Well I've just come back from my medical to re-join the army (TA) and I was told that I won't be able to keep my number and that I will have a new one.... gutted!!

I was in for 12 years and left in 2001, my number was 2481xxxx it will now be 3xxxxxx....!!! I was told its something to do with a new system that has been implemented since I got out

Does anyone know how this will effect (if any) my previous service records. I have medals and courses that relate to my previous number, so if I get a new one, surely it will just be like (on paper only) that I am straight off the street with no prior experience?

Because you had left when the transfer to JPA occurred, your old number is effectively "discontinued" and cannot be reactivated. Your operational records still exist however, and will continue under your new number. Don't forget that most of the courses you previously had might have expired/lapsed though, and will have to be retaken.

Sprog

Why not speak to the person who advised you about the new number issue in the first place. Worst case scenario just advise your RAO of your previous army number and ask that any quals that are still indate be added on.

I lost my 249. Doesn't seem to have caused any probs records wise though.

Nig

Didn't you realise something was wrong

249 closed years ago...

I just managed to keep my 249! Re joined two years ago now i think.

but a little bit less so than a 300

Cheers, I didn't think it would matter too much, it was me just being a bit sentimental and getting ready for the flack from my mates still in..... just like Closet_Jibber!

Fugly, I appreciate most of my courses have lapsed now (I was a Class 1 combat engineer and now I have to retrain over a few months to become a Class 3!) but I have a few adventure training quals that I have been told are still valid.

It was more of a shock being told this tonight as when I saw the admin staff of my Troop back in March I was told I would keep my number and that I might not need to do all the training because of my previous experience. After that great snippet if information I am now assuming I will have to jump through every hoop!

They did mention a 'Zero to Hero' course where you carry out all you training over a a handful of weeks rather than weekend and the 2 week camp, but I would get a new number, as that doesn't matter now, that looks an attractive offer......!!

What about if you got out just after the new system came into effect.

Do you still get a new number when you rejoin as TA.

Wot, new numbers for people who rejoin? Madness. This makes extra work for someone, and must make things more difficult later when trying to trace service records for pensions or research, as happens for those of us trying to research WW1.

On the plus side, I hope some old soldier is winning out here, and being paid twice - under both numbers.

No, it makes it easier as JPA allocates the number. And let's face it, all those commissioned from the ranks in the past have changed their number.

msr

A new number is the least of your worries, at least you are back in

Rock up in 66 Pattern combats, DMS and puttees, carrying an SLR slung over your shoulder, then no-one will mistake you for a nig.

That's cos they were discharged and re-enlisted in a different army

do you know something I dont!?

I joined up just before JPA came in and kept my 2480, however an old 246* SSgt rejoined same time as me, but becuase of time out etc he wasn't processed in time so has a spartan number (300 geddit !?!), hes now a WO2 and it looks a bit weird on the nominal roll

I see we are at 3010

I left in 2003 and returned in 2005 and managed to keep my 2479xxxx number.

As my records were pretty much completely deleted, my Chief Clerk had to re-enter most of my quals into JPA. I no longer get the specialist pay I was still geting up to 2003, even though other guys in the same unit still get it (the qual is now obselete).

A new number is the least of your worries.

After being told i could keep my old number, and not knowing anything about the JPA system in place, i thought mint! At least i don't have to remember a new one.
Took me oath and was issued with a new number 3009**** Took me about 2 minutes to remember it but i've still come out with my old one once or twice much to my platoon nco's chargrin

Came out 21 years ago and happy as larry to do basic all over again including CMSR.

ive recently joined the TA after 3 years out of the regs and my new number is a 3010, its great being a joe again!