As a member of the AAC TA, you will experience the same excitement, fulfilment and camaraderie as a Regular AAC soldier or officer

If what you have read has given you a taste for life in the AAC, but you are unable to commit full time, the Territorial Army (TA) could be the answer. As a member of the AAC TA, you will experience the same excitement, fulfilment and camaraderie as a Regular AAC soldier or officer, as well as similar adventurous training and travel opportunities, but you will only have to commit to a minimum of 27 days a year, with opportunities to do more.

For many, the AAC TA provides the perfect way to have the best of both worlds - and it can be an excellent springboard from which to join the Regular Army.

There are two TA regiments in the AAC. The first, 7 Regiment AAC(V), is based in Netheravon, Wiltshire, and provides aviation support to UK operations in the event of a large scale incident or disaster, and also provides training support to several exercises both in the UK and overseas. 7 Regiment AAC(V) also provides Command Support for the various headquarters and commands within the British Army using the squadrons at Netheravon and the flights at RAF Shawbury and RAF Leuchars.

The second, 6 Regiment AAC, is based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, with a detachment at Swaffham. The regiment was recently formed to provide front line support for the Apache regiments in the roles of refuelling, driving, communications, supply and re-arming. The AAC TA recruits only groundcrew.

The TA gives anyone considering joining the Regulars a head start when it comes to Army life. And while time served with the Territorials doesn't necessarily guarantee a higher entry into the ranks of the Regulars, a full Corporal in the TA who has undertaken a number of exercises with the Regulars could leapfrog basic training and the rank of Private to become a Lance Corporal.

There are some things the TA can guarantee, though: you will be rewarded with action packed weekends, the chance to travel and go on exercise and the opportunity to develop both your fitness and leadership skills. The same camaraderie that exists in the Regular Army is found in each AAC TA unit so you will also be forging friends for life. Not bad for a weekend's work.

AAC TA ROLES

After basic training, Army Air Corps volunteers can specialise in the following areas:

Aircraft Re-arming Specialist

Aircraft Re-arming Specialists work on the Attack Helicopter (AH). They are responsible for ensuring the aircraft is re-armed before undertaking any operations. They also assist in the movement of the aircraft on the ground and the transportation of all munitions by vehicle.

Aircraft Re-fuelling Specialist

Aircraft Re-fuelling Specialists can work on many types of aircraft but mainly on Apache and Lynx. They are responsible for the transportation and delivery of aviation fuel to the aircraft. They also assist in the movement of the aircraft on the ground.

Communications Specialist

Communication Specialists provide many types of communication; You could be employed as a signaller communicating with both aircraft and other Command Posts. Alternatively you could specialise in becoming a Mission Planning Station operator working closely with the aircrew in planning missions.

Aviation Support Specialist

Aviation Support Specialists provide all logistical support to the unit. This will range from ensuring ammunition and fuel are delivered to the correct place at the correct time, to providing essential supplies of food, water, clothing and equipment.

Clerks

Clerks provide a vital role within any unit. They are responsible for clerical support to all Officers and Soldiers which includes pay, documentation and administration.

Chefs

Chefs are an integral part of any unit, they ensure that the unit is properly fed and watered to carry out their role. Remember the old adage #An Army marches on its stomach#.

Medics

Medics are employed within the Regiment to provide medical cover to all personnel within the unit. They are responsible for covering many aspects of medical cover ranging from drill night sick parades, live firing, teaching First Aid and deploying on Operations.

TA Q&A

How old - or young - do I have to be?

Between the ages of 18 and 32 years old, sometimes older if you have recent Regular Army or appropriate TA experience. Age limits for pilots are 45 for officers and 42 for soldiers.

How much will I get paid?

The same as a Regular soldier for every day you take part in TA training. You will also receive a tax-free bonus called a bounty for every year you serve, as long as you have fulfilled your training commitment. The TA provides your uniform, equipment and food, and will also pay your travelling expenses.

How much time do I have to commit?

After training, the minimum commitment is 27 days a year (typically a two-week camp, six to eight weekends and training nights throughout the year). There is potential to increase your service time if you wish.

CONTACT DETAILS

6 REGIMENT ARMY AIR CORPS (VOLUNTEERS)

For more information about TA Groundcrew careers in 6 Regt AAC(V), call into the TA centre in Newmarket Road, Bury St Edmunds, or call 01284 753407. Alternatively, contact the Swaffham detachment directly on 01760 721372

7 REGIMENT ARMY AIR CORPS (VOLUNTEERS)

For more details about opportunities available in 7 Regt AAC(V) at Netheravon, Wiltshire, call the recruiting officer on 01980 678292 or email 7regt-rhqadjt@tanet.mod.uk

For specific aircrew information call 01980 678292 and groundcrew information 01980 628217