WHAT IS TA LIKE

[Sammye]

What is the TA like? I really have no Idea I thought it may be a sort of crappy version of the army where they do the jobs that the real army didnt want to do!?!

[Sammye]

p.s. I didnt mean this post to sound like I was slagging the TA off! More to do my own ignorance.

[Jason The Argonaut]

These might be some help to you, but if not use the search button. It's located at the top left hand side of the web site.

viewtopic.php?t=1173
viewtopic.php?t=9771

[lew]

Some of its good, some of its not so good. you’ll come across people who know their stuff (ex regs or specialists mostly) then you’ll come across some real Garath from the office types.

Basically if you think you might enjoy it then do it, if it doesn’t give you enough of what you’re looking for go and join the regs.


Lew

p.s. done join signals its shite!!!

[Jason The Argonaut]

p.s. done join signals its shite!!!

Lew

[lew]

Cheers Jas, you have just shown up my typo


lew

[Jason The Argonaut]

Cheers Jas, you have just shown up my typo

No problem mate any time

[Thrithraing]

That's a pretty broad question, to be honest. It really depends on what you join. You do get some people who are switched on, and you do get some right knobbers, but it's the same as in the regs and for that matter, any job. Since the 1998 Strategic Review, the TA and the Army work closer together than they used to; to an extent they can almost be called exchangable. My dads served in three different units (Chesire Yeomanry, RMP and now the Specialist Training Team), some he enjoyed more than others, but at the end of the day you can try it and see what you think.

[AC]

p.s. done join signals its shite!!!

You're a Siggie too are ya?

Choosing a Regiment or Corps really depends on what you want to do in your T.A career. I had the option of Green Jackets or Signals, and chose Signals because i'd probably learn a lot more useful things from a Civvie perspective with the Siggies. Besides which, I'm going to join the Marines after Uni and so i'll have plenty of time to do all the fun stuff the Jackets do in the future.

As for the type of people you meet there. It's a real mixed bag. I've spent time with two different Squadrons in the same Regiment and the two are extremely different! The knobbers are a definate minority - you do get them, but most don't hang around for long. Still, you'll find a lot of odd people throughout the T.A, but thats all part of the fun

[Col.Parsons]

My dad was in the TA throughout all of my childhood, so I didn't see him that much.

The stuff he's told me and my brother about it is quite amazing, as you get paid the same as a reg, but don't have to fully commit to the forces.

The only bad point really is that if you do as much time as possible, whilst doing a regular "civvie" job, you won't see your family that much

If you want to experience something really different, challenging, and that pays well, then give it a go

I've considered joining the TA, but the only regiment available to me is the RLC, and I'm not that bothered about becoming a driver, so I've but the idea on the back burner

Suck it and see - it's the only way you'll find out

Si

[wannabe_bootneck]

TA seems quite good crack in arty. Only in training at min. so hardly the voice of experience but from what I've seen the opportunities are limitless. Go on FTRS (full time reserve service) & go away with regulars, but our battery is light gun equipped so when mobilised for war, get to go with the big boys either 29 CDO Regt. or 7 PARA RHA. I'd say go for it mate if you're interested, at least get down to a centre on a drill night to have a look at things, speak to the lads in the know. They are the ones who can give you the real info.

[Boxingmad]

Just started with 4 Para in London. They all seem a tough bunch, and this week some of the guys were running through parachuting drills for this weekend's jump into Arnhem. The first night I was there the PTIs were beasting recruits about to depart for CIC/P Coy in Catterick. No wonder they did a great job with the regs in Iraq. Very switched on, fit and highly motivated.

[GARRYOWEN]

You get the best and the worst of both worlds.

[Rjeary]

I have been in the TA for around 6 months now and i have to say it's one of the best things i've ever done. It has given me the tools to scratch a miltary ictch that has been bugging me ever since i failed Royal Marines selection.
The group of lads who i joined with are a really good bunch and we do alot of things outside the TA that i would never have thought about doing before, for example we do alot of hill walking, including the three peaks challange, Mt Snowdon to name a couple.
The commitment for the TA is 27 days, however this does not give the full picture. A training night only constitues a quater of a day, also if you want to get you bounty (lump sum paid out at the end of the year) then you must also complete at least 15 days at camp or in courses. So it all adds up, it can be a strain on personal lives (my girlfriend has threatend to leave me as i'm never around) so you need to take that into consideration.

At the end of the day you only get out of the TA what you put in, there are some people who just join for the extra cash, but you will find guys who are there for the experience. Tag onto those guys, because the way things are at the moment, the TA are getting mobilised left right and centre (i'm going to basra in on op telic 6 in march with my pltn) and you newed to be with guys who are switched on and who wont drag you down just because they're lazy.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Ryan

[theparamancan]

Just started with 4 Para in London. They all seem a tough bunch, and this week some of the guys were running through parachuting drills for this weekend's jump into Arnhem. The first night I was there the PTIs were beasting recruits about to depart for CIC/P Coy in Catterick. No wonder they did a great job with the regs in Iraq. Very switched on, fit and highly motivated.

Started then boxingmad? enjoying yerself?