Sonia Kumar MP and Alex Ballinger MP visited B Squadron, The Royal Yeomanry, to learn how local Reservists balance service with work and family life.

Dudley MP Sonia Kumar has visited B Squadron of The Royal Yeomanry at the Army Reserve Centre on Vicar Street, Dudley, to meet the local people who serve as Army Reservists alongside their civilian jobs and family commitments.

She was joined by Alex Ballinger, MP for Halesowen, on the evening of Wednesday 16 September 2026. The pair met Major Jonathan Astley DL, along with B Squadron’s leadership and soldiers, who are under the command of Officer Commanding Major Richard Marty-Harris.

Reservists explained the Squadron’s role as light cavalry supporting 3rd Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team, and talked the MPs through a typical evening’s training. The visitors heard from drivers, Jackal vehicle gunners and dismounted soldiers about their work, and about what it takes to fit that commitment around a full-time job and home life.

The highlight of the visit was a demonstration in the Squadron’s drone simulation suite, led by Corporal Barrett. It showed how low-cost technology is reshaping modern warfare, and how B Squadron is training its Reservists both to operate drones and to counter them.

Sonia Kumar MP said:

“Every person I met has a job, a family and a life here in our borough. They still give up their evenings to train and to serve. That is a real commitment, and I wanted to see it first-hand.

“What struck me most was how quickly the job is changing. Seeing Reservists trained to fly drones and to defend against them showed me how seriously B Squadron takes staying ahead.

“It also reminded me how much depends on local employers and the wider community. Reservists can only do this if the people around them back them, and I would encourage businesses across Dudley to think about what support they can offer.

“I’m grateful to Major Astley and everyone at B Squadron for the welcome, and I look forward to going back.”

Both MPs asked detailed questions about Reserve service and employer support, and have been invited back for a future training evening or exercise.