I've been here before discussing joining the RDF before and being honest I didn't make the last recruitment drive due to fitness. I've worked on that and will be fighting fit for the next competition.
I'm trying to decide whether to join either the AR or the NSR as both will be available at my location. Both appeal to me but I definitely have more interest in the NSR.
I've done as much research as I can and my circumstances are that I'm 33, looking at a family relatively soon and am in a good job where I get enough leave to dedicate every year to allow 2-3 weeks FTT. I certainly think I can balance the above commitments with reserve service like most other RDF members.
I only want to join either reserve if I can make a valuable contribution though. The last thing I want is to be chocolate teapot in uniform. My primary worry about the NSR is that to be useful I would need to be available to go on patrols. Would I be right in assuming that I would need time available for 2 weeks FTT a year as well as 2-3 weeks for going on patrol or would you usually do either or? I also understand that these patrols of course are not planned around a reservists leave schedule!
I wouldn't be in the position that a college student may have where they can agree to go on a patrol at short notice to fill a gap on ship as that's just not something my job could accommodate without weeks/months notice. Do NSR members get to plan a patrol they are going on well in advance or is it very much adhoc. I just don't want to join the NSR and not be ever able to get to AS as I can never plan to get on a patrol which would be frustrating for all involved!
If the NSR is requires more flexibility than I can give, I would certainly join the AR and think I'd enjoy this just as much and could contribute. I'm assuming that FTT training is planned in the AR months in advance so as that members can organise the few weeks leave?
Sorry for the long mail and I know I'm putting the cart ahead of the horse a bit but I'm just trying to work out where to send my application so I contribute to the best of my ability!
I'm trying to decide whether to join either the AR or the NSR as both will be available at my location. Both appeal to me but I definitely have more interest in the NSR.
I've done as much research as I can and my circumstances are that I'm 33, looking at a family relatively soon and am in a good job where I get enough leave to dedicate every year to allow 2-3 weeks FTT. I certainly think I can balance the above commitments with reserve service like most other RDF members.
I only want to join either reserve if I can make a valuable contribution though. The last thing I want is to be chocolate teapot in uniform. My primary worry about the NSR is that to be useful I would need to be available to go on patrols. Would I be right in assuming that I would need time available for 2 weeks FTT a year as well as 2-3 weeks for going on patrol or would you usually do either or? I also understand that these patrols of course are not planned around a reservists leave schedule!
I wouldn't be in the position that a college student may have where they can agree to go on a patrol at short notice to fill a gap on ship as that's just not something my job could accommodate without weeks/months notice. Do NSR members get to plan a patrol they are going on well in advance or is it very much adhoc. I just don't want to join the NSR and not be ever able to get to AS as I can never plan to get on a patrol which would be frustrating for all involved!
If the NSR is requires more flexibility than I can give, I would certainly join the AR and think I'd enjoy this just as much and could contribute. I'm assuming that FTT training is planned in the AR months in advance so as that members can organise the few weeks leave?
Sorry for the long mail and I know I'm putting the cart ahead of the horse a bit but I'm just trying to work out where to send my application so I contribute to the best of my ability!
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