Major Ian Battersby

Ambassador

I enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1982 and joined the Regular Army in 1988 as a Gunner. I am proud to have worked my way through the ranks, serving in the UK, overseas and on operations in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Iraq and Afghanistan, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of a soldier’s career as Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).

In 2010, not yet ready to leave the military, I applied for a Queen’s Commission and began a second career as a commissioned officer, serving until September 2022. After a total of 42 years of service, I am now the CEO of Cheshire and the Isle of Man Army Cadet Force.

I greatly enjoyed the time my family and I spent living and working around the world, and I remain passionate about staying involved with the Armed Forces community to give back for all that the Army has given us. Supporting service leavers and veterans is something I find deeply rewarding.

Having previously served alongside Veterans into Logistics’ Founder, Darren Wright, I have been involved with the charity from the very beginning, initially as Chief Operating Officer and Trustee, and now as an Ambassador. Darren experienced many of the complex challenges that service leavers often face when transitioning from the protective structure of military life, and I am proud to stand beside him.

Veterans into Logistics provides unique, holistic support that goes far beyond standard HGV training. The charity is passionate about delivering real, tangible change, not only securing sustainable employment for veterans but also providing mentoring and ongoing support.

Too many veterans leave the Armed Forces without clear direction or adequate support, which can lead them down the wrong path. With the right training and life-skills support, I have seen these individuals thrive. Veterans are reliable, disciplined, determined to succeed and exceptionally well suited to careers in logistics, bringing loyalty and commitment to their employers and colleagues.

I look forward to the future challenges and successes of Veterans into Logistics as they continue to make a meaningful difference to veterans’ lives and the lives of their families.