Territorial Army

**Diet1985** · 3rd February 2009, 01:27

Is there anyone here who is in or has been in the TA?

Im thinking about joining and am looking for some first hand experience.

**adfrodsham** · 3rd February 2009, 07:32

dont mate, im in regular army and im leaving after 6 years, and did a year t.a before that, depends what kind of unit you want to join though, dont join infantry

**LJ sxi-nav** · 3rd February 2009, 11:17

did 5 years as a mechanic in REME - enjoyed every moment (maybe not at the time!). I left just after they cut the TA from 60000 strong to 40000. From what I hear there is a much higher chance of getting called up, so if you are prepared for that I'd say go for it!

A trade would be a good idea; if you have any equivalent civvy skils you could use them, or do something completely different (which I did - I work in an office during the week!). Pay is reasonable, and the tax-free bounty every year (subject to attendance and passing mil tests) is good (think of the vectra mods you could do with upto £1500

)

I only left because I was living in Basingstoke, Working in London, and the TA centre (after a forced move) was in Portsmouth - it wasn't sustainable.

**parapaul** · 3rd February 2009, 11:23

Are you (and your family if you have one) aware of the time commitments you're required to make?

IIRC its either 1 or 2 weekends every month AND a couple of week-long exercises each year.

**LJ sxi-nav** · 3rd February 2009, 11:29

it is a big commitment. I have thought about re-joining, but I do now value my weekends.

See if your employer is 'TA-friendly' with regard to the 2 week camp. Some employers give you extra paid leave, some allow extra unpaid leave, some make you to use your own (normal) holiday entitlement. you will obviously get paid by the TA for the 2 weeks.

**Tadpole** · 3rd February 2009, 12:18

How about deployment to the war zones? Quite a commitment I'd say .. Not much help in making a decision sorry..

**Diet1985** · 3rd February 2009, 12:39

I am aware of the commitments, and think i would do a specilaist job so i only had to do a min of 19 days a year instead of 27.

I still have to run it by my boss and I may get a no as its a 'company policy' that we are not allowed to join... but it is allowed at local level etc.

I am going to speak to a friend who is in the TA at present and i will leave it a few more weeks before even applying for an information pack.

Need to think about my 2 year old daughter and my son who is due any day now.

**Gripper** · 3rd February 2009, 13:45

I have just left the Army after 25 years and have been requested to join the TA this April.

It would be back into the same Corps as I left and doing the job I was doing before I was discharged. I am seriously thinking about it and would also reccommend it to any one interested. Just remember and be prepared for the inevitable...............YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!!!