Would you join the Territorial Army?
Can you teach a soldier everything they need to know in just six weeks? The Territorial Army is embarking on a crash-course training regime to get hundreds of part-time soldiers ready for action.
As part of a rolling scheme around the UK, Summer Challenge Wales hopes to recruit 150 more men and women - condensing an 18-month training programme into just six weeks.
Our reporter Mark Hutchings took up the challenge:
"I've always related to Private 'Can I be excused?' Godfrey in Dad's Army. I've never really seen myself in the front line. But if my country called, could I cut the mustard?
Well, mustard-cutting wasn't on the itinerary of the Territorial Army's open day in Cardiff. Tough, physical excercise was. First the weights to see how easily I could lift an ammunition box onto the back of a truck. I'd need a ceasefire to allow me time to load.
I was pitched against Glyn Wise (ex-Big Brother) in the carry-the-jerry-can contest. So can I carry-the-can-as-far-as-Glyn-can? Sadly, no can do.
We then crossed a 'shark-infested' slab of concrete with some planks of wood. Glyn fell in. I carried on. I haven't seen him since.
A gruelling assault course rounded it off. I thought I was quite fit (I have a vivid imagination) but the warm-up nearly wiped me out.
With a hint of irony, one army instructor told me I was in the top 'echelon' of volunteers. Maybe he means I'm more suited to the French Army. I'm full of admiration for those who give up their time - but can I be excused?"
Are you up to the challenge and would you join the TA? Or are you already in the TA, what encouraged you to join?
We want to hear your experiences and views, so please comment below.
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~05~RS~)
Comments
Never not when a government can send them to war on a lie as in Iraq
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I have now been in the TA since Feb and am enjoying every second of it the training is first rate but very hard and you must be willing to push past what you belive your body can do. Anyone thinking its like Dads army is very very wrong, Although the training is drown out over a period of time, We get the same training as the regular guys. I get a great sence od pride when I put on my uniform and feel that Im doing something to help, even though it only part time. I would love to do this full time but sadly the regular lads are not paid nearly enough and I could not afford to be paid almost £11k well in training, This by the way is an absolute discrace that someone at a fastfood restraunt can be paid more than a soldier under training. Any one thinking of a career in the TA just get down to your local TA center go on a recruit selection day if its not for you then there is no commitment at that stage.
I would also like to just say anyone wonting to protest about any war, Never throw your abuse at the soldier throw it at the goverment. They are the ones who tell us where to go and fight.
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I spent 10 years in the TA serving in the signals in sheffield. The ten years I spent in The TA were some of the most enjoyable years of my life, I made some great friends, learned new skills that have stood me in good stead throughout my life not least of which were first aid and man management skills. I have served alongside the regular army on excersizes and in real situations. It was hard work but most enjoyable.
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Victoria said:
"The Territorial Army is embarking on a crash-course training regime to get hundreds of part-time soldiers ready for action."
What the heck for? More invasions?
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