Thread: Been away, need some help

After a long absence I am considering rejoining th TA, but reading some threads here has raised some questions. After checking the FAQ and using search, I'm still none the wiser. So, in no particular order:

1) Has Soldier 95 got rid of lightweights, shirts and jumpers? What are the dress codes now?
2) What is the pay rate, say for an infantry recruit, and an infantry private first class? I've read about the JPA issues, so I know it may take a while to get paid, but I'd be interested to know roughly how much to expect.
3) What is a MTD? Is this a full training day, such as at a weekend? And are there limits to how many you can do in some units?
4) What is the minimum training obligation now?
5) My nearest unit is RAMC (Field Hospital). I'm interested in learning first aid or even advanced medical skills, but I've never worked in any medical position, would I be of any use to them? If I joined, what could I expect to do on weekends?
6) An alternative to the RAMC would be Signals. According to the MOD website they welcome people with IT skills. What sort of skills? And again, what could I expect to be doing?

That's about it for now, thanks in advance for any help.

1) Yes, Yes and Yes, it DPM PJs all round, you get 3 basic styles, Sleeves rolled up, sleeves rolled down and big baggy jacket.
2) £30.96 is the going rate for a new recruit, to be upped to £36.47 on completion of basic training, but expect to be paid as a recruit for quite a while.
3) Man Training Day, 8 hours work for a full day, sort of, obviously a "full day" is 8 hrs plus. you can now do 1/4 days (2 hrs drill nights) 1/2 days the new 3/4 days (probably to screw you leaving early at the w/e)
4) 27 Days (note many units insist on the 2 week annual camp for bounty qualification or accepted alternative)
5) Best speak to the unit, I doubt that most are from the profession unless the unit is by a very large hospital.
6) Again best speak to the unit, I would guess someone who has spent 15 years as a network manager might be preferable to someone who once used Word, but IT literate is still a bonus.

Have fun

5) Most TA field hospitals only take qualified medical personnel (for reasons of clinical governance), unless you're going as a clerk or driver or something like that. AFIK, they're not recruiting CMTs , so if you wanted to work in that sort of role you'd be better going infantry or RAC, you'd probably get more chance to use your trade that way; i certainly found it better as a CMT.
You're probably best ringing the units and speaking to them though.
Good luck!