Frequently Asked Questions of the TA

• What Is The Commitment For Training?
• Can I Leave At Any Time?
• 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?

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.

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.

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 £1,380 after 5 years. Your pay will also increase with service and promotion and you will be eligible for some travel expenses.

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.

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.

Yes! Training is provided, and if you already have a driving license familiarisation training will be given to convert you to the necessary vehicle you are driving. You may also be able to add to your license.

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 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.

As of the 1st April 2004 all new entrants to the TA must inform their employer that they have become a member of the TA. Many employers support the Reserve Forces and will give additional annual holiday for you to attend your annual TA camp.

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.

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

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.

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.