What Is The Commitment For Training?
Can I Leave At Any Time?
Do I Have A Choice In The Unit I Join?
How Much Will I Get Paid?
How Fit Do I Have To Be?
What Are The Age Limits?
Will I Be Able To Learn To Drive?
Will I Be Called Up?
If I Am Called Up Will My Civilian Job Be Protected?
Do I Have To Inform My Employer That I Am Joining The TA?
What Would I Be Expected To Do If I Joined The TA?
What If I Have A Civil Conviction?
What Are The Opportunities For Foreign Travel?
Are There Opportunities To Serve With Regulars Abroad?

What Is The Commitment For Training?.

That depends on how much time you can afford to give to it, but to become a trained Volunteer in an Independent Unit and to gain your annual financial bonus you will need to do a minimum of 27 days in a year. This would normally comprise of a two week camp, about 6-8 weekends a year and a number of training nights which take place on one night a week. If you join a Specialist Unit, which means you will have to travel to a central national location for training, the commitment is lower.

Can I Leave At Any Time?

You will sign on for an initial period of 3 years. However, non-attendance for a period of time will signal that you are no longer interested in being a member and you could be discharged as a result. You can apply to leave at any time but there is no point in joining if you lack determination and commitment.

Do I Have A Choice In The Unit I Join?

That depends on where you live and how far you are willing to travel. In large urban areas there is likely to be choice. However, in rural areas this is less likely to be the case. If you have a specialist skill that the Army needs, you could join a Specialist Unit which has a lower training commitment, but you would have to travel to a central location for training.

How Much Will I Get Paid?

You are paid the same basic rate of pay as a regular soldier for every day you take part in military training. On successfully completing your annual training requirements you will also be eligible for a tax-free financial bonus of £330 per year, rising to £1,290 after 5 years. Your pay will also increase with service and promotion and you will be eligible for some travel expenses.

How Fit Do I Have To Be?

There are standards to be met but provided you are reasonably fit and prepared to make the effort there will be no problem. Your unit will help you develop your fitness throughout your training but the onus is on you to get fit and then maintain the standard.

What Are The Age Limits?

17 is the lower age limit for joining; the upper limit is determined very much by what you have to offer although it is normally 30 for officer entry and 32 for soldier. There are exceptions to the upper age limit for those with certain specialist skills or previous military experience.

Will I Be Able To Learn To Drive?

In most units there will probably be an opportunity to learn to drive at some point but this is obviously much more likely in a transport unit. Do not assume that the TA will teach you to drive; it is really an added bonus. If you already have a basic licence there may be opportunities to add to it.

Will I Be Called Up?

The mere fact that you join the TA signifies that you are prepared to serve your Country. We can compulsorily mobilise you although this is not something we take lightly. There are also opportunities to volunteer to be mobilised as an individual and it may surprise you to know that about one-tenth of our Forces during the Bosnia/Kosovo period have been Territorial Army or Individual Reservists.

If I Am Called Up Will My Civilian Job Be Protected?

If you are compulsorily mobilised there are procedures for you to follow to protect your job. You would not expect to be able to disappear from your workplace without mention of what you were doing and expect your job to be held for you. If you volunteer for an attachment to the regular army then this is generally in agreement with your civilian employer.

Do I Have To Inform My Employer That I Am Joining The TA?

At the moment you do not although this may change in the future. As a responsible citizen joining an organisation which has real commitment for service, it is obviously better for all that your civilian boss knows about your important own time activity. We therefore recommend that you do tell your boss. Many employers support the Reserve Forces and will give additional annual holiday for you to attend your annual TA camp.

What Would I Be Expected To Do If I Joined The TA?

Depending on your Unit you will be expected to train in military and specialist skills, some of which can be of use in your civilian life. It is not all military training and you will have the opportunity to take part in other activities such as adventure training, sports, parades and social activities.

What If I Have A Civil Conviction?

This really depends on what the conviction is for; how long ago etc. Go and ask at your local TA Centre.

What Are The Opportunities For Foreign Travel?

There will be opportunities; but this shouldn’t be your prime reason for joining. Members of the TA have served all over the world on operational tours, exercises and adventure training.

Are There Opportunities To Serve With Regulars Abroad?

Yes, there will be opportunities to serve on operations and on training exercises. Much depends on the skill(s) that you have to offer and time you have available.