The Territorial Army Needs You!

Challenging Opportunities

There are over 40,000 members of the TA in the country, of which almost 3,000 of these are members of the TA in our region - ordinary men and women, just like you, from all walks of life and with a wide range of professions, skills and trades. They live life to the full, are dedicated team players and they're determined to succeed.

TA Centres are widespread throughout the region to ensure that there is one close to where you live. There are many opportunities to serve as an integral part of a deployed military force, and TA personnel have recently served on operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and of course Iraq.

What's in it for me?

• Learn a trade which gives a civilian NVQ as well as a military qualification
• Get experience working as a key member of a team in difficult situations
• Improve your management, leadership and communication skills
• Experience some real adventure, enjoyment and comradeship
• AND get paid for what you are doing in your own time!

Where's the Catch?

No catch, but you do have to give up some of your own time. Minimum commitment is 27 days a year (19 days if you have special skills already).

Time is split between evening training once a week, weekend training once a month or so and a 2 week training period once a year.

If you are required to go on active service after full training, you may be needed for about 6 months, but your job is protected and you don't lose pay.

Answers to the most commonly asked questions about TA membership

What is the difference between a Regular and a TA soldier?
How much time does the TA demand?
Can anyone join the TA?
Which TA unit should I choose?
How thorough is the training?
Does the TA pay its soldiers?
Should I tell my employer?
Is the TA fun?

 

Q. What is the difference between a Regular and a TA soldier?

A. The main difference is that TA soldiers train in their own time and remain civilians. In a state of national emergency or war you would become a full-time soldier and your training will prepare you for such an eventuality.

Q. How much time does the TA demand?

A. In general all TA soldiers can expect to train at two-week camp or course annually. Independent Unit soldiers (85 per cent of the TA) are required to carry out a minimum total of 27 days training to qualify for a tax-free bonus. This must include annual camp or course and the remainder is made up by weekends and weekday evenings.

Soldiers in Specialist Units are required to complete a minimum total of 19 days per year including camp.

Q. Can anyone join the TA?

A. Membership is open to men and women who have been citizens of the UK, a Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland at all times since birth and should normally have lived in the UK for at least three years - preferably immediately prior to any application to join. Previous military experience is not necessary. You need to be fit and healthy and understand the basic role of the TA and be committed to it.

Most recruits are aged between 17 and 32 but the TA accepts people who are older if they have previous military experience or specialist civilian skills that are vital to its operation.

Q. Which TA unit should I choose?

A. We help you select the most appropriate unit according to your interests. The choice will be influenced by the amount of time you have available, whether you want to offer particular expertise within a Specialist Unit, where you live and so on.

Q. How thorough is the training?

A. All recruits are trained to be an effective part of a team and to be self-reliant too. The first priority is to make you a capable soldier. Apart from character development, a wide range of military skills are taught and you can gain qualifications that may benefit you in your civilian life too.

Q. Does the TA pay its soldiers?

A. Yes. Soldiers are paid for all millitary training undertaken. Payment is made for certain travel expenses and other allowances may also be payable. An annual tax-free bonus is paid to soldiers achieving the required standard.

Q. Should I tell my employer?

A. Yes. If you are about to join the TA, you must tell your employer and explain the benefits the training brings into the workplace.

The TA will actively develop your commitment, sense of responsibility, fitness and mental alertness, supervisory, leadership and management skills. People employed by the emergency services or who have roles that would be essential in war will need the permission of their employers.

Q. Is the TA fun?

A. The TA will be enjoyed by people who like to be challenged and seek a sense of fulfilment and achievement from whatever they undertake. This is hard work but it is also satisfying and can be beneficial to your civilian career prospects. Sharing similar goals with others generates a great sense of teamwork and mutual respect, and expands the opportunities for friendship.