My employer who won an obe for arms manufacture during ww2 hated me being in ta and made it very hard. Early 1980s working a 50 HR week, take kit to work on a Friday, go straight to drill hall after threats from boss for not working weekend, straight onto back of 4 tonner and off to wherever and not sleep for two days, back to SENTA Sunday evening for return to drill hall, sleeping on pile of kit in 4 tonner ready for work Monday morning . TA life harder than the regulars.
i did 12 years, '88 to 2000. it was a great compromise for me, as i was 21, i had a full time job, married, 1 son. local unit, really enjoyed it, went around the uk and europe, various sapper tasks, and harrier support with RAF. towards the end of the 90's they were starting to be more opportunities to go on active service. my missus had a spinal injury in 2000, so i had to leave. i miss it, but i don't yearn for it.... too old now anyway ! edit: ohh, i worked for our local hospital, so a govt job, i got two weeks and some weekends extra on my holidays, for army service, that, pay and bounty... was pretty good.
I started my military career in the TA. B Coy (PWRR) London Regt 94-96, D Coy 6 R Anglian 96-99, HQ Coy East of England Regt 99-03. Had my bounty every year which tells you I was dedicated to being there almost every drill night, weekend training and battle camp. Deployed to the Falklands (95) and two tours of Kosovo (99-00 & 01-02) during this time and deployed on exercise in Canada (Ex POND JUMP WEST) alongside the Scots Guards straight off the back of the Falklands deployment. Joined the Regular Army in 2003 and it took a long time to shed the STAB nickname and be accepted as a regular. Still serving today and due to finish my 24 years regular service in 2027, will have been in uniform for 33 years by the time I exit to Civ Div. Many reservists bring with them a lot more skills than just soldiering, whatever trade they perform in civilian life quite often augments their job in the reserves. When you're in an infantry unit with reserves who are electricians or plumbers or butchers or school teachers they all bring a bit of their civilian trade to the party.
I'm a former Territorial reservist,left last year after 33 years, surprisingly you'd think I'd never been in ,not 1 message or call asking how I am feck 'em all lol
@@kevinadamson5768 95' straight off the back of my Falklands tour, was attached to Right Flank Coy for the exercise as Pl Comd's Rad Op. There was some really good lads and some complete belters. Think we broke at least two Platoon Commanders on that exercise!? 🤣
i was in 3rd battalion PWO . loved every minute of it. we trained very hard and it paid off. the colour sgt at catterick garrison said we were the 2nd best battalion he had ever trained and he would be proud to have any of us on deployment with him
@@JohnWilson-cb8nh This was in around 96/97, the war as such was finished. I was attached to the Green Howards as a Gunnery instructor on the Warrior, and driving instructor. Even had a few do the cadre. Maybe it was an infantry thing? Deffo had a few though.
You were lucky then we had some that we’re embarrassing if I’m honest I found the x regulars who joined the ta we’re fine the ones who had just joined the ta directly were terrible unfit struggling with even the basics, one of them before we went on a 3/4 day observation of a target in Kosovo decided he didn’t want to wear webbing and put all his stuff in his combat jacket instead
Additional history (TA soldier for 18 years btw), in the 20's and 30's most TA drill halls held weekend dances which has resulted in many, many long lasting marriages. My Mom and dad went to same drill hall in Haslucks Green Road, Shirley, that I served at for eight years 80 - 88 2nd Bn Mercian Volunteers, before transfer to a medical unit in Kings Heath, Birmingham, 88 - 97, 202(M) gen Hosp RAMC (V), including deployment as regular on Op Granby
I was in the TA in the early eighties for 3 years then joined the Ambulance Service in 1985. The recruiter in the ambulance service was ex military. As you can imagine we got on very well. Did 35 years as an ambo both in UK and Australia. The TA set me up for life.
Brilliant, as soon as you meet someone else that has served there's almost an immediate bond. There's nothing quite like it. Thank you for commenting 👍
It used to be (for Royal Engineers anyway) every other year we got sent out to BAOR for two weeks as annual camp. The in-between years we did two weeks somewhere in the UK but quite often we were sent to do MACC tasks (Military and Civil Community) whereby we would rebuild foot bridges, walkways and the like in national parks, etc. These tasks were hard work because the pressure was on our lot (the CRE) to get these jobs done within the two-week period. Other times we would do similar MACC tasks over several weekends. One that springs to mind is a bridge we re-built at Bolton Abbey (near Skipton, North Yorkshire) over the River Wharfe on the Abbey estate. Worth a visit if you're in that neck of the woods troops...
In the Gulf war, my mate a London Taxi driver and a gunner in 606 squadron Regiment Flight RAF Benson was the first reservist to take an Iraqi soldier prisoner. Actually, my mate was the first coalition soldier he could find to surrender to 😂
Although I have never served I marshalled and played paintball to a high level between 1988 until 2005. Over those years we marshals would try and join in games with any Army/Forces personnel that we had as guests on the day. Over the years we hosted the most amazing groups from normal regiments, the Paras, Coldstream Guards, US Marines and on one occasion from a couple of dozen blokes who , it transpired were from a RDF, often operating from subs. I assume they were SBS but they would not say but they had mentioned RDF and subs as they were having lunch, overheard by a couple of our marshals. We, the marshals, knew our fields like the back of our hands and understood our paintball guns, and knew not to use the artificial cover if possible, such as stacked pallets, but use the trees and natural depressions in the ground, and did manage to beat the Army units. I am not blowing our trumpet as I realise that in the real world we would probably have been brown bread. However my point is that we had a dozen Territorials come along one day from the Queens Regiment (Signals) TA based in Seaside Road in Eastbourne near to our site. They were by far our hardest opponents who were the only ones who used the buddy buddy system, I think it is called, moving forward in twos while another pair laid down a base of fire to cover. The Paras, in particular, we found were too aggressive, and not knowing the ground/woodland well, were despatched pretty quickly. The Guards were good and we marshalled and played along with them on a very cold day, snowing on and off, where both myself and a CSM were close to tears as the paintballs were close to frozen and we were both hit in the upper legs/buttock area seconds apart and the pain was immense. I was only marshalling at the time. I had warned them during the morning safety talk that hits would hurt on fattier parts of the body because of the weather and the CSM actually taught me swear words that I believe I had never heard before after he was struck. The weird thing about the TA who turned up was that they were all 6 feet and over and basically all bald/skinheads which I can remember seemed strange at the time. I have nothing but the fullest respect for all who serve including the TA.
Thanks for this video Keith. I spent many years in the Raf Regt reserve, and I think that all reservists, regardless of cap badge, don't get enough praise and recognition for what they do. Very informative video.
Thank you John. It's hard to juggle a civvy job, family and a career in the Reserves. Takes some doing and then you have to shrug off the jibes from the Regulars.
A great video highlighting the TA and Army Reserve. As a TA soldier I did a week long course at the Royal School of Artillery . At the end we were asked if we had any questions. Of course I had to ask as part time soldiers "how did we do". The reply was that we made the same mistakes as the regulars. I was quite pleased with that.
I absolutely loved this cast because it was very relatable, as I was in Queen own Oxfordshire hussars, I had a par time employer who tried making life difficult for me so that was I couldn’t go away on weekends, so I told them to reroute their job elsewhere because being a soldier was very important to me. I’m third generation of military. After three years of mud sweat and tears and injuries sustained I was given the glorious opportunity to serve in Bosnia with 4 other soldiers from my squadron, but a week before I was due to be deployed, by partner at the time gave me a verbal ultimatum using emotional blackmail, I ended up not going, worse decision I ever made. One of which I have never forgiven her for. Our squadron got closed down a few years later and now it’s houses. Although the regiment still exists they have changed their role and took on new squadrons further south. I should not blow my own trumpet. But weekend training at Sennebridge was my ultimate achievement, not only did I take out the Gmpy across the river on arrival, but I was last man standing after a 2 day urban battle. Give me a rifle and ration pack and I’m in 🫡
Thanks for the post. I joined the RTC 236 Squadron Manchester Cholton TAVR 1977, past my HGV 2 in a AEC 10 Tonner nick name Knocker. I then did P coy with B Company 4 PARA OLDHAM ( like you mentioned TAVR Centers going going gone, Rife Street Barracks gone) and completed the jump course at Brize. Had lots of oppunities to take part in courses, Motorcycle Rallies,B3 Demolition with the RE. Tin City SMG great for this, but the SLR Top. I was the company driver for B company had a Bedford RL 4 tonner, several Rovers, the air portable Rover was my favorite Did training with the French 9th Parachute Chasseur Regiment in Toulouse.We were given Honorary members of their regiment. Had a great time highly recommended and with pay, not forgetting the yearly bounty. Dont let my DZ ankle and TABing knee put you off. Thanks again Great Post.
Thanks Robert, I remember the old Knockers, and the RL Bedfords. Great memories mate. Is a shame that so many TACs closed down. All the best and thank you for your support 👍
I served for 8 yrs in the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers a TA regiment based mainly in South Wales but also 225 sqdn in the Midlands and a troop in Bristol also since my day in the 1980,s they have a sqdn in the channel Islands. And as much as there was a drinking culture it was no more than regular soldiers we had a junior ranks bar a sgts mess and an officers mess but it was a case of no drink until the work is done Also at the time we had a NATO commitment and Were part of the BAOR a role we fulfilled since ww2 when 100 and 101 Monmouthshire field companies RE were part of V111 corps, I trained in Germany and Holland throughout the 80,s including ex Lionheart and we took the role and training very seriously but had fun when off duty like any other squaddie. I had some of the best times in the TA learnt skills I still use today at 62 yrs old and I wear my regimental blazer and beret with pride on rememberance day I don't wear medals as I never had any I'm not a Walt but I am a proud veteran of the uk armed forces
Ex Lionheart was one of the big BAOR Exercises, I think we were in the field for about 4 weeks. I remember a massive reenforcement of TA and Regular Reserves coming over from UK. We had one big one before that in 1980, Exercise crusader and another before that Exercise Spearpoint. The Regular Army could not have fought a 3rd WW without the TA.
i'm jersey, so my lot are combined with your lot now, but not in my time, tho we were 111 late 80's, but we are still the oldest formed unit in the army *wink
"they always do that, soon as the threats over" What was the line...ah, yes: "O it's 'Tommy this' an' 'Tommy that' an' 'Tommy go away'; But it's 'Thank you Mr. Atkins', when the band begins to play." - Rudyard Kipling, "Tommy"
Thanks Keith for putting the TA on your videos. I did only 8 years in the RCT and loved it and I was a lorry driver all my working life (68 now😂). I had to take my holiday to do my camp .I help at two coffee morning for veterans and see some of my old mate from 40years ago. If you and your good lady ever come to Hull (Wednesday and Friday give is a call.👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Another excellent video Keith. I did 3 tours with the TA, first as a SSgt PSi, then as OC of the TA Trg Sqn at the RE recruit unit 1 Trgt Regt RE then as A PS Officer in a midlands Engineer Regiment (V). Over the years the TA has got smaller & smaller and lrss effective in my view. Individuallt the Junior ranks were excellent & very keen and many deployed to Iraq & Afghanistan.. The main weekness in leadship was the fact that promotion was based on attendance & not nessessarily the best. In otherwords it was pointless promoting those who were not regular attendees.
I was in 152 ulster ambulance regiment rct (v) based in Belfast. Best times we're had in the eighties. Our depot for training was Prince William of Gloucester barracks in Grantham
Excellent informative video as always Keith. Whilst on HERRICk 13 with 1 R IRISH I had one of the CSM's say to me that he found it difficult to tell which of the soldiers were TA and which were regular. I took that as a very good reflection on how well the lads had intergrated into the Battalion during what was a very kinetic tour.
Worked shift work in a factory, got home on a friday at 5pm then had to be at barracks for 7pm friday night for a long weekend. Paid 27 pounds for 24 hour day, losing 100 pound in a sat morning overtime shift in factory. Cost us money volunteering for the TA. We were as fit as any regulars, RWF.
About half way through the process of joining the reserve myself - currently stuck in the long wait to get my medical cleared. Appreciate the history lesson, some of it I was aware of, a lot of it I wasn't! P.S - phenomenal job raising all that dosh for the charity, you should be bloody proud of yourselves. 💪
Never thought I'd see you here Dave, I'm going through the process myself, just finished my foundation (old alpha course) and am hoping to finish off phase 1 in October. The medical can be a nightmare, especially if your GP is rubbish. Good luck with it anyway mate. Massive fan of your channel btw, particularly your Skyrim and coldwaters Brit sub play through.
The pensions are only for reservists who served after 2013, as i found out when i enquired about as i was in from April 1986 until Feb 1993, also back then the TA was divided into either NATO or HSF units, the nato ones could go on annual camp all over, whereas the HSF ones only used the Uk training areas congrats on yours & tracer rounds outstanding effort with the weighted tab ATB to all Barry
Cheers Barry. The TA pension is a good idea but I wonder how much they actually receive, must be calculated on the normal criteria such as rank, time served etc.
Hi Keith, didn’t know you’re a Hertfordshire lad - I was born in Hertford and grew up near Cuffley where the first Zeppelin was brought down during the First World War. I have great memories of working with the TA - a great bunch, always enthusiastic and keen to learn. I can remember one particular Cymbeline Cup where one of the TA sections deservedly came first ahead of regular sections from 29 Cdo and 4 Fd!!
I think sometimes the Regular Army underestimated the TA. When I was a Recruit instructor we had a lot of TA come through our training unit, they generally seemed more mature and keen
TA, great memories, barrybudden, Glasgow parade ground (a fire brigade yard?), Malta Barracks, basic Wales, milling, log-carrying. At 63, I still play rugby/soccer, I believe, all because of that 18 months running up and down lowland hills that beat fitness into me.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I am surprised it lasted that long, it seemed sort of half abandoned in the 80s, but then again, I only visited for a few days at a time, I guess there were busier periods...
Joined the T A in the early 80s not long after I left the regulars . I was the only ex regular in the platoon. I was the fish out of water as I found the training work so basic and could not grasp the lack of discipline and security. Hard to adjust to it but I managed 3 years.
Hi Keith,very interesting video about the evolution of the Army Reserve. I joined the RNR in 1975,and eventually rose to be a Chief Petty Officer. Right up to the late 1980's into the early 1990's, it was for us RNR ratings,very siimilar to the Army Reserves. Comments like RNR,really not required up to RNR, rest and recreation! Like the Army Reserves we had to work hard to prove to a lot of regulars that we were as good as them. From the mid 1990's until I retired from the RNR in 2001,that situation had vastly improved and the "regulars" accepted us as equals. Like the Army,during WW1 and WW2,the RN was composed of Reserves in huge numbers. I can't remember when the RNVR and RNR became one though,sorry. Hope the cold and ankle get better soon
Served six years in the TA with the Wessex battalion my hi light had to be Germany and exercise Lionheart. Got to do so many things I wouldn't have got the chance to in normal civvie life. Great memories.👍
I Joined B Coy ,1 Wessex in Winchester in 1972 aged 17 and was at annual camp at Knook camp just outside Warminster , where we were presented with our Regimental & Queen's colours. Later that year I was selected to go to Gibraltar for 2 weeks adventure training staying at RAF Gibraltar, great time was had by all.
Great video. I have just recently been attested into the reserve company for the Grenadier Guards, one of companys that make up the 1st Bt London Guards (formely the London Regiment) after an incredibly long application process. Have some ex regs in our ranks and I think most of the staff have served in the regs too (you can usually tell). The integration between the regs and reserves is definately stepping up and essential.
I joined the Royal Mercian Lancastrian Yeomanry in 02, joined What became 4 Lancs; met some great guys and girls. When Telic 8 came about I signed up to do my bit got a fair amount of stick from some of our regular counterparts..but overall experience was positive. Things changed after Iraq and Afghanistan in the sense that we were taken more seriously by the regs as they saw us get stuck in on tour, having operated alongside each other. I personally got blown up in a snatch (luckily everyone survived) and working closely with the regs there was no hiding place as there was a job to do. The drinking culture used to be a big thing and while there is no doubt a social culture with the Reserve it has got massively more professional over time. If my body could put up with the punishment I'd go back tomorrow. I actually took a highstreet jeweller to court because they refused to employ me due to being in the TA....so employers don't see the benefit of reservists. Mores the pity
That is a brilliant amount that you and Tracer Round have raised to Scotty's Little Soldiers. I know you say it is down the us viewers, but if it wasn't for the work you put into the channel you would have inspired your Subs to back you. I must admit that as a young Soldier I wasn't overly keen on our TA Counterparts, and my only experience was having a couple of lads come out and work along side us. As I spent more time showing that how we did things, rather than just getting on with it myself. They were cracking lads. It wasn't till I first went to Bosnia in 97 when we really got to work with them as they were then part of our section. We had a Cpl and Sgt both from Liverpool. We had a real good laugh with them. The I was back out again in 98, this time we only have the one Lad a Cpl, again a brilliant lad, a real hard worker. He signed on to then do the winter tour of that year. I don't know if he did stay on as I was brought back a month early and for good measure sent on the second big NATO exercise out in Poland. I had my Posting extended by 4 months for me to do the Bosnia Tour and to end up in Poland. Thing that makes my laugh was I was P7 and not supposed to go on tour let alone two or go on exercises. If you didn't say anything you got away with it. Only pull the biff chit once and that was because they wanted to send me off skiing and my knackered knees could take that.
Wishing Jaymac, another sub best of health and a speedy recovery. You need Tracer Round to issue you a biffchit, so you can relax and blether resting that ankle bud..😉
Ex 2 Mercian /4WFR Did my basic at Prince of Wales depot Whittington barracks 1985, set me up for life, great experiences,skills and mates. Worked as a civvy contractor ops Telic 9,10 and 11 and bumped into quiet a few mates still serving as reservists. Thanks for posting, good to read others comments 👍
Cheers, yes we get some great comments on here, there is a wealth of information and knowledge amongst the channels subscribers and supporters. All the best.
Nice vlog Keith, after finishing my regular service in Para Regt in 1995 I did a NRPS job in 10 Para until their disbandment in 1999 .... good times and a great TA unit 😉
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd This is from a friend who lives in Aldershot. "I am afraid any memories have gone. The only building still there ( may have gone not visited for a bit ) is one of the Admin buildings next to Square by the Golf Club also I think the old green hanger still standing. Whole site to be redeveloped for houses, I think the Canal is safe"
I joined TA artillery in 1989, and am less than 18 months from retiring from the Army Reserve. In that time I've done 3 SSVC or what we nowadays call FTRS deployments including Brunei and Belize and a 2 year stint at Tidworth that included a tour of Bosnia and deployments to Kenya and BATUS. Subsequently I have done mobilised service in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. Initially I got the normal "ribbing" from the regulars I worked alongside, but also in that 35+ years, I have noticed the change from a very "them-and-us" (bloody STAB's, Stupid ARABS etc etc) position to what we have today, where to be honest, the regulars are just happy that people are bailing them out with manpower and skills brought from civilian life.
Great little vid that one Keith, you got everything spot on. Think I might have mentioned it before, but when I was serving I got sent on a SNCO's course at RE HQ, Chatham. Out of the twenty-two on the course - I was the only TA guy!! Best course I ever did. Got on with all the regular guys like a house on fire. Great days they were...
My grandfather was in the Territorial Force pre WW1 & served throughout the war, mostly in the middle east. He was wounded and these eventually led to his death in 1946. I never knew him but always remember him on Rememberance Day. 3644 Pte Rudolph Parry, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Lest We Forget.
Excellent video as always! I loved being a STAB - started as LI (now RIFLES) then off to specialist stuff - not SF!. Blessed with fantastic enthusiastic Light Div PSIs. Mobilised for operations 5 times. Glad to help out my Regular Army brothers (and sisters) when they needed me. Always made to feel welcome however inept I was. Met some great people from different walks of life in both the TA and the Regular Army with whom I have been friends for 30 years!
Thanks for the informative accurate video Keith, much appreciated to shine a light on the TA/Army reserve. I was in the Royal Signals TA/Army reserve for 21 years with a tour in Iraq. When I first joined it was treated like a poor relation of the regular Army, modern kit was received many years later when it was updated, my Squadron was still using 1958 webbing up until the early 2000's. Eventually it was treated as serious integral part of the Army and the drinking club image was broken when TA members were starting to be called up to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Back in the 1950s, I was in 7 Middlesex (TA) as a bandsman. Our drill hall was in Hornsey. I left before the Middlesex regulars and TA disappeared into the large, short-lived Queen's Regiment in the 1960s. I've often wondered what happened to all our band equipment and silverware?🤔
It such a shame everytime we lose a fine old Regiment. I'm unsure of what exactly happens to the instruments, I think they probably redistribute them around the Armed Forces. I know that all the best Regiment Silver often stays with the merged/newly formed Regiments, some other pieces sometimes end up in Regimental Museums. I've also seen some other Mess Property, such us gifted items from Mess Members on their leaving, get handed/offered back or auctioned off and profits gifted to a military charity.
Queen's Regiment became PWRR - I expect some went there. However Hornsey was a Platoon location for B Coy 6 Queen's (V) at Edgware TAC and then B Coy 6/7 Queen's (V) which ultimately transferred to 8 Queen's (V) which was a hotchpotch of Queensmen and Fusiliers which due to non-agreement ended up being called 8 Queen's Fusiliers (V) - (8QF) which meant you could chose the Badge or the Hackle............. (I kid you not) if you wanted............. later it was rebadged again and survives as 'The London Regiment'. A new B Coy 6/7 Queens(V) was raised at Brighton to replace our lost Edgware Coy but it never did well recruiting and is now long gone................ How do I know ? - well I was there............ and the Silverware is probably split between the London Regiment and the PWRR....................... 6/7 Queens(V) at Sutton certainly held all the Silverware for the East Surrey Regiments - I saw it in the Silver-room in the PSAO Office................. it was held on our Property book.
Great video again. I've just returned from Germany and the 50th anniversary commemorations being held for the six TA parachutists that drowned in The Kiel Canal on Ex Bold Guard. Look after yourself, get a test for Covid, there's a lot of it about.
Very important this! Reserve elements in many armies is essential. They reinforce strength, they provide civilian special skills and they are an important interface between regular army and civilian society. I belive the British Army should expand it reserve elements, as to make it more up to pace with the needs of todays European secutiry situation.
The Buckinghamshire Battalion had a Rifle battalion in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. The the battalion had wear of jackets of green same as the KRRC and RB, was TA battalion from 1908 - 64 The Buckinghamshire Battalion had the March of I`my 95th.
I served in the ta in 90s I was in a specialist unit and had to travel to regular army barracks down south evertime we trained brown down barracks for basic training and Bournemouth after that,a independent unit went too a local drill hall not many know about this thought ide share it,there was also alot of x regulars in our unit and 8 became a regular in the ta,doing months at a time instead of week ends 2 week training traveled all over Germany,Canada, Yugoslavia gulf etc for those who look down on ta or better army reserves take note
.............and of course as well there were the 'Regular Reserves' and 'RARO' as well as the 'Specialist Reserve' (to which I belonged) and the general TA. To join the TA Ex-Regulars had to be released from their 'Regular Reserve Liability' - most did that and then never attended (I think they felt the TA to be a poor substitute for their time in the Regulars). I must admit that TA soldiers seemed to fit into 2 categories - either 'super keen' or 'occasional attenders'. During mobilisation exercises the 'occasional attenders' never showed up and usually we were lucky to parade at 50% strength.................. I sometimes felt the TA to be a bit of a 'Paper Tiger' in peacetime (not wartime) - lucky it was never really tested post-WW2
Back in ‘77, I voluntold for the first fire strike. Went to Llanelli and we were billeted in the TA Hall. A major in the TA was a family member of the Felinfoel Brewery. We worked (worked?) 24 on 24 off and was invited by this fine officer to visit the brewery and take advantage of its wares, whenever we felt the need. It was a cellar with wooden benches, loads of glasses and a bitter tap just poking out of the wall. We felt the need, ho-yus. 😂🤣 The brewery was, of course, given a nickname = Feeling Foul.
As a regular I first experienced the TA when they formed the ‘Continental TA’ in Germany in the mid 80’s. The bods were all recruited from ex-regulars who had settled in Germany. I was involved with the forming of 408 (Berlin) Field Troop RE (V). Later, when I decided to leave the regulars I spent a few years in what was then a brand new TA EOD Regiment. Both of them were great as long as they were able to specialise in a particular role. You can’t cover a full training spectrum in 27 days…
I never knew about the 'Continental ' TA. What a cracking idea that was, makes absolute sense. They would have local knowledge, good grasp of the language and as you say their special skills were already embedded. Thank you for sharing 👍
I've Enlisted Twice for the TA first time 6th Btn RRF as a Infantry Soldier then in later years RLC as Chef. I actually had the chance to go to Romania with the HAC for 2 weeks, however my Employer would not let me go as had just come back from 2 weeks at Grantham getting my final chef grade to be Sqn Masterchef. Great times loved it.
Hi Keith another great film. My three brothers all served in the same TA Yeomanry recce squadron ,I was the only regular. They all had full time jobs ,did drill nights and weekends, I still dont know how they fitted it all in !.. On a couple of the big exercises in the 80s' all four of us would be in Germany at the same time
No never managed to meet up , as you say the 80s exercises were huge, lionheart etc. Good subject for a 'tab talk' !, cheers mate, keep up the great work
Like a lot of other men my dad had to do a period of compulsory service in the TA , straight after his National Service. He was in the RAOC and went to a light AA battery RA . A totally different experience for him but he enjoyed it . The STAB bit makes you laugh , when you think of all the ex Regulars that served . All good banter I know 😂
Forty years ago on 5/11/1984, I Joined 1/Wessex (RV) for six months to see if I liked it. Must have done as I did 20 years. Best time of my entire life.
Good briefing Sir! Well researched. As far as I remember we (the TA) could only be mobilised as a formed unit, (or via 'S-type' engagements) until they brought in a new Reserved Forces Act which allowed us to volunteer to be mobilised as individuals. I was a bit too old and knckred by then. On large Exercises such as Lionheart/Crusader we were actually Mobilised for the 15 days. Some linked formations that might be worth looking into: The 'Reserves' (ex-Regulars who stayed on the Reserve list after thyey stepped off) used to attend a day each year to get a small Bounty - they were a sight to behold in remnants of ill-fitting kit, beards, and shall we say some questionable fitness levels! - and then the Home Service Force (HSF) came into being briefly, and many older TA soldiers found themselves transferred into the HSF as the TA upper age limit was reduced.
Hi Mike I certainly remember the HSF, I personally think they were a good idea. They would have taken some pressure off the Regulars and TA in time of war.
There was a recent court (employment tribunal) case where a former TA/AR Major took the MoD to court over the lack of pension entitlement prior to the new 2015 AFPS being introduced and he won. It means that depending on service and the days training they undertook, they should be awarded a pension. It's not yet clear if the MoD will challenge the decision.
Brilliant video, I done regular and reserve. The reserve is definitely looked down on! I’ve tried to rejoin recently it’s a bloody nightmare! 6 months it’s took me so far. They have tried to make the reserve more like the regulars so they can slot in. Recruitment is struggling same as the regular army
During our Rhodesian Bush War our TA army used to do a 6 week call up as our war escalated.So the TA guys would leave their families in the city or on the farms all by themselves.This was a frightening time as there was always the possibility of a farm attack by terrorist's.The wives were trained and armed to protect themselves and their family and farm workers.So 6 weeks in the bush then maybe 3 weeks at home before the next 6 week stint.Rhodesian's were very resilient during our war years.Our TA people were all former National Service either army,BSAP or airforce people.Our wives on the farms were trained to use the FN/FAL,G3 and other hand guns.
I loved my time with TA A Squadron (Royal Gloucestershire Hussars) Royal Wessex Yeomanry, A Squadron has been amalgamated with C Squadron in Cirencester but the RGH are still around. During my time I only met one regular that made a few derogatory comments but that was it. My experience of working along side the regulars was great and I have nothing but respect for both regulars and reserves.
Keith awesome video yet again. Have commented on a few of your other videos and asked questions about the TA / Reserves in your Q&A you did with Tracer Round a few months ago. I find it interesting the similarities between the British and the Australian reserve forces. There was a drinking culture in our reserve forces with a lot of units having their own Boozers (Aussie military slang for a Bar). My unit had one until the RSM shut it down after not being invited to it after a parade night. We were look at as not being the "real Army" or referred to as 'Dads Army". But that was mostly buy Civies that have NFI about the Army. Reservists use to do a 2 weeks crash course compared to the Regs but that changed in the late 90's when they did the same training as the Regs. When I did my basic it was a mixture of Regs and Reservists but the training was all the same. Keep the great videos coming. Hope the ankle is better soon so you can keep TABBING. Cheers from Down Under.
i've had a few mates join regs after a few years TA, couple went back to basic training, some joined a unit, four officers had attachments and became essentially regular.
I'm glad mine is still open when I left the army I joined my local TA as I joined my local regiment my local TA was the same cap badge but it was it's own unit as most TA was batlions of regular units but mine was west Midlands regiment but now it is 4 mericen
Totally agree about the drinking culture there were many lads who took the piss and would slide into the OR's Mess just after 9.30 every week in civvies. There were also many lads who did every weekend and also every course offered to them often alongside regular soldiers. It came with great sadness when we we were told our company would be downsized to a platoon under options for change.
Good one ..hope your hoof gets better lol ..started 6 / 7 Queens , then moved to 5 Queens ..did my bash at Bassingbourne ..great times had with great STABS lol .. but only did 3 1/2 years . Still regretting not going in Regs ..hey that’s life lol .. 🎉🎉
Joined 5 coy 5 R Anglian in 75 started as a stubble hopper, went to anti-tank, became a DC. Went on to brize Norton became train as an op air nilpo, trained again as an MFC , left in 88, Not one of my employers, over that 13 years, gave me an extra days leave or pay. I had to use holiday leave. Wife endured this with 2 kids for those 13years, she got the yearly Bounty! I loved all of it , cold, wet, hungry, miserable, best bit. 2 weeks in Gib.
Used to work with 2 guys who were Army Reserve in the run up to Gulf War 2. Their infantry battalion was notified they were deploying to the Gulf, so they left A lot of ex forces worked alongside these 2 and the pair where basically sent to Coventry plus they found white feathers taped to their lockers for a right few weeks
My brother was in TA RGJ in early 90s . He was with a really enthusiastic bunch in the ta centre at the time and they completed the Cambrian Patrol , beating many of the regular units . I was in field ambulance ta in 1991 and the whole unit almost got called up to go to Germany to cover regulars going to gulf . I started running every week like mad just in case 😃
Great video with some great info on the TA. I did a short stint in the TA from 97 till 99 when my unit was dispanded. I was 67 Sqn RLC. Never considered myself a veteran though. I think perhaps because i felt i hadnt done enough to deserve the title of veteran. It wasnt until i was in my 40's that an RAF veteran told me it didnt matter if i was TA, I signed the dotted line and took the oath just like anyone else in the forces. I have since applied for and been issued a veterans badge and card but i still mostly dont talk about my short stint in the TA, guess i still dont really feel worthy enough to call myself a veteran.
Oh and here in the US each branch has a Reserve Force, plus the National Guard, which usually gets together one weekend a month for ongoing training and they get activated in case of natural disasters and such. My best friend did 8 years in the National Guard, he was Military Police, had a deployment to Afghanistan, and here in Minnesota, our National Guard Unit, the "Red Bulls" have been around since WWII and saw action in Europe too.
Cheers Al, will do. I was hosting some guys from the Air National Guard, they were from Little Rock, if I remember correctly. It was back in the early 2000s for an international shooting competition , they were very good shots.
Great video Keith, we had a mixed bag of reservists attached to us for our telic and Herrick tours (in our unir they usually backfilled echelon roles like stores but some did end up on the ground) they'd usually arrive part way through our pre deployment training cycle and some would slot straight in and be very capable at doing what we needed, others would be full of enthusiasm but would be lacking in ability and experience which meant putting additional time into helping them catch up but because they were essentially good blokes it would be worth the effort and then their unfortunately were some we'd get who would be an absolute waste of rations, unmotivated, unfit admin vortex's we'd have to spend time getting binned off
Happy memories of 143 Independent Plant Squadron Royal Engineers TAVR , earned badge at Aldershot after telling Boss at work I was taking my Holiday. I must have looked a bit battered when I got back to work as everybody wanted to know what happened to me ! STAB, not heard that for a long time, made me smile !
The TA was bigger than the Regular Army before WW1 and WW2. After WW2 the Regular Army remained larger than usual because of the Cold War. During the Cold War 80% of the Army Medical Services were Territorial Army. Again during the Cold War there was 1 Regular SAS Regiment and 2 TA SAS Regiments.
I started in rogal naval reserve, then worked on permanet staff, doing maintena ce at most naval basez with rn on minesweepers, hunterz. Roall naval auxilliary servise was disbanded in 1993, along with ckastL cammand shipping. 10tb squadron was disbanxed. And became non sea going at hms king alfread portsmouth most being comunicators and medics. Hope it helps the rnr and rnvr amagamated in 1950s, ond being rn the othef merchant navy. They were formex in 1910 about boer war south african perioud. Bkth my grandfaters started in territorial army in norfolk near kingslynn. One was cavilry both later joined rooyal engineers as sappers. Regular army.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd My late mothers cousins were in rn ww2, one on artic convoys a signal man, the other was on hms hood, he was lucky, sent to do courss as a comms kfficer, he was regular rn , left rn as commander. All dead now.
HI Keith i was in the CA KS ,TX army nat guard arty , tanks and support uints also AIR GUARD KS B-1 Wing now intell unit ,and in Army Reserve as a IRR .Now ret ,also work with 5th bn c company TA Center ISPWWICH SUFOLK UK when i was on active duty USAF
Hi Jerry, great to hear from you. That must have been interesting for you to see first hand our Reserves training etc. Cheers mate and thank you for your service 🇺🇲🫡🪖🇬🇧
Worked alongside TA lads during my time , great lads some of the best going . Surprised when l left the army as a sergeant next day l got a letter from my local TA unit offering me a position as a corporal , doesn't help TA if they want to recruit experienced people in their ranks . After 0.1 seconds consideration it got binned . Get well soon jay .
Cheers Jay, I'll be back to full duties soon. Yes I'm not sure why they would offer you enlistment at one rank down? Still their lose mucker. All the best 👍
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Probably because they had plenty of Sgts and not enough lower ranks. It happened an awful lot in the (short-lived) HSF - you can't have all chiefs and no indians. There were ex-Lt Cols in Corporals jobs - but they did it, if they were committed. Many were.
I served 21 years commissioned service with the TA. I was offered a one month attachment in Berlin but my employers said that if I went I would have to fine someone else to do my job - so I unfortunately couldn't go. For that very reason I think I would have never joined the current reserves and I think a lot of people have to rule themselves out of reserve service as they must put their civil employment first. Most people could manage a two week camp each year plus reserve liability but under the one army philosophy that's much more difficult so no wonder the reserves are under recruited. The TA was a brilliant organisation now spoiled as the Army Reserve.
The difference between the two is that the TA was "seen" as a drinking club (especially in the late 90's early 2000's) and the army reserve is run by the regular army and actually integrated as such with tons more cross training! It's quite easy for any stab to become a full time reserve too! Best of both worlds!
I think the Reserve Forces Act 1996 did a lot for the TA/Army Reserve. On one side it protected your civilian job while you were deployed on an Operational Tour and on the other side it made the TA/Army Reserve more deployable in support of Regular forces. One thing it did start to do was drive out the uniformed drinking club culture as we could now be called up and deployed on big Ops such as TELIC, AGRICOLA, BANNER (potentially but rare) etc. Many of the less motivated TA soldiers handed their kit in because they had no intention of deploying on Ops or being called up to serve. We also got deployed on many MACA tasks for flood relief, I remember spending a week in Peterborough and Northampton sandbagging houses and rescuing pensioners from flooded properties, reversing the DAF upto the front door and hauling them into the back. RFA 96 also protected your pay, if you earned a lot more in your civilian job than you did as a soldier the MOD paid you your civilian wage so your family didn't suffer from the drop in pay. This did set up some unfortunate situation where high paid civilian jobs and only a LCpl in the TA ended up earning more than the CO but this was rare (HAC!?).
Options for suicid..... I mean change. I remember that, when some bright spark decided to take out one company from every Battalion hoping no one would notice. I thought about leaving then. Thankfully it turned out that we were in desperate need of a support company so F became support. Alas I still had to leave in 92 due to personal circumstances. Many of my family were in the Rifle Brigade and I was never happier than In my years in 4RGJ.
What a pleasant surprise 😁the Donation was from me 😁👍the acknowledgment much appreciated and once again well done 👏 👏👏look after your ankle and take it easy 🍺😎thank you
I had a good idea it was you, especially after we had emailed each other yesterday, but it was Anonymous and I always respect that. Thank you very much for your donation 🫡👍
Yes Bob, I was a bit surprised when I found out that 40% of the hospital based staff in Afghanistan were TA/RESERVES. I wonder if those NHS staff being deployed had any adverse effect on hospitals back here?
Yes Bob, I was a bit surprised when I found out that 40% of the hospital based staff in Afghanistan were TA/RESERVES. I wonder if those NHS staff being deployed had any adverse effect on hospitals back here?
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I was in 4 Para during Gulf War 1, we were warned that there was a good chance we could be involved because it was reported that the Iraqis had a million strong army and the conflict could drag on for years but in the end only the medics went.
Cheers brother its me jay" EX'PARA from 2PARA and PF n ex'10"para an 21sas. In hospital for a knees and lower bk op mucker!! But trying to get me self out so can do the arnhem JUMP an so on this wkend like a true AIR BORNE warrior!! 😊😊 scoffs gash. so on me compo'rats lol cheers brother 4the shout'out brother!! TA was called STABS" bk then. 😊😊 hoping that ur all ok n well an family members brother blessing to u all brother green on mucker that was the day m8t!! 😊keep the channel GOING m8ty!!
Jay you crazy man, you can't lob into Arnhem after your operation, back and knees! Just take it steady mucker, hope you are out of hospital soon mate 👍
@@ralphclarke5030😊😊 green on mucker!! Cheers mate Tku brother will do mucker lots of memories from a oldswet my self an ex'service AB ALL THE WAY BROTHER FROM A EX'PARA!! To EX'PARA green on mucker tku gd time's 😊😊
@@LetsTab59-bd4fdcheers mucker ur welcome brother blessing to u all brother an family have a gd wknd an evening!! 😊😊 getting out of the QE' WOOLWICH TO DAY brother longstory but thay have but bk all my ops now 4a few months!! Witch i can say has pissedoff me to no end m8 keep getting told its tomorrow its tomorrow!! Shite so now im getting out!! My SELF an will b jumping in no mans"land tomorrow come hell or highwalter... Green on mucker from a oldswet an true crazy PARA!! 😊 doing it 4my 4uncle's who was on the jump an only 2came out !!! 😊😊 an yes sir KEITH im mad as a badger!! Lots of love to you all brother an family from this mad twat jay.! 😊😊
Ex Royal Navy Submariner with multiple deterrent patrols, Ex RAMC CMT (Army Medical Reserves) with one tour (Herrick 7) Whole unit took over the Role 3 hospital in Bastion, no way you could tell the difference between us and regular Army.
Joining the TA at the moment, i definitely think there's potential of getting the numbers if they push for it. It's like you said in one of your previous vids, the pay difference between civilians and soldiers is too wide, this way someone can benefit from the higher pay in civi street and serve. Win win.
You shouldn't really be doing it for the pay,...however on deployment most of us stabs earned twice as much as our oppos! Capita is screwing recruitment! When I joined in 2000 my local unit signed me up there and then, medical, training all at their establishment! Piece of piss! Why can't they go back to that way of thinking I don't know?!
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My employer who won an obe for arms manufacture during ww2 hated me being in ta and made it very hard. Early 1980s working a 50 HR week, take kit to work on a Friday, go straight to drill hall after threats from boss for not working weekend, straight onto back of 4 tonner and off to wherever and not sleep for two days, back to SENTA Sunday evening for return to drill hall, sleeping on pile of kit in 4 tonner ready for work Monday morning . TA life harder than the regulars.
I agree, it really depended on how supportive your employer was.
TA harder than regulars 😂
A good few person i knew did , full time work week , part time college courses , and joined the TA ontop and took the fitness seriously
@Rasputin8221back then??? So we don't work hard now??😂😂
Intensity on the battlefield depends upon your perspective. 😉
i did 12 years, '88 to 2000. it was a great compromise for me, as i was 21, i had a full time job, married, 1 son. local unit, really enjoyed it, went around the uk and europe, various sapper tasks, and harrier support with RAF. towards the end of the 90's they were starting to be more opportunities to go on active service.
my missus had a spinal injury in 2000, so i had to leave. i miss it, but i don't yearn for it.... too old now anyway !
edit: ohh, i worked for our local hospital, so a govt job, i got two weeks and some weekends extra on my holidays, for army service, that, pay and bounty... was pretty good.
I started my military career in the TA. B Coy (PWRR) London Regt 94-96, D Coy 6 R Anglian 96-99, HQ Coy East of England Regt 99-03. Had my bounty every year which tells you I was dedicated to being there almost every drill night, weekend training and battle camp. Deployed to the Falklands (95) and two tours of Kosovo (99-00 & 01-02) during this time and deployed on exercise in Canada (Ex POND JUMP WEST) alongside the Scots Guards straight off the back of the Falklands deployment. Joined the Regular Army in 2003 and it took a long time to shed the STAB nickname and be accepted as a regular. Still serving today and due to finish my 24 years regular service in 2027, will have been in uniform for 33 years by the time I exit to Civ Div. Many reservists bring with them a lot more skills than just soldiering, whatever trade they perform in civilian life quite often augments their job in the reserves. When you're in an infantry unit with reserves who are electricians or plumbers or butchers or school teachers they all bring a bit of their civilian trade to the party.
What year were you with the Scots guards mate?
I'm a former Territorial reservist,left last year after 33 years, surprisingly you'd think I'd never been in ,not 1 message or call asking how I am feck 'em all lol
@@ulsternation2673 no one gives a shit once you leave mate. 😢
@@kevinadamson5768 1995
@@kevinadamson5768 95' straight off the back of my Falklands tour, was attached to Right Flank Coy for the exercise as Pl Comd's Rad Op. There was some really good lads and some complete belters. Think we broke at least two Platoon Commanders on that exercise!? 🤣
i was in 3rd battalion PWO . loved every minute of it. we trained very hard and it paid off. the colour sgt at catterick garrison said we were the 2nd best battalion he had ever trained and he would be proud to have any of us on deployment with him
You can't get a much better accolade than that. Well done 🫡🪖🇬🇧
Had many TA soldiers join us on tours in NI, they were great. Never had an issue with any of them.
Hi Sturt yes I agree with you , great lads , took the shit and gave the shit
@@JohnWilson-cb8nh In a lot of cases I think they were better soldiers than some of our regulars. We had a few in Kosovo and Bosnia as well.
@@stuartbrown8259 I was in Bosnia, but never came across any TA in the area I was in ,
@@JohnWilson-cb8nh This was in around 96/97, the war as such was finished. I was attached to the Green Howards as a Gunnery instructor on the Warrior, and driving instructor. Even had a few do the cadre. Maybe it was an infantry thing? Deffo had a few though.
You were lucky then we had some that we’re embarrassing if I’m honest I found the x regulars who joined the ta we’re fine the ones who had just joined the ta directly were terrible unfit struggling with even the basics, one of them before we went on a 3/4 day observation of a target in Kosovo decided he didn’t want to wear webbing and put all his stuff in his combat jacket instead
Additional history (TA soldier for 18 years btw), in the 20's and 30's most TA drill halls held weekend dances which has resulted in many, many long lasting marriages. My Mom and dad went to same drill hall in Haslucks Green Road, Shirley, that I served at for eight years 80 - 88 2nd Bn Mercian Volunteers, before transfer to a medical unit in Kings Heath, Birmingham, 88 - 97, 202(M) gen Hosp RAMC (V), including deployment as regular on Op Granby
I was in the TA in the early eighties for 3 years then joined the Ambulance Service in 1985. The recruiter in the ambulance service was ex military. As you can imagine we got on very well. Did 35 years as an ambo both in UK and Australia. The TA set me up for life.
Brilliant, as soon as you meet someone else that has served there's almost an immediate bond. There's nothing quite like it. Thank you for commenting 👍
It used to be (for Royal Engineers anyway) every other year we got sent out to BAOR for two weeks as annual camp. The in-between years we did two weeks somewhere in the UK but quite often we were sent to do MACC tasks (Military and Civil Community) whereby we would rebuild foot bridges, walkways and the like in national parks, etc. These tasks were hard work because the pressure was on our lot (the CRE) to get these jobs done within the two-week period. Other times we would do similar MACC tasks over several weekends. One that springs to mind is a bridge we re-built at Bolton Abbey (near Skipton, North Yorkshire) over the River Wharfe on the Abbey estate. Worth a visit if you're in that neck of the woods troops...
I remember doing that from 38 Engineer Regiment Ripon
In the Gulf war, my mate a London Taxi driver and a gunner in 606 squadron Regiment Flight RAF Benson was the first reservist to take an Iraqi soldier prisoner.
Actually, my mate was the first coalition soldier he could find to surrender to 😂
Although I have never served I marshalled and played paintball to a high level between 1988 until 2005. Over those years we marshals would try and join in games with any Army/Forces personnel that we had as guests on the day. Over the years we hosted the most amazing groups from normal regiments, the Paras, Coldstream Guards, US Marines and on one occasion from a couple of dozen blokes who , it transpired were from a RDF, often operating from subs. I assume they were SBS but they would not say but they had mentioned RDF and subs as they were having lunch, overheard by a couple of our marshals. We, the marshals, knew our fields like the back of our hands and understood our paintball guns, and knew not to use the artificial cover if possible, such as stacked pallets, but use the trees and natural depressions in the ground, and did manage to beat the Army units. I am not blowing our trumpet as I realise that in the real world we would probably have been brown bread. However my point is that we had a dozen Territorials come along one day from the Queens Regiment (Signals) TA based in Seaside Road in Eastbourne near to our site. They were by far our hardest opponents who were the only ones who used the buddy buddy system, I think it is called, moving forward in twos while another pair laid down a base of fire to cover. The Paras, in particular, we found were too aggressive, and not knowing the ground/woodland well, were despatched pretty quickly. The Guards were good and we marshalled and played along with them on a very cold day, snowing on and off, where both myself and a CSM were close to tears as the paintballs were close to frozen and we were both hit in the upper legs/buttock area seconds apart and the pain was immense. I was only marshalling at the time. I had warned them during the morning safety talk that hits would hurt on fattier parts of the body because of the weather and the CSM actually taught me swear words that I believe I had never heard before after he was struck. The weird thing about the TA who turned up was that they were all 6 feet and over and basically all bald/skinheads which I can remember seemed strange at the time. I have nothing but the fullest respect for all who serve including the TA.
Thanks, Keith. We (former) weekend warriors (and I have been called worse) appreciate your comments and videos as much as the regulars do!
That's nice Martyn thank you
Thanks for this video Keith. I spent many years in the Raf Regt reserve, and I think that all reservists, regardless of cap badge, don't get enough praise and recognition for what they do. Very informative video.
Thank you John. It's hard to juggle a civvy job, family and a career in the Reserves. Takes some doing and then you have to shrug off the jibes from the Regulars.
You do from me, mate 👍👏.
A great video highlighting the TA and Army Reserve. As a TA soldier I did a week long course at the Royal School of Artillery . At the end we were asked if we had any questions. Of course I had to ask as part time soldiers "how did we do". The reply was that we made the same mistakes as the regulars. I was quite pleased with that.
I was in the TA for ten years,had many a wk end at STANTA house clearance drills,FIBUA or OBUA
Loved a bit of FIBUA, good fun but hard work
I absolutely loved this cast because it was very relatable, as I was in Queen own Oxfordshire hussars, I had a par time employer who tried making life difficult for me so that was I couldn’t go away on weekends, so I told them to reroute their job elsewhere because being a soldier was very important to me.
I’m third generation of military.
After three years of mud sweat and tears and injuries sustained I was given the glorious opportunity to serve in Bosnia with 4 other soldiers from my squadron, but a week before I was due to be deployed, by partner at the time gave me a verbal ultimatum using emotional blackmail, I ended up not going, worse decision I ever made. One of which I have never forgiven her for.
Our squadron got closed down a few years later and now it’s houses. Although the regiment still exists they have changed their role and took on new squadrons further south. I should not blow my own trumpet. But weekend training at Sennebridge was my ultimate achievement, not only did I take out the Gmpy across the river on arrival, but I was last man standing after a 2 day urban battle. Give me a rifle and ration pack and I’m in 🫡
Thanks for the post.
I joined the RTC 236 Squadron Manchester Cholton TAVR 1977, past my HGV 2 in a AEC 10 Tonner nick name Knocker.
I then did P coy with B Company 4 PARA OLDHAM ( like you mentioned TAVR Centers going going gone, Rife Street Barracks gone) and completed the jump course at Brize.
Had lots of oppunities to take part in courses, Motorcycle Rallies,B3 Demolition with the RE. Tin City SMG great for this, but the SLR Top.
I was the company driver for B company had a Bedford RL 4 tonner, several Rovers, the air portable Rover was my favorite
Did training with the French 9th Parachute Chasseur Regiment in Toulouse.We were given Honorary members of their regiment.
Had a great time highly recommended and with pay, not forgetting the yearly bounty.
Dont let my DZ ankle and TABing knee put you off.
Thanks again Great Post.
Thanks Robert, I remember the old Knockers, and the RL Bedfords. Great memories mate. Is a shame that so many TACs closed down.
All the best and thank you for your support 👍
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Thanks 59 great posts for us old sweats.Much APPRICIATED
I served for 8 yrs in the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers a TA regiment based mainly in South Wales but also 225 sqdn in the Midlands and a troop in Bristol also since my day in the 1980,s they have a sqdn in the channel Islands. And as much as there was a drinking culture it was no more than regular soldiers we had a junior ranks bar a sgts mess and an officers mess but it was a case of no drink until the work is done Also at the time we had a NATO commitment and Were part of the BAOR a role we fulfilled since ww2 when 100 and 101 Monmouthshire field companies RE were part of V111 corps, I trained in Germany and Holland throughout the 80,s including ex Lionheart and we took the role and training very seriously but had fun when off duty like any other squaddie. I had some of the best times in the TA learnt skills I still use today at 62 yrs old and I wear my regimental blazer and beret with pride on rememberance day I don't wear medals as I never had any I'm not a Walt but I am a proud veteran of the uk armed forces
Ex Lionheart was one of the big BAOR Exercises, I think we were in the field for about 4 weeks. I remember a massive reenforcement of TA and Regular Reserves coming over from UK. We had one big one before that in 1980, Exercise crusader and another before that Exercise Spearpoint. The Regular Army could not have fought a 3rd WW without the TA.
i'm jersey, so my lot are combined with your lot now, but not in my time, tho we were 111 late 80's, but we are still the oldest formed unit in the army *wink
"they always do that, soon as the threats over" What was the line...ah, yes:
"O it's 'Tommy this' an' 'Tommy that' an' 'Tommy go away';
But it's 'Thank you Mr. Atkins', when the band begins to play."
- Rudyard Kipling, "Tommy"
Yes Tom, it's history repeating itself over and over. Will we ever learn.
I like your reference to Tommy Atkins very apt even today
Thanks Keith for putting the TA on your videos. I did only 8 years in the RCT and loved it and I was a lorry driver all my working life (68 now😂). I had to take my holiday to do my camp .I help at two coffee morning for veterans and see some of my old mate from 40years ago. If you and your good lady ever come to Hull (Wednesday and Friday give is a call.👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Hi Colin, thanks for the invite, we're not too far from you so might well take you up on that mate, cheers 👍
'Only eight years' is a good service commitment, well done that man.
Great video. After joining the regs at 18, I then ended up in Royal Sigs TA for 10 years. Best years of my life. Happy days!
Another excellent video Keith. I did 3 tours with the TA, first as a SSgt PSi, then as OC of the TA Trg Sqn at the RE recruit unit 1 Trgt Regt RE then as A PS Officer in a midlands Engineer Regiment (V). Over the years the TA has got smaller & smaller and lrss effective in my view. Individuallt the Junior ranks were excellent & very keen and many deployed to Iraq & Afghanistan.. The main weekness in leadship was the fact that promotion was based on attendance & not nessessarily the best. In otherwords it was pointless promoting those who were not regular attendees.
I too witnessed the promotion selection system. Thank you for sharing 👍
My older brother was a Stab in Aylebury when it was in 4th RGJs I then a Stab in Aylebury when it was in 5th RGJs .
And good on him, 🫡
I was in 152 ulster ambulance regiment rct (v) based in Belfast.
Best times we're had in the eighties. Our depot for training was Prince William of Gloucester barracks in Grantham
I know that Barracks, and it's only a 40 min drive from me
Excellent informative video as always Keith. Whilst on HERRICk 13 with 1 R IRISH I had one of the CSM's say to me that he found it difficult to tell which of the soldiers were TA and which were regular. I took that as a very good reflection on how well the lads had intergrated into the Battalion during what was a very kinetic tour.
I've heard similar stories many times and witnessed it in Bosnia and in Iraq. All the best, thank you for your support 👍
Worked shift work in a factory, got home on a friday at 5pm then had to be at barracks for 7pm friday night for a long weekend. Paid 27 pounds for 24 hour day, losing 100 pound in a sat morning overtime shift in factory. Cost us money volunteering for the TA. We were as fit as any regulars, RWF.
About half way through the process of joining the reserve myself - currently stuck in the long wait to get my medical cleared. Appreciate the history lesson, some of it I was aware of, a lot of it I wasn't! P.S - phenomenal job raising all that dosh for the charity, you should be bloody proud of yourselves. 💪
Never thought I'd see you here Dave, I'm going through the process myself, just finished my foundation (old alpha course) and am hoping to finish off phase 1 in October. The medical can be a nightmare, especially if your GP is rubbish. Good luck with it anyway mate.
Massive fan of your channel btw, particularly your Skyrim and coldwaters Brit sub play through.
The pensions are only for reservists who served after 2013, as i found out when i enquired about as i was in from April 1986 until Feb 1993, also back then the TA was divided into either NATO or HSF units, the nato ones could go on annual camp all over, whereas the HSF ones only used the Uk training areas
congrats on yours & tracer rounds outstanding effort with the weighted tab
ATB to all
Barry
Cheers Barry. The TA pension is a good idea but I wonder how much they actually receive, must be calculated on the normal criteria such as rank, time served etc.
I was in the TA Royal Engineers in the 80's. This was probably the best summing up of the TA I have ever seen or heard. You nailed it. Thank you
Hi Keith, didn’t know you’re a Hertfordshire lad - I was born in Hertford and grew up near Cuffley where the first Zeppelin was brought down during the First World War.
I have great memories of working with the TA - a great bunch, always enthusiastic and keen to learn. I can remember one particular Cymbeline Cup where one of the TA sections deservedly came first ahead of regular sections from 29 Cdo and 4 Fd!!
I think sometimes the Regular Army underestimated the TA. When I was a Recruit instructor we had a lot of TA come through our training unit, they generally seemed more mature and keen
TA, great memories, barrybudden, Glasgow parade ground (a fire brigade yard?), Malta Barracks, basic Wales, milling, log-carrying. At 63, I still play rugby/soccer, I believe, all because of that 18 months running up and down lowland hills that beat fitness into me.
Tony I was posted to Malta Bks from 2006 to 2013. The whole Barracks has been demolished in the last couple of years.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I am surprised it lasted that long, it seemed sort of half abandoned in the 80s, but then again, I only visited for a few days at a time, I guess there were busier periods...
Joined the T A in the early 80s not long after I left the regulars . I was the only ex regular in the platoon. I was the fish out of water as I found the training work so basic and could not grasp the lack of discipline and security. Hard to adjust to it but I managed 3 years.
Well done Keith and tracer round for raising that amazing amount 👍🏻🇬🇧❤️
Thank you Paul 👍
Hi Keith,very interesting video about the evolution of the Army Reserve. I joined the RNR in 1975,and eventually rose to be a Chief Petty Officer. Right up to the late 1980's into the early 1990's, it was for us RNR ratings,very siimilar to the Army Reserves. Comments like RNR,really not required up to RNR, rest and recreation! Like the Army Reserves we had to work hard to prove to a lot of regulars that we were as good as them. From the mid 1990's until I retired from the RNR in 2001,that situation had vastly improved and the "regulars" accepted us as equals. Like the Army,during WW1 and WW2,the RN was composed of Reserves in huge numbers. I can't remember when the RNVR and RNR became one though,sorry. Hope the cold and ankle get better soon
Thank you Rob, good to get comments from the RNR. Much appreciated 🫡
Served six years in the TA with the Wessex battalion my hi light had to be Germany and exercise Lionheart. Got to do so many things I wouldn't have got the chance to in normal civvie life. Great memories.👍
Thanks for sharing Adrian 👍
@Rasputin8221
No A coy 2nd battalion
@Rasputin8221
Was 1 Wessex Basingstoke, reading that way?
@Rasputin8221
Yeah that's right A coy was Portsmouth, B coy was Southampton and IofW I think Devices was D coy
I Joined B Coy ,1 Wessex in Winchester in 1972 aged 17 and was at annual camp at Knook camp just outside Warminster , where we were presented with our Regimental & Queen's colours.
Later that year I was selected to go to Gibraltar for 2 weeks adventure training staying at RAF Gibraltar, great time was had by all.
Great video. I have just recently been attested into the reserve company for the Grenadier Guards, one of companys that make up the 1st Bt London Guards (formely the London Regiment) after an incredibly long application process. Have some ex regs in our ranks and I think most of the staff have served in the regs too (you can usually tell). The integration between the regs and reserves is definately stepping up and essential.
I joined the Royal Mercian Lancastrian Yeomanry in 02, joined What became 4 Lancs; met some great guys and girls.
When Telic 8 came about I signed up to do my bit got a fair amount of stick from some of our regular counterparts..but overall experience was positive.
Things changed after Iraq and Afghanistan in the sense that we were taken more seriously by the regs as they saw us get stuck in on tour, having operated alongside each other.
I personally got blown up in a snatch (luckily everyone survived) and working closely with the regs there was no hiding place as there was a job to do.
The drinking culture used to be a big thing and while there is no doubt a social culture with the Reserve it has got massively more professional over time.
If my body could put up with the punishment I'd go back tomorrow.
I actually took a highstreet jeweller to court because they refused to employ me due to being in the TA....so employers don't see the benefit of reservists. Mores the pity
That is a brilliant amount that you and Tracer Round have raised to Scotty's Little Soldiers. I know you say it is down the us viewers, but if it wasn't for the work you put into the channel you would have inspired your Subs to back you.
I must admit that as a young Soldier I wasn't overly keen on our TA Counterparts, and my only experience was having a couple of lads come out and work along side us. As I spent more time showing that how we did things, rather than just getting on with it myself. They were cracking lads.
It wasn't till I first went to Bosnia in 97 when we really got to work with them as they were then part of our section. We had a Cpl and Sgt both from Liverpool. We had a real good laugh with them.
The I was back out again in 98, this time we only have the one Lad a Cpl, again a brilliant lad, a real hard worker. He signed on to then do the winter tour of that year. I don't know if he did stay on as I was brought back a month early and for good measure sent on the second big NATO exercise out in Poland. I had my Posting extended by 4 months for me to do the Bosnia Tour and to end up in Poland. Thing that makes my laugh was I was P7 and not supposed to go on tour let alone two or go on exercises. If you didn't say anything you got away with it. Only pull the biff chit once and that was because they wanted to send me off skiing and my knackered knees could take that.
Wishing Jaymac, another sub best of health and a speedy recovery. You need Tracer Round to issue you a biffchit, so you can relax and blether resting that ankle bud..😉
I might just have to make videos in the sitting position 😆
Ex 2 Mercian /4WFR Did my basic at Prince of Wales depot Whittington barracks 1985, set me up for life, great experiences,skills and mates. Worked as a civvy contractor ops Telic 9,10 and 11 and bumped into quiet a few mates still serving as reservists. Thanks for posting, good to read others comments 👍
Cheers, yes we get some great comments on here, there is a wealth of information and knowledge amongst the channels subscribers and supporters. All the best.
I was in 3 WFR 11years 212 days just missed out on medal due to problems at home would not have changed any of that time
@@alanfrost4661 🫡🇬🇧
Nice vlog Keith, after finishing my regular service in Para Regt in 1995 I did a NRPS job in 10 Para until their disbandment in 1999 .... good times and a great TA unit 😉
Cheers Ralph, I too did NRPS, I was at 2 BSTT Shorncliffe, Folkestone 99 to 2006, then Malta Bks Aldershot till 2015.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Malta Bks was my first barracks when I joined the Army (Junior PARA) in 1971
@ralphclarke5030 I've heard it has now been demolished and the land sold off for housing development
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd This is from a friend who lives in Aldershot. "I am afraid any memories have gone. The only building still there ( may have gone not visited for a bit ) is one of the Admin buildings next to Square by the Golf Club also I think the old green hanger still standing. Whole site to be redeveloped for houses, I think the Canal is safe"
Malta Barracks, that brings back memories. I spent two weeks there in 87 as a recruit for 4 Para.
I joined TA artillery in 1989, and am less than 18 months from retiring from the Army Reserve. In that time I've done 3 SSVC or what we nowadays call FTRS deployments including Brunei and Belize and a 2 year stint at Tidworth that included a tour of Bosnia and deployments to Kenya and BATUS. Subsequently I have done mobilised service in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. Initially I got the normal "ribbing" from the regulars I worked alongside, but also in that 35+ years, I have noticed the change from a very "them-and-us" (bloody STAB's, Stupid ARABS etc etc) position to what we have today, where to be honest, the regulars are just happy that people are bailing them out with manpower and skills brought from civilian life.
Great little vid that one Keith, you got everything spot on. Think I might have mentioned it before, but when I was serving I got sent on a SNCO's course at RE HQ, Chatham. Out of the twenty-two on the course - I was the only TA guy!! Best course I ever did. Got on with all the regular guys like a house on fire. Great days they were...
Great memories Martin 👌
My grandfather was in the Territorial Force pre WW1 & served throughout the war, mostly in the middle east. He was wounded and these eventually led to his death in 1946. I never knew him but always remember him on Rememberance Day. 3644 Pte Rudolph Parry, Royal Welch Fusiliers.
Lest We Forget.
Excellent video as always! I loved being a STAB - started as LI (now RIFLES) then off to specialist stuff - not SF!. Blessed with fantastic enthusiastic Light Div PSIs. Mobilised for operations 5 times. Glad to help out my Regular Army brothers (and sisters) when they needed me. Always made to feel welcome however inept I was. Met some great people from different walks of life in both the TA and the Regular Army with whom I have been friends for 30 years!
Thanks for the informative accurate video Keith, much appreciated to shine a light on the TA/Army reserve. I was in the Royal Signals TA/Army reserve for 21 years with a tour in Iraq. When I first joined it was treated like a poor relation of the regular Army, modern kit was received many years later when it was updated, my Squadron was still using 1958 webbing up until the early 2000's. Eventually it was treated as serious integral part of the Army and the drinking club image was broken when TA members were starting to be called up to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Thank you. 21 years service is very committed, juggling a civvy job etc 👏
Back in the 1950s, I was in 7 Middlesex (TA) as a bandsman. Our drill hall was in Hornsey. I left before the Middlesex regulars and TA disappeared into the large, short-lived Queen's Regiment in the 1960s. I've often wondered what happened to all our band equipment and silverware?🤔
It such a shame everytime we lose a fine old Regiment. I'm unsure of what exactly happens to the instruments, I think they probably redistribute them around the Armed Forces. I know that all the best Regiment Silver often stays with the merged/newly formed Regiments, some other pieces sometimes end up in Regimental Museums. I've also seen some other Mess Property, such us gifted items from Mess Members on their leaving, get handed/offered back or auctioned off and profits gifted to a military charity.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd There are trustees for all the Silverware of the disbanded Regiments...............
Queen's Regiment became PWRR - I expect some went there. However Hornsey was a Platoon location for B Coy 6 Queen's (V) at Edgware TAC and then B Coy 6/7 Queen's (V) which ultimately transferred to 8 Queen's (V) which was a hotchpotch of Queensmen and Fusiliers which due to non-agreement ended up being called 8 Queen's Fusiliers (V) - (8QF) which meant you could chose the Badge or the Hackle............. (I kid you not) if you wanted............. later it was rebadged again and survives as 'The London Regiment'. A new B Coy 6/7 Queens(V) was raised at Brighton to replace our lost Edgware Coy but it never did well recruiting and is now long gone................ How do I know ? - well I was there............ and the Silverware is probably split between the London Regiment and the PWRR....................... 6/7 Queens(V) at Sutton certainly held all the Silverware for the East Surrey Regiments - I saw it in the Silver-room in the PSAO Office................. it was held on our Property book.
Great video again.
I've just returned from Germany and the 50th anniversary commemorations being held for the six TA parachutists that drowned in The Kiel Canal on Ex Bold Guard.
Look after yourself, get a test for Covid, there's a lot of it about.
Very important this! Reserve elements in many armies is essential. They reinforce strength, they provide civilian special skills and they are an important interface between regular army and civilian society. I belive the British Army should expand it reserve elements, as to make it more up to pace with the needs of todays European secutiry situation.
I think you're absolutely correct, we are in Cold War 2 at the moment. Army Reserves are crucial if it were to go hot.
The Buckinghamshire Battalion had a Rifle battalion in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. The the battalion had wear of jackets of green same as the KRRC and RB, was TA battalion from 1908 - 64 The Buckinghamshire Battalion had the March of I`my 95th.
A great march, played it many, many times👍🏼🫡
My uncle was in the Oxs and Bucks LI in WW2.
I served in the ta in 90s I was in a specialist unit and had to travel to regular army barracks down south evertime we trained brown down barracks for basic training and Bournemouth after that,a independent unit went too a local drill hall not many know about this thought ide share it,there was also alot of x regulars in our unit and 8 became a regular in the ta,doing months at a time instead of week ends 2 week training traveled all over Germany,Canada, Yugoslavia gulf etc for those who look down on ta or better army reserves take note
Great memories 👌
.............and of course as well there were the 'Regular Reserves' and 'RARO' as well as the 'Specialist Reserve' (to which I belonged) and the general TA. To join the TA Ex-Regulars had to be released from their 'Regular Reserve Liability' - most did that and then never attended (I think they felt the TA to be a poor substitute for their time in the Regulars). I must admit that TA soldiers seemed to fit into 2 categories - either 'super keen' or 'occasional attenders'. During mobilisation exercises the 'occasional attenders' never showed up and usually we were lucky to parade at 50% strength.................. I sometimes felt the TA to be a bit of a 'Paper Tiger' in peacetime (not wartime) - lucky it was never really tested post-WW2
Back in ‘77, I voluntold for the first fire strike. Went to Llanelli and we were billeted in the TA Hall. A major in the TA was a family member of the Felinfoel Brewery. We worked (worked?) 24 on 24 off and was invited by this fine officer to visit the brewery and take advantage of its wares, whenever we felt the need. It was a cellar with wooden benches, loads of glasses and a bitter tap just poking out of the wall. We felt the need, ho-yus. 😂🤣
The brewery was, of course, given a nickname = Feeling Foul.
Good video thanks 🎉🎉
As a regular I first experienced the TA when they formed the ‘Continental TA’ in Germany in the mid 80’s. The bods were all recruited from ex-regulars who had settled in Germany. I was involved with the forming of 408 (Berlin) Field Troop RE (V).
Later, when I decided to leave the regulars I spent a few years in what was then a brand new TA EOD Regiment.
Both of them were great as long as they were able to specialise in a particular role. You can’t cover a full training spectrum in 27 days…
I never knew about the 'Continental ' TA. What a cracking idea that was, makes absolute sense. They would have local knowledge, good grasp of the language and as you say their special skills were already embedded. Thank you for sharing 👍
Did you serve with Bernie Wiles PSA in Berlin? He had been our Team W01 in 525 STRE(v).
@@NickfromNLondon sorry don’t recognise the name.
I've Enlisted Twice for the TA first time 6th Btn RRF as a Infantry Soldier then in later years RLC as Chef. I actually had the chance to go to Romania with the HAC for 2 weeks, however my Employer would not let me go as had just come back from 2 weeks at Grantham getting my final chef grade to be Sqn Masterchef. Great times loved it.
Hi Keith another great film. My three brothers all served in the same TA Yeomanry recce squadron ,I was the only regular. They all had full time jobs ,did drill nights and weekends, I still dont know how they fitted it all in !.. On a couple of the big exercises in the 80s' all four of us would be in Germany at the same time
That's cool, did you ever manage to meet up while on exercise? I'm guessing you weren't able to as it was a large exercise in those days. All the best
No never managed to meet up , as you say the 80s exercises were huge, lionheart etc. Good subject for a 'tab talk' !, cheers mate, keep up the great work
Like a lot of other men my dad had to do a period of compulsory service in the TA , straight after his National Service. He was in the RAOC and went to a light AA battery RA . A totally different experience for him but he enjoyed it . The STAB bit makes you laugh , when you think of all the ex Regulars that served . All good banter I know 😂
My dad was national service and did the same we he came out, he actually continued in the TA for a few extra years and loved it.
Forty years ago on 5/11/1984, I Joined 1/Wessex (RV) for six months to see if I liked it. Must have done as I did 20 years. Best time of my entire life.
It can be a great experience serving in the Reserves, I think many young people don't realise what they could be missing out on.
Good briefing Sir! Well researched. As far as I remember we (the TA) could only be mobilised as a formed unit, (or via 'S-type' engagements) until they brought in a new Reserved Forces Act which allowed us to volunteer to be mobilised as individuals. I was a bit too old and knckred by then. On large Exercises such as Lionheart/Crusader we were actually Mobilised for the 15 days. Some linked formations that might be worth looking into: The 'Reserves' (ex-Regulars who stayed on the Reserve list after thyey stepped off) used to attend a day each year to get a small Bounty - they were a sight to behold in remnants of ill-fitting kit, beards, and shall we say some questionable fitness levels! - and then the Home Service Force (HSF) came into being briefly, and many older TA soldiers found themselves transferred into the HSF as the TA upper age limit was reduced.
Hi Mike I certainly remember the HSF, I personally think they were a good idea. They would have taken some pressure off the Regulars and TA in time of war.
There was a recent court (employment tribunal) case where a former TA/AR Major took the MoD to court over the lack of pension entitlement prior to the new 2015 AFPS being introduced and he won. It means that depending on service and the days training they undertook, they should be awarded a pension. It's not yet clear if the MoD will challenge the decision.
Interesting, I'll research into that, thank you for sharing 👍
Brilliant video, I done regular and reserve. The reserve is definitely looked down on! I’ve tried to rejoin recently it’s a bloody nightmare! 6 months it’s took me so far. They have tried to make the reserve more like the regulars so they can slot in. Recruitment is struggling same as the regular army
During our Rhodesian Bush War our TA army used to do a 6 week call up as our war escalated.So the TA guys would leave their families in the city or on the farms all by themselves.This was a frightening time as there was always the possibility of a farm attack by terrorist's.The wives were trained and armed to protect themselves and their family and farm workers.So 6 weeks in the bush then maybe 3 weeks at home before the next 6 week stint.Rhodesian's were very resilient during our war years.Our TA people were all former National Service either army,BSAP or airforce people.Our wives on the farms were trained to use the FN/FAL,G3 and other hand guns.
That's some serious stuff right there, thank you for sharing that very interesting insight 👍
I loved my time with TA A Squadron (Royal Gloucestershire Hussars) Royal Wessex Yeomanry, A Squadron has been amalgamated with C Squadron in Cirencester but the RGH are still around. During my time I only met one regular that made a few derogatory comments but that was it. My experience of working along side the regulars was great and I have nothing but respect for both regulars and reserves.
Good times and good memories 👍🇬🇧🫡
I'm ex Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry (Asqn 2 troop) now Royal Wessex Yeomanry
Keith awesome video yet again. Have commented on a few of your other videos and asked questions about the TA / Reserves in your Q&A you did with Tracer Round a few months ago. I find it interesting the similarities between the British and the Australian reserve forces. There was a drinking culture in our reserve forces with a lot of units having their own Boozers (Aussie military slang for a Bar). My unit had one until the RSM shut it down after not being invited to it after a parade night. We were look at as not being the "real Army" or referred to as 'Dads Army". But that was mostly buy Civies that have NFI about the Army. Reservists use to do a 2 weeks crash course compared to the Regs but that changed in the late 90's when they did the same training as the Regs. When I did my basic it was a mixture of Regs and Reservists but the training was all the same. Keep the great videos coming. Hope the ankle is better soon so you can keep TABBING. Cheers from Down Under.
I joined the local Territorial Army Regiment (Wessex Yeomanry) prior to then joining the Royal Air Force. Set me in good stead for a 30 year career.
i've had a few mates join regs after a few years TA, couple went back to basic training, some joined a unit, four officers had attachments and became essentially regular.
Served with reserves (TA) for 21 years did two telic tours and Cyprus tour plus did security for 2012 Olympics
Loved it
In Bromley the TA centre had a bar with cheaper booze... Nearest I ever came to serving
I'm glad mine is still open when I left the army I joined my local TA as I joined my local regiment my local TA was the same cap badge but it was it's own unit as most TA was batlions of regular units but mine was west Midlands regiment but now it is 4 mericen
Totally agree about the drinking culture there were many lads who took the piss and would slide into the OR's Mess just after 9.30 every week in civvies. There were also many lads who did every weekend and also every course offered to them often alongside regular soldiers. It came with great sadness when we we were told our company would be downsized to a platoon under options for change.
Great Keith...rest your ankle...
Yes I think I must, I only went about a mile and started limping, mind you I hadn't tapped it up.
Good one ..hope your hoof gets better lol ..started 6 / 7 Queens , then moved to 5 Queens ..did my bash at Bassingbourne ..great times had with great STABS lol .. but only did 3 1/2 years . Still regretting not going in Regs ..hey that’s life lol .. 🎉🎉
Joined 5 coy 5 R Anglian in 75 started as a stubble hopper, went to anti-tank, became a DC. Went on to brize Norton became train as an op air nilpo, trained again as an MFC , left in 88, Not one of my employers, over that 13 years, gave me an extra days leave or pay. I had to use holiday leave. Wife endured this with 2 kids for those 13years, she got the yearly Bounty! I loved all of it , cold, wet, hungry, miserable, best bit. 2 weeks in Gib.
Commendable service David well done juggling two lives basically with no support from civvy employers.
Fascination video Keith, contained much that I was unaware of.
Used to work with 2 guys who were Army Reserve in the run up to Gulf War 2. Their infantry battalion was notified they were deploying to the Gulf, so they left A lot of ex forces worked alongside these 2 and the pair where basically sent to Coventry plus they found white feathers taped to their lockers for a right few weeks
That's a sad story. I'm guessing those men will live with that shame forever.
My brother was in TA RGJ in early 90s . He was with a really enthusiastic bunch in the ta centre at the time and they completed the Cambrian Patrol , beating many of the regular units . I was in field ambulance ta in 1991 and the whole unit almost got called up to go to Germany to cover regulars going to gulf . I started running every week like mad just in case 😃
Great video with some great info on the TA. I did a short stint in the TA from 97 till 99 when my unit was dispanded. I was 67 Sqn RLC. Never considered myself a veteran though. I think perhaps because i felt i hadnt done enough to deserve the title of veteran. It wasnt until i was in my 40's that an RAF veteran told me it didnt matter if i was TA, I signed the dotted line and took the oath just like anyone else in the forces. I have since applied for and been issued a veterans badge and card but i still mostly dont talk about my short stint in the TA, guess i still dont really feel worthy enough to call myself a veteran.
Another entertaining clear, and concise video
Thank You.
Thank you for your support and kind words as always 🙏
get well soon Jay
Keith I always appreciate your videos! Get some R&R let's get that ankle ship shape!
Oh and here in the US each branch has a Reserve Force, plus the National Guard, which usually gets together one weekend a month for ongoing training and they get activated in case of natural disasters and such. My best friend did 8 years in the National Guard, he was Military Police, had a deployment to Afghanistan, and here in Minnesota, our National Guard Unit, the "Red Bulls" have been around since WWII and saw action in Europe too.
Cheers Al, will do.
I was hosting some guys from the Air National Guard, they were from Little Rock, if I remember correctly. It was back in the early 2000s for an international shooting competition , they were very good shots.
Good work mr tab great video thanks
Great video Keith, we had a mixed bag of reservists attached to us for our telic and Herrick tours (in our unir they usually backfilled echelon roles like stores but some did end up on the ground) they'd usually arrive part way through our pre deployment training cycle and some would slot straight in and be very capable at doing what we needed, others would be full of enthusiasm but would be lacking in ability and experience which meant putting additional time into helping them catch up but because they were essentially good blokes it would be worth the effort and then their unfortunately were some we'd get who would be an absolute waste of rations, unmotivated, unfit admin vortex's we'd have to spend time getting binned off
Happy memories of 143 Independent Plant Squadron Royal Engineers TAVR , earned badge at Aldershot after telling Boss at work I was taking my Holiday. I must have looked a bit battered when I got back to work as everybody wanted to know what happened to me ! STAB, not heard that for a long time, made me smile !
The TA was bigger than the Regular Army before WW1 and WW2. After WW2 the Regular Army remained larger than usual because of the Cold War. During the Cold War 80% of the Army Medical Services were Territorial Army. Again during the Cold War there was 1 Regular SAS Regiment and 2 TA SAS Regiments.
Great one Keith learned a lot from this
Cheers Kenny 🫡
Here's hoping your mate in hospital gets well soon..❤❤ chin up old chap thinking of ya!
Cheers mucker I'll be bk on the feet asap! Cheers mate Tku 4ur comment!! 😊
Jay's talking about lobbing in on the Aniversary of Market Garden! Somebody tell him to take it easy......JayMac...you nutter 😆 take it easy....
I started in rogal naval reserve, then worked on permanet staff, doing maintena ce at most naval basez with rn on minesweepers, hunterz.
Roall naval auxilliary servise was disbanded in 1993, along with ckastL cammand shipping. 10tb squadron was disbanxed. And became non sea going at hms king alfread portsmouth most being comunicators and medics.
Hope it helps the rnr and rnvr amagamated in 1950s, ond being rn the othef merchant navy. They were formex in 1910 about boer war south african perioud.
Bkth my grandfaters started in territorial army in norfolk near kingslynn. One was cavilry both later joined rooyal engineers as sappers. Regular army.
Thank you for sharing that, I will be looking into the RN a little more
Tracer Rounds father was a CPO
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd
My late mothers cousins were in rn ww2, one on artic convoys a signal man, the other was on hms hood, he was lucky, sent to do courss as a comms kfficer, he was regular rn , left rn as commander. All dead now.
@@kurtsteiner8384 greatest generation 🫡🙏🪖
HI Keith i was in the CA KS ,TX army nat guard arty , tanks and support uints also AIR GUARD KS B-1 Wing now intell unit ,and in Army Reserve as a IRR .Now ret ,also work with 5th bn c company TA Center ISPWWICH SUFOLK UK when i was on active duty USAF
Hi Jerry, great to hear from you. That must have been interesting for you to see first hand our Reserves training etc. Cheers mate and thank you for your service 🇺🇲🫡🪖🇬🇧
3rd Battalion, Auckland - Countess of Ranfurly's Own - and Northland, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. In a previous life.
Worked alongside TA lads during my time , great lads some of the best going .
Surprised when l left the army as a sergeant next day l got a letter from my local TA unit offering me a position as a corporal , doesn't help TA if they want to recruit experienced people in their ranks . After 0.1 seconds consideration it got binned .
Get well soon jay .
Cheers Jay, I'll be back to full duties soon.
Yes I'm not sure why they would offer you enlistment at one rank down? Still their lose mucker. All the best 👍
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Probably because they had plenty of Sgts and not enough lower ranks. It happened an awful lot in the (short-lived) HSF - you can't have all chiefs and no indians. There were ex-Lt Cols in Corporals jobs - but they did it, if they were committed. Many were.
I served 21 years commissioned service with the TA. I was offered a one month attachment in Berlin but my employers said that if I went I would have to fine someone else to do my job - so I unfortunately couldn't go. For that very reason I think I would have never joined the current reserves and I think a lot of people have to rule themselves out of reserve service as they must put their civil employment first. Most people could manage a two week camp each year plus reserve liability but under the one army philosophy that's much more difficult so no wonder the reserves are under recruited. The TA was a brilliant organisation now spoiled as the Army Reserve.
absolutely agree with the comment about civil employment has to come first.
The difference between the two is that the TA was "seen" as a drinking club (especially in the late 90's early 2000's) and the army reserve is run by the regular army and actually integrated as such with tons more cross training! It's quite easy for any stab to become a full time reserve too! Best of both worlds!
Brilliant 👍
I think the Reserve Forces Act 1996 did a lot for the TA/Army Reserve. On one side it protected your civilian job while you were deployed on an Operational Tour and on the other side it made the TA/Army Reserve more deployable in support of Regular forces. One thing it did start to do was drive out the uniformed drinking club culture as we could now be called up and deployed on big Ops such as TELIC, AGRICOLA, BANNER (potentially but rare) etc. Many of the less motivated TA soldiers handed their kit in because they had no intention of deploying on Ops or being called up to serve. We also got deployed on many MACA tasks for flood relief, I remember spending a week in Peterborough and Northampton sandbagging houses and rescuing pensioners from flooded properties, reversing the DAF upto the front door and hauling them into the back. RFA 96 also protected your pay, if you earned a lot more in your civilian job than you did as a soldier the MOD paid you your civilian wage so your family didn't suffer from the drop in pay. This did set up some unfortunate situation where high paid civilian jobs and only a LCpl in the TA ended up earning more than the CO but this was rare (HAC!?).
Options for suicid..... I mean change. I remember that, when some bright spark decided to take out one company from every Battalion hoping no one would notice. I thought about leaving then. Thankfully it turned out that we were in desperate need of a support company so F became support. Alas I still had to leave in 92 due to personal circumstances.
Many of my family were in the Rifle Brigade and I was never happier than In my years in 4RGJ.
What a pleasant surprise 😁the Donation was from me 😁👍the acknowledgment much appreciated and once again well done 👏 👏👏look after your ankle and take it easy 🍺😎thank you
Thank you so much ❤
I had a good idea it was you, especially after we had emailed each other yesterday, but it was Anonymous and I always respect that. Thank you very much for your donation 🫡👍
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd ha to be honest I had no idea what I was doing 😁😁i didn’t realise it was anonymous 😁😁👍
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd thanks 👍😁
A lot of respect for the Army Reserves my last posting.
205 FH
NHS staff doing their own job then deployed 🫡👌🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Shit at weapon cleaning though 😜
Yes Bob, I was a bit surprised when I found out that 40% of the hospital based staff in Afghanistan were TA/RESERVES. I wonder if those NHS staff being deployed had any adverse effect on hospitals back here?
Yes Bob, I was a bit surprised when I found out that 40% of the hospital based staff in Afghanistan were TA/RESERVES. I wonder if those NHS staff being deployed had any adverse effect on hospitals back here?
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd
I was in 4 Para during Gulf War 1, we were warned that there was a good chance we could be involved because it was reported that the Iraqis had a million strong army and the conflict could drag on for years but in the end only the medics went.
10 Para 4 Company DOY. Never ran so much in all my life as I did at 19 years old. Was always nice to have a pint of Guinness on a Wednesday night.
Great memories 👍
Cheers brother its me jay" EX'PARA from 2PARA and PF n ex'10"para an 21sas. In hospital for a knees and lower bk op mucker!! But trying to get me self out so can do the arnhem JUMP an so on this wkend like a true AIR BORNE warrior!! 😊😊 scoffs gash. so on me compo'rats lol cheers brother 4the shout'out brother!! TA was called STABS" bk then. 😊😊 hoping that ur all ok n well an family members brother blessing to u all brother green on mucker that was the day m8t!! 😊keep the channel GOING m8ty!!
Hope everything goes well and your up and about very very soon ❤
Jay you crazy man, you can't lob into Arnhem after your operation, back and knees! Just take it steady mucker, hope you are out of hospital soon mate 👍
All the best mukka, ex 3 Para, 2 Para and 10 Para (NRPS 1995-99). Utrinque Paratus
@@ralphclarke5030😊😊 green on mucker!! Cheers mate Tku brother will do mucker lots of memories from a oldswet my self an ex'service AB ALL THE WAY BROTHER FROM A EX'PARA!! To EX'PARA green on mucker tku gd time's 😊😊
@@LetsTab59-bd4fdcheers mucker ur welcome brother blessing to u all brother an family have a gd wknd an evening!! 😊😊 getting out of the QE' WOOLWICH TO DAY brother longstory but thay have but bk all my ops now 4a few months!! Witch i can say has pissedoff me to no end m8 keep getting told its tomorrow its tomorrow!! Shite so now im getting out!! My SELF an will b jumping in no mans"land tomorrow come hell or highwalter... Green on mucker from a oldswet an true crazy PARA!! 😊 doing it 4my 4uncle's who was on the jump an only 2came out !!! 😊😊 an yes sir KEITH im mad as a badger!! Lots of love to you all brother an family from this mad twat jay.! 😊😊
Ex Royal Navy Submariner with multiple deterrent patrols, Ex RAMC CMT (Army Medical Reserves) with one tour (Herrick 7) Whole unit took over the Role 3 hospital in Bastion, no way you could tell the difference between us and regular Army.
I didn't do Afghanistan but I've people echo your words many times, cheers and all the best 👍
Rest your ankle, remember ‘survive to fight’! 👍🏻
Joining the TA at the moment, i definitely think there's potential of getting the numbers if they push for it. It's like you said in one of your previous vids, the pay difference between civilians and soldiers is too wide, this way someone can benefit from the higher pay in civi street and serve. Win win.
You shouldn't really be doing it for the pay,...however on deployment most of us stabs earned twice as much as our oppos! Capita is screwing recruitment! When I joined in 2000 my local unit signed me up there and then, medical, training all at their establishment! Piece of piss! Why can't they go back to that way of thinking I don't know?!