you

r gu

ide to

beco

min

g a

n o

fficer in th

e territoria

l arm

y

territorial army officerskills for business, leadership for life

2

Find out about the value of Territorial officers to your organisation page 15

Are you looking for something extra? Maybe you want a new challenge, a way to improve your fitness or an opportunity to test and develop your leadership skills. You can get all of these things by joining the Army as a Territorial officer.

Territorial units make up a quarter of the Army’s strength. Unlike the Regulars, Territorials train in their spare time so they can combine military life with their existing careers.

As an officer your training takes the form of an extensive leadership and management programme to prepare you for the responsibilities of leading soldiers. It is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute and conducted by staff from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Whatever you do in civilian life, becoming a Territorial officer is a great way to expand your horizons. You get paid for your time and gain skills that are valued in business and in life.

skills for business, leadership for life

people 4–9 06�� How to become a TA officer 06�� Face to face with TA officers 07�� The basic entry requirements

leadership 10–15 12�� �Benefits to you 14�� �Benefits to your employer 15� �What your employer needs

to know��

challenge 16–21 18�� �Serving on operations 21�� �Applying your military skills

to your civilian job21���Territorial pay and benefits

fitness 22–27 24�� �How military training can

boost your fitness 24 ��Expert advice to help you

get ready for selection 27�� �Take your sport further on

an Army expedition

opportunity 28–40 30 � �Selection and training� 32� �Officer training at Sandhurst� 34 � �Your route to becoming

an Army officer� 36 � �Where to use your skills 37 � �Five years on... 38 � �Taking the next steps

contents

employer?

fitness“ the army makes it easy to get fit and to try new activities” carl pates page 27

opportunity“ the training gave me a chance to learn more about myself and to test my limits” nicola hemsworth page 32

challenge“ combining my role in the army with a civilian job keeps me motivated” leanne christmas page 21

people“ the best part of being an officer is working with the soldiers” simar singh page 6

leadership“ i was looking for a way to develop my skills as a leader” keith cahill page 14 qualify as a leaderAll�Territorial�officers�gain�the�Chartered�Management�Institute’s�Level�5�Certificate�in�Management�and�Leadership.�This�is�widely�recognised�by�civilian�employers.��

There’s no such thing as a typical Territorial officer. They come from all walks of life and they all have their own reasons for joining. Meet them, and find out more

06 How to become a Territorial Army officer06 Face to face with TA officers

07 The basic entry requirements

people

6

“�i�wanted�to�be��part�of�a�team”There are many reasons to become a Territorial officer, and four ways to join. Meet four officers and read their stories

because you’ve already got basic military skills you won’t have to start right at the beginning.

UOTC officerThere are 19 University Officer Training Corps across the country. Officer cadets are students and take part in military and other activities, but have no obligation to join the Army and cannot deploy on operations. After graduating, if you aren’t joining the Regular Army, you can choose to transfer to a TA unit.

TA Sponsored officerA TA Sponsored Officer (TASO) is a student who has been provisionally accepted and sponsored by their chosen Territorial unit, but who does most of their officer training through a UOTC. If you choose this route, you’ll return to your Territorial unit after you have graduated to complete your officer training.

The Territorial Army’s greatest strength is its people. As an officer, your job will be to get the best out of them, turning a diverse group with a wide range of skills and experiences into an effective team able to tackle any task that it’s assigned. There are four main routes you can take to become a Territorial officer.

Direct entryMost Territorial units accept officers who can demonstrate leadership potential, even if they

Served as a Regular? find�out�how�you�can�transfer�your�commission.�See�page�35�for�details

have no previous military experience. Once you have passed officer selection, you will be able to go straight into officer training at a Regional Training Centre (RTC).

Unit potential officerAfter serving in a Territorial unit as a soldier you might choose to apply for officer training, or you could be identified as a suitable officer candidate by the staff at your unit. You will need to pass some selection courses, but

To become an officer in the Territorial Army you must:n Be over 18 and under 35n Be a UK, Irish or Commonwealth citizen

who has been living in the UK for five yearsn Have achieved 35 ALIS points in your best

seven subjects at GCSE, and 180 UCAS tariff points at AS and A level

bASiC ReqUiRemenTS

Tim joined the Territorial Army as it gave him the opportunity to combine military training with his academic work. He chose to join the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and is currently studying for a degree in engineering at Imperial College.

Why did you become a TA officer?I chose the Army because you get to do a massive range of activities, from soldiering to adventure sports. I was keen to get into a leadership role so I chose the Direct Entry route, which allows you to become an officer without serving as a TA soldier first.What does being a Territorial give you?You get an intense sense of comradeship from your unit. It’s like being part of a very large, very diverse family. There are people there who have been in the Regulars, others who are running their own businesses and others who are just starting out. It’s the officer’s job to make them into a team. What does your job involve?I help with the running of my unit and deal with any welfare issues that come up. It would take me a long time anywhere else to get the level of responsibility I get as an officer, and it’s a great way to meet people.

the�direct�entry�officertim�lillie�engineering student / troop commander

Simar joined the Territorial Army as a soldier shortly after starting a new job. “I was working in an office,” he says, “and was looking for a way to bring more adventure into my life.” He has recently been selected for officer training.

Why do you want to be an officer?I see it as a way of developing my civilian and Army careers at the same time. Both of them rely on sound administrative and man management abilities, as well as a talent for leadership, so I’ll be able to develop skills that I can transfer between the two worlds.

Are there advantages to serving as a soldier first?Yes. It’s the soldiers on the ground who make things happen. If you understand their mindset because you’ve been in the same position, I think it makes you a better leader and enhances your credibility.Was it easy to apply?When I decided that I wanted to become an officer I spoke to my platoon commander and he helped me with the application process. I’m due to start my officer training in a few weeks. It feels like a natural step after all the work that I’ve done as a soldier.

the�Unit�potential�officerSimar�Singh�lawyer / platoon commander

people

8 9

“yoUr�job�iS�to�tUrn�a�diverSe�

groUp�of�people�into�a�team“

Calvin Smith joined the University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) in his first year at university. “It’s not a tough choice,” he says. “You learn new skills, there’s a great social life and you get paid as well.”

Is the UOTC like the Army?The training gives you a taster of Army life, but it isn’t really tough and the staff aren’t looking for people who are super fit. It’s about being enthusiastic and

getting involved. People often say that they’re surprised by what they’ve been able to achieve. If it wasn’t fun, they wouldn’t keep coming back. What kind of people join?There’s a huge range. Some want to go on and join the Army, others just want to do activities that are beyond the reach of the other clubs and societies. Does it clash with your studies?No. The staff know that university is about getting a degree and everything

else comes after that. If you can’t get to training because there’s an essay due or an exam to revise for, all you have to do is tell your platoon commander.What sort of activities do you do?As well as the classic military stuff such as weapons handling and tactics, you get the chance to try things like diving or skiing. We’re going skydiving in California later this year – we’ll be paid for the whole two weeks we’re away and everyone will get a qualification.

the�Uotc�officercalvin�Smith�student / platoon commander

the�ta�SponSored�officernicola�hemSworth�strategic buyer / troop commanderNicola’s local Territorial unit sponsored her officer training while she was at university. The TA helps her strike a balance between Army life and a civilian career.

How do you benefit from being a Territorial officer?It’s really helped me improve my people skills. I work as a buyer, so I spend a lot of time negotiating with clients. I need to be able to talk to them in an authoritative way and use my confidence to make sure I get a good price. I’m sure my Army training has played a part in that.

What kind of people do you meet?There isn’t a particular type but no matter what you do, you’ll always find people you get on with. I became friends with a lot of the people I met in officer training and we’re still in touch with each other.What do you want to do next?In the long term I’d like to get some more experience with my unit, and maybe get a training post so I can give something back to the Army. It’s not too long ago that I got my commission, so in the short term I’m looking forward to going on exercise with my new unit.

people

You don’t have to work in management to become an officer. All you need is leadership potential. If you’ve got it, Territorial officer training will do the rest

12 How leadership training benefits you14 How your leadership training benefits your employer

15 What your employer needs to know

leadership

“�if�you�can��make�30�Tired�soldiers�lisTen,�Teaching�15�kids�is�easy”The employee mani SodhiTeacher / plaToon commander

mani Sodhi did his officer training while he was also completing his teacher training course. he had been working in a bank and wanted a total change. “Becoming an officer felt like the logical extension of what i wanted to do as a teacher,” mani says. “Both of the jobs are about people and both have helped me to develop as a leader.”

yoU leaRn hoW To TalK To people“I take a lot of skills from my training as a platoon commander into the classroom, especially around communicating and presenting your ideas. If you can make 30 tired soldiers listen to an hour-and-a-half

of orders while you’re on an exercise, then it’s easy to get 15 kids to pay attention when you’re teaching economics.

yoU deVelop a ‘Can do’ aTTiTUde“people in the army never say, ‘I can’t do this.’ If there’s a problem, they find a way to solve it, and that’s an approach I’ve taken with me into school. a few weeks ago a class were due to go on a school trip but their teacher had called in sick at the last minute, so I agreed to take the trip instead. When you’re leading soldiers on an operation, excuses aren’t an option.

doinG SomeThinG diFFeRenT helpS yoU FoCUS“It’s good to get away from the academic world sometimes, and the training we do is so far removed from school life that it’s really helpful.

Mani’s skills CV army training and experience gives Ta officers the following transferable skills:n presentation skillsn Communication skillsn Self-disciplinen Self-motivationn planning skillsn instruction techniques

leadership

»

1514

When I did my teaching qualification, some of the people on the course were struggling with it and finding the classroom environment really tough. But I was coming back to the classroom from weekends where I’d been crawling through mud and doing live firing exercises. I’d got rid of all my stress and felt pretty much ready for anything.

iT helpS yoUR WoRK/liFe BalanCe“There’s a very good social side to the Ta, from barbecues to formal events such as regimental balls. It helps remind you that you’re part of a community, and you can bring your partner or your friends along as well so you don’t feel like you’re being asked to choose between the two. In fact, both parts of my life seem to complement each other really well.

yoU Can do a loT oF neTWoRKinG “There’s a real social mix in the Ta. You get people who are lawyers, shop workers and students in civilian life, which means there are plenty of different perspectives. There’s even a sergeant in my platoon who is a teacher and works as a department head at another school.”

The employeR’S VeRdiCTmaGGie BolTon headTeacher

maggie Bolton, the headteacher of the school where mani teaches, thinks mani’s experiences in the Ta help him perform better at work.

“mani did a placement here and we could see he was a very good teacher. We recognised mani’s leadership skills and when the position of head of Business Studies came up, we appointed him.

“as well as being a good leader, he’s a great team player and understands the value of healthy

training that makes a difference

I’m a team leader with HM Revenue and Customs. The officer training I’ve done is useful in my civilian job, especially with things like admin and communicating ideas to other members of the team.

Learning how to apply your leadership skills in practical situations makes you feel more confident. It’s a steep learning curve but it’s very rewarding.

The better you get, the more doors open up for you. Last weekend I went to an event where I met officers from other countries, and next year I’ll be representing British officers at a conference in Norway.

I’m still the same person I was when I joined, but I’m much more ready to push myself forward and take on leadership roles.

competitiveness. If he’s teaching two different groups he’ll get them competing against each other, and that’s a very effective way of motivating students. It motivates him, too.

“mani is also very good at setting goals, and I think his army background has a lot to do with that. he has a clear routine for his own form and sets standards for them to meet, which makes them very confident in him.

“I wouldn’t employ someone solely because they were in the Ta – you can’t stereotype people like that. But it gives mani real presence and confidence, and those are important qualities.” ▪

TRaininGTa officers train in their spare time. research by leeds Business School shows that the training received by the average Ta member would cost an employer £9000 a year.

QUaliFiCaTionSTraining and development provided by the Territorial army can count towards a range of civilian qualifications. These may complement your own existing employee development programmes. all officers who complete their training gain the level 5 certificate in management and leadership from the chartered management Institute.

moBiliSaTionThe process of calling Ta members into full-time service to support military operations is known as mobilisation. everyone in the Ta is committed to the possibility of mobilisation if required, under the reserve Forces act 1996. employers have the right to seek exemption or deferral if necessary. The mod recognises the impact that the mobilisation of a Ta member can have on a civilian employer and provides a range of advice and support services, including financial assistance (see below).

employeR noTiFiCaTionall Ta recruits who joined after 1 april 2004 are obligated to give the mod permission to contact their employer directly. employer notification is designed to encourage honesty between a Ta member and their employer, minimising possible problems if they should seek leave for training or in the rare event of compulsory mobilisation.

FinanCial SUppoRTan employer can claim financial assistance to cover the cost of replacing an employee who has deployed on operations. Fees for using a recruitment agency or advertising for a replacement can also be claimed. employers do not have to continue paying an employee while they are away.

employers:�whaT�you�need�To�know

for�more�information�go�to�sabre.mod.uk

»

keiTh�cahillManager / troop coMMander

leadership

GeT inVolVedmaintaining a regular dialogue with your employees in the Ta will help you get the best out of them. Your Territorial employees may be able to invite you to social occasions and other events that give you the opportunity to take a first-hand look at what life is like as a Territorial.

WhaT The Ta oFFeRS yoUmilitary training and experience focus on developing skills that are as important in the workplace as they are on exercises or operations. These include teamwork and team leadership, self-confidence and adaptability. There are some qualities that are less easy to quantify, such as loyalty, integrity and reliability, that underpin everything the army does.

WheRe To Find oUT moReSupporting Britain’s reservists & employers (SaBre) is a national campaign set up by the mod to enhance the relationship between Territorials and their employers. SaBre advises all Territorials to be open and honest with their employers about army commitments, in order to help your business plan ahead. It offers you impartial advice, support and information on everything from training obligations to employers’ legal rights and responsibilities. SaBre can put you in touch with contacts at a regional level who will be able to help you with specific queries, and can arrange for you to visit Ta units at home and overseas.

To find out more about SaBRe and how they help you make the most of your Territorials, visit sabre.mod.uk or call 0800 389 5459.

As an officer there’s always a new way to test yourself, from serving on operations overseas to applying military skills in your civilian career

18 Serving as an officer on operations21 Applying your military skills to your civilian job

21 Territorial pay and benefits

challenge

18 19

challenge

Mike Cumming completed his officer training in 2004. He commissioned into the Parachute Regiment as he wanted the opportunity to command combat soldiers on operations. “They’re well known for getting in the thick of the action,” he says, “so I knew my first operational deployment could be just around the corner.” Mike got notice that he was going to deploy to Iraq in 2007, and started his preparatory training shortly afterwards.

“You spend two-and-a-half months training in the UK, and that prepares you physically as well as mentally for everything you’re going to face while you’re away. It’s all about getting you in the right frame of mind.

aRRIvIng on oPeRaTIons“I was a bit scared on my way over to Iraq – you really just get the fear of the unknown. But while your training back home goes a long way to

“�i�wanted�to�serve�on�operations”mike�cumming�Business owner / platoon commander

my challenge»

2120

challenge

territorial�pay�and�benefitsPaYYou are paid for all the time you spend at your Territorial unit. The daily rate is equivalent to that received by a Regular officer of the same rank and experience and in a comparable role. You are also paid for each quarter day of training you do. To find out what you could earn in you spare time as a Territorial officer go online and visit armyjobs.mod.uk/benefits/pay/

annUaL BoUnTYEvery year when you satisfy the minimum annual training requirement (19 days in a National TA unit and 27 days in a Regional TA unit) and pass the relevant training tests you receive a tax-free lump sum known as a bounty. Find out what bounty you could receive at armyjobs.mod.uk/benefits/pay/

eXPensesYou’ll be paid for your travel to and from your unit and to any other locations where your training takes place. Meals taken while you’re on duty, your uniform and other key items of kit are all provided free.

oPeRaTIonsIf you deploy on operations and your civilian salary is higher than your Army pay, you can claim the difference in pay up to a certain amount. You can also claim for the cost of replacing certain benefits that your employer provides while you’re away, such as health insurance or school fees.

LegaL PRoTeCTIonIf you are deployed on operations, your job is protected under The Reserve Forces (safeguard of employment) act 1985. Under this act, employers are guilty of an offence if they terminate your employment solely or mainly because of your liability to be called up for military service.

For more information visit saBRe online at sabre.mod.uk or call 0800 389 5459.

for�more�information�go�to�armyjobs.mod.uk/benefits

“�if�i�didn’t�have�my�business��to�run�i’d�be�back�out�there”

“�to�apply�officer�skills�to�my�career”�leanne�christmas�Banker / platoon commander

my challenge»

Leanne Christmas became a Territorial because she wanted a different set of challenges to the ones she experienced in her career. she’s found that many of the skills she’s learned are just as relevant in the boardroom as on battlefield.

“The corporate world and military world have very different values, but they have more

in common than you might think. In both cases you’re given an objective and a team of people whose skills you need to draw on in order to get there, so my two jobs complement each other well.

“One of the most valuable things I can take from military life is that I’ve become much more self-reliant. I know that if someone gives me a job, I can get on and do it.

“Being a Territorial officer has been very good for my career. Job interviews are often competence-based, so you’ll be asked to give examples of your team-building skills or decision making skills, and being an officer gives me loads of ready made examples.

“I got promoted at work recently, and I’m convinced that officer training and my Army experiences played a key part in that.” ▪

equipping you for what you’ll face on operations, you learn far more spending just one day in theatre. Before you go out on the ground you spend two weeks with the Operational Training Advisory Group (OPTAG). This training is based on situations that are taking place there, so it’s more realistic and puts everything you’ve learned into context. You see how things work and what you need to be looking out for, so you feel much more ready for the challenges ahead.

aCCLIMaTIsIng To IRaq“Getting used to mortar attacks every night was the first thing we had to deal with, but as the tour goes on you get used to the stress levels and no situation fazes you. We’re a tight unit anyway but out on operations everyone helps themselves and each other. It’s the camaraderie that really gets you through.

geTTIng oUT on THe gRoUnd“It was doing foot patrols through villages and vehicle checkpoints that I enjoyed most. We’d get to meet the local people all day, every day, and that was the best bit. I didn’t really know what to expect at first, but units who had been working there before us had spent time building up relationships, so every village welcomed us. We were their security. They were always happy to see us. The more time you spent with them, the more they’d be willing to talk to you so you’d start to learn what life is really like there.

“We did really well in Iraq and I honestly believe that it was because of the variety of skills

that you find in TA units. Our unit had doctors, barristers and engineers working as soldiers every day. What they all brought to the melting pot was amazing; we were in the position to deal with any situation. By the end of our tour, OPTAG wanted to shadow our unit to learn more about the way we did things. That was a real pat on the back.

“After the tour some guys were signing up to go to Afghanistan. Officially you can’t be called up for another two years, but you can voluntarily mobilise yourself. If I didn’t have my own businesses to run and have so many other responsibilities, I’d be straight back out there.” ▪

With amazing rewards and a wealth of opportunities waiting for you in your spare time, a career as a TA officer means that you get out more

24 How military training can boost your fitness24 Expert advice to help you get ready for selection27 Take your sport further on an Army expedition

fitness

24 25For more information go to armyfit.mod.uk

Fitness

Zayne Crow joined the TA in a bid to get fit. Since then she’s served in Iraq and run 14 marathons, two double-marathons and ‘the toughest foot race on earth’ – the Marathon des Sables, 151 miles across the Sahara Desert.

“Fitness is so important in the Army as you never know what job or challenge you’ll face next. You need to make sure your fitness is good. That way you’re ready for anything.

“Goals are really helpful. I’ve been running long distances for 20 years and I still need to

SwIMMIngSwim as many lengths as you can without stopping in half

an hour. Alternatively, go for a 40-minute swim once a week,

trying to increase the number of lengths

each time.gooD for

Exercising all major muscles, heart and lungs

runnIngRunning should be a key part of your exercise programme when preparing for Army training. Plan a running route, ideally on flat grass or a mixture of surfaces (road running puts a strain on ankles, knees and hips). gooD for Endurance and stamina; exercising the heart and lungs

wArM uP AnD Cool DownIt’s important to warm up before any exercise to loosen the muscles and get your joints moving. You must also cool down afterwards to help get rid of the waste products in your muscles.

To warm up jog gently for about five minutes, do some stretching and then repeat your jog. To cool down after your session, do the same thing – a mixture of light jogging and some stretching exercises.

SIT-uPSn Secure feet under fixed

object (or get a friend to hold them)

n Keep knees bent at 90 degrees

n From a lying position raise your body to 45 degrees

n Lower back down slowly and in control

gooD for Strengthening the trunk

PreSS-uPSn Keep hands shoulder-width

apart and body straightn Bend elbows and lower

body until chest is about an inch off the floor

n Push back up to the start position

gooD for Upper arm and chest strength

Pull-uPS/ heAveS(Only if you have access to a beam that can hold your weight): n Hang from the

beam with arms fully extended

n Pull up until chin clears top of beam

n Return to start position under control

gooD forBiceps and upper body strength

SquATSn From a standing position

lower body by bending knees slowly until they reach a 90-degree angle

n Straighten back up to standing position

n Knees should not push forward over the front of your toes

gooD for Building strength in the thighs

STeP-uPSn Step up from the floor onto

a low chair or benchn Stand up straight with both

feet on chair or benchn Step back down

to the floor gooD for Strengthening the thighs and getting the heart pumping

set myself goals. If I don’t, I get lazy and fall off the pace. They help to keep exercise interesting and enjoyable. A target could be as simple as completing a 5km fun-run, but it will really help. Once you’ve done that run you can tick the box and move on to the next challenge, which could be a 10km fun-run. That’s how I trained for the ultra-marathon, the Marathon des Sables.

“I used to say to myself, ‘Right, the Marathon des Sables is in a year, so I must maintain my fitness.’ My targets were always marathons and I ran eight in the six months before the big race. »

get in shape now – 40-60 minutes, four times a weekpreparation » stamina » upper body and trunk » lower limbs

AlTernATe SquAT ThruSTSn Place hands flat on floor

with legs straight out behind you

n Bend one leg up beneath the body, then shoot it backwards while the other leg comes up

n Alternate legs in a quick, thrusting movement

gooD for Leg muscles, heart and lungs

“ Fitness is a key part oF army liFe”zayne crow NURSE / tRoop commaNdER

TrICePS DIPSn With bent knees and

straight arms, rest hands on a sturdy chair or bench behind you

n Lower body until arms are bent at 90 degrees

n Push up to return to the start position

gooD forBuilding strength in the upper arms

Fitness

26 27For more information go to army.mod.uk/events/training

It paid off because I completed the Marathon des Sables and finished in 155th place out of 879 athletes. It took me 29 hours and I was the 11th female to finish.

keePIng fIT wITh The ArMy“Life as a TA officer is very active and you soon find yourself feeling fitter. But it’s important to maintain that fitness, which takes dedication and focus. The Army tests your fitness every year with the Personal Fitness Test and the Annual Fitness Test to help you keep in shape.

“You enjoy the TA more if you’re fit. If your fitness levels aren’t good you feel anxious about the tests, and exercises can be tough. But if you’re on top of your game they’re really something to enjoy and look forward to, and you know you’re doing your job to the best of your ability.

“If you’re trying to get fit enough to join the Army, there’s no need to force yourself to do things you hate. Start with just a couple of jogs per week, get on the bicycle, have a swim or go

»

You need to meet basic fitness requirements to pass the Army Officer Selection Board (see page 31). There are also further fitness tests which you need to pass to qualify for your annual bounty and to progress in your career.

The bASIC requIreMenTSn 44 press-ups in two minutes for men and

21 press-ups in two minutes for womenn 50 sit-ups in two minutes for both men

and womenn A 10.2-level bleep test for men and an

8.1-level bleep test for women

How Fit do i need to be?

rock climbing if that’s what you like to do. Use the rower, cross trainer and treadmill at the gym – don’t do the same road run over and over again because you’ll get bored and demotivated.

“One thing I’ve found is that once you join the Territorials, keeping your fitness up is made much easier because you’re always surrounded by very active and driven people.

“The Army helped me to get really excited by physical challenges. I’m off to America with my TA unit to do high-altitude mountain trekking next week. We’ll be getting paid to climb Mount Whitney – it’s 14,500 ft high and I can’t wait. I would usually want to speed off into the distance and do it at my own pace but I know there’s nothing like doing it as a team – it makes it even more rewarding when you’ve finished.” n

n You must also complete an obstacle course to the best of your ability

AnnuAl fITneSS TeST Your fitness is tested each year, and you will be expected to complete a six-mile march in under one-and-a-half hours. To be eligible for operational tours you must do an eight-mile march carrying full kit in two hours.

PerSonAl fITneSS ASSeSSMenT You must run 2.4km (1.5 miles) and do a set number of press-ups and sit-ups to pass the PFA and to qualify for your tax- free annual bounty. The pass levels vary according to age and gender.

“ keeping Fit is easier because you’re around active and driven people”

“tHrougH tHe army

i qualiFied as a ski

instructor”

Carl Pates was a commissioned officer before he started a Masters degree in civil engineering, so the uoTC was the obvious choice for him. now he’s the regimental Adventurous Training officer.

What is your role at the UOTC?I work closely with the Commanding Officer. I look after everything to do with planning adventurous training trips. I then lead the officer cadets once we’re out there. How do you go about planning an expedition?You have to think about everything from accommodation and food, to finances and finding qualified instructors. You set objectives such as reaching certain peaks

or improving teamwork in a different environment. The objectives influence whether or not you get the funding to go so you have to set them wisely. Where have you planned trips to so far?I’ve planned and led trips around the UK and to Bavaria in Germany. Why do you do adventurous training in the TA?It encourages physical and moral courage, improves leadership qualities and team working – it’s a good way to bring out the qualities in your soldiers that you need on operations.What have you got out of your current role?Through the Army I have qualified as a ski and mountaineering instructor. I’ve dived in the Red Sea, walked Europe and rock climbed in Costa Blanca.

adventurous training in the TAcarl patesStUdENt / platooN commaNdER

From soldiering to the principles of leadership, officer training equips you with the skills you need and gives you the chance to develop new ones

30 Selection and training 32 Officer training at Sandhurst34 Your route to becoming an Army officer 36 Where to use your skills

37 Five years on... 38 Taking the next steps

opportunity

30 For more information go to army.mod.uk/aosb 31

opportunity

turn to page 32 For module 4 Royal militaRy academy sandhuRst»

the officer selection process

selection and trainingFrom the initial interview to the final training module, learning to be an officer will put all your skills to the test

The aim of the selection process is to check that you’ve got the potential to become an officer, and that you’re ready to learn all the necessary skills at officer training. If you’re already in the Territorial Army and have applied or been selected for officer training, you can go straight to step four. Direct entrants start by having an interview.

1 interview having a chatThis can be set up by the unit you hope to

join or by the staff of your local Army Careers Information Office. You will be able to discuss the options available to you, and if an officer role is right for you, you’ll get help to select a unit to sponsor you through the training process.

After your interview you will be contacted by your sponsor unit. They will organise a medical check and book you on the Recruit Selection Weekend where you complete the next stage of the officer selection process.

2recruit selection Weekend test youR skills As an officer, you will be expected to

master the same military skills as the soldiers you command. The Recruit Selection Weekend tests your ability to learn those skills. You’ll do some basic skills and fitness tests, as well as a medical assessment. If you pass you formally join the Territorial Army, a process called ‘attestation’. From this point onwards you’ll be paid for each training session you attend.

3Module 1 RecRuit tRainingThis takes place over several weekends

or a two-week course. Module 1 teaches the same skills that are covered in soldiers’ basic training including weapons handling, communications and foot drill as well as how to live in the field.

4Module 2 leadeRship skillsDelivered over 10 weekends at a Regional

Training Centre (RTC), Module 2 helps apply your leadership skills in a military context through a range of practical and theoretical exercises. As an officer cadet you will now wear the cap badge and beret of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

5Module 3 tactical skillsYou apply the skills you learned in Module

2 in the intensive environment of a nine-day battle camp. The camp allows instructors to assess your performance and gives you the final opportunity to practise all the skills that will be put to the test when you move on to Module 4.

“ the selection process is very intense but massively rewarding”

university oFFicer training corps The University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) gives university students the chance to develop their leadership skills through military activities. You’ll be paid for all the training you do, but you won’t be asked to go on operations and you can leave the unit whenever you want. Students are chosen based on their mental aptitude and physical fitness at a selection weekend.

Year one As an officer cadet you’ll learn basic military skills and you will complete part one of the Management and leadership Development programme. You train at weekends and in the evenings, so it’s easy to fit around your studies. You’ll test your skills at the annual camp and you may decide to take part in a Summer leader and fast track to a commission.

Year two Your leadership training will culminate in a series of tests, including a mock attack. You’ll also do part two of the Management and leadership Development programme. You might then go on to get a commission.

Year three You’ll have the chance to join the UOTC’s training team, or take on responsibility for leading groups of other officer cadets. In Scotland you can serve a fourth year with your UOTC.

After passing your interview you will be contacted by a Regional Training Centre (RTC). The RTC will arrange for you to do Modules 2 and 3 and to meet with the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB). The AOSB Briefing and AOSB Main Board take place while you are training. You must pass both before progressing to Module 4.

AosB BriefingAll officer selection is the responsibility of the AOSB. Before you complete the Main Board, you attend the AOSB Briefing to prepare you. This lasts for one-and-a-half days and includes a series of

mental aptitude tests, an informal discussion, leaderless tasks, command tasks, a planning exercise, a fitness test and an obstacle course. You’ll also be briefed on what to expect at the Main Board.

AosB Main BoardThis runs for three-and-a- half days. You take written tests, give a presentation and take part in some outdoor exercises similar to the ones

at the AOSB Briefing. All the tests are assessed and staff will be looking to see how well you work as part of a team, evidence of your leadership ability and how you react under pressure. There is no single test by which you pass or fail. If you succeed here, you’ll continue training at the RTC and will be eligible to go on to Module 4 – the TA Commissioning Course.

32 33For more information go to www.sandhurst.mod.uk

opportunity

»

6Module 4 Royal militaRy academy sandhuRst

“ you have these skills For liFe” nicola hemsworth Strategic buyer / Platoon commander

Nicola Hemsworth’s Territorial unit sponsored her to train as an officer at her UOTC. She completed the Territorial Army commissioning course at Sandhurst in 2009 after graduating, as it gave her the chance to continue her military training and combine it with her new job as a buyer for Nestlé.

“By the time you get to Sandhurst, you’ve already completed three modules of officer training, so you’re very well prepared. The aim isn’t to teach you loads of new skills but to apply what you’ve already learned in a practical context.

“Sandhurst is almost a mystical place. Before you go, you hear all sorts of urban legends about what the course involves. And although it’s very, very intense, once you get there you realise that it’s not so bad after all. The standard of instruction there is just amazing.

“For most of week one you go back over the basics, such as weapons handling and how to deliver orders to your soldiers. You also complete a basic fitness test to make sure that you’re ready for the physical challenges.

“In the second week you start putting into practice the skills that you’ve learned in the previous months. Communication skills are particularly important when you’re issuing orders. As you come under more pressure and you realise that you can cope with what’s being asked of you, it boosts your confidence.

“At the end of the second week you do a seven-day exercise. Sometimes it feels as though you’re permanently running everywhere or crawling through the mud and the cooked breakfast we had on our final morning is probably one of the best things I’ve ever seen.

“The ultimate reward is the parade on the last day when you get your commission. It sounds like a cliché, but when we marched up the steps of the Old College at the end of the parade it made me think about just what I’d achieved.

“Getting the chance to do officer training and to go to Sandhurst is an awesome opportunity in itself, but it’s also a chance to boost your confidence and develop skills that you can carry with you into your civilian life. leadership is one of the most important, but presentation and planning skills are just as useful in my day job.” n

You revisit some of the key military skills training from previous modules. There are a number of individual tests that you will need to pass, including weapons handling and fitness tests. A two-day exercise gives you an early opportunity to test your core military skills under field conditions. There will

also be a series of briefings and lectures to cover some of the theoretical aspects of life as an officer, including the law of armed conflict.

the territorial commissioning course – module 4week 2 leadership training week 3 commissioningweek 1 key military skills » »

WhAt hAppens After sAndhurst?The commissioning parade at Sandhurst recognises all your hard work, but it doesn’t mark the end of your training. Officers keep learning throughout their careers and the next stage starts at your unit.

your first jobAs a newly qualified Second lieutenant, you’re ready for your first command appointment with your unit. Depending on its role, you can expect to take charge of up to 30 soldiers. You’ll be responsible for their career development, their welfare and their effectiveness in completing whatever task

they’re assigned. It can be a steep learning curve but the organisational skills that you learned at Sandhurst will help you, and there will be experienced senior soldiers as well as other officers on hand to give you advice.

post-commissioning training You will be expected to serve for three years with your unit before your are eligible to deploy on operations. You also need to complete some further training to give you the skills you will need. Most of these courses take place at a Regional Training Centre and include sessions on managing soldiers, how to plan training and the mobilisation process as well as CBRN (operating in an environment where chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear substances may be present).

Your performance is continually assessed through weeks two and three. There will be a combat fitness test and the chance to practise foot drill, as well as an assessment of your ability to compile and issue a set of orders – a vital part of your future role. The second half of the week is taken up with a six-day exercise which

concludes in week three, where you’ll have to use your leadership skills under the same demanding conditions that you’d face on operations.

The field exercise comes to an end. For the staff of Sandhurst it’s decision time as they choose which of the intake will go on to get a commission. If you’ve made the grade there will be a short navigation exercise and plenty of foot drill to get you ready for the parade at the end of the week. This

ceremony is the culmination of all your hard work, and marks the point at which you go from officer cadet to Second lieutenant.

34 35

opportunity

There are four ways to become a Territorial officer, each with a training programme that fits around your civilian life

your route to a commission

next stepspost-commissioning training Sandhurst isn’t the end of the officer journey. After gaining your commission you return to your unit to take up your first appointment and complete post-Commissioning Training.

YOUr FirST AppOiNTmeNT After gaining your commission you return to your unit to take up your firstcommand appointment. You will be responsible for the training, welfare and operational effectiveness of 30 soldiers.

FUrTHer TrAiNiNg While taking command of your first unit, you complete the final stages of your officer training. The objective is to give you some of the skills necessary for the day-to-day running of a platoon or troop, and to give you some of the specialist skills that you would need to lead soldiers on operations. This includes how to organise training and what is involved in mobilisation – the process by which soldiers are called up to serve on operations. You will spend three years with your unit before you are eligible to be deployed overseas.

Module 4royal military academy sandhurst (rmas)The Territorial Commissioning Course takes place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and represents the highlight of your officer training. You can opt to complete the Course as a single block of three weeks, or you can just do the first week and return to complete the other two at a later date. You must have passed the Army Officer Selection Board before you can start the Course at Sandhurst (see page 31) and must start no later than six months after completing Module 3.

You’re not assessed during the first week as you’ll be revising the skills that you learned during the previous modules. There are some fitness tests you need to pass, so you’ll have to make sure that you achieve a good standard of fitness before you start.

If you pass the assessments and perform well in the final field exercise, you will commission into your chosen unit. The commissioning parade marks a change in status from officer cadet to Second lieutenant.

module 3tactical skills You can now take a leadership role within the UOTC. You can also take a third module, preparing you to command larger groups and to gain a commission from Sandhurst. UOTC members are under no obligation to attend Sandhurst.

Module 3tactical skills You apply the theory learned in Module 2 to a series of practical exercises held during a nine-day battle camp. These include patrols, ambushes and other activities where you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to lead larger groups of soldiers and your understanding of basic infantry tactics. Your performance during the camp will be assessed by the exercise staff and you will need to pass in order to progress. You must also make sure that you’ve completed the AOSB Briefing and AOSB Main Board. THe reJOiNiNg prOCeSS

If you served as a Regular officer and left within the past six years, becoming a Territorial is no more complicated than completing a few forms. Your local Army Careers Information Office or Territorial unit will tell you more. Former Regular soldiers who want to apply for a commission should rejoin as soldiers and follow the Unit potential Officer route. WHAT YOU NeeD TO KNOWAfter you have rejoined, you will be subject to the same annual tests as the other members of your unit. It’s particularly important to make sure that you keep up with your fitness activities. Whether you are rejoining as a soldier or as an officer, you will be able to keep the rank and seniority that you held during your time as a Regular. HOW YOU BeNeFiTRejoining as a Territorial officer will give you the opportunity to apply all your leadership and military skills in the appropriate context. You will also enjoy some of the key rewards of military life, including the strong sense of camaraderie and an active lifestyle, all combined with your civilian career.

module 2leadership skills The principles of leadership and management are taught over 10 weekends at an RTC. You learn how to apply them in the field, and master other key skills such as navigation and the process of composing and issuing orders to your soldiers.

mldp 2leadership skills Once you’ve mastered the basics of soldiering, you spend the second year learning how to demonstrate leadership in a military context. Just like the previous module the training is delivered at the weekends and in the evenings. You’ll be assessed on your signals and map-reading skills, but the key part is a tactical exercise where you’ll master the process by which orders are issued and apply it to a simple tactical problem. The assessments will all be carried out by serving soldiers and officers.

Module 1core skillsYou learn the basic soldiering skills which underpin the rest of your training. The module is taught over several weekends or a two-week course at a Regional Training Centre (RTC).

mldp 1core skills This takes place over a series of weekends and evenings in your first year with the UOTC. The module equips you with the same skills you’d need as an infantry soldier including weapons handling and how to live in the open, or ‘fieldcraft’. Everything you learn has a military application, but some of the skills such as first aid and communication have a wider value. You’ll also do some work to raise your level of fitness.

served as a regular?

unit potentiAl officerYou’re already a soldier in a Territorial unit and have been selected or have applied for officer training. As you’ve already completed a Recruit Selection Weekend and the Basic Recruit Training Module, you start at Module 2. Some units will only accept officer candidates who have served as soldiers first.

uotc officer cadetYou join the UOTC at university as an officer cadet. You should have at least two years left of your course when you apply.

tA sponsored officerYou go to university having been accepted by your chosen Territorial unit as a potential officer, but train with your UOTC.

direct entrYYou might have no previous military experience, but are interested in joining the TA as an officer. You need to attend an interview to decide if you are Army officer material before you start the officer training process.

36 37

What else do i need to knoW?From how much you get paid to serving on operations, find answers to your questions about what life as a Territorial officer involves

do i have to tell my employer?Anyone who joins the TA gives the Ministry of Defence permission to contact their employer on their behalf. If you’re already a member of the TA and re-engaged before April 2004, you’re strongly advised to speak to your employer and give the Ministry of Defence permission to contact them. It’s best to keep your employer informed of your Territorial commitments.

Combat roles require officers to lead their soldiers from the front, often in close proximity to the enemy. Whatever the task, being able to think quickly and act decisively are vital skills.

Officers in engineering units have the job of finding solutions to practical problems on the battlefield. Here their technical skills are as much at a premium as their leadership skills.

The Army relies on its supply chain to keep its soldiers equipped and able to carry out their tasks. Officers manage that process, ensuring that support is available wherever it’s needed.

Gathering and distributing information quickly and securely gives an important advantage on the battlefield. You’ll lead the skilled, specialist soldiers who keep the information flowing.

Providing expert administrative support to every single unit around the world is a demanding role. Officers also serve as police officers, lawyers, educators and chaplains.

Officers in the Army Medical Services provide a wide range of healthcare services to military personnel and to working animals. They keep up to date by training alongside civilian counterparts.

Military music and ceremonial events give the Army an important link with its past and keep traditions alive. Officers serving in ceremonial roles also deploy on operations.

how to find the right roleUnits in the British Army are grouped into seven categories based on the skills required to do the jobs involved, and the role that each of them plays on the battlefield

how long will training take?It depends on you. Most training takes place at weekends and in the evenings so that you can fit it around your civilian life and progress at your own pace. You could complete the necessary modules in a few months, but you can normally expect to spend a year to 18 months getting your

commission and completing further officer training.

will i be called up? The Army is deployed in many different areas of the world including Afghanistan. The units of the Territorial Army have a key part to play, so there’s a chance that you’ll be asked to serve overseas. The Army will always ask for volunteers first, but

if it can’t meet its requirements or there’s a need for particular skills, some people may be subject to compulsory mobilisation. Officers or officer cadets serving with a UOTC cannot be called up. You or your employer can appeal if your mobilisation would conflict with your parental or primary care responsibilities, disrupt your education or training, or seriously affect the business.

how much will i get paid?You’re paid for each quarter day of training you attend. The rate is based on the salary received by a Regular officer of the same rank doing a comparable job, and will increase as you move through the ranks. When you fulfil the annual training commitment you also qualify for a tax-free annual bounty. In addition, all relevant expenses are paid, including travel to and from training and your kit. If you join a National TA unit you can claim up to a full day’s pay for travelling to and from your training sessions. You can find more information on rates of pay and potential bounties at armyjobs.mod.uk/benefits/pay

what if i have a professional qualification?There is an extensive range of opportunities available to qualified healthcare professionals. The TA needs: n Doctors n Dentists n Radiographers n Pharmacists

n Biomedical scientists n Nurses n Veterinary surgeonsFor more information about the Army Medical Services phone 0800 7311201. All calls are free.

what are the eligibility criteria?To join as an officer, you must be over 18 and under 35, and a citizen of the UK, Ireland or a Commonwealth country. You should also have 35 ALIS points in your best seven subjects at GCSE and 180 UCAS tariff points at AS and A Level, but this does not apply if you’re already serving as a Territorial soldier.

will i have any free time left if i join the tA?You don’t have to make a choice between your civilian life and your military responsibilities. Once you get your commission, there is a minimum training commitment of 19 or 27 days a year, depending on the type of unit you join, including a two-week annual camp. Most soldiers and officers find that it’s easy to satisfy this commitment and often choose to complete extra training to develop their skills further. However, you will need to put in some extra time to complete your officer training. If you go on operations you will be called up to serve full time and will be overseas for up to six months. You will normally be able to take leave at some point during this period and get a period of paid leave after completing your tour.

Can i leave if it’s not for me?When you join the Territorial Army you nominally agree to serve for a period of twelve years, but you can leave at any time provided you haven’t already been asked to deploy on operations.

andreW GilruthBusiness owner / squadron commander

There are two types of Territorial unit. The unit you join will depend on your skills, the skills you want to learn and the time you have to give.

regional unitsRegional units recruit and train locally. No previous experience is necessary as all the skills relevant to your role will be taught by the unit. Their minimum annual training commitment is 27 days.

national unitsNational TA units recruit from across the UK. Some National units have highly specialised roles and take on people with relevant expertise. Unlike Regional units, members may have long distances to travel to get to their unit. For this reason their training commitment is shorter, at 19 days, and training only takes place at weekends. All travel costs are paid for.

which type of unit will i join?Why did you become a TA officer?I joined as a soldier, and when one of the officers suggested I try for a commission I decided to give it a go. I liked the idea of the extra challenge. I went to Sandhurst and became a troop leader five years ago, and now I hold the rank of Major. How has your relationship with the TA changed?The TA means different things to me at different stages of my life. As a student it was a way to earn some money, when I had an office job it helped

me get outside more. Now I have more responsibility it’s a chance to focus on something different. The fact that it evolves with you is very appealing. What are the benefits ?No matter how important you are in your civilian career, being an officer brings you back down to earth. You deal with a very different set of issues, and soldiers aren’t afraid to tell you when you’ve gone wrong. It also helps you develop confidence to take on complex problems, simplify them and come up with a solution.

five years on...

opportunity

OPPORTUNITY

38

the territorial offer

chOOse YOUR ROUTe TO a TeRRITORIal cOmmIssIONDo you think you’re ready to become a Territorial officer? Whether you’d like to get the ball rolling or you’d just like a little more information, these are the next steps you need to takeJoining the territorial army as an officer is a great way to give your life an extra dimension.

There are four main routes to a commission, depending on what stage you’re at and how much experience you have. Take a look at the statements below and see which of them applies to you.

Remember that if you have any questions you can find out more by calling us on 08457 300 111 or by taking a look at armyjobs.mod.uk online. For general queries there is

also an online careers office you can visit at armyjobs.mod.uk/contactus, which is open from 12 noon to 10pm from Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon to 8pm on Sundays. Alternatively you can drop into your local Army Careers Information Office or any TA unit and you can find these online at armyjobs.mod.uk/inyourarea.

When you think you’re ready to become an officer in the Territorial Army, you can go straight to the Army online application form at applicationform.armyjobs.mod.uk

You can join the University officer training Corps (UOTC) when you get to university, or become a TA Sponsored Officer (TASO). Talk to the UOTC at your Freshers’ Fair, or find their contact details at army.mod.uk/UotC/joining.aspx. As a TASO, you join a TA unit but do your officer training through a UOTC. Alternatively you can train with any Regional or National TA unit while you study. UOTC officer cadets who wish to start the commissioning process should talk to their Company Commander.

You may already have been identified as a Unit Potential Officer (Unit PO) by the staff at your TA unit, in which case you’ll be told how to begin your application. If not, you can speak to your platoon or troop commander who will discuss the options with you and set you on the right path. If you’re planning to go to University you should discuss the possibility of becoming a TA Sponsored Officer (TASO) with your Permanent Staff Administration Officer.

the Direct entry route means you can start officer training even if you haven’t had any previous military experience, provided you pass a medical and an initial interview. For administrative reasons you join as a soldier, but hold the rank of Officer Cadet during your training. You can apply to become a Direct Entry Officer online at applicationform.armyjobs.mod.uk. Shortly after you will be contacted by a Deputy Brigade Commander or another regional contact.

as an ex-regular officer, your leadership skill and military expertise will be highly valued by Territorial units. Depending on when you left the Army, rejoining can be as simple as signing a form to transfer your commission to a new unit, and you won’t have to complete any further training. Drop into a Territorial unit or your local Army Careers Information Office to find out more. You can find their addresses and telephone numbers online at armyjobs.mod.uk/inyourarea

n Get good leadership and management training accredited by the Chartered Management institute

n Combine the challenges and rewards of Army life with your existing civilian career

n Get paid at a competitive daily rate for all the training you complete

n Learn skills or apply your existing ones in a new context

n Be part of a team as diverse as the society it serves

n Take part in a wide range of sporting activities, including adventurous sports such as mountaineering or diving

n Put your leadership skills to the ultimate test by serving on operations overseas

n Give your fitness a boost or stay in shape with the Army’s training programme

“ cOmPleTINg OffIceR TRaININg OPeNs UP a wORld Of New OPPORTUNITIes”

I’m gOINg TO UNIveRsITY

I’m alReadY seRvINg as a Ta sOldIeR

I seRved as a RegUlaR

I waNT TO be a dIRecT eNTRY OffIceR

”

100%

TT-COC-002403

The Army divides itsroles into seven job groups,and officers have a part to

play in all of them.

The Army welcomes people from all backgrounds. Whatever your race, ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, there is a role

for you in our team. No account is taken of sexual orientation, social background or marital/civil partnership status; we have

a strict code of conduct that ensures zero tolerance of bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation on any grounds.

RG/BRO/141 August 2009 Produced for the Ministry of Defence by Army Recruiting Group Crown Copyright August 2009

“officer training is the best preparation

for life as a leader