Territorial Army

I've been in the Territorial Army since November 2004 and I have had the most exciting time ever since doing it.
I've already been places I'd never have been and done things I'd never have done - and I haven't even been in for a year yet!
If throwing grenades and petrol bombs or firing automatic weapons are on your list of things to do before you die, join!
There's something really satisfying about filling a milk bottle with petrol and throwing it at a vehicle without fear of prosecution (in a controlled training area, of course!)

Don't think it's a bunch of sad wannabes running around playing soldiers, because the Territorial Army makes up about a quarter of the Army's strength. That means you are highly likely to get sent on operations, which could be anywhere from Iraq or Afghanistan to Bosnia or the Falklands.

Why did I join?

I thought about joining the regular Army when I was at university but I never did because I wanted to get into being a journalist.
Now I'm a fully-qualified reporter, I was looking around for some extra excitement and the idea popped up again.
I went along to my local TA centre and had a chat with the recruiting sergeant who explained everything - including the more serious side, which could mean getting mobilised to fight.

How do I feel about joining?

I'm loving it! I've made some very close friends, learned lots of new skills and I've learned a lot about myself in the process.
You can go on adventure training courses (climbing, caving, canoeing, the works, get qualified as instructor!)
And the best thing is that you get paid for doing it!

What about the military side?

You are joining to become a trained soldier. You get the same training (in a shorter space of time) as a regular soldier, you have to learn the same skills and you can be called on to do the same job in war.
If you don't like being shouted at occasionally, if you can't take discipline or constructive criticism, don't bother because you won't enjoy it. But if you've got the self-discipline to get by (and a bit of common sense) you'll get a lot out of it.

I have had a fantastic few months since joining, it's taught me a lot and it's made me fitter, stronger and more confident. I start officer training in October, which will lead to even more skills, qualifications and even more satisfaction and enjoyment from serving my country.