Territorial Army Life

Looking for a challenge outside your 9 to 5? Experience life in the Territorial Army.

Training For The Territorial Army

Get ready for some of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your life.

Your Nearest Territorial Unit

Get in touch with your closest Territorial Unit to find out more.

Any Questions?

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Tough Questions

Can I rejoin the Army if I've served before?
Yes – as long as there is a suitable vacancy, you still meet the entry requirements and your reason for discharge doesn't prevent you rejoining.

If you are older than the normal limit for enlistment then a decision will be made based on how long you served for, how long ago you were discharged and medical clearance.

If you want to rejoin you can complete an application online, or you can visit your local AFCO or ACIO where a recruiter can process your application.
What's my commitment to the TA?
Soldiers sign up for a minimum of 12 years, while officers sign up until the age of 60. However, both have options to resign during this contract, provided they are not scheduled to deploy on operations.
How often do I train in the TA?
In most Territorial Army units you train for about three hours, one night a week. In addition you complete one weekend a month and participate in an annual two-week camp for basic training which takes place in the UK or overseas. National Territorial units do not train on weekday evenings.

Territorial Army Training

Training to be the best
Training is at the heart of Territorial Army (TA) life. Whether it's in a classroom, on an exercise or at camp, your training will set the tone of your involvement in the TA. Before going on to acquire specific trade skills, or to use the ones you already possess, all TA members must first train as soldiers. This means anyone in a combat service support role can be deployed as a soldier if the need arises. Of course, it's not just about military training - civilian qualifications can be acquired for many of the skills you will learn in the TA and there are plenty of opportunities to take part in a wide range of adventurous training and sporting activities.

Basic Recruit Training
If you have no previous military experience when you join the TA, then you will need to learn the basics of being a soldier. Spread over a number of training weekends and, for Regional Units, midweek training evenings, your training will culminate in a two-week recruits course at one of the TA recruit training centres. Here, you will learn a range of skills including fieldcraft, first aid, map reading and weapon handling. You will then face a series of tests and a physical assessment known as the Combat Fitness Test.

Trade Training
Once you've mastered the military basics, you will be able to start your trade training. The specific trade you learn will depend not only in the requirements of your particular unit, but also on your existing skills. It could be anything from driving a lorry to operating a radio.

Your trade training could mean learning to adapt your civilian skills to a military context and passing on that knowledge to the rest of your unit, developing entirely new skills or expanding on your area of expertise.

Adventurous Training
As well as being trained in military procedures, TA training also offers the opportunity to take part in a range of adventurous activities. These typically include canoeing, rock climbing, hang-gliding, pot holing, sailing, skiing and trekking, both in the UK and abroad. While such activities are a great way to have fun and keep fit, there are other reasons the TA places great emphasis on them - adventurous training will build your self-confidence and help develop vital teamwork skills.
Learn more about adventurous training