Volunteer as an Army Reservist
The Army Reserve, formerly known as the Territorial Army (TA) is made up of ordinary men and women who give up their spare time to do something extraordinary. The role of the Army Reserve is to provide support to the Regular Army in times of need, whether overseas or at home, and it is expanding. The Regular Army and Reserves now work closer than ever before, demonstrating the ‘One Army’ concept.
No matter what you do in your civilian career, volunteering as a Reservist with the Army Reserve can offer you the chance to develop additional skills through training provided in a unique environment. If you have specialist civilian qualifications like medics and engineers, the Army Reserve can provide an alternative action-packed challenge to broaden your skills in new ways.
There are several different types of Army Reserve units in East Anglia
Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
Visit our Find-a-unit page to locate your nearest unit.
Who can join the Army Reserve?
The great thing about the Army Reserve is that Reservists are men and women from all walks of life with all manner of skills and attributes. You are able to volunteer as a Reservist if you are aged between 18 and 50. If you possess specialist skills that would be extremely valuable to the Army Reserve there is a higher age limit.
You must be a citizen of the UK or living in the UK as a citizen of the Republic of Ireland. If you are a Commonwealth citizen, Indefinite Leave to Remain or Indefinite leave to Enter must be stamped on your passport.
What is the commitment?
A minimum training commitment is required depending on your unit; usually this is between 19 and 27 days a year. An Army Reserve unit will generally train at least one evening a week and one weekend a month as well as an annual two week training exercise.
What are the rewards for Reservists?
As well as world-class military training, Army Reservists have the chance to develop a whole range of life skills that include leadership, self-discipline and time management. Opportunities to gain civilian qualifications such as NVQs, HNCs and additional driving licenses are all on offer in addition to financial rewards. Reservists are paid the same as a Regular soldier for training and if the training commitment is met, then a Reservist is entitled to a tax free bounty of £436, rising to £1725 after 5 years of service.
For more information please visit the Army Reserve website