The Territorial Army
What's it all about?
Territorial Army soldiers are ordinary men and women from all walks of life that train at weekends and one evening per week. This usually amounts to an average attendance of one or two weekends a month plus a two-week annual camp. There are also many opportunities for TA soldiers to serve alongside the Regular Army in operational and administrative roles, for periods of 3 months or more.
The TA trains you to be a soldier or officer in your free time. It’s a chance to get fitter than ever before, meet some great new friends, learn new skills, take up new challenges – and get paid at the same time!
Your training can be translated into vocational or professional qualifications. And if you already have professional experience or specialist skills - in nursing, management, engineering or a whole range of other areas - you can join a TA Specialist Unit.
There are TA Centres throughout the Lowland of Scotland offering a wide choice of Arms and Services – Reconnaissance, Artillery, Communications, Infantry (including a Parachute Regiment), Engineers, Transport and Supply, Military Police, Intelligence and Army Medical Services. So whatever your interest there is a TA Centre near you.
What’s the reward?
The TA is paid on the same scale as full-time soldiers or officers, and earns an annual tax-free bonus.
What’s the commitment?
You will normally be expected to attend 27 days training annually, of which 15 days must be out of camp training. This is normally either a 2 week camp in the field or can be a 2 week training course.
You will also be tested annually for marksmanship, personal fitness and "special to arm trade" testing to ensure the skills you have learned are maintained.
Who can join?
The rules on nationality are the same as for joining the Regular Army. You should have been a citizen of the United Kingdom, Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland at all times since birth and should normally have lived in the United Kingdom for at least five years, preferably immediately prior to your application.
The minimum age limit for entry as a TA soldier is 17 ½ years and the upper age limit is normally 43 years.
Exceptions are made to the upper age limit for those with appropriate specialist skills, certain professional qualifications or previous military experience. If you are over the upper age limit it is worth finding out if you are eligible.
Where can I get more information?
To find out more, contact your nearest TA centre and arrange a visit. You’ll be able to see exactly what it’s like, ask as many questions as you want and decide if the TA is for you.
Or visit the Army Jobs website for more information.