Joining the TA

[rhino8]

Hi Guys,

I am thinking of Joining the TA. And was just after a bit of insider information and opinions. Just a little background about me first..

My whole family is/was in the Army, my Dad served in the Signals for 16 years and is now loving the TA. My little bro going through his Officer interviews etc and hope to be going to Sandhurst in September, even my mum was in the Army as a driver.

I somehow slipped under the radar, possibly because I did a little better at school and college than my family, possibly because I met my wife when I was 16, but more realistically because I did not have any real desire to join.

Anyway, just after a bit of insider information about what it is really like, family life, commitments, how it interacts with your other working life... I currently work a 9-5 job, I have a wife a a one year old with plans for a couple more in the next few years...

I have been getting more curious over the years and I think the TA has alot to offer me. I keep hearing about how little time you have for your family once joined to the TA, is this true? As I have said my dad is in the TA and he seems to have plenty of time for his other working life and family etc...

Anyone else in the same boat? Would I be biting off more than I can chew... cheers in advance for any advice you could offer...

[goldie ex rmp]

First of all welcome to the forum mate.

Secondly.............your dad will be able to answer all your questions honestly as he is doing what you would like to do.

Havea go mate and if you don't enjoy it or if it causes the wife and kids to much hassle to make it work then sack it, better to try and bin it than to never try at all.

I think you already know what to do.

Make sure it's TA Royal Military Police though or i will have to charge you for my advice

[anglo-saxon]

12 Coy, 4 Para have an assault pioneer platoon in St Hellens and then there's RMR Merseyside.

[rhino8]

I am pretty sure I know what I want to do... Just wanted to get some views from people who may be in a similiar position with a young family and a 9-5 job...

But thanks anyway guys... I will look into it, possibly look at a different regiment than the one my dad is in, don't think I fancy him ordering me about

[goldie ex rmp]

I am pretty sure I know what I want to do... Just wanted to get some views from people who may be in a similiar position with a young family and a 9-5 job...

But thanks anyway guys... I will look into it, possibly look at a different regiment than the one my dad is in, don't think I fancy him ordering me about

Go for a commision mate and have fun getting him to call you Sir.......he may write you out of the family will but hey!

[spiderbloke]

Make sure it's TA Royal Military Police though or i will have to charge you for my advice

got a link to info about that mate.

I cant find any info on RMP on the new army careers layout.

[harry hackedoff]

Rhino, there are loads of TA around your area, infantry units like the Kings and small specialist units like light air defence, engineers,transport, pol companys etc. And of course sigs.

Joining the same Unit as your Dad is a double-edged sword mate.
As Goldie said, ask yer old feller .
Good luck

[rhino8]

After loads of ar$ing about I am finally on my way....

I filled in an application form about a month back, after not hearing anything back for over 2 weeks I gave a TA unit a call, they told me to forget the application and just to come in....

So I have decided to stay away from my Dad's unit, thats just asking for trouble... So I am looking to join the Engineers in Birkenhead, its about 18 miles away but well worth the extra 10 miles in my opinion... My Uncle is a Colonel in the Engineers so he will be happy when I tell him... bit of a rivalry in my family between, REME, Signals and Engineers...

I am on my way tonight, am a little nervous, but I am really looking forward to it!!!!

Speak soon Rhino