i was in the TA for about 5 years and enjoyed it, met loads of new friends, new skills, done new things, adventure training, driving HGV’s, got fitter, drank some beer, got paid a small wage when I was on duty and if you qualified, a tax free bounty. My employer (civil service) was very understanding and allowed me what ever leave I required…I also got paid special leave from my employer. I was put on stand by for a deployment but it never come off. There were plenty of oppoortunities to volunteer to go away. Back then (only 7 yrs ago) there wasn’t much of a chance to be compulsary deployed, but now, as someone above says you will do at some point so you need to bear this in mind. If you get compulsary deployed your employer needs to keep your job open under the Reserve Forces Act where as if you volunteer that is not the case. If you get compulsary deployed i think they should match your civi salary. Check that though.
But I think due to the expanding nature of the reserve forces, the time you are required will be more than 1 weekend per month and 1 drill night per week, plus 2 week annual camp. That said, its great fun, and i’d recommend it. My job commitments got in the way, so I had to leave, but now i do think of returning.
Good luck!
