Stupid question but...

[Revol]

Is being in employment/education required to be in the TA? Or is it just that a lot of TA soldiers are in the TA because they're in employment elsewhere so they don't have the time for the regular army?

[Hands on]

Most people have normal jobs, but a very understanding employer Is needed especially now days.
I do know a few people that put In as many day as possible and treat It as a full time job and have a very casual part time job, normally something like driving for a agency. As well a that you have guys on FTRS (full time reserve service) and another one that some people try and do Is just keep volunteering for tours, they do one the come back get a job for a few months until they can get back out on another one were ever that might be, but to be honest If you are going to do that you might as well go FTRS.

[Revol]

So basically if I was in unemployment the TA wouldn't accept me?

[Hands on]

No the TA would except, you will also have more time to get your training done as you wont have a job that gets In the way. Like I said I know some people that pretty much treat the TA as there main job.

It can be very hard work trying to you juggle TA, work and family so If you don't have work or family i.e kids wife you are making life a little bit easier.

Disclaimer, don't get rid of work and family to join the TA

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I don't know the answer to that. In my opinion, being unemployed shouldn't be a problem provided you fulfill the criteria for recruitment.

http://www.army.mod.uk/armoured/regiments/143.aspx

[Revol]

Ah right, thanks for the answers.

I'm interested in joining the RAF but I'd like to use the TA as a sort of "taster" for military life. Plus I live about two or three miles from Carlton Barracks (23 SAS, 34/38 Signals) so it'd be pretty convenient if I signed up.

[Hands on]

Do you have a RAF reserve near you? They work pretty much In the same way as the TA.

[Revol]

The nearest to me is Leeming.

[gt1980]

well i'm unemployed and i've just joined,

however am applying for regular as a understanding employer/ getting the right shifts is very difficult these days. However I've got a job starting March but it's seasonal so come November I got to find work, a job that will be able to accomodate my TA. easier said than done these days.

I start training end of this month so should be good also give me a good taster of whether or not I'll like military life. I should do but you never know til you try.