3rd Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment - Army Reserve Infantry
Our 3rd Battalion, (Army Reserve) is recruiting
The Army Reserve is a chance to serve your country and community while maintaining your civilian life.
Opportunities for self-development, build confidence, leadership skills, and experience that can enhance your personal and professional growth.
Train in exciting locations in the UK and around the world. Gain skills and qualifications that are valuable in various careers.
Financial incentives include being paid for training and duties, along with a potential tax-free bonus.
How much time you spend is really up to you
Training is flexible and can fit around your life. Most roles will ask you to aim for 27 days a year – and your weekly training session at your unit will count towards this. If you complete 27 days and pass the Military Annual Training Tests you’ll qualify for a tax-free bonus payment on top of your pay. This bonus is based on the years served increasing annually for your first 5 years.
If you join a specialist unit the days required to qualify for the bounty could be as little as 19 days a year.
27 Days
This might sound like a lot, but broken down over the year, it could be as little as:
- 32 x Weekly drill nights ¼ day = 8 days
- 1 x Annual camp = 15 days
- 2 x Training Weekends (these are usually held monthly) = 4 days
You can do more training if you like – you’re paid for each day you do so it’s a good way to earn extra cash. In fact, many people enjoy it so much they find that they spend at least 40 days a year with the Army Reserve.
The great thing is that you can fit most of your training around your day job. You do it in the evenings and at weekends. There’s also a two-week training camp each year. Apart from the camp, it’s up to you and your unit to decide how much training you do.
Opportunities for sport
Reservists have lots of opportunities to play sport, both within their unit and all the way to representing the Army in their chosen sport. The difference between the Reservists and Regulars Army is that you’ll do these in the evenings and weekends rather than during the day.
You can play team sports like football, rugby and hockey, or get involved in sports like orienteering, target shooting, skiing or polo.
You will also be offered the chance to get involved in Adventurous training. This is usually arranged by your local team and you don’t have to go, but many people jump at the chance!
You can also attend sports and adventurous training courses and even go on to gain instructor qualifications recognised by civilian employers.
The strength of the Army is the people and the Army Reserve is no different
When you go along to your local unit you’ll get to meet people from all walks of life who have come together to do something amazing. The chances are that you’ll end up spending your time with people you wouldn’t before – but bond over a sense of shared purpose.
Before long you’ll find that your drill nights and exercises are more like hanging out with your friends than work.
Travel in the Army Reserve is available. However, you won’t be put under any pressure to sign up for it, when it comes up – as the Army respects that your daily life and commitments must come first.
Reservists do have the opportunity to train in other countries from Kenya to California.
Many employers are extremely supportive of the Army Reserve
Recognising the benefits of accelerated training, development and the experience it brings.
You will need to tell your employer that you are a member of the Army Reserve. The Army, as part of the Ministry of Defence works with employers to help make sure that you’ll be treated fairly and not suffer because of your commitment. In fact, many employers find that the skills Reservists bring to the workplace are a great benefit to their business.
Asking for time off
This is up to your employer – though many companies in the UK have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which shows that they support the Armed Forces. See if your company is part of this scheme by searching the signed pledges. This will include details like how many paid days leave you will be given for military commitments.
Many companies allow for additional leave for Army Reserve training.
Financial Incentives
Most Army Reserve roles are now offering extra payment to new entrants, once they reach joining milestones, for example completing training. Your unit or Candidate Support Manager will know more.
Find more about the pay, allowances and bonuses available to Army Reserves.
Army Jobs website - pay and benefits