You may have some queries or concerns that are not addressed elsewhere on our website. If so then browse our list of frequently asked questions below - they may have the answer. Alternatively contact us for more information and you will also be sent your free copy of our DVD-ROM.
Answer: The TA is a fully functioning part of the British Army, playing a vital role in the nation's defence and peacekeeping operations, both at home and abroad. It is staffed by part-time, voluntary personnel, but still represents one quarter of the Army's total capability.
Answer: 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.
Answer: 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.
Answer: Membership is open to men and women of British nationality. 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 18 and 28 but the TA accepts people who are older if they have previous military experience or specialist civilian skills that are vital to its operation.
Answer: 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.
Answer: 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.
Answer: Yes. Soldiers are paid for all military 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.
Answer: Please see under the Employer FAQs section below
Answer: The TA will be enjoyed by people who like to be challenges 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.
Answer: Since the Strategic Defence Review of 1998, the TA has become a more relevant and useable part of the Army than ever before. The two are becoming increasingly integrated, which is generating a healthy mutual respect.
Answer: Broadly speaking the TA is divided into Independent and Specialist Units. Independent Units recruit and train locally and require a greater time commitment than Specialist Units, which recruit and train people with particular skills from all over the country.
Answer: You need to be at least 17 years old in order to join the TA. The upper age limit depends on what you have to offer but it is normally 30 for those joining as an officer and 32 as a soldier. There are exceptions to the upper age limit for those with certain specialist skills or previous military experience.
Answer: This depends on what the conviction was for, how long ago it was and so on. Ask your local TA unit about how it will affect your application.
Answer: There is no minimum academic standard required to join the TA. If you would like to join a Specialist Unit or the Army Medical Services, then you will normally need relevant specialist skills and qualifications.
Answer: You need to have been a citizen 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 five years, preferably immediately prior to any application to join you make.
Pay and Benefits FAQs
Answer: You will be paid at the same basic daily rate as soldiers of your rank in the Regular Army. This ranges from £31.92 for a private soldier to £111.72 for a major. The exact amount you will receive also depends on your particular trade and type of commitment.
Answer: In addition to your basic pay you will also receive an Annual Bounty - a tax-free lump sum paid out on completion of your minimum training requirement (including passing basic military tests). The amount of your bounty will vary according to your unit, commitment and experience, but it normally starts at £395 in your first year rising to £1,556 after five years satisfactory service.
Answer: In recent years, members of the TA have travelled all over the world on operational tours, exercises and adventurous training. However, while there are opportunities to travel, this shouldn't be your primary reason for joining the TA. We can't guarantee that you will get that chance.
Answer: Yes, very much so. You will find plenty of opportunities to let your hair down with your colleagues, from formal balls to informal parties and barbecues. It is also usual for members of a unit to follow the serious business of an evening training session by retiring to their bars and clubs to relax.
Answer: It will undoubtedly give you that chance. Many of the skills and qualities you will get from training in the TA - such as negotiation, team working, communication, leadership, management and confidence - are transferable across all jobs and work places. In addition you will have the chance to develop specific skills and earn certain qualifications that may be relevant to how you carry out your civilian work.
Training and Fitness FAQs
Answer: TA training takes place during weekday evening sessions, regular weekend exercises and two-week annual training camps. It involves both theoretical and practical learning in classrooms as well as out in the field.
Answer: You don't need to be a gifted athlete to cope with the demands of TA training. However, you do need a certain basic level of good health and fitness and, more importantly, the willingness to improve by taking part in our graduated fitness programme.
Answer: TA training will give you the opportunity to develop a wealth of practical trade skills relevant to both your civilian and TA jobs. In many cases this can result in the award of recognisable civilian qualifications. For example, many of our members enjoy having the chance to expand on their driving licences to include HGVs and motorcycles. You will of course also develop less tangible qualities such as confidence and leadership, which are equally applicable to your professional and personal lives.
Answer: While it may look like the perfect excuse to have fun, activities such as climbing, skiing, football, abseiling and canoeing have a serious side too. We believe that they are ideal ways of developing fitness, teamworking skills and confidence, making them perfect complements to the more military aspect of TA training.
Commitment and Mobilisation FAQs
Answer: When you first join you sign on for three years. You can apply to leave at any time during this period and after but we strongly recommend that you think carefully about your level of determination and commitment before applying to join.
Answer: The Army is aware of other commitments in your life and as such is prepared to be flexible in its demands on your time. Generally speaking, if you are a member of an Independent Unit you are required to complete a minimum of 27 days training each year. If yours is a Specialist Unit you only need to put in 19 days annually. You can of course do a lot more than this as your preferences and circumstances allow.
Answer: By joining the TA you indicate that you are prepared to take part in active service, whatever its nature, and there are circumstances under which you may be compulsorily mobilised. However, unless the situation is extremely serious we will ask for volunteers.
Employer FAQs
Answer: From April 1st 2004, all new members joining the TA, on completion of their Phase 1 Basic Training, will be expected to inform their employer accordingly either personally or through their unit. This process, which is called Employer Notification, has been adopted because it is important for all concerned - you, your employer and the MOD - that your employer is supportive and aware of the associated benefits, rights and obligations of employing a member of the TA.
Answer: If you are compulsorily mobilised, there are procedures for you to follow to protect your job. If you volunteer for an attachment to the regular army then this will usually be in agreement with your employer. Under the Reserve Forces Act 1996, in the event of mobilisation, employers and employees have the right to seek exemption or deferral in certain circumstances.
Answer: If we take you away from a civilian job that pays more, we will top up your military salary within predetermined limits. If this proves insufficient, and you can demonstrate hardship, you can apply for further increases.
Next Steps FAQs
Answer: If you would like to take your interest in the TA further, your immediate next step should be to Complete the Enquiry Form on this website. You will then receive an information pack telling you more about life in the TA and how to apply.
Answer: Once you have completed an application you will be invited to visit your unit for interview. Among other things this will assess your basic aptitude, interests and education in order to identify the right TA job for you. If your application is successful you will then have to undergo basic recruit training, which culminates in a two-week course featuring tests and a fitness assessment.
Answer: You will normally join your nearest Independent Unit. There are also a number of Specialist Units requiring individuals with particular skills that recruit and meet nationally. You can find details of your nearest unit on this website.
