Territorial Army

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Plax

Guru
Location
Wales
I'm generally bored with my life and dislike my job. I was thinking of joining the Army as they take people up to the age of 33 so there is hope for me for a couple of years. However being relatively "old" and "set in my ways" with responsibilites such as house to run etc I think perhaps running off to join the Army is not one of the better ideas I've ever had to try and minimise my mundane existance. I'd probably hate it and spend most of my time in the slammer peeling spuds. Not that I have a defiant streak or anything.

So as there is a TA unit down the road so to speak, I was thinking of joining up. I'm quite interested in learning new skills and they seem very good for sports. I can join as an Officer or a soldier. I can't decide which. Officer has some appeal, but I think I'm too nice for that sort of thing.

Anyone here in the TA's?
 

vernon

Harder than Ronnie Pickering
Location
Meanwood, Leeds
It's not all fun and games. You just might find yourself in a battle zone.
 

battered

Guru
No but I've friends who are or were. Give it a go, if you don't like it then you've not lost anything other than a few weekends and evenings. I'd go in as soldier TBH, imagine if you take to it Officer is an option, but for now why would you want the extra pressure?
 

redddraggon

Blondie
Location
North Wales
Well you don't really join as an "officer", you could join as a potential officer, but you still have to do all the selection boards at Westbury and these are pretty much the same selection boards as the regs. If you are interested in a commission you are probably best off joining as a soldier and mentioning to the recruiting staff/PSAO that you are considering trying for a commission at some point down the line.

The Unit that is closest isn't always the best for you, you're probably best joining a unit that's function is interesting to you or does a similar role to your Civ job.
 
As a ex soldier I would say give it a go.

The only reason I didnt join the TA when leaving the Regs was that my job didnt allow it at that time. (things have changed now but im 48!)

But as others have said, joining could well mean operational tours in Afganistan.
 

battered

Guru
But the OP doesn't like his job, so he wants something diferent! Agree though, if he has an interest in (say) engineering then a TA function involving vehicle maintenance (eg) is more likely to appeal than a general infantryman position.
 
OP
OP
Plax

Plax

Guru
Location
Wales
I'm aware of the possibility of being on operational duty. The regional units near myself are Medical and Combat. There is an Engineering unit about 36 miles away. I come from a Psychology and Counselling background, although currently not in such a role. Should be interesting to see what the possibilities are as I have no specialist skills per se for the medical unit unless somebody needs a counsellor!
 
If im not mistaken you can get advice about the TA from your local Army Careers Office. They will certainly know whats available in your area, and some of the choices may turn out to be the change your looking for.
 

TheDoctor

Europe Endless
Moderator
Location
The TerrorVortex
battered said:
But the OP doesn't like his job, so he wants something diferent! Agree though, if he has an interest in (say) engineering then a TA function involving vehicle maintenance (eg) is more likely to appeal than a general infantryman position.

Her job. A small but vital difference.

I've not been in the TA, but I know people who have. Mostly, they've enjoyed it and gort a lot from it. Whether it's right for you, well, that's got to be your call.
Have you done much research into it as yet?
 
OP
OP
Plax

Plax

Guru
Location
Wales
TheDoctor said:
Her job. A small but vital difference.

I've not been in the TA, but I know people who have. Mostly, they've enjoyed it and gort a lot from it. Whether it's right for you, well, that's got to be your call.
Have you done much research into it as yet?

I've read everything there is to read on the Army website for TA's. I think my next call would be to pop into the careers office (one a few doors up from Mr Plax, not that he'd be too impressed at my latest venture) or the local unit on their next evening. Tuesdays I think they are.
 

montage

God Almighty
Location
Bethlehem
Only join if you can come to terms with the fact you will be posted.
It's more likely than not that you will be posted to operations and it is what the job entails. Too many people join thinking it is easy money and then are shocked when they have to do active duty.
Know what you are joining
 

Andy in Sig

Vice President in Exile
Plax said:
I've read everything there is to read on the Army website for TA's. I think my next call would be to pop into the careers office (one a few doors up from Mr Plax, not that he'd be too impressed at my latest venture) or the local unit on their next evening. Tuesdays I think they are.

Phone up the TA unit and ask to speak to the PSI (the Permanent Staff Instructor i.e. the Regular Army man or woman who is doing a tour with the TA as their training advisor.) You'll probably get invited in for a chat. If you like the look of it, do it but bear in mind that as somebody has pointed out, you would be in with a strong shout of a tour in Afghanistan. That would be an eye opener and the perfect decider for whether or not you wanted to join the regulars.

I did a tour as a PSI towards the end of my career and we used to have 2 or 3 TA people per year switching to the regulars.
 
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