Territorial army

The Territorial Army (or TA for short) trains people to be soldiers in their spare time. It accounts for a quarter of the Army’s total strength and has a key role to play, providing a pool of highly trained personnel ready to deploy in support of their Regular colleagues on exercises and operations overseas. Joining a Territorial unit is a great way to bring some new challenges into your life, helping you to get fitter and learn new skills. There’s no need to give up your civilian job or commitments, and you’ll get paid for all the training you do.

What’s in it for me?

You will be paid for attending training sessions and you will receive an annual tax-free bonus if you achieve the required standards. Up to date current rates of pay and annual bonus are available on the website www.armyjobs.mod.uk

Teamwork develops friendships and camaraderie amongst people sharing the same goals and who are broadening their mental and physical capabilities. You will gain driving licences up to LGV and other trade qualifications depending on your chosen career path. Training also offers the opportunity to take part in adventurous activities. These typically include canoeing, cliff climbing, sailing, skiing and trekking, both in the UK and abroad. Apart from being great fun and a way to keep fit, adventurous training will build your self-confidence and help develop vital teamwork skills.

What is the commitment?

You will need to commit to 27 days of training per year, two weeks of which are at annual camp. As a trained Territorial soldier you are liable for call-out under the Reserve Forces Act 1996. If you join as a Territorial soldier, you indicate that you are prepared to take part in operations. If you are mobilised, your regular job will be legally protected. Territorial volunteers and their employers have the right to seek exemption or deferral under certain circumstances.

What’s the difference between joining the local TA or a National TA unit?

The Territorial unit that you join will either be a Regional or a National unit. Both types offer the same benefits, like chance to develop new skills, to travel and to play sport, and, of course, you’ll get paid for all the time that you put in. There are some important differences, though.

Location

There are 14 National units based around the UK. Each one operates from a single location, so the members of the unit may have to travel some distance in order to carry out their training. In return, all their travel costs will be met and there’s a lower annual training commitment.
Regional Territorial units are spread across the country, from Truro in Cornwall to Wick in the Highlands. Most areas will be home to several, so you should have a choice between different units with very different roles. Most people who join the Army as a Territorial will join a Regional unit.

Roles

Each National unit works in one of the following areas: artillery, engineering, chaplaincy, communications, special forces, aviation, logistics, medicine, HR, media, intelligence (including linguistics) and infrastructure support. National units tend to be more highly specialised than other units, and many of the roles on offer are intended for people who have relevant expertise and qualifications from civilian life.

Regional units have similarly varied roles, ranging from combat to communications, but for most of the trades, you won’t need any previous experience as all the necessary training is available through the unit.

Training

Everyone who joins as a Territorial will complete the same programme of military skills training. You then go on to complete specialist trade training if you’re a soldier, or leadership and management training if you’re preparing to become an officer. The length of time it takes to complete these courses depends on your available spare time, and your role. Once you’ve completed your specialist training and joined your unit, your annual training commitment will vary. The annual training commitment in National units is 19 days, normally made up of two weekends and a 15 day annual camp. For Regional units, the annual training commitment is 27 days. This will include one weekday evening per week, a number of weekends during the year and an annual 15 day event.

Whether you join a National or a Regional unit, you will qualify for an annual, tax-free lump sum known as a ‘bounty’ when you meet the annual training commitment. In practice, most people who serve as Territorials enjoy life in their unit and choose to do much more than the minimum training commitment. If you deploy on operations, you will be given additional training beforehand.

What’s on offer?

• Competitive rates of pay
• Challenge and adventure
• Recognisable qualifications
• Excellent training
• Great prospects
• Transferable skills

To find out which job suits you best, ring 0116 270 3342, text ARMY to 61110
or go to armyjobs.mod.uk

We are now recruiting

If you are between 17 ½ and 43 and looking for a new challenge in your spare time, then we’d like to hear from you. Contact your local TA unit or Armed Forces Careers Office for more information on how to join.

Click here to find your local TA Unit

Find out more about TA Trades available to you in the East Midlands

Royal Armoured Corps
Royal Army Medical Corps
Royal Engineers
Royal Artillery
Royal Signals
Infantry
Royal Logistic Corps
Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers

Contact your local Armed Forces Careers Office