Army Reserve

Maccy149 · Post by **Maccy149** » 05 Apr 2016, 19:13

Hello, new to the forum as can't verify any up to date info on this topic.

Basically I am wanting to join then Army Reserves and I've read Royal Mail is a Reserve friendly organisation, however what do they actually mean by that? Is it still you get 9 additional days off and 2 weeks for the annual camp? Do they have to let you join and go to trainings or can they make you chose wether to keep your job or join?

Thank you for your time.

Post by **POSTMAN** » 05 Apr 2016, 19:38

From special leave policy notes re leave for army reserve:

With pay for the two week Annual Active Service Commitment. A maximum of nine days per year unpaid leave may also be granted to cover travel to and from attendance at the six mandatory weekend training camps. Any further leave must be taken from the individuals annual leave entitlement.
In order to qualify for military leave, the individual must show evidence to their line manager on each occasion that leave is required (e.g. call-up papers). Individuals normally receive about six months notice of their call up and should advise managers as soon as possible. Such notice should under normal circumstances enable offices to plan in release for this service commitment.

Post by **POSTMAN** » 05 Apr 2016, 19:41

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... 150728.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.royalmailgroup.com/royal-mai ... -community" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Post by **Pathfinder** » 06 Apr 2016, 07:09

Interesting, I never knew that as I've always wanted to join. This will get me thinking again for sure!!

DB1100 · Post by **DB1100** » 06 Apr 2016, 16:01

Why bother with the reserves,join the full time Army and do something worthwhile,better than wasting your life away in this job.

Maccy149 · Post by **Maccy149** » 06 Apr 2016, 17:15

DB1100 wrote:Why bother with the reserves,join the full time Army and do something worthwhile,better than wasting your life away in this job.

Hahaha oh I'm planning on!! Going in as a regular officer, have to spend a further 2 years topping off some educational requirements so wanting to join the reserves to keep me sane until then.

Thank you for all the replies.

Lance Jack · Post by **Lance Jack** » 06 Apr 2016, 19:11

What unit are you thinking of joining?

DB1100 · Post by **DB1100** » 06 Apr 2016, 19:12

Good luck Rupert ha ha,no seriously well done and good luck.

NWpostie · Post by **NWpostie** » 07 Apr 2016, 10:17

If you become an Officer, do you know that you must not have any map reading skills ?

If you do the RMAS instructor will drill it out of you

DB1100 · Post by **DB1100** » 07 Apr 2016, 16:13

NWpostie wrote:If you become an Officer, do you know that you must not have any map reading skills ?

If you do the RMAS instructor will drill it out of you

And learn the Brecon point.

Maccy149 · Post by **Maccy149** » 07 Apr 2016, 19:22

For the reserves I'm going 4 para and then if I get to Sandhurst hopefully I'll get into the Royal Engineers. I like the flexibility of the role, plus the humanitarian aspect of it. Ideally then I can potentially go air assault or commando , or both if I wana get a bit giddy.

Hahaha yeh I've heard some shamefull stories on some officers map reading!! What's Brecon point??

DB1100 · Post by **DB1100** » 07 Apr 2016, 19:39

The Brecon point is the hand signal an Officer makes to indicate something all 5 fingers are used to point not just 1 like normal people

Lance Jack · Post by **Lance Jack** » 11 Apr 2016, 18:16

This link is a unofficial British army forum (if you have not found it before this), a bit like this one is to Royal Mail. Its going to have an answer to most of your questions and if it hasn't then ask, somebody will know the answer. Look for the tips on being a new joiner or new recruit, there is some excellent advice on there.

http://www.arrse.co.uk/community/forums/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A little tip, don't go in and tell everybody you are only here for a couple of years and then you want to be an officer with the Royal Engineers. Whoever you join will have long term plans for your future. As a Private they will be looking at potential leadership qualities, they will be looking at what skills you have and what courses ( P Company?) will suit them and you. There will be opportunities for you to support the regular army in different places all over the word, sometimes for a few weeks or maybe mobilized for six months. You will meet people who will become like family, you will work and live with them. You think you know your friends in Royal Mail? Wait until you have worked and lived with somebody for six months, then you know every single thing about them. Now, if you tell them you are just marking time and you are going to be leaving to be an officer then forget everything I have just written. They wont invest their time and budget training you just so you can leave and join a different trade.

Work on your fitness. I have seen a lot of recruits come in with the attitude that they are fit. Doesn't matter how many times a week you go to the gym, or how many miles you run, you are not fit enough. The Parachute Regiment carry a lot of weight a long way, nature of the job, they have to support themselves to get the mission done.

The army is a huge learning curve but it's worth it. Enjoy it.