Dave1980

Afternoon All

Recently been thinking about joining the TA, both for something to do in my spare time and a bit of extra cash.

Anybody on here in the TA?. Interested to hear your thoughts. I used to be in the Air Cadets years ago but i can imagine its pretty different.

There is a signals regiment up near me which is my nearest regiment by the looks of things.

Downsides i guess are being called up if required but how often does this actually happen?.

Cheers
Dave

SiPie

If you view being called up as a downside then I wouldn't go anywhere close.

Happens frequently.

Irish guy I worked beside forgot to tell the us when he joined that he was in the TA

Had to resign when he was sent on an extended holiday to Iraq

However, having been on a couple of courses with the TA, I gained some great experience and got to do some challenging things that I'm pretty proud of

hux309

It's good and the bounty that you get per year for doing the minimum is very good, 10 years ago it was £1800 maximum.

Just be prepared for a lotta work, they have a bigger point to prove to the regulars to invariably put in more effort for it.

SiPie

£1,800 quid a year for 'yes I am quite prepared to go to Iraq or Afghanistan'

**** that

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

There was a someone on here who was in the TA and got called up to go to Iraq but I can't remember who it was. I know Jerome has been out there but I can't remember if he's TA or a full time squaddie

Timwinner

iTrader: (3)

I have friends that are still regulars and some that are in the TA, I would say do it. The chances are you will get asked to tour but I would have thought that is something you are aware of before you sign up.
The money is...ok ish but you will learn some great skills, and to coin a phrase, It will make a man of you.
All of the time I spent in the services has left me a very proud man, I am better for it, I am stronger for it and I can put things into perspective in real terms.

Be aware it could be the death of you, be realistic about the worst thing that could happen but look forward to the challenges you will be faced with.
Be proud that you are prepared to stand up and be counted.

Jerome

I've been in the TA for over 20 years and, despite a horrible tour in Iraq, still really enjoy it.

The money does come in handy, although as a specialist SNCO I get much more than a newly passed out private. The tax free bounty is much appreciated too.

As well as all the military training, there are many adventure training type trips available, as well as many Army clubs for anything from sailing to gliding.

Being called up is a very real possibility these days. A 6 month operational tour normally takes you away from work for about 9 months. 2 months of training beforehand and a month of leave afterwards.

Be aware that many employers will simply not employ people in the TA now, for fear of losing them for long periods. Your existing job may be guaranteed for when you get back, but it won't do your long term career many favours if you keep getting sent away.

The more highly skilled you are, especially in a unit like the Signals, the more increased your chances of being called up are, as well as the frequency of call up. Infantry units are also in demand out there. There is a limit to how often you can be compulsarily called up - IIRC it's once every 3 years.

The new(ish) army comms system requires security vetting, so steer clear of the Signals if you are not prepared to undergo vetting at some point.

If you are even an occasional recreation drugs user, you will need to give up drugs totally before joining. The Compulsory Drug Testing team have visited my small specialist unit twice in the last few years. Some things that aren't even illegal are banned by the army.

I would also recommend getting fit (if you aren't already) before joining. Fitness is a big thing in the TA (more so than it was), due to the demanding nature of operations.

If you are still keen, feel free to PM.

moff1888

The vetting isn't that bad for The Signals until you start looking for more gucci postings/jobs.

Simon C

A good friend of mine is a reserve paramedic with the RAF. He loves it, and to be fair, a bloody good medic.

He has already been told to expect a holiday in Afganistan next year.

He says the rewards at worth the risk, and the training and friends are out of this world.


I'd love to serve, but sadly a knee injury keeps me out (I know, I tried).