I joined the reserves to try and scratch the itch I had with wanting to join the army. Having a young family etc it seemed the best option, however I'm now going through the process to go regular. Reserves fueled the fire for wanting to be in the army. Definitely worthwhile joining reserves, you get plenty of opportunity if you're willing to put your name forward. If anyone's got any questions I can try help answer them
@Ali Shaweshian I'm with 6 Scots which is reserve battalion and they recently joined a tour in afghan with 2 Scots (regulars) which was 6 months. There's also plans for next year doing a 4 month op in oman, also Kenya. If you're wanting to go somewhere or do something you can, speak up. Being a reserve is versatile as you can attach to basically anything that's going on as long as you fit the criteria. Reserves is what you make it, you can attend the minimum days to get your bounty or commit and do as much as possible.
Thinking about the reservers mate, I’ve currently got my basic date of January, but I’ve got a young family, missus isn’t liking the idea and gave the ultimatum, but said I can do reserves 😐 not sure what to do, just need some info on it, I went to my local unit, but I felt it was missing something
@@jakevarley4548 you could always use the reserves as a stepping stone to regular service, that's what I've done. It would take a few years in reserves once all your training is complete to be able to fully transfer without additional training. As the reserve training is a watered down version you sometimes need to go back and carry out phase 2 or both phase 1 and 2 to transfer to regular just so youre at the same standard as everyone else in the regular unit. It all depends how much you commit to during your time in reserves as to how much knowledge and experience you gain. Reserves is still a great place to be if you want that army lifestyle and adventure, just got more flexibility with your home life aswel.
Hi Benji, wondering how fit you need to be before applying. If you're not in shape, do you think you'd need to get fit first before applying or is there enough time to get up to standard between applying and starting? Do you have any suggestions on what training to do from your experience? Thanks, Pete
Great video, having seen what is happening in Ukraine atm this is definitely food for thought. I feel, like alot of others, completely helpless, God forbid we in the UK go through something like this I want to help and protect others.
@Taiga exactly. My thought is if anything big kicks off I wouldn't want to be thrown in totally unprepared. Let's face it if summet big happens everyone 18 to 40 is getting called up
Not a bad insight for those that wish to join. However it's a spare time job not a part time. Basic training changed in Apr 21 which consist of 1 x Foundation weekend with 2 Distance Learning packages followed by module 2 which is 4 weekends or a 7 day consolidated course with 8 distance learning packages. Followed by a 15 day consolidated course which is scenario based. Also you only require to do 19 or 27 days if you wish to recieve your Certificate of Effieciency (Tax free bounty) as long as you attend at least once every 3 monts your unit will leave you alone which is good if you have a busy civilian job.
Remember tax free bonus is dependent on meeting your contract so required days and military tests. Within the RSDs there are also what are deemed Assured Days, so normal there are 10 of them which you'll need to attend 4. Along with being paid for your days so 1/4 for a drill night, 2 or 2 1/2 for weekends you also get your home to duty travel paid. Pension and leave also included. AT is brilliant like Coasteering and Kayaking, you also get paid to do it! Training wise it is very different to the old TA, there's much more integration and assistance from regs. I will say research what you want to do as in some trades your courses are longer than 2 weeks (16 days), this is important if you want to promote as promotion is trade linked.
I joined in the TA days - the best thing I ever did. I joined the Royal Signals as a Radio Op (HF) - now that would be a Systems Operator. It's different now, but if I could do it again, I would still be in the Royal Signals but in a specialist unit.
One of my sons has recently retired fro the Reservs which he joined after nine years in the RAF. He loved the Reserve and retired the year he was fifty five, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. It was a life he loved.
Currently training to be a reservist- uni third year student and training is soooo good for my mental health and so much motivation to be part of the British Army and see if it’s for me full time
@@waynee52 it is usually manageable but forget having much free time, bearing in mind most FT students have a job the AR is a way of funding the beer tokens for every other weekend
A very good video, especially from a regular 😉 Basic training in now 3 modules; -mod1 1 weekend followed by 2 weeks of online learning (a couple of short sessions a week) -mod1 4 weekends, w/e 1 followed by 2 weeks of online as above plus home physical training, repeated 4 times over an 8 week period. Or 1 week course and 7 weeks online and physical training at home. -mod3 15 day battle camp.
Battle camp is 15.5 days I just completed this last week 6km tab with 16kg then 2km best effort this is a practice Swim test tred water 2min then 100m swim and get out Weapon handling test, first aid, CBRN, ranges then 5 nights out in field Harbour casualty drill Section attack , lack of sleep all good fun sorry the day before u go out , test is tab 6 km 25kg then 2km best under 15min with 20kg, Jerrycan carry 55kg casually drag
I joined the reserves last year at 35 best thing I did I've been in Pirbright and Grantham for my training and training Made great friends, training now is mod 1-2-3 with online lessons in between and a fitness program to make sure yr fitness is on point but loving every min of it
Thanks for posting, Steve. I'm thinking of joining up (I'm 31) wondering how fit you need to be before applying. If you're not in shape, do you think you'd need to get fit first before applying or is there enough time to get up to standard between applying and starting? Do you have any suggestions on what training to do from your experience? Thanks, Pete
you will have loads of time between applying, assessment just be ready for bleep test order 2K run and after that you will have loads of time to get fitter and there's a 8 week fitness program you follow to make sure you can do everything, mate u will be ok, what do u wanna go in as?
@@stevenowen3582 Thanks for the reply, good to know I've got time to get up to speed on the fitness. To be honest I don't know what I want to go in as. I want the excitement of the infantry but to challenge myself mentally if you know what I mean. I enjoy technical stuff but don't want to be away from the action on a computer. Do you know of any unit that has a bit of both? Maybe a technical role that is within infantry or attaches to them out on patrols etc? Thanks for the input.
I went in as a port operator but have plans to do my pti course,and other infantry bits, my unit has said I can do anything and as long as yr trained, you get travel pay to get to yr unit up to 50miles so can look outside yr area if u wanna do anything else, infantry is good,the best for green skills , out and about
@@pete_99 I just passed assessment 2 weeks ago at 39 bud ,was about 10 weeks from first applied to when I went to to lichfeild, your fitness doesn't have to be great I'd definitely say just practice a bleep test as I done all my training on treadmill and was massive difference .. Job wise I've gone in Royal Engineers which seems more hands on ...
I like the fact nowadays you can roll the Alpha and Bravo into shorter more intense periods instead of how it was for us back in TA days; RSW than 4 weekends than CIC, now Alpha can be done back to back and is a bit more compressed and relevant as I understand it
If you are over 43 , and want to serve in the Armed Forces Reserves, you can join the RAF Reserve ( Royal Auxiliary Air Force) up to the age of 50. Over 50 consider the Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer.
You need to have applied before you are 42 years and 6 months for a private or 48 years and 9 months as an officer. RAF Reserve is now 54 and you must attest buy your 55th birthday. Rejoiners for the army reserve are 52 and 57 for private/Officer. No idea about the navy, but probably similar to the RAF reserve.
My dad was British Officer and served in Isreali arab conflict 1948 to 1994. I grew up in barracks and became a cadet at age 12 then a reservist aged 15 then regular at 21. Its a life commitment.
I joined the Royal Artillery Reserves, immediately after leaving the Air Cadets (Actually had to leave the Air Cadets because I had joined the TA). Enjoyed my time, but massively regret NOT joining the regulars. Realistically, I probably should have joined the RAF, and done something aircraft engineering based, not much of a civvi career as a Javelin Missile Operator! Did 3 years and then left because to be honest I was bored of it. 1995-1998 was a time when there wasn't much going on for the Army operationally, so really should have stayed longer and been full time.
Having suffered a severe knee injury playing Rugby aged 16, put pay to my full time military career, so 12 years later and following a number of operations I found myself fit and able to join the Army reserves… To start with it was great, until my unit moved a group of us to a TA centre closer to home, with a new unit OC (WO2), who really hated the reserves, so instead of doing any military training, he just told us to play football (I hate football) every training night. he totally demoralised us, to the point that 4 of us left, luckily I moved to the REME LAD at the new unit, who had an amazing ASM, who made sure we did proper training nights. It’s pot luck who you get as an OC, but if it’s someone just filling out their time until retirement, you’ll sometimes find that they have zero interest or tolerance for part timers..
I was in Naval reserves between 1979 to 1993. At a time when we ran our own squadron of ships. Spent time with both the regular rn on mine clearance duties. And other branches doing things like raf, army, royal marines. Great bunch some i still have contact with.
Great video bud and I'm thinking about joining I would love to do it full time but I have 5 kids so thinking about part time thank you for making this video
Nice informative video. How easy it is actually to leave? Can you just leave or is there a lot of burocracy / paper work. Also do you do any videos on deployment for reserves as you dont mention it nuch in this video
Training now is 3 courses mod 1 is a weekend, mod 2 is either a 1 week course or something like 4 weekends and mod 3 or battle camp is basically the test course it's 2 weeks you do CBRN, bayonets, range days, a 5 day ex and finish the course on the last day with your pass out parade then at that point you're what's called a trained soldier however you can't go overseas you then start trade training after a 12 week gap where you have to re do your WHT and RFT and do whatever you're training to after trade training you are fully deployable
@CraigVH I'm a civil engineer, 6'1 and about 17 stone. I'm fit but over weight if you know what I mean. Great arms and legs but I have a bit of a gut. I trimmed down to 13 stone last year but put it back on after starting a new relationship. I want a huge life change and some excitement again. Its selfish reasons for wanting to join but I've not got long left to try
I did both for a total of ten years. For me the reserves worked better. You get to live where you wanna live , in a house you pick. With the regs you get moved around every few years, living on a pad estate and your Mrs has to be fine with living wherever..away from her friends and family. You can do as much or as you want with the Reserves. Courses whenever you want, in my time I went to Switzerland, Belgium, Holland , Germany a few times as well as all round the U.K. I also did Op Telic in Iraq. You can now pick which tour and what you're gonna be doing before you go on tour. I did the first tour of Iraq and to be honest they pretty much put us anywhere. I was a challenger 2 crewman and they put me with the Royal Engineers. Some of them were friendly , some not so much. It was an open ended tour then too. But it's got a lot better now. You will know which unit you're going with , doing what job and you know when you'll be coming home. And it's your choice if you wanna go, though why you'd train for years and never do a tour I don't know. I had the best of times in the reserves, really top fellas and girls , lots of adventures and some extra cash on top. Plus it kept me fit. I always say to people do the reserves first, you can always join up full time if you want to but it's so much more flexible.
That’s mega mate and some great information for people, I’m going to pin this comment thank you. Exactly that, the reserves are so well funded now and they get to do just as much as the regulars if you want to, especially when it comes to trips and adventure training plus the regulars are so undermanned there is always space for ops.
Great video! Very useful! Thanks! I am Italian and I have been living in the UK since 2012. I was wondering if a Non-British could join the British Army Reserves?
Questiom. Im turning 40 next year and thinking of joining up in the reserves. Till what age can you serve? I can't seem to find the answer on-line. Great video, and thanks for any info.
Is it true The Reserves are kinda seen as a laugh & a joke by the Regular? And can you join the reserves if you are currently unemployed? IE you don’t have a civilian job.
No not exactly some of them maybe but that's because they join the reserves for stupid reasons and don't put any effort in. Some really good reserve solders out there. No you don't need to be employed
I have seen a private in the reserves gets a daily pay rate of £40, ideally I would like to treat it as a part time job so put 2-3 days a week in is that possible?
Great video. Thanks. Im 40 now and in the early process of joining, im really unsure of role i should aim for. There are roles that appeal a lot, but im not overly academic and some roles require a certain academic requirement and rightfully so. My main motivations to join are self fulfillment and to gain some transferable skills. Im aware that not all roles will be available because of where you live. Im down in Plymouth. Anyone near my location?
I’m 16 and I wanna join the British army as soon as I can and do infantry and hopefully be a marksman but idk what to train like I know running but I don’t know what else like I’m weak but I wanna be stronger and hopefully sign up in January
Hello I'm a single mum and want to join. Only worried about deployment with a toddler. Doubt my family would help..although I'd rather deploy than be home all the time. What's the solution?
This is a tricky one because it’s voluntary so up to you if you want to deploy but if you do you will need child care plus you will need to attend drill nights, weekends away and a two week camp to stay proficient
What is the minimum time on operations? I have seen people go away for 3 months and 6 months a time and was just wondering if 1 month operations are possible or something similar? Thank you
Would they allow someone who's autistic join the reserves? It's normally a disqualifying condition for the regular military but do you think the reserves would be more lenient given it's a much less overwhelming role plus you're not tied into a 4 year committment if you can't cope?
Just a heads up ones you go to the TA and get first pay slip and say you have to leave for whatever reason the TA can call you up for the next 15 years if you like it or not you can be called for emergency of ppl going on strike your not out your a reservist like it of not tbh jail time if you don't comply
Your video is very important for people it gives complete information which people don't know your thoughts and confidence will make you very successful one day I like your video and information very much thanks sir sir can join british reserve army in commonwealth country india website and What is the age limit please reply
is that generally a big theme around serving the queen per se? Or do reservists or regulars just join with the will to just 'serve' as a soldier for civilians in mind?
i want to join i have lived in the UK for 16 years, i have a polish passport because i was born in Poland, would i be able to join or do i have to be a citizen?
Pls,I am an African who wish to serve in your military, I wanted to ask if I got citizenship by registry or marriage will I still be accepted to enrol for s.a.s?
You will attend drill nights weekly, weekday away approximately once a month and a two week camp to stay proficient and in date but it’s all voluntary if you don’t attended it’s up to you but you will have to do a minimum to stay qualified but that’s your choice
Yes as long as you do the 27 days a year (depending on job/role) that's required once attested. I work 5 days a week and get 28 days holiday a year. My employer has been nice enough to give me 10 days unpaid leave a year for the two week anual (mandatory) battle camp. Everything else is over weekends and week nights. I could imagine if you had to use your own holidays it would be harder but not impossible. Pay is £5.10 an hour private/trooper and you only get paid two hours on a Wednesday night but generally get their half and hour early and leave half an hour late. I've come to realise you don't go away on weekend training as much as once a month it's more like every two to three months. If you deploy your looking at a potential 9 month deployment split three months training and six months on tour all with civilian pay maxed at like 3500-4000 a month. Or you could do adventure training for a month or so (does not go towards bounty) and you'll probably get army pay which could be difficult to afford.
I joined the armynas a regular. I got to week 19. But I realised regular isn't for me YET. Plus I want to go back to college and become an army nurse. But I still want to be in the army. Would the reservists be a good idea? I'd like to be apart of the foot guards (Coldstream guards). Would o be restricted to my local regiment or would I be able to go foot guard as a reserve?
My bmi claims I'm overweight but do 50 pressup sets 4 times a day and 10k in >43 minutes so bmi is just a myth, tyson fury is prime example that bmi is bs
@@CombatReadyHQ the recruiting sergeant said that I should try the parachute regiment or commando engineers, he said they would be easier to pass because no one has ever passed the British Army chefs course! 😉
How stringent are the fitness requirements, going into something like logistics? I'm a big lad, so the appeal of the reserves for me is the training, and the opportunity to improve my fitness and health. I'm wondering if I'd actually pass the health requirements or if I'd have to hit the gym for a few months first
I'd recommend you start getting fit, of course regular staff will usually encourage you to work on your fitness just for personal benefit, as for health "requirements" you are subject to a medical, but usually the F/T instructors can help on this
I've been arguing this one I signed up with the reserves and the training bonus was still there completed My mod3 and told it's stopped and can't get it
This might be a little too specific but does anyone know: if you join reserves, can you do your basic training all in one go like how regulars do? Also, if you are a reserve and you go to the regular once a month weekends or whatever, are you allowed things like coloured hair, acrylic nails and makeup since you are in civilian life? I am a goth and more than happy to get rid of coloured hair, very long acrylic nails and makeup and all for going off to do basic training but how about for the meetings while you're in civilian life?
I am unsure exactly reference the nails and hair but there would be some rules behind as you are part of the army No join can't do training in one go like regulars you have to do the different courses in order
Mate I'm pushing 40 and thinking about it lol like he said go to your local centre and see what's going on, I don't know about the basic training but I'd guess that the guys on the training evenings would be your unit eventually
Well I’m in the U.S. Army and I don’t want I join the British reserves. I enjoy being the so called police of the world. We are the Michael Jordan’s of the military’s of the world, the greatest most powerful ever
I joined the reserves to try and scratch the itch I had with wanting to join the army. Having a young family etc it seemed the best option, however I'm now going through the process to go regular. Reserves fueled the fire for wanting to be in the army. Definitely worthwhile joining reserves, you get plenty of opportunity if you're willing to put your name forward. If anyone's got any questions I can try help answer them
@Ali Shaweshian I'm with 6 Scots which is reserve battalion and they recently joined a tour in afghan with 2 Scots (regulars) which was 6 months. There's also plans for next year doing a 4 month op in oman, also Kenya. If you're wanting to go somewhere or do something you can, speak up. Being a reserve is versatile as you can attach to basically anything that's going on as long as you fit the criteria. Reserves is what you make it, you can attend the minimum days to get your bounty or commit and do as much as possible.
Thinking about the reservers mate, I’ve currently got my basic date of January, but I’ve got a young family, missus isn’t liking the idea and gave the ultimatum, but said I can do reserves 😐 not sure what to do, just need some info on it, I went to my local unit, but I felt it was missing something
@@jakevarley4548 you could always use the reserves as a stepping stone to regular service, that's what I've done. It would take a few years in reserves once all your training is complete to be able to fully transfer without additional training. As the reserve training is a watered down version you sometimes need to go back and carry out phase 2 or both phase 1 and 2 to transfer to regular just so youre at the same standard as everyone else in the regular unit. It all depends how much you commit to during your time in reserves as to how much knowledge and experience you gain. Reserves is still a great place to be if you want that army lifestyle and adventure, just got more flexibility with your home life aswel.
Hi Benji, wondering how fit you need to be before applying. If you're not in shape, do you think you'd need to get fit first before applying or is there enough time to get up to standard between applying and starting? Do you have any suggestions on what training to do from your experience? Thanks, Pete
@@13enJ4min thanks for the reply, much appreciated 👍
Great video, having seen what is happening in Ukraine atm this is definitely food for thought. I feel, like alot of others, completely helpless, God forbid we in the UK go through something like this I want to help and protect others.
Same thought here bro, seeing our fellow Ukranians fight for their country has inspired me to seriously consider joining the reserves
Am with you brother
Never in my life have I considered anything like this before, but here I am.
I have exact same feeling. I'm applying to join up
@Taiga exactly. My thought is if anything big kicks off I wouldn't want to be thrown in totally unprepared. Let's face it if summet big happens everyone 18 to 40 is getting called up
Not a bad insight for those that wish to join. However it's a spare time job not a part time. Basic training changed in Apr 21 which consist of 1 x Foundation weekend with 2 Distance Learning packages followed by module 2 which is 4 weekends or a 7 day consolidated course with 8 distance learning packages. Followed by a 15 day consolidated course which is scenario based. Also you only require to do 19 or 27 days if you wish to recieve your Certificate of Effieciency (Tax free bounty) as long as you attend at least once every 3 monts your unit will leave you alone which is good if you have a busy civilian job.
Does this depends on your regiment/role? It's changed since I did it last if that's the case!
Remember tax free bonus is dependent on meeting your contract so required days and military tests. Within the RSDs there are also what are deemed Assured Days, so normal there are 10 of them which you'll need to attend 4.
Along with being paid for your days so 1/4 for a drill night, 2 or 2 1/2 for weekends you also get your home to duty travel paid. Pension and leave also included.
AT is brilliant like Coasteering and Kayaking, you also get paid to do it!
Training wise it is very different to the old TA, there's much more integration and assistance from regs. I will say research what you want to do as in some trades your courses are longer than 2 weeks (16 days), this is important if you want to promote as promotion is trade linked.
plus FTRS if your struggling for work in civvie street and can fulfil a role that needs a candidate
Tax free bonus on what on the main job as well or just the army day rate?
I joined in the TA days - the best thing I ever did. I joined the Royal Signals as a Radio Op (HF) - now that would be a Systems Operator. It's different now, but if I could do it again, I would still be in the Royal Signals but in a specialist unit.
One of my sons has recently retired fro the Reservs which he joined after nine years in the RAF. He loved the Reserve and retired the year he was fifty five, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. It was a life he loved.
Currently training to be a reservist- uni third year student and training is soooo good for my mental health and so much motivation to be part of the British Army and see if it’s for me full time
OK thanks sir
@@banku3708 huh
Sorry lol.. Wasn't meant for u.. Lol
You're full time at uni? Is it a lot to fit in both?
@@waynee52 it is usually manageable but forget having much free time, bearing in mind most FT students have a job the AR is a way of funding the beer tokens for every other weekend
A very good video, especially from a regular 😉
Basic training in now 3 modules;
-mod1 1 weekend followed by 2 weeks of online learning (a couple of short sessions a week)
-mod1 4 weekends, w/e 1 followed by 2 weeks of online as above plus home physical training, repeated 4 times over an 8 week period. Or 1 week course and 7 weeks online and physical training at home.
-mod3 15 day battle camp.
Oh probably more opportunity for adventure training.
Brilliant thank you 🤙 good to know now
Any more info on the battle camp ? Considering joining my local RLC
Battle camp is 15.5 days
I just completed this last week
6km tab with 16kg then 2km best effort this is a practice
Swim test tred water 2min then 100m swim and get out
Weapon handling test, first aid, CBRN, ranges then 5 nights out in field Harbour casualty drill Section attack , lack of sleep all good fun sorry the day before u go out , test is tab 6 km 25kg then 2km best under 15min with 20kg, Jerrycan carry 55kg casually drag
Wish I didn't work stupid days now, lol. Thurs-Monday sucks and I guess stops me joining too
Some drill nights are on Tuesday and Wednesday and you could use leave to big I away on weekends
I joined the reserves last year at 35 best thing I did I've been in Pirbright and Grantham for my training and training Made great friends, training now is mod 1-2-3 with online lessons in between and a fitness program to make sure yr fitness is on point but loving every min of it
Thanks for posting, Steve. I'm thinking of joining up (I'm 31) wondering how fit you need to be before applying. If you're not in shape, do you think you'd need to get fit first before applying or is there enough time to get up to standard between applying and starting? Do you have any suggestions on what training to do from your experience? Thanks, Pete
you will have loads of time between applying, assessment just be ready for bleep test order 2K run and after that you will have loads of time to get fitter and there's a 8 week fitness program you follow to make sure you can do everything, mate u will be ok, what do u wanna go in as?
@@stevenowen3582 Thanks for the reply, good to know I've got time to get up to speed on the fitness. To be honest I don't know what I want to go in as. I want the excitement of the infantry but to challenge myself mentally if you know what I mean. I enjoy technical stuff but don't want to be away from the action on a computer. Do you know of any unit that has a bit of both? Maybe a technical role that is within infantry or attaches to them out on patrols etc? Thanks for the input.
I went in as a port operator but have plans to do my pti course,and other infantry bits, my unit has said I can do anything and as long as yr trained, you get travel pay to get to yr unit up to 50miles so can look outside yr area if u wanna do anything else, infantry is good,the best for green skills , out and about
@@pete_99 I just passed assessment 2 weeks ago at 39 bud ,was about 10 weeks from first applied to when I went to to lichfeild, your fitness doesn't have to be great I'd definitely say just practice a bleep test as I done all my training on treadmill and was massive difference .. Job wise I've gone in Royal Engineers which seems more hands on ...
I like the fact nowadays you can roll the Alpha and Bravo into shorter more intense periods instead of how it was for us back in TA days; RSW than 4 weekends than CIC, now Alpha can be done back to back and is a bit more compressed and relevant as I understand it
This was incredibly helpful. Currently thinking about the reserves and this was more informative that the actual army website. Cheers
Thank you
@@CombatReadyHQ no problem. Keep it up
I’ve been assigned to the 269 royal Artillery, this video was really helpful and gave me a great insight, so thanks a lot, great video !
Mega mate, thank you, and great to know it was so helpful
If you are over 43 , and want to serve in the Armed Forces Reserves, you can join the RAF Reserve ( Royal Auxiliary Air Force) up to the age of 50.
Over 50 consider the Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer.
You need to have applied before you are 42 years and 6 months for a private or 48 years and 9 months as an officer.
RAF Reserve is now 54 and you must attest buy your 55th birthday.
Rejoiners for the army reserve are 52 and 57 for private/Officer.
No idea about the navy, but probably similar to the RAF reserve.
My dad was British Officer and served in Isreali arab conflict 1948 to 1994.
I grew up in barracks and became a cadet at age 12 then a reservist aged 15 then regular at 21.
Its a life commitment.
I joined the Royal Artillery Reserves, immediately after leaving the Air Cadets (Actually had to leave the Air Cadets because I had joined the TA). Enjoyed my time, but massively regret NOT joining the regulars. Realistically, I probably should have joined the RAF, and done something aircraft engineering based, not much of a civvi career as a Javelin Missile Operator! Did 3 years and then left because to be honest I was bored of it. 1995-1998 was a time when there wasn't much going on for the Army operationally, so really should have stayed longer and been full time.
Having suffered a severe knee injury playing Rugby aged 16, put pay to my full time military career, so 12 years later and following a number of operations I found myself fit and able to join the Army reserves… To start with it was great, until my unit moved a group of us to a TA centre closer to home, with a new unit OC (WO2), who really hated the reserves, so instead of doing any military training, he just told us to play football (I hate football) every training night. he totally demoralised us, to the point that 4 of us left, luckily I moved to the REME LAD at the new unit, who had an amazing ASM, who made sure we did proper training nights. It’s pot luck who you get as an OC, but if it’s someone just filling out their time until retirement, you’ll sometimes find that they have zero interest or tolerance for part timers..
I was in Naval reserves between 1979 to 1993.
At a time when we ran our own squadron of ships. Spent time with both the regular rn on mine clearance duties. And other branches doing things like raf, army, royal marines.
Great bunch some i still have contact with.
He forgot to mention you get called a stab by the regular soldiers 😂
😂😂
This is very trippy because im pretty sure you were my troop commander in my Phase 1 during 2016. Crazy to see but great video!
Hey mate, I was a section commander at Pirbright not a troop commander
Great video bud and I'm thinking about joining I would love to do it full time but I have 5 kids so thinking about part time thank you for making this video
Nice informative video. How easy it is actually to leave? Can you just leave or is there a lot of burocracy / paper work. Also do you do any videos on deployment for reserves as you dont mention it nuch in this video
Training now is 3 courses mod 1 is a weekend, mod 2 is either a 1 week course or something like 4 weekends and mod 3 or battle camp is basically the test course it's 2 weeks you do CBRN, bayonets, range days, a 5 day ex and finish the course on the last day with your pass out parade then at that point you're what's called a trained soldier however you can't go overseas you then start trade training after a 12 week gap where you have to re do your WHT and RFT and do whatever you're training to after trade training you are fully deployable
I'm 39 and seriously considering it
Go for it
@CraigVH I'm a civil engineer, 6'1 and about 17 stone. I'm fit but over weight if you know what I mean. Great arms and legs but I have a bit of a gut. I trimmed down to 13 stone last year but put it back on after starting a new relationship. I want a huge life change and some excitement again. Its selfish reasons for wanting to join but I've not got long left to try
Please, any advice would be appreciated
@@filmc3887have you made a decision?
@@gustavthegreat2811just applied
I did both for a total of ten years. For me the reserves worked better. You get to live where you wanna live , in a house you pick. With the regs you get moved around every few years, living on a pad estate and your Mrs has to be fine with living wherever..away from her friends and family. You can do as much or as you want with the Reserves. Courses whenever you want, in my time I went to Switzerland, Belgium, Holland , Germany a few times as well as all round the U.K. I also did Op Telic in Iraq. You can now pick which tour and what you're gonna be doing before you go on tour. I did the first tour of Iraq and to be honest they pretty much put us anywhere. I was a challenger 2 crewman and they put me with the Royal Engineers. Some of them were friendly , some not so much. It was an open ended tour then too. But it's got a lot better now. You will know which unit you're going with , doing what job and you know when you'll be coming home. And it's your choice if you wanna go, though why you'd train for years and never do a tour I don't know.
I had the best of times in the reserves, really top fellas and girls , lots of adventures and some extra cash on top. Plus it kept me fit. I always say to people do the reserves first, you can always join up full time if you want to but it's so much more flexible.
That’s mega mate and some great information for people, I’m going to pin this comment thank you. Exactly that, the reserves are so well funded now and they get to do just as much as the regulars if you want to, especially when it comes to trips and adventure training plus the regulars are so undermanned there is always space for ops.
@@CombatReadyHQ No worries. I'll try and answer questions if I can.
@@dicky3340 thank you mate
Great video! Very useful! Thanks!
I am Italian and I have been living in the UK since 2012. I was wondering if a Non-British could join the British Army Reserves?
Thank you mate, unsure on the exact criteria but yes some non uk residents can join the military
Concise and to the point. Great video!
Thank you
Questiom. Im turning 40 next year and thinking of joining up in the reserves. Till what age can you serve? I can't seem to find the answer on-line.
Great video, and thanks for any info.
I don’t know the exact age but I think it may be till 55 in the reserves and thank you
New subscriber watching from baseco manila Philippines 👍
Is it true The Reserves are kinda seen as a laugh & a joke by the Regular? And can you join the reserves if you are currently unemployed? IE you don’t have a civilian job.
No not exactly some of them maybe but that's because they join the reserves for stupid reasons and don't put any effort in. Some really good reserve solders out there. No you don't need to be employed
I have seen a private in the reserves gets a daily pay rate of £40, ideally I would like to treat it as a part time job so put 2-3 days a week in is that possible?
Not really. Although once trained there may be opportunities to exercise and pick up extra days. It will not work as a part time job though.
Great video. Thanks. Im 40 now and in the early process of joining, im really unsure of role i should aim for. There are roles that appeal a lot, but im not overly academic and some roles require a certain academic requirement and rightfully so. My main motivations to join are self fulfillment and to gain some transferable skills. Im aware that not all roles will be available because of where you live. Im down in Plymouth. Anyone near my location?
Nice one mate, just have a look on the British army website and it will give you information on all the roles in your local area.
great vid and luv the content also chose to study the public services in college tomorrow for the army
Thanks mate and nice one good luck
@@CombatReadyHQ cheers
Do u think I should do it during university - get some extra cash to support myself and for myself (growing my own confidence).
I’m 16 and I wanna join the British army as soon as I can and do infantry and hopefully be a marksman but idk what to train like I know running but I don’t know what else like I’m weak but I wanna be stronger and hopefully sign up in January
I want to join but I have had ACL surgery in past
why is there a 12 year commitment for the RAF Regiment reserves?, seems extreme,considering you can apparently apply up to the age of 54!!
Yes I've seen that and thought it was rather extreme not sure why they do it
@@CombatReadyHQ yes,very odd!
You can leave anytime
Is the benefits lieke free gym and discount on restorans including?
I really want to join, but I can't figure out how to do so as I don't have people to look after my dogs 🤔
Hello I'm a single mum and want to join. Only worried about deployment with a toddler. Doubt my family would help..although I'd rather deploy than be home all the time. What's the solution?
This is a tricky one because it’s voluntary so up to you if you want to deploy but if you do you will need child care plus you will need to attend drill nights, weekends away and a two week camp to stay proficient
What is the minimum time on operations? I have seen people go away for 3 months and 6 months a time and was just wondering if 1 month operations are possible or something similar? Thank you
“I’m getting out” 🤣👍 quality
Ace show mucker. I did Reg, and Stab. Is there a difference now a days ????
Would they allow someone who's autistic join the reserves? It's normally a disqualifying condition for the regular military but do you think the reserves would be more lenient given it's a much less overwhelming role plus you're not tied into a 4 year committment if you can't cope?
Appreciate you Craig and all of the wholesome comments. Thankyou and stay blessed.
Thank you
How many ta centres are there now , the one in luton was shut down
Can you keep hair long in army reserves if you ave vicking traditionan as male, whennu first go in
I got medically denied for regular infantry, will I also get denied joining the reserves?
The selection process is exactly the same as regular and same entry standards
Just a heads up ones you go to the TA and get first pay slip and say you have to leave for whatever reason the TA can call you up for the next 15 years if you like it or not you can be called for emergency of ppl going on strike your not out your a reservist like it of not tbh jail time if you don't comply
Can you join household calvary mounted regiment as a reservist?
Your video is very important for people it gives complete information which people don't know your thoughts and confidence will make you very successful one day I like your video and information very much thanks sir sir can join british reserve army in commonwealth country india website and What is the age limit please reply
Can I wrap my ankle with a bandage during phase one training for my own personal reasons?
Couldn’t see why not
@@joerenwick5018 thanks sir
is that generally a big theme around serving the queen per se? Or do reservists or regulars just join with the will to just 'serve' as a soldier for civilians in mind?
Great video thakyou 👍
Thank you
What’s the most days you can do a year as a reservist ?
I'll ne signing up for reserves ASAP
Could i still get my drivers license as part of training on the reserves?
Is it possible for non british citizen become a brigish soldier? ( i live in UK long time)
i want to join i have lived in the UK for 16 years, i have a polish passport because i was born in Poland, would i be able to join or do i have to be a citizen?
Pls,I am an African who wish to serve in your military, I wanted to ask if I got citizenship by registry or marriage will I still be accepted to enrol for s.a.s?
Am a single parent dad. Would it be ideal for my daughter's time?
What is the minimum duration for an exercise that you could choose to go away for ?
How soon do you start getting paid ?
So if you do 20 days a year , do you get paid each day you are not there too? Or just for the days you are actually there ?
Do you have to do the two week camp in one go? Or is that spread over time too.
You will attend drill nights weekly, weekday away approximately once a month and a two week camp to stay proficient and in date but it’s all voluntary if you don’t attended it’s up to you but you will have to do a minimum to stay qualified but that’s your choice
Great video and very informative.
Thanks man! 👊🏽
Thank you
I am from a Commonwealth country. Can I join british army.is the british army recruiting from the Commonwealth people now?.
As far as I am aware, commonwealth applications are on hold at the moment.
I'm a gas engineer who works 5 days a week. Do you think I'd be able to fit in been a reservist?
Yes as long as you do the 27 days a year (depending on job/role) that's required once attested. I work 5 days a week and get 28 days holiday a year. My employer has been nice enough to give me 10 days unpaid leave a year for the two week anual (mandatory) battle camp. Everything else is over weekends and week nights. I could imagine if you had to use your own holidays it would be harder but not impossible. Pay is £5.10 an hour private/trooper and you only get paid two hours on a Wednesday night but generally get their half and hour early and leave half an hour late. I've come to realise you don't go away on weekend training as much as once a month it's more like every two to three months. If you deploy your looking at a potential 9 month deployment split three months training and six months on tour all with civilian pay maxed at like 3500-4000 a month. Or you could do adventure training for a month or so (does not go towards bounty) and you'll probably get army pay which could be difficult to afford.
I joined the armynas a regular. I got to week 19. But I realised regular isn't for me YET. Plus I want to go back to college and become an army nurse. But I still want to be in the army. Would the reservists be a good idea?
I'd like to be apart of the foot guards (Coldstream guards). Would o be restricted to my local regiment or would I be able to go foot guard as a reserve?
As far as I can recall, the guards do not have a reserve battalion.
@@Chaddlee they do. It's the London regiment. That's the only reserve in foot guards
@@everythingiskaos14 Ohh, I didn't know they had the capbadge in there. Everyday is a school day.
Ok.
So what’s the pay structure?
40£ a day
@@GLAZERSOUT-oz8kh Thanks
Do you still do basic training and after completion get a pass out parade?
How many press ups and pull ups you need to do to pass ?
I'm trying to join but my bmi is over by 1kg is there any tip to lose it bec one I lose it I can go back to assessment
Running and loads of running with a few press ups and sit ups thrown in! and put the pies down!
My bmi claims I'm overweight but do 50 pressup sets 4 times a day and 10k in >43 minutes so bmi is just a myth, tyson fury is prime example that bmi is bs
when I grow up I wanna be a combat medic or a paramedic which one shall I choose in the Royal Army?
You have to be a combat medic before you can apply to become a paramedic
Are you allowed a running watch at the assessment centre?
Might be a bit late on this one, but you won't need a watch for running. All assessment centres are now running the beep test rather than the old run.
Can a reserve officer serve full time?
I want to be an Army chef but I've heard it's the hardest course to pass is this true?
Personally I wouldn't say it's true no, I haven't done it but I believe there is a lot harder courses out there
@@CombatReadyHQ the recruiting sergeant said that I should try the parachute regiment or commando engineers, he said they would be easier to pass because no one has ever passed the British Army chefs course! 😉
@@garagenigel oh well if he said that then it must be true 🤙😂
No one has passed the chef course
About to finish my uni degree and thinking of applying as an infantry reserve officer. Would it be more time demanding if I join as an officer?
I couldn't say as I've never done it..
@@CombatReadyHQ I imagine so, err... gentleman compared to common soldier lol
For a government that treats us with such contempt ? You must be joking .
Can I join at 17 if I’m still in college
How stringent are the fitness requirements, going into something like logistics? I'm a big lad, so the appeal of the reserves for me is the training, and the opportunity to improve my fitness and health. I'm wondering if I'd actually pass the health requirements or if I'd have to hit the gym for a few months first
If you head over to the British army website and search the job role it will tell you in the description what the fitness standards are for the role
I'd recommend you start getting fit, of course regular staff will usually encourage you to work on your fitness just for personal benefit, as for health "requirements" you are subject to a medical, but usually the F/T instructors can help on this
When did the passing training bonus stop?
I've been arguing this one I signed up with the reserves and the training bonus was still there completed My mod3 and told it's stopped and can't get it
See if I decide to go on a tour, do I have to let my family know ?
Up to you what you tell them, and it's not you who decides if you go on tour it's the army
Thanks. Do you get made to go on tour even as a reserve ? I have no knowledge or the military.
This might be a little too specific but does anyone know: if you join reserves, can you do your basic training all in one go like how regulars do? Also, if you are a reserve and you go to the regular once a month weekends or whatever, are you allowed things like coloured hair, acrylic nails and makeup since you are in civilian life?
I am a goth and more than happy to get rid of coloured hair, very long acrylic nails and makeup and all for going off to do basic training but how about for the meetings while you're in civilian life?
I am unsure exactly reference the nails and hair but there would be some rules behind as you are part of the army
No join can't do training in one go like regulars you have to do the different courses in order
I mean you're not even allowed those sort of things in the Army cadets for kids so I doubt they'd be allowed in the reserves.
Do the reserves get help with housing?
No you don’t get access to military accommodations
This might be a daft question but is 27/28 to old to join the reserves? I want to join but I’m worried it will just be me and lots of 18 year olds lol
I am considering as well and I am 27
Mate I'm pushing 40 and thinking about it lol like he said go to your local centre and see what's going on, I don't know about the basic training but I'd guess that the guys on the training evenings would be your unit eventually
27 to old mate, I joined the regular at 27
Most reservists are 30+ mate
Do you get a firearms license when you join the army ?
reserves locked in for how many years? vs regular?
You aren't locked in with the British Army reserve's
You can leave anytime, or even be asked
can i join the the British Army Reserves as an international student?
You need to be British I’m afraid.
Can I join at 39?
I wanted to go full time but I really valued getting my degree first, is there a possibility of joining as a reservist in between my course?
Does your uni not have a local UOTC unit?
Apply when ever you like as long you meet the requirements but yes like James said check out uotc as well
Yeah, defo. Get your degree then join as a SOAB (ZOB) - Son of a Bitch haha - An officer.
@@willfoster2635 you was literally a chef m8
@@mikezey1405 Yeah. 9 years.
for the 2 week training camp each year, do you have to use annual leave from your job?
Your job should honour it because you are classed as a queen's soldier so wouldn't have to use holiday
Majority of jobs do but check with your employer
Only British people can apply?
i think reservest should spent more time a year training
Why?
@@BasedCrusader216 Reservists are quite intensely trained and also revise in their own time
Joining uotc soon
Pay my invoice of 200 million in gold then I will see a benefit
Are there any issue's with joining as a ethnic minority?
You really asked this question in 2022?
@@epicduckz98 mate millionaire footballers still get racism thrown at them while playing in billion pound leagues in 2022, so yeah I asked...
I never did
In summary: Head over to the British Army website.
Well I’m in the U.S. Army and I don’t want I join the British reserves. I enjoy being the so called police of the world. We are the Michael Jordan’s of the military’s of the world, the greatest most powerful ever
my mum said I can go to Harrogate cos of u
That's awesome, glad to hear you get to join and wow because of me?
@@CombatReadyHQ I won’t make it though I haven’t had asthma pump or anything since 14 but it says u have to be 13
@@yh8016 continue to try and you will get in one day
React marawi battle in Philippines
He already did
@@Kz-up nothing