In June last year, Corporal Salmon from 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (EOD&S) swapped his army boots for boxing gloves to compete in a bout at Troxy in London. While training at least three times a week and sometimes twice a day, Cpl Salmon continued his Reserve duties with 217 Field Squadron, a role he has held since 2005. Over his years in the Reserves, he has completed search training, basic bombs courses, and gained multiple driving licences. He also achieved his Maths and English qualifications through the Army, and later earned his boxing coaching badge. His experience includes two operational tours, which shaped how he handles pressure, stays disciplined, and remains calm in difficult situations.
Speaking about the fight, Salmon said, “I wanted to challenge myself and reach a personal goal. The fight didn’t go my way that night, but stepping into the ring and giving everything I had was an incredible feeling. I achieved exactly what I set out to do.”
In addition to support from family and friends, 217 Squadron assisted his journey by providing him with his kit – gloves, pads and protective gear. Just three days after the fight, he enrolled onto the Army’s four-day boxing coaching course. Cpl Salmon now uses these skills to run boxing sessions for the squadron, giving others the chance to build confidence, improve fitness and learn discipline through the sport.
In his civilian role, Salmon works as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in a forensic learning disabilities and neurodiversity community team. He is now in the final six months of his Occupational Therapy degree, and he is planning a research project on the importance of using boxing as a learning tool for people with learning disabilities and autism.
“The Army Reserve has taught me a lot, resilience, discipline, commitment, team work and leadership to name a few. It played a huge role in my personal development at university and I hope to use my skills to support both the Army and the wider community in the future.”
His journey reflects the true spirit of being in the Reserve, pushing themselves, supporting others, and growing through every challenge.
If you want to know more about Army Reserves and 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (EOD&S), please contact; 101engr-recruiting-multiuser@mod.gov.uk
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