Hi John,

Thanks for your question.

How much time you spend away with your unit is really up to you - training is flexible and can fit around your life.

Most roles will ask you to complete 27 days training a year - and your weekly training session at your unit (which is generally close to home so doesn’t need you to be away) will count towards this. If you complete 27 days training and pass the Military Annual Training Tests you'll qualify for a tax-free bonus payment on top of your pay. This bonus is based on the years served increasing annually for your first 5 years.

If you join a specialist unit the days required to qualify for the bounty could be as little as 19 days a year.

Although this might sound like a lot, but broken down over the year, it could be as little as:

32 x Weekly drill nights ¼ day = 8 days
1 x Annual camp = 15 days (this is spent away from home)
2 x Training Weekends (these are usually held monthly) = 4 days
You can do more training if you like - you're paid for each day you do so it's a good way to earn extra cash. In fact, many people enjoy it so much they find that they spend at least 40 days a year with the Army Reserve.

The great thing is that you can fit most of your training around your day job. You do it in the evenings and at weekends. There's also a two-week training camp each year. Apart from the camp, it's up to you to decide how much training you do.

I hope this answers your question but if you need any more information please come back to me on this thread.

Katie

28 December, 2023 20:49

Would you be able to transfer from reserves to full time after training or is extra training required?

28 December, 2023 20:51

Yes, it's quite common for Reservists to become full time soldiers.

You may have to go through interviews and a selection process, depending on the role that you want, although for many roles the selection is the same.

You may have to undergo further training to equip you for your new job. Your Commanding Officer of your Army Reserve unit would be able to advise you on the exact requirements for you to transfer.

28 December, 2023 22:49

Thanks for the response

28 December, 2023 23:07