Yes, your right. Every 2 weeks there is a training weekend. Or if your company can manage without you for 2 weeks, you could get on the consolidated course (but these are only ran a few times per year).

Originally Posted by Empty_Vacuum

Well as previously mentioned each unit differs, as I received all mine at the same time. In all honesty the best move for you is to contact the unit you want to join and get the answers from the horses mouth, afterall it wouldn't look to good if you had to quote ARRSE to your boss rather than what the recruiting staff have told you.

Absolutely. I've already given him the official blurb however and he was interested on what the actuals were, so I'd imagine all the information you guys have kindly given plus the official blurb and anywhere in between would ensure I'm going into this eyes wide open. Sounds perfectly do able though and I'm leaning very much towards signing up just get the unit visit done and some more info gathered!

Thanks though you've all been a big help, I was in the ATC as a kid and loved all the 'green training' not that I'm saying it's the same thing but I'd love to get back into that way of life again!

Re your civvie job- you must remember that it comes first. Make sure that when you start your training your boss understands that you will be doing ten weekends over twenty weeks or so. Also that your CIC needs to be fairly soon afterwards. If your unit can give you confirmation of dates I would take the opportunity to let the boss know, just out of courtesy- if he's on board keep him so.

Personally people in the TA have a whole variety of jobs and umtimatly as long as you do the 27 days a year you'll be fine though if you choose to do more it is up to you as its a case of you get out what you put in and most people end up doing far more than 27 days a year.

So what of these Battilon / Company lead weekends? Naturally to get full affect a high level of attendance is needed? What's the attendance like usually? Are they worthwhile?

Same for the two week camps also?

I haven't been on any yet but from what i've heard of they are aboslutley amazing, while not everyone can always make it usually due to work/family they are the most popular activities of the year

Phwew, when I saw the tread title I thought it was me that had been outed.

Battalion camps are usually reputed to be some of the best activities of the year haven't been on one myself, but attendance is usually very good, and i'm told it is worth it people can usually make it, but cometimes can't due to work/family commitments alot of the time it is up to the individual how much attendance they have.

Big NATO exercises like Lionheart 84 or Keystone in 87 were fucking brilliant. Hard andt iring but brilliant.

Annual Camp at Battalion level is pretty good too if the resources are around for live firing, helicopter work etc . Nothing beats a good Chinook ride to a Mortar & Artillery concentration.

You might sometimes have to choose between Camp and course that will help your career and satisfy Battalion needs for skills.

Hi Smithy, What Regiment have you joined.