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Yes, I am enjoying it. They're not too bothered about fitness being bad at the moment, just that you improve every time, and that you reach the standard required, by the time CIC comes about. They aren't in the business of sending knobbers who can't hack it up to Catterick for P Coy. They sent 5 up two weeks ago, and all five passed. A couple didn't get the chance to go bcuz they weren't fit enough. They are very selective about who they send.

They want you to be slick on everything, whether it be weapons, NBC, map-reading etc. They demand excellence.

It may be TA, but as far as they're concerned, it's the Parachute Regiment, so standards are high whether you are regular or TA. When you see the rest of the Coy walking round with their berets and wings, you want a piece of it, so it's inspiring to see them. It just makes you push yourself when you are on your own.

I've a lot of hard work coming my way, but I feel good and look forward to it. I've got a good bunch of guys in my cadre who know what's coming and are working towards it too.

Stay with it and work hard.

I've been humming and harring over what I'm going to do, and came down to the decision of Cadet Instructor or TA.

So, of course, I'm going into the TA

I'm going to have a talk with the local Infantry unit, hopefully I'll be going for a commission. I eventually want to go on to the Royal Marines, so I'm going for any experience I can get at the moment.

Could anyone give me a quick cover of what goes on in joining and selection?

Try this website, good info. & good banter www.reserveforces.co.uk

Cheers for that.

I went down to my local unit, which is the West Midlands Regiment HQ at Fallings Park.

Got a load of forms to fill in for this Tuesday, with a medical next month. I'll be joining as infantry, if they'll have me .

I decided against a commission in the end, as for now I'd rather get some experience on the other side of things.

Anywhat, all of you joining (4 PARA or otherwise), good luck and dig out blind!

AC, are you based at Bletchley? Or Blakelands, MK?

RGJ myself. Also going on telic 6, would recommend the TA to everyone provided that they are willing to commit, it is a lot more commitment than it sounds. But I am loving it.

Totally forgot to post back, but never mind. Passed my medical (scary Indian woman), and all measured up, hand on Bible and all that. I start in January. Just waiting for my Regimental number so I can get paid

What'ho, chaps!

I'm waiting for the RSW in Feb and I just want to ask a few questions here...

say you've gone through the RSW, and the basics are about to start... where do you go to do that?

I'm asking this because I've gone and spoken to the TA REME in northampton when I actually live in Milton Keynes. MK only do infantry and I prefer to learn something I can use in civvy life. (plus the REME units get their driving tests too! bonus)

Are the Basics identical whatever unit you apply through? I would think so, but can anyone tell me if I'm doing the smart thing, in going away for basics, or not? I'm going to end up in northampton anyway, for CT and trade right?

thanks in advance.
billy

also (apologies for a long-winded post) I would like to ask this:

Once I've done "all the training and stuff" and become a class 1 VM(A), say in 4-5 years, can I just transfer to become a Regular REME Officer, and try for sandhurst? I'd like to have a go before I'm 29.

hope this makes some sense... thanks again guys and girls.

guitarfreak wrote: Once I've done "all the training and stuff" and become a class 1 VM(A), say in 4-5 years, can I just transfer to become a Regular REME Officer, and try for sandhurst? I'd like to have a go before I'm 29.

hope this makes some sense... thanks again guys and girls.

Nope , you have to go down the same route as a civvy , however the experience may stand you in good stead

mercury wrote:

guitarfreak wrote: Once I've done "all the training and stuff" and become a class 1 VM(A), say in 4-5 years, can I just transfer to become a Regular REME Officer, and try for sandhurst? I'd like to have a go before I'm 29.

hope this makes some sense... thanks again guys and girls.

Nope , you have to go down the same route as a civvy , however the experience may stand you in good stead

thanks, Mercury. now I know.

have a good christmas guys!

If u join the TA you will go on operational tours.

If you serve for 3 years you will go away on at least one tour

However people who I have met in the regs (this mainly applies outside of the infantry) who have not been on any operational tours in four or five years service. It seems that a lot of regulars go to Ireland whereas due to the Good Friday Agreement TA (unless on a S type) are not allowed in Ireland, so therefore the high percentage of TA tours are in other places.
But saying that I have know one ex RAC who served for 15 years and went to over twentry countries, and on 5 tours.

Another good thing with the TA is you can sometimes choose when to go on a tour, for example I know two blokes who were out of work so asked to go to Iraq, a month later they are at Chilwell getting kitted out. Whereas with the regs you move as and when your batallion does.

Please correct if I am wrong

Sorry for any offence caused

BULL f@#k SHIT

What do you base this sweeping statement on , dont you realise how much damage bullshit like that could do ?

If u join the TA you will go on operational tours.

If you serve for 3 years you will go away on a tour at least once

However join the regs, serve for four years and go nowhere. Or join for 15 years and spend 7 of them in Ireland.


Really

mercury wrote:BULL f@#k SHIT

What do you base this sweeping statement on , dont you realise how much damage bullshit like that could do ?

Yes Merc, I can understand your disbelief.

TA_soldier_abernethy wrote:If u join the TA you will go on operational tours.

If you serve for 3 years you will go away on a tour at least once

However join the regs, serve for four years and go nowhere. Or join for 15 years and spend 7 of them in Ireland

Thats a hell of a statement to make. Did you hear that off a bloke in the pub or what? I hope some poor, misguided fool told you that and it's not a product of your own mind, otherwise you need sectioning.

Well done, mummys little soldier, for been in the TA and thank you to those (not yourself obviously) who continue to boost us whilst in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I suggest you amend your post you tool and then apologise unreservedly whilst stabbing yourself in both eyes.