed to Iraq and is set to be mobilised again in 2012.

He said: "I was in the air cadets when I was younger, so I decided to join the reserves to kind of carry on that military and disciplined way of life.

"My normal job is very office based so it's really good to explore a different side and being in Iraq definitely boosts your confidence and makes you look at life differently."

Ieuan Guest, 28, added: "It sounds corny, but I just want to do my bit. Both my grandfather and great grandfather were in the armed forces so I want to carry that on."

During my day I was also taught how to load and shoot a L85A2 (SA80)
assault rifle, which all reserves are trained with.

I was given a very realsitic video scenario and was told to shoot as many men as I could. I shot 12 out of 90 men, which wasn't a great
result, but I was told not bad for a first attempt.

After spending the day with the reserves I came out with a huge amount
respect and admiration for them.

They want to do their bit for Queen and country and they will give up their free time and leave their wives, husbands and children to do so.