Spoke to several SNCO's last night and it became apparent that 80% of them attended regularly for the cash (although most appeared to enjoy being in the TA). Although I knew a number weren't quite well off I was still astonished to find such a high percentage and of the remainder I know TA provides a large part of their income.

When did it all go wrong, am I the only one who doesn't rely on TA income. Worse was I found this info out as I am considering leaving the TA and the primary reason I was given to stay in was the cash factor. Only 1 said I should take some time off and then come back (overwork/stress being a reason to leave)

I am not in it solely for the money, but it is a retention factor for me.
Most weekends I come in are either because I enjoy the activity, feel I am contributing something to the unit or there for the social side.
However, there are some weekends I don't look forward to and am there because a. its expected, and b. I could do with the money.

Hell, I only come in because thats where my mates are. I've said it before i'd attend parade nights for nothing if I had to.

There are over 30,000 TA on the books, each and every person has their own reasons for continuing to attend, a small snapshot of perhaps "old hands" does not reflect how the majority feel or are motivated. Do you imagine that regular soldiers are any different, monetary issues are just as relevant to them as anyone else.

Not that surprising really. I know several people who could not afford to do be in the TA if it was not paid. They would have to do overtime or another job.

Lets just think about the maths. say that the TA pays you £4000 pa (including bounty) and your civ job pays £30,000

TA represents over 13% of your income. Not many of us would happily accept a 10% loss of income.

We are being pushed more and more into having a 'TA career' so it should not be unreasonable to expect a reliable income from that career.

whats wrong if you do it partially for the money? fail to see the argument here.....if ppl dont get paid it becomes a hobby which in my opinion is not what the T.A should really be!

Originally Posted by JPALegend

Spoke to several SNCO's last night and it became apparent that 80% of them attended regularly for the cash

Why do you think officers put an appearance in?

if you attend, and provide a service (enable or become trained) then you deserve to get paid. most of us tend to give up a lot of free time for what we do, and in todays economic climate............

It's an old chestnut.

Do you or don't you?

I think it varies with when you join, where you are in your career (TA and civvy) and the demands being placed upon you. A bit like being available for mobilisation.

Putting it more simply (ack Polar69's view) would you do it for free....?

We have an astonishing number of SNCO's and Officers appear on our recruit training weekends!! to the extent that apart from recruits there was actually only ONE Private soldier in attendance on the last one!!

To be honest as the JNCO's take the bulk of the lessons....er WHAT do they do!?

one in particular hasn't even done a tour, now medically downgraded.....don't get me started!!