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Hello guys,

I want to try and get into a TA SAS unit (23).
I was thinking that it would be a good idea to spend sometime in a normal TA unit to get some soldiering experience before I go for selection as I have no military background.
My problem is that I am 28 a the moment & I am sure the cut off age 32. If I go in normal TA unit will I have to do 3 years before I can go for selection?
If so then I think I would be better spending a year training (fitness & map reading etc) and then going straight for selection.

Thoughts & suggestions would be appreciated

Cheers

If I go in normal TA unit will I have to do 3 years before I can go for selection?

No you can transfer at any time you want

Yep, you can transfer any time you want, so a couple of years in a line unit would do you some good. Pick up some basic soldiering skills. It's pretty tough doing selection when you still haven't figured out how best to lace your boots.

Chief,


23 is a Reserve regiment and as such you can join directly from civvie street. Given your age I would go straight to the Sqdn of your choice.

If you then find it is not for you, you will have a better idea of what other Reserve unit you want to transfer to.

Thanks for the replys guys,
So thats 2 votes for normal reserve unit and then go for selection for 23 (has to be 23 as I live in Nottingham) versus 1 vote for going for selection straight from civvie street.

Anybody else?

Chief_1975 wrote:Thanks for the replys guys,
So thats 2 votes for normal reserve unit and then go for selection for 23 (has to be 23 as I live in Nottingham) versus 1 vote for going for selection straight from civvie street.

Anybody else?

NO i did not vote for either I was just answering your question If you want to take anyones advice then listen to someone who has passed selection and thats not me

Apologises adj125, indeed advise is what I am after.
My common sense tells me, from what I have read in these forums etc is that I stand a better chance of passing selection with a couple years military experience than with none at all. Having said that, it is time that is against me.
Chunky your a man that been there, done it + got the T-shirt so to speak, you seem to think I should just go for it?
Am I right in saying that you only get one chance to pass if you go for selection straight from civvie street?

Chief

no you get the normal two chances from civvies street, same as everyone else.

If you VW (sack it yourself) thats it, no more chances.

but if you fail due to not making the times then its 2 goes.

depending on the DS, how you have done so far etc etc, an injury can count as one of the two attempts, but most times it wont.

johnny

I'm going to nottingham uni this september (if i get the grades), and have a related question.

My course requires VERY little time and work, and i was wondering whether it is realistic to attempt 23 selection. I will make my mind up on my own, but would be interested to see what ex- members (Chunky?) think.

I'm not a muppet, i know it would require hours and hours of training a week, and tremendous amount of commitment and training prior to the 18 month selection; but i really will have a lot of time on my hands, and am totally prepared for a unique challenge.

Any viewpoints appreciated.

Further to mike_b's question would being a student exempt you from being called up? Also where do 21/23 have detachments?

My understanding is that the cut off age for any SFUK selection is 28.
I know of one lad who's trying for SB, this year is his last to try as then hes to old for them.

As SAS and SB selections are all done under the new SFUK group, i would expect this age limit to apply to both unit's

AdamR, you don't join the TA SAS to then be exempt from being called up. Students who are in the TA DO NOT have to go on operations. I guess there are very few students in 21/23, and even then: the liklihood of someone who has been in for only a year-or-so actually being called up is going to be next to none (i would imagine). And surely someone who has gone to all that trouble to pass selection, is not going to pass up the opportunity to go on operations...?!

Just my thoughts.

mike_b; I'm not really considering signing up for the TA SAS (probably won't have the time, I'll hopefully be reading engineering), I think a regular TA RE unit or the UOTC will suit me fine. I was just curious as you refered to that Parachute Reg Captain and I know of a few others who served in 21/23 at Uni. If I were to go for it and pass selection I'd obviously jump at the chance to go on operations if I were called up.

Best of luck to you in your endevours.

Skiffle wrote:My understanding is that the cut off age for any SFUK selection is 28.
I know of one lad who's trying for SB, this year is his last to try as then hes to old for them.

As SAS and SB selections are all done under the new SFUK group, i would expect this age limit to apply to both unit's

Aged between 18 and 32, 34 with previous military experience

http://www.army.mod.uk/uksf/index.htm