In the TA, training is a huge part of TA life.
It centres around everything and everyone who is in the TA, whether it be commanding officers or new recruits, they all have
to gow through the same traning process when they first join.
Training can be undergone in many different ways be it in a classroom or out
on an exercise. The TA stimulates members mentally and physically.
Like civilian jobs, the training you undergo within the TA, depends on how
far you wish to go within the structure of the TA e.g. Officers have to go through more training than say a gunner has
to. It all depends on what role you wish to have.
Within the TA, there are 3 main training types. They are:
- Basic Recruit Training
- Trade Training
- Advenurous Training
Basic Recruit Training - if you have no previous military experience or have never served in any of the armed services, then
you will need to be trained in the basics of being a soldier when you join. This is usually spread over a series of
training weekends and for Independent Units midweek training evenings. Your training will end in a 2 week recruits course
at one of the TA training centres.
Trade Training - Once you have been trained in the basic soldier
skills, you will go onto the next training step which is Trade Training. The trade you learn will depend on what requirements
of the unit you are in. It also depends on your preferences and usually on what skills you already have. Your
trade training might mean learning to adapt you civilian skills so you can use them in a military fashion. These skills
can also be passed onto other members of you unit and vise versa so that you can expand on the skills you have or learn something
totally new.
Adventurous Training - The TA does not just give you military
trianing but it also offers you the opportunity to take part in a range of adventurous training activities. These can
usually include canoeing, cliff climbing, hand-gliding, pot holing, saling, skiing and trekking. Adventurous training
helps you to build your confidence and also helps to develop important team work skills.
The minimum requirment of training is 27 days in one year if you are part of a
Local Independent Unit, or it can be 19 days if you are part of a Specialist Unit.
