Conference repair::reserve_forces

    -What would you say were the reasons for you joining the reserves? 

I had already been on Active Duty for almost six years; the Reserves seemed
like a logical next step, and my uniforms still had some life in them, that
is, before I "outgrew" them as a civilian (they shrunk on me).    :7) 

Had I not been on Active Duty, the reasons for joining the Reserves would have
been different, but NOTHING or NOBODY on Active Duty ever mentioned the
Reserves --- it's the Active Navy's best kept secret.  Only when I was getting
"short" and started digging did I find some activated Reservists who could
answer questions about Reserve participation. 
    
    -Why did you join the particular unit you are attached to now?

The Unit that I am in now supports DCASR BOSTON (Defense Contract Admin-
istration Service Region - Boston, one of nine regional hq's in the US). 
It's composed of about a dozen Naval Reserve Supply Corps officers and no 
enlisted personnel.

It's a hard concept at first, especially for ground-pounders who drill, train, 
and mobilize as a UNIT, but our people do our Annual Training INDIVIDUALLY.
We are required to go to our mobilization site (a Federal bldg in South 
Boston, or elsewhere in Hartford, Syracuse, etc.) 2 out of 3 years, but the
remaining time we can select schools or support commands that can find us a
home.  For me, this has included participation in Global War Game 88 at the
Naval War College, Newport, RI, and computer support projects at Portsmouth
(NH) Naval Shipyard. 

    -What do gain from being a member of the reserves?

+ eligibility for military retirement at age 60 upon completion of 20+ years
+ commissary, exchange, and some other benefits while drilling or retired
+ camaraderie, sharing sea stories with people who understand them (or are
  not knee-jerk anti-military)
+ service to one's country and, sometimes, the local community
+ training, which can be civilian job-related
+ conducting and arranging training for others
+ 'networking' - meeting people from other companies, industries, towns, etc.
+ pride in the uniform and in personal and unit achievements
+ new experiences and challenges
+ a few extra bucks a month
+ the opportunity to travel to new and exotic places, meet new people, and
  blow them away   :7) :7) :7) :7)  <--someone may still take this seriously
    
    -Does your family gain in any way?

They have accompanied me to Charleston, SC for 2 weeks, and met me on the 
'middle' weekends at Newport and Portsmouth for mini-vacations.  Recently we 
had a drill in Washington, DC for a conference; I took a 4-day weekend, drove 
down with them, and they toured as I attended the seminar.  

I try to include my family in the Reserve community (such as a recent change-
of-command ceremony aboard the USS Constitution) whenever possible.

Mrs. Reiter loves the commissary and exchange.

I think the three of them have a positive attitude towards my Reserve career, 
but this requires affirmative action; I believe it must be cultivated.
    
    -What else would you say to them?
    
Have a nice day.  Go fly a kite.  Buy a VAX.  Whip inflation now.  Just say NO
to drugs.  The Duke makes me puke.  Make it in Massachusetts; 
spend it in New Hampshire...
seriously, though, you didn't ask about the drawbacks:

- you have volunteered to die in combat, should that unlikely event become
  reality... your next door neighbor can read about it, you DO it
- if activated, a serious drop in pay could put your family in a bind
  [Your mileage may vary.]
- you end up working 12_days_straight every month (think about it)
- you spend ONE weekend a month away from family, golf, whatever, which may
  screw up plans to attend such things as my 20th High School Reunion, etc.
- some managers/employers have a hard time with two extra weeks of absence
  [separate topic alert: (I am a member of Mass ESGR committee)]
- you may not enjoy the Annual Training, whatever it is (The old saw says 
  that the purpose of the two weeks is to remind you that you made the right
  decision in the first place when you left Active Duty!)
- spouses and bosses seem to be the biggest detractors to the Program, for
  reasons touched upon (I call it The Patriotism Gap; so sue me)
- it may be a hardship for single parents
- if the training program s*cks, it can be a boring weekend

I would tell them that the Reserves, like everything else, is not for 
everyone, but it's a great part-time job/second career, and if they were ever
curious about things military, it's a great way to check it out.  With the
right attitude, people with no prior service or people who were not crazy
about their time in service, can really take a shine to the Reserves, because 
you can walk away from it on Sunday afternoon and not have to come back for a
month. 

\Gary

Amen to reply 1.  That was the most comprehensive list I've ever seen.

I have one other reason.  I really enjoy flying.  When I left active 
duty, my civilian job was in Hartford, CT.  I drove in on Route 84 from 
Plainville.  Getting on Route 84 from the Plainville onramp constantly 
reminded me of taking the active runway for takeoff, that is until I got 
up to 55.  Then the excitement ended and I drove into work.  

Another good point about the Reserves is that you get to shop for an 
assignment.  You may not get want what you want, but at least you can 
try for it directly and not be at the mercy of some far-away assignment 
specialist who could care less.  

The Reserves generally have a lot less Mickey Mouse.  I'm willing to 
risk my life in combat for my country, but not risk early death due to 
hypertension just to keep some hypertensive wing commander satisfied 
that others on base are hypertensive, too.

BTW -- The Reserves enabled me to land my dream assignment, C141's.  
That's what I wanted when I went to Navigator Training (AD).  Too bad my 
class had only 43 Americans and SAC, the command that looks and feels 
like a paper bag, needed 24 of us fledgling Navigators to backfill for 
their personnel losses.  You see, crew dog Navigators in SAC (Strategic 
Air Command) generally vote with their feet -- It's the only voice they 
have.  I was lucky to get a KC135 Active Duty SAC assignment.  Most of 
the guys in my Navigator Training Class got stuck in B52's.

Too bad the Air Force eliminated most of the Navigators from C141's.  As 
a Reservist you generally don't have job security, but it worked out 
well for me as I hopped to a C123K assignment and then on to a C130E 
assignment.  I had 18� years total service when our C130's were replaced 
by C5's, which don't have Navigators assigned.  Fortunately, the base 
kept all of us Navigators on board.  They let me became a Maintenance 
Officer until I finished my 20 years.  At first I tried really hard to 
stay in past 20, but I realize now that flying was what I loved, and 
that down deep inside, I really was watching and hoping for another 
flying assignment that didn't materialize.

I'll have to wait a while for age 60 to come around.  I imagine I'll 
really enjoy that reirement check.  Last time I checked, Lt Col over 22 
with about 4,400 points was darn near $1,200/month in retirement.  Not 
bad for doing something you really enjoyed.


                                     Kurt

    Re .0:
    
    I entered the Reserves the day after I got off active duty in 1973
    and have stayed with the program (albeit somewhat inactively at
    present) to date. Why? Because I knew three years of active duty
    was enough for me and knew I probably wouldn't be able to hack another
    17 years of it but was looking ahead to a part-time income and at
    least some sort of retirement. So I compromised and made a career
    out of the Reserves.
    
    I got to visit some interesting places, perform some interesting
    missions, not to mention the government allowed me to use some very
    expensive communications equipment I couldn't own myself for free!
    
    The downside was that while by law annual training is supposed to
    be 12 days/year, my last USNR unit was beginning to deploy dets
    several times a year for 17+ days + travel time to various exotic
    ports of call on a yearly basis. My family said no go so rather
    than leave the USNR entirely and lose my retirement, I transferred
    to the IRR where I can still collect points but I have no drills
    and no AT unless I request it (although I can never be promoted
    above CPO E-7). So far it's fairly enjoyable so I'm hoping to re-enlist
    for 6 more years in the IRR in 1992.
    
    Would I do it over again? Probably....it was stressful but fun most
    of the time.
    
    Mark
    RMC USNR

    Do the reserves in America have to be ex-regulars?  Over here a
    civvie with no regular experience (like me) can join any reserve
    unit.

    Re .4:
    
    Nope. You can enter the reserves or national guard right out of
    high school at age 17 if you want. The active duty military to some
    extent encourages regulars to continue their careers in the reserves
    if they decide not to stay regular.
    
    For the last 20 years or so, we've been relying on the Vietnam Era
    veterans to provide experience to the reserve forces but let's face
    it - we aren't getting any younger! :) :) :) So the DoD is trying
    to attract young people to both the active and reserve forces before
    all us old buzzards retire.
    
    Mark
    RMC USNR

    
    Interesting turnabout in Canada. 
    
    There is such a waiting list of personnel to get into the regular
    forces, up to 18mos for attractive trades, that the regular force
    recruiting offices are suggesting that prospective enrollees join
    a reserve force while waiting to be called.
    
    This serves several purposes:
    
    	a. the prospect gets a chance to try it out before joining
    	b. the regulars get a recruit who has already done his basic
    	   training and can be brought up to snuff quickly
    	c. the reserve unit keeps its strength up and if the body 
    	   decides not to go regular has a good chance to retain him/her
    
    Good idea all around.
    
    Roger

    	Here's about my three cents worth...

	- WHY DID I JOIN THE RESERVES?

	I didn't mind the Navy and I figured that at the time I got off 
	active duty (8/73) if a job hadn't worked out on the outside, I had a 
	better chance of getting back in. The main reason I got out in the 
	first place was because the wife had been pregnant with our first 
	daughter and I found out while off the coast of Quang Tri.  So I 
	figured that it would be better if I got out, got a "real" job and
	was at home with the family. The reserves gave me an option.


	- WHY DID YOU JOIN THE PARTICULAR UNIT YOU ARE ATTACHED TO NOW?

	The budget cuts were really starting to effect the Coast Guard 
	Reserve in terms of weekend training and Active Duty assignments.

	In the fourteen plus years I was with the USCGR, I was out of state
	twice...Both times at Yorktown, Va. The Coasties just had NO money.
	I spend all week here in an office environment. My weekends in the 
	USCGR were also spent in an office environment (11 1/2 years in Boston 
	at the District Office. I needed some "excitement" and I felt that with 
	the Navy, more funds would be available to allow me to "travel" 
	occasionally. I waited much to long. 
		
	Also, in the later years, I wasn't getting enough out of the Coastie 
	Reserves. Part of it was my complacency, part of it was the way 
	billets and responsibilities of my rating in the Coasties was set up.
	
	That's why I transfered back to the Naval Reserve and asked for a 
	ship. I need that little extra adrenaline rush once a month. The 
	USS Valdez is always underway and I feel like I'm contributing 
	there, while being able to work my rate, unlike the Coasties.
	I've been getting involved in the mission of the ship..I'm assigned 
	to a Damage Control team...I'm training to stand watches. Not terribly 
	exciting watches...But I'm doing Now..what I should have been doing 
	a long time ago. I really do enjoy it.

	- WHAT DO I GAIN?

	Self satisfaction and respect. I feel that maybe my one weekend a 
	month and two weeks ADT is helping out in the "Big Picture". The 
	retirement $$$ won't hurt, but that's twenty years away...Being a part 
	of a special team.  This past year the USS Valdez was named the best ASW
	frigate in the NAVY...Not just NRF. She missed out on the Battle 
	"E", but there is a lot of pride in the ship...I like that atmosphere.

	- DOES MY FAMILY GAIN IN ANY WAY?

	The wife would prefer that I retire...Get out NOW....In her 
	words......" I'm tired of Haze Gray ".

	It is difficult on her, because she works weekends. When I have the 
	duty, she has to make arrangements to pick up or drop off our two 
	teenage daughters from work, or at a friends house or whatever. She 
	has made a lot of sacrifices over the years and with all the "GOOD 
	press" the Navy has received this past year, she doesn't want to make 
	the supreme sacrifice.

	When I was with the USCGR...she knew I'd be gone on Saturday 
	morning and would be back Sunday night...That I'd be in a safe, 
	sometimes warm, little office..Now I leave Friday afternoon around 1500 
	and don't get home until 2000 on Sunday..and I'm out to sea all 
	weekend. She's been around long enough to know that ships are not the 
	safest places in the world...That's just plain fact and it bothers
	her that I'm gone for a weekend and that there is that potential for 
	something to happen. I don't worry about it... She does.

	But...She knows how much pride I have in the Navy and in this 
	country..How I enjoy the challenges and how much I enjoy the 
	comradeship of the crew. I probably live to much Navy. My basement 
	room is covered with pictures, books, models, hats, patches, decals, 
	even a ships bell, an old Navy locker and a set of old bunks. 
	
	As much as she doesn't really like it anymore, she wouldn't "force" me 
	to give it up and would even quietly feel bad for me when I'm forced 
	to retire...which may be sooner than I want..
	
	- WHAT ELSE WOULD I SAY TO THEM?

	As the LCDR mentioned...It is not for everyone. Those around you,
	especially the wife and kids, relatives, your work place, your friends, 
	all will make some kind of sacrifice. It's not all that easy to make 
	definite plans, because they might change the duty weekend because of 
	the mission of the ship or unit that you are attached to.	

	Depending on the unit you are attached to...You just don't plan on 
	being home at the same time each weekend. Lot's of things happen 
	which change plans...You have to be flexible.

	You have to like it..be willing to make some sacrifices. Not only 
	of time..but sometimes out of your pocket.


	You have to like it...I guess I'm just one of those that Love it.
	
	
    				SK2
    

Reply to .4

We have a couple of programs available to get in to the USNR

A SAM program (Surface/Air Mariner Program) tool long to write up during my 
lunch break.

Of more interest to full time workers is the APG (Advance Pay Grade) 
program.  It brings people into the Navy Reserve usually as Third or Second 
Class Petty Officers, into a specific skill or rating.  The individual 
goes through a training period to make their rate permanent, and drills 
just like any other reservist.

The Dircom (Direct Commission) program is for bringing in officers.  This 
can be an elongated process, often tking 16-20 months for people in the 
intelligence field for example.

The major difference for coming in directly off the street rather than 
following a four year active duty hitch, for example is approximately 1200 
less retirement points when your "20" is counted, asuming you're calling it 
quits then, or have been caught by "high year tenure" - a program to clean 
out the ranks of "older rates" who haven't been getting promoted.  The 
enlisted are now getting a taste of what officers have seen for years - 
twice past over and out.  Today, at least, the enlisted will get a chance 
to make 20.

We're still recruiting at South Weymouth for Data Processing specialists, 
the APG program is still alive.

Phil

    One of the Direct Commission programs is EDO.  Any young engineers
    out there who might be interested, give me a call at DTN 223-6845.

    Hello,
    	   I spent 6 1/2 years in the Air Force and got out in January of
    1982. Due to some of the transitions being made in the company, I've
    been seriously thinking about joining the reserves. In the worst sit-
    uation if I was put into transition and made an offer to leave the 
    company, at least I would have a part time income to help out until
    I could find another permanent job. The economy in Colorado Springs
    isn't exactly booming and I'm concerned about being able to another job
    comparable to what I would be making here at Dec. The question that I
    have is, are there full time positions in the reserves? and what are
    the chances of going back to the regular service from the reserves
    if I decided to? I'm 33 and still fit. Any info. would be greatly ap-
    reciated.
    
    				Ken Young
    				USAF Reserves?
    
    
    reserves

    Ken,
    
    I don't know too much about the AF Reserve, but I imagine that
    the Air Guard is similar to the Army Guard and Army Reserve.
    Yes, there are Active Guard/Reserve positions. In the AR, these
    are sometimes referred to as Full Time Manning positions. FTMs
    in the AR are considered ~Active Duty. They get green ID cards
    and qualify for Military Housing. Since you've been out for 8
    yrs, you wouldn't have much chance of coming into the Reserves
    as more than an E4. As far as going on Active Duty from the
    Reserve, the rule of thumb usually is you lose a stripe but
    retain Time In Grade. If you've got 10+ years in, they don't
    really want you. Applying for and being accepted for AGR means
    that you retain your current grade and the time counts as active
    federal service for retirement. AGR positions are minimum E5,
    although they will take an E4 to fill them. Promotion to E6 is
    fairly straight-forward, higher than that is difficult and you
    probably would have to relocate (but the gov pays). My, FTM,
    Commo Sgt was an E5 stationed in Hawaii. In order to take his
    promotion to E6, he came to my unit at Ft. Devens, MA. Personally,
    I would have stayed an E5 in Hawaii.
    
    Bob Mc

    FTM, Full Time Manning, slots are slots that are filled be members 
    of the active component not be reserves on active duty, those are
    AGR (Active Gaurd Reserve) positions. 
    
    Sometimes people refer to those positions as full time, but they are
    not really part of the FTM program....
    
    
    Don (who did an FTM tour with a reserver Unit).
    
    

    38.11 & 38.12, - thanks for the info. guys, I've got an appointment
    with the reserve recruiter this week. I'll find out what the scope
    is an pass on the answers I get.
    
    				Ken

The reason I Joined The Reserve Program:

    I had over 12 years active Air Force.  I didn't opt for USAF reserves
    upon getting out in '68 because I couldn't change my AFSC.  The USCG
    Reserves had no problem enlisting me into an electronics billet, so I
    joined in '72.  I also liked the idea of  being in an outfit whose main
    goals were to help people.


The Reason I chose My Unit:

    Boston was the closest to home for me.  Group Boston also  afforded me
    the opportunities to serve on small stations:   Gloucester, Merrimack
    River, Cape Cod.  I found the reservists in  my unit to be
    professional, dedicated, and highly motivated in  their obligations --
    a surprising revelation, considering that  98% of them no longer had a
    military obligation, and the Viet Nam  war had made any military
    affiliation unpopular.


My Gain:

    Besides an independent means to retirement (one of the best  retirement
    plans I know of) there is keen sense of pride and  satisfaction in
    knowing that what I accomplish is making marks on  our society. 
    Promoting the USCGR is almost unnecessary, because  we are in the
    forefront of today's maritime problem-solution  schemes.  The public
    gives us our best references (and are our  harshist ctritics).  If I
    had it to do over again, I'd have  joined the USCG insead of the USAF.


My Family Gain:

    My wife backs me all the way.  She takes a great deal of pride in  what
    I do and what the USCG stands for.  We are both avid  off-shore boaters
    and she appreciates the extra measure of  knowledge and training that
    we can bring with us to the sea.


My Advice to Prospective Reservists:


    You can join a reserve program for many reasons:  You may still be in
    your six-year obligatory period, or you may feel a need to belong to a
    branch of the military without a full-time commitment, or you may have
    your own personal reasons.  Whatever your reason for considering the
    reserves, the reserve program is a two-way street.  You offer your time
    and energy one weekend a month and for two active-duty weeks a year. In
    return, you are paving a solid path to retirement.  
    
    While on that path, you hone your skills and improve your own
    potential.  Promotions and new assignments  add a special value to the
    program.  I look at the reserves as a high-quality, part-time job.  The
    money earned can be earmarked or saved.  My check has always paid my
    car payment. I know people who have paid for swimming pools, boats,
    vacations or retirement investment premiums with their earnings. 
    The reserve program is not for everyone.  If you are vacilating, my
    advice is to take the plunge on the 2-year plan. If you enjoy it,
    you're in; if not, in two years you will have fulfilled the terms of
    your contract at very little expense to yourself. 


		- ETC Mike Wasiejko, USCGR -
    

    re:.14
    
    I second that.
    
    The Reserves is not for everyone.  My Unit ishaving trouble getting
    Dedicated people that want to be in the Reserves.  I think of the
    Reserves as A FULL TIME JOB. I give my unit all the time I can.
    
    For the last 2 years we have have been hit with what are Call
    Roll-Backs people the the USAF has decided not to let re-enlist or or
    t0 just let go.  And our RECRUITERS just pick them up faster than the 
    Air Force can let the go. When they get to our unit they find that some
    of us take it very seriously, and that we are here for more than the 
    money or the free food.  
    
    After high school I enlisted right into the AFRES and I would not
    change That if I could.
    
    Gerald
    SSgt USAFR
    
    446th Security Police Flight
    McChord Air Force Base Washington.
    
    If any of you are coming out this way let me KNow and I'll see if I
    can't show you around Terrible Rainy Washington State Were their is
    nothing to to but watch the water Rise.
    

    Refering to note .0,can anyone who is in the T.A. in Britain answer the
    questions.I've considered joining for a long time,but in the area I
    live there are two regiments,The Wessex and The Royal Green Jackets
    (who my dad was in),which one should I join?
     The other thing is how fit I should,some examples would be helpful.
    
    Tyrone
    

    Tyrone,
    
    Of the two regiments, and no disrespect intended, I would think the RGJ
    would require a fitter person than the Wessex. However, in your
    DEC building there is Corporal Lawrence Jolly and Sergeant Steve
    Sergeant who used and still is in the Wessex respectively.
    
    The Basic Fitness Test is 3 miles in about 25 minutes I think, for
    Infantry anyway.
    
    There are alternatives. There is a Royal Marine Reserve unit in Henley
    and a TA SAS unit 13 miles from Reading on the A33. Further afield
    there are 2 RAF reserve units at Witney, Oxfordshire and an Aeromedical
    unit just off Junction 17 ( I think) of the M4, Hullavington.
    There is another RAF unit at High Wycombe.
    
    Points you should consider are that it isn't a part-time hobby. You
    should attend as often as is required and this can vary from one
    evening per week and some weekends per month to one weekend every two
    months. You'll be part of a team and non-attendance will detrimentally
    impact this.
    
    Travelling time must be considered bearing mind you sign on for
    four years. Then there is the time required to clean your kit,
    especially your boots, study if required, and any personal exercises.
    
    In return you could have some of the best times of your life.
    
    Dave

    Thanks for the reply Dave,it is a help,I had the impression from a
    recruitment advertisement that the RGJ wanted a high level of recruit.
     I know Steve Serjeant and I've got a friend in the Marines in Henley,I
    put the note in to get some more opinions and some detail of the units
    around my area and exapmles of fitness tests like you gave.
     Regarding the TA SAS,have you read the book by Adam Ballinger,it gives
    a really good insite into their training methods and level of
    fitness,superb I couldn't put it down.
    
    Tyrone
    

    
    Going on about the fitness, it varies sometimes. The very first test
    for the TA SAS is 3 miles in less than 21 minutes and that's before
    they even talk to you. I imagine the Marines are about the same.
    Remember, these are the basic tests that should present no problems.
    You should be much fitter ideally. 
    
    Don't forget the Para's either. Then there are Trades as an
    alternative to Infantry/Airborne/Amphibious units
    
    The book is interesting, I also enjoyed it.
    

    
    Ballinger never got badged, he never went all the way.
    
    RGJ v 2 Wessex I can't comment on the comparisons of fitness etc except
    to mention that in 2 Wessex I believe we have always compared pretty 
    favourably with other infantry units.  As part of the Prince of Wales 
    division, when we attended our recruit cadre at depot, the regular staff 
    seemed quite impressed with our training, fitness, skills etc compared 
    with the other TA regiment recruits.  On excersise with other regiments
    we have normally held our own.
    
    I joined 2 Wessex as I was getting on a bit and not as fit as I was
    once, I would really of liked to join 10 para, I tried a few years
    earlier when the regulars wouldn't take me but due to circumstances I do 
    not wish to discuss (well not on a public net) I was turned down.  My
    plan was to do a year or so in 2 Wessex get my fitness together and get
    a transfer, however call it loyalty to the regiment or what you like, I
    never felt the need to transfer, at least not to another infantry
    regiment.   Many of my mates have been regular Para's, a couple of them 
    have also been in 2 Wessex, I had no complaints from them, 1 was a 
    Falklands vetran with two tours in Ireland under his belt the other, 
    after leaving the Para's had a 6 year spell in 2 REP (The French Airbourne
    Legionaires), If it's good enough for them I sure it will be good enough 
    for you.
    
    After you have considered your fitness your next consideration would be
    that of training.  After you have learnt your basic infantry skills, NBC, 
    map reading, signalling, first aid, etc, unless you keep pushing for 
    futher courses training etc it can become a bit repetative, I can't
    see the RGJ being any better in that respect, of course that depends on 
    yourself, I managed to get up to  allsorts of other things, a weekend with
    21, Gemeni(SP) training with the Marines, AC and AFVR courses and I became
    a Corpral which kept me learning but I have seen plenty of others go along 
    and do the same thing week in week out.  
    
    2 Wessex had a home defence role (not DAD's Army) in my time, so much 
    to my annoyance we always seemed to have older equipment than other 
    regiments, in a NATO role as I believe RGJ to be in, you are better 
    equipped.  But like they say it's not what you got, it's how you use
    it.  Anyway I bought a lot of my own gear with my bounty money, it's
    well worth doing that to make life a little more comfortable in the
    field.
    
    If you are interested I don't think you will find much differance
    between RGJ and 2 Wessex.  If you are really keen and fit, join  10 para, 
    if you are really, really keen and superfit, switched on and ready to give 
    up your full time job, go to Bramley, a word of caution of the 6 people 
    that I know that have attempted to join 21 none have yet succeded, however 
    two are still on the latest cadre. One of them is a Deccie.  They are
    down to about 16 from about 120 or so but you know the form you've read
    the book.
    
    I really enjoyed my time with 2 Wessex, I would go back tomorrow if I
    could but I wouldn't go back unless I could give 100%.  I say whatever
    regiment you may be thinking of, pick one and join, you won't regret
    it, not many do,
    
    Loz.

    Hi Tyrone,
    
    If I were you, I'd go for 2 Wessex, cause I'm in that one, and its 
    great fun.
    
    With regards to fitness, I know alot about the requirements, as I 
    belong to the Recruits Training Team.
    
    If you decide to join, you will be invited to come along to a recruit 
    Assessment Weekend, otherwise known as a RAW.  When you arrive, you 
    will be given coveralls and a bib, with your own exclusive number on 
    it.
    
    Saturday morning, your up fairly early, and we take you to aborfield 
    garrison, where you will run a 3 mile circuit, the timings are about 28 
    mins, then, we take you down to the assault course and range, where you 
    will run the assualt course in your own time and as a team, then you 
    will fire the SA80 rifle. Sometime over the weekend you will complete a 
    written test as well.
    
    Saturday night, we have a few beers and get to know you, sunday 
    morning, ususally consists of some form of PT, and then attestation if 
    you've passed.
    
    If you've passed, you get your kit there and then, and your training 
    starts in two weekends time.
    
    I've been in for what seems like years, and its great fun, if you want 
    more info, contact me on 7830 2503 or speak to Steve Serjeant, doesn't 
    he work near you.
    
    Hope the above helps.
    
    Chrissie
    Alias Dustie

    
    Dusty,
    
    nice to see you back.  Can you enter or send me the details of the
    tests etc for women.  A girl I know from the Crescent will be doing
    her assesment weekend soon, also has a date been set yet, she's kind of
    expecting May?  Is Steve still on the RRTT and how about Cpl Broughton (ex
    9 Pltn Basingstoke) and Sgt Barlas (also ex 9 Pltn), if they are give     
    'em my love,
    
    Loz.

    Hi Loz,
    
    Can't really provide any real paperwork, but you can get her to give 
    me a ring, and I'll let her know everything she needs to know.
    
    It its general literature, then thats not a problem, I can pick some up 
    tonight.
    
    Yeah, Steve is still in RRTT, but I believe he's going back to HQ 
    within the next couple of months, Kenny Barlas, well, guess what, he's 
    back on the team again, bones all mended with a wicked sense of humour.  
    James, is now Platoon Sgt 10 Plt.  I don't get the impression that he's 
    enjoying too much at the moment, but he thinks its going to get better 
    once things start to move.
    
    I must admit, I do miss ol james, he always somehow, put a smile on 
    everybody face.  What a nutter, screwball, mad person, great guy!
    
    Hows the baby!!!
    
    See ya
    
    Dustie

      I ain't gone yet Dust. Talking to Dave last Wednesday (didn't see
    you, will you be in tonight?) and nobody knows when I'm going back, but
    he's of the opinion that I'm on the team until HQ come up with someone
    to replace me. He also said I'll be part of the team for camp.
    
    						Steve..

    Hi Steve,
    
    Brilliant news, and what a quick reply....at least I'll have a friend 
    in the camp.
    
    I'm quite looking forward to it now.
    
    See ya
    
    Dustie

    That makes two of us, are you "in" tonight??
    
    						Steve..

    Hiya,
    
    Yep, I'm in tonight, but I don't think I will be hanging around, as I 
    was out last week getting my back sorted, so I'll heading home and for 
    the floor.
    
    No rude remarks please
    
    TTFN
    
    Dustie

    
    Chrissie,
    
    ta for the info.  I'll get her to call you if she wants.
    
    Update on 21 - 0 out of 6.  The last one went down with Hypo weekend
    before easter 3k short of the distance.  It was his last weekend as
    well, he swore he wouldn't attempt it again but he will be giving it
    another go on the next cadre.  Some people just don't know when to
    quit.
    
    Loz.
    
    P.S. Steve, where's my Para Kevlar? Hasn't your course finished yet?:-)

      LOz, I thought you'd forgetton about that. I'll bring it in.
    
    						Steve..

    Lawrence,do you know anything about 2624 or 4624 squadron RAuxAF Reg?
    
    Tyrone
    

    
    Not a lot, but the conference Mod does, come in Dave.

    Over here Loz,
    
    Yep Tyrone, 2624 is one of my old units - what do you want to know?
    
    Dave

    What is their commitment,role and training level.
    
    Tyrone
    

    Tyrone,
    
    The commitment from you is about 56 days a year. This is attained by
    weekly evening meetings, one weekend a month and 15 days per year.
    
    Their role is ground defence of RAF sites.
    
    What do you mean by training level? I don't understand I'm afraid.
    
    Are you thinking about joining them?
    
    Dave	
    

    You answered my question about training except by what I've read they
    their training involves dispersing in to the local countryside etc,is
    this true and what else do they do?And I read that they do adventure
    training?
     I've been interested in joining the TA for a long time,but I have only
    just started to get my fitness level sorted out before it's too late!
    I bought a book the other day on Brize Norton and descovered your old
    squadron.The type of triaining apeals to me,and they have a lower
    commitment level to the Army.
    
    Tyrone
    

    Tyrone,
    
    The commitment should really be considered as the minimum required to
    achieve and maintain a basic level of skill, and it's over 4 years
    remember. As 2624 are basically an infantry unit that amounts to many
    hours being gassed, sodden and cold; not forgetting the waiting, the 
    frustration and general time-wasting. 
    
    It's not all "fun" though there are some really good memories. Like the 
    bath after a weekend; putting on clean, dry socks after removing the 
    wet ones you'ld been wearing all day; putting the uniform on for 
    parades; drinks in the bar; weapon training; pride....the list goes on.   
    
    
    Yes, I think any reserve unit gets involved with adventure training.
    
    Don't forget the other reserve unit at Brize Norton, 4624 Movements
    Squadron. Other local RAF reserve units are at High Wycombe, Middlesex,
    and Hullavington.
    
    Then there's the RM at Henley and, if you're really keen, the TA at
    Bramley.
    
    Dave
    

    As I mentioned before,the other unit I was interested in is the Royal
    Green Jackets as they are my county regiment and my father was in them.
    I have a freind in the RMR in Henley (where I live) who has acted as
    observer on some of their exercises,and he was quite impressed with
    them.But again they have a high commitment and the drill night is on
    the wrong night :^)
     But I know what I have to do,and what I have to accept as my
    responsibility if I join.The other factor is the distance I will have
    to travel.
    
    Tyrone
    

    It was reported in the Sunday Express that the Para's are to use some
    members of their regiment in the TA to patrol Northern Irland,dur to a
    shortage of suitable recruits in certain regular regiments.
    
    Tyrone
    

    
    Tyrone,
    
    this is quite common, members of 2 Wessex have served S-type
    engagements with the Dukes in Hong Kong and N.I. in the past.
    
    Normally you are only talking minimal numbers.  An S-type engagement
    ordinarily lasts 12 months, during that time you are attached to a
    regular unit as a regular.
    
    Loz.

    I pressume volunteers are asked for and you would still have protection
    for your job?
     I must admit that I never realized that this is common practice.
    
    Tyrone
    

    
    No, S types engagements are purely voluntary. The vacancies are listed
    and anyone can volunteer provided they fall within the categories
    required. I believe there is no employment protection if you decide on
    an S-type.
    
    Steve..

    I see no relevence to the title of this conference in your ongoing
    discussion.  Why not converse via E_Mail?

    Hi,
    
    	At least it shows someone's alive and kicking out there !
    
    	Dave