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Territorial Army - What Commitment is Involved?

Step 3: Choose The Right Path

Making the Territorial Army Work for You

There are two aspects to consider in regard to the commitment required in joining the TA:

The first is a time factor. You will be required to give up a portion of your spare time, the amount of which varies according to which unit you join.

The second factor is that you can expect to be mobilised for operational service within five years. Of course, the good news is that you get paid for your time!

There are both Regional and National TA Units. The Regional Units recruit locally and members are committed to completing a minimum of 27 days training a year. This includes some midweek evenings, some weekends and an annual two-week camp. The National Units specialise in a specific role or trade, such as logistics, IT, communications, medical services, media relations, chaplaincy and civil/military liaison and tend to recruit their members from a wide geographical area.

Members of National Units have a lower level of commitment due to the extra travel time. They complete 19 days training a year, divided between two to three weekends and an annual two-week camp.

The minimum period of service is three years and you can leave any time after this or extend your service.

Army, Air Force, Navy, the Royal Marines or even the Special Forces? Read the information and take your pick. What will you be doing with your weekends in future?

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Territorial Army (TA)

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Territorial Army Training

Territorial Army Pay Scales

Other units:

Royal Naval Reserve (RNR)

Royal Marines Reserve (RMR)

Royal Air Force Reserve (RAFR)

The Special Forces Reserve

If you don’t think that the Marines Reserve hold enough of a challenge for you there is always the Special Forces Reserve. Couch potatoes need not apply! If you’re feeling strong, focused and determined enough you can find out more information in the SAS: Special Forces Section.