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Previous Military Service
Vacancies exist for those with previous military service to gain further qualifications, whilst continuing with their civilian career. Individuals who enlist into the TA within 24 months (or 36 months in the case of a soldier who was classified in a supervisory role, ie: NCO or instructor) may retain their Regular Army rank and trade classification. Some conditions may apply.
Minimum Entry Standards: Must be below the age of 40 (Sgt and below) or 44 (SSgt and above) and have been discharged from Regular Service within the last 3 years. For those who join within 6 months of discharge no medical examination will be required.
WO2 (AQMS) Steve Thornes of 209 Wksp Coy REME, part of 104 Bn REME (V)
Having completed 23 and a bit years of unblemished service within the only true Corps, REME, only unblemished in that I hadn't been caught, I was politely shown the door at the age of 40. Having worked tirelessly and diligently, especially in the bar and generally socialising I was a bit upset that Long Service wasn't offered to me. Still, feeling that I could usefully contribute, even as a pensioner, I contacted the TA over the Internet.
I finished my Regular service as a WO1 (ASM) which I still believe is above the rank of SSgt, therefore I was eligible to join the TA up until the ripe old age of 44.
Like you all, I had to leave the bosom of the Army (my family) and find my way in the big bad world, could I afford the time for the TA in an Independent Unit? No! That's where the Specialist TA came in, only 19 days a year which breaks down into 2 weekends and a 15 day camp. What a doddle!
So what happened next? A phone call from CVHQ REME asking if I would be interested in joining 209 Wksp Coy, albeit as a WO2 (AQMS) Artificer Unspecified, as at the time there wasn't a WO1 vacancy. So here I am, 18 months later, a fully-fledged TA Specialist, survivor of 2 annual camps and training weekends.
So really why did I join? The truth is I missed the comradeship and the humour associated with military life, I knew that the best 'stopgap' to give me this fix was the Specialist TA.
Secondly, after being a 'professional soldier' for 23 years it's hard to switch off, I felt that the experience I had gained could be utilised within the Specialist TA in carrying out their worthwhile job giving assistance to the Regular Army ES Battalions, as and when required.
Main bonus points? These men and women want to be there, they definitely work hard and at times play hard: overall they are excellent at their trade and soldiering skills. I found myself at times forcing them to finish work and relax. After previous experiences of chasing the work force, rescuing them from duties, fatigues, etc, it is truly a delight to be able to manage keen proficient soldiers who want to be there.
Most importantly, the TA has given me the chance to feel useful again, to re-establish my links with the Corps and has given me many opportunities to develop further skills and make lots of new friends. I would thoroughly recommend it.
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