A week in the life of a reservist.

[Lswaldron]

Hi,

I’m considering joining the reserves and was wondering how a week as a reservist might look.

Can you only work on the weekends (if so, what’s the working hours)?

Can you work in the week (if so what hours)?

What do you do on the working day (different units may vary but a general guide would be great)?

would be great to hear from someone who is a reservist now and how he works it around thier full time job.

thanks.

 

[Turret_Monster]

I do my day job 9-5 Monday to Friday. We do one training evening a week (remotely at the moment thanks to Corona), and a weekend or sometimes two a month. Weekend training might be 9-5 in camp, of Friday night to Sunday afternoon for a field exercise.

Our two week of collective training is focused on platform conversion courses for vehicle crews, plus options for weapons training, career courses and other training depending on your cap badge and what your unit might require.

There are usually opportunities to work odd days in the week, but I wouldn’t rely on it. There are also still plenty of opportunities to deploy on operations.

Experiences may vary, and whoever you’re looking at joining will have their own way of working. Talk to them to get a feel for if it might work for you.

 

[Snapper 25]

You can do as much or as little as you want. Most people attend a drill night for 2 hours once a week. One or two weekends a month ( Friday to Sunday). Then a two week camp which is usually an exercise or training course. You can do multiple camps through the year if you want or have the time.
If you want to do more there might be jobs to do in your arc (army reserve centre), during the week or doing things like driving people to courses.
Some people manage to do so much that it's like a full time job. You can do up to 220 days as a reservist.
There is also the opportunity to go on tour or join the regs on ftrs where you'll be a regular soldier for 12- 24 months.

 

[Lswaldron]

Thanks for the reply

You can do as much or as little as you want. Most people attend a drill night for 2 hours once a week. One or two weekends a month ( Friday to Sunday). Then a two week camp which is usually an exercise or training course. You can do multiple camps through the year if you want or have the time.
If you want to do more there might be jobs to do in your arc (army reserve centre), during the week or doing things like driving people to courses.
Some people manage to do so much that it's like a full time job. You can do up to 220 days as a reservist.
There is also the opportunity to go on tour or join the regs on ftrs where you'll be a regular soldier for 12- 24 months.

I do my day job 9-5 Monday to Friday. We do one training evening a week (remotely at the moment thanks to Corona), and a weekend or sometimes two a month. Weekend training might be 9-5 in camp, of Friday night to Sunday afternoon for a field exercise.

Our two week of collective training is focused on platform conversion courses for vehicle crews, plus options for weapons training, career courses and other training depending on your cap badge and what your unit might require.

There are usually opportunities to work odd days in the week, but I wouldn’t rely on it. There are also still plenty of opportunities to deploy on operations.

Experiences may vary, and whoever you’re looking at joining will have their own way of working. Talk to them to get a feel for if it might work for you.

Thanks for the reply guys. Ah okay, so it really is down to how much you want to commit. How do your employers take it? Did you not tell them about it when entering a new job. I wouldn't want to not get a job due to being a reservist.

Also, quick one. Phase B of the training, can it be done on weekends?

 

[Turret_Monster]

I haven’t changed jobs for a long time, but luckily my employer is very supportive of reserve service (and ex regulars). Whether you choose to tell them is up to you, but if you’d rather not then make sure you tell a grown up - COs like to write to employers and tell them what a good job you’re doing.

Our Phase 2 trade training is usually a mixture of weekends and longer things done over two weeks as your annual collective training commitment.

 

[Snapper 25]

I think you have to tell your employer, if not you would be best to as they pay your mortgage/ rent.
Phase 1 alpha can be done on weekends. Bravo has to be done on a 16 day camp.

 

[delivering_capability]

Work 0700 to 1830 daily with a 1 hour commute either side (violins on cue). Friday afternoon pack kit and stare out the minibus windows at scenes of wine women and song at pubs before reaching a dark and remote barracks/training area. Sunday afternoon get home do washing and repeat the above.

Reach work on Monday morning strangely elated - like having just finished vomiting - but tired and listening to your co workers fresh faced and having spent a weekend on the pish/sofa. All the while remembering you’re just a STAB - the regulars will despise you and ‘civilians’ (LOL) will not understand you. Look at your payslip to realise you are being paid substantially less than the minimum wage on an hourly basis.

 

[ashley82]

Hi guys I’ve just passed my assessment centre training at Lichfield and now joined the 214 bat royal artillery reserves. I’m just wondering is the phase 1 alpha/bravo courses for reservists only or is it mixed with regulars? Cheers

 

[Tartan_Terrier]

Hi guys I’ve just passed my assessment centre training at Lichfield and now joined the 214 bat royal artillery reserves. I’m just wondering is the phase 1 alpha/bravo courses for reservists only or is it mixed with regulars? Cheers

It'll be reserves only. The regular course is somewhat longer.

 

[ashley82]

It'll be reserves only. The regular course is somewhat longer.

Ok brilliant cheers

 

[Gabriel6557]

Noob question... while out on Drill Nights or other training with your unit, are accommodations provided. I will be applying early next year and I am sorting out logistics and costs.

 

[Cregg Bristle]

Noob question... while out on Drill Nights or other training with your unit, are accommodations provided. I will be applying early next year and I am sorting out logistics and costs.

Drill nights - no. You turn up for two hours, then go home again. Otherwise - yes, even if it’s just a mat on the floor at the Reserve Centre.

 

[ashley82]

Hi guys i got a date for this Wednesday to attest at my unit, Does anyone know what I would have to do to prepare? Also what would be the appropriate wear for drill nights, and when roughly do you get your uniform/service number? Cheers

 

[auggie rock]

Pretty much all of the questions being asked would be best addressed to the unit you're looking to join.

 

[Mrsheeny]

Hi guys i got a date for this Wednesday to attest at my unit, Does anyone know what I would have to do to prepare? Also what would be the appropriate wear for drill nights, and when roughly do you get your uniform/service number? Cheers

Don't turn up in trackies and trainers wear footwear that can be polished and clothes that need ironing with a collar, shave, don't chew gum either.

Service number around attestation and uniform 3-4 weeks after that, MOD90 a few more weeks after uniform.

 

[Goutyfrub]

It’s pretty addictive. Most people when I was in did everything we had a chance to do.

 

[ashley82]

Hi guys, has anyone recently been on their alpha or bravo course, that could share some insight into how they are running it now, due to Covid and social distancing? I’m due to go on my alpha course in January then back for a week then straight on bravo!

 

[Cregg Bristle]

Hi guys, has anyone recently been on their alpha or bravo course, that could share some insight into how they are running it now, due to Covid and social distancing? I’m due to go on my alpha course in January then back for a week then straight on bravo!

One of my guys is due to start his alpha on the 6th. I’ll give you the info when he gets back. I suspect it’s changed since I did mine 4 years ago.

 

[ashley82]

One of my guys is due to start his alpha on the 6th. I’ll give you the info when he gets back. I suspect it’s changed since I did mine 4 years ago.

Ahh brilliant, cheers pal I was told at my batt that they want you to drive or get the train just like going to the assessment centre, which ain’t to bad cause I’m off to donington which is only an hour and half up the road for me

 

[Cregg Bristle]

Ahh brilliant, cheers pal I was told at my batt that they want you to drive or get the train just like going to the assessment centre, which ain’t to bad cause I’m off to donington which is only an hour and half up the road for me

You’re not supposed to drive yourself. It’s up to your unit to get you there. You can go by train if there’s no alternative.