YOUR COMMITMENT

Joining the Army as a Territorial involves making a commitment. You agree to serve a certain amount of time and to go overseas if you're asked. You're sure to have questions about what this means for you. Here are answers to four of the most commonly asked ones, but don't forget that you can open an online chat through this website or Facebook to ask more.

GIVING YOUR TIME

How much time you give depends on you. Units have a minimum training commitment of 19 or 27 days, depending on their role. You need to do this in order to get the annual tax-free lump sum known as a bounty. Training takes place in the evenings and at weekends. There's also a two week annual camp. Apart from the camp, you decide how much training you do.
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SERVING ON OPERATIONS

When the Army needs Territorial soldiers, it goes through a process called mobilisation. You will only be mobilised if the Army really needs you, but you or your employer can object if it would seriously affect your life or your work. For many people in the Territorial Army, serving on operations is a high point of their military careers. It's an opportunity to use all the skills and expertise that they developed in their training.
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DECIDING TO LEAVE

As a Territorial soldier, you can leave at any time you want, unless you've been mobilised. You can leave just after you've joined, during your training or even if you've already joined your unit. If you decide at any point that the Army isn't for you, or your life changes and you can no longer give it as much time, all you need to do is tell your superiors. They'll check that you really do want to leave and explain the procedure to you.
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EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION

Joining the Army as a Territorial won’t put your job at risk. There is a legal requirement to tell your employer, so make sure that you do. It’s also a good idea to do it in plenty of time. That way, if you need to take time off, you can give them plenty of warning and they can arrange to cover your absence.
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GET PAID TO TRAIN

soldiers talking

Territorials are paid to train, and get subsidized food and travel. It’s a great way to earn some extra cash.

TRAINING AND SKILLS

Soldiers in military vehicle

You can choose a job that develops your skills, or learn new ones – and everyone gets the same military training.

THE JOINING PROCESS

soldiers talking in civvies

When you apply to become a Territorial, you get expert help to find the Army job that’s right for you.

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