NRPS

MLA for Non-Regular Permanent Staff, i.e TA personnel (generally ex-regular) who've managed to blag their way on to a nice little earner. 'Nerps' comes complete with:

• Golf clubs.
• Cup of tea (in hand).
• A never ending list of reasons why things cannot be done - and why he has to get away early.

'Nerps' is occasionally seen with look of panic, especially when a future change to conditions of service is mentioned... and especially the thought of being on a five-year sinecure (rather than a ten-year one) and losing their paid mileage.

'Nerps' has a fundamental belief that twenty-two years in the Army entitles him to loaf about at the public expense. This is demonstrated by hardly ever being seen on a drill night or weekend.

He invariably bangs on about not having the benefits of being a regular soldier, completely ignoring the 'N' in the job title.

Not included:

• Annual appraisal, as it would make no difference anyway.
• Uniform (optional extra).

Also Known As

• Bill Oddie the NRPS squaddie
• Not Really Proper Soldiers

Find out more in the Dictionary