need some advice about the TA's / serving with young children / just general opinion pls

[mosschops30]

I have posted in 'other subjects' but someone suggested I should come on here so hope this is the right place.

I have wanted to join the TA for a few years, I havent done it yet, but its always in the back of my mind. Im a qualified nurse with a critical care qualification so think I would have something to offer those members of our forces out in Afghan or Iraq.

Just wanted some opinions really, my best friend is in the army so Im not completely naiive about it, and also have a friend in the TA but shes not in as a nurse. Would like some opinions on whether its appropriate for a married woman with two kids to want to do this? (dh thinks not)

TIA

Glad you posted here! I am an Army wife. I know of a single mum of 33 who is joining the regulars - that really bowls me over.

She is so dedicated and has the full support of her family.

i think thegodmother is very wise
and her post was very balanced.
i will now not be as balanced (it's getting late - i have been on mn too long)

ok - so if your dh wanted to join up would you respect his choice?
eg when one child is in hospital, you have no childcare for the other one, the washing machine flooded the kitchen etc etc

it's just that sometimes those left at home get a little upset that while serving partner is away (wet and wondering wtf he is doing there, but having a good time) we are left to deal with this stuff on our own (we dont get medals) and we are often more scared than we try to let on that some harm may come to our serving partner.

No I wasn't medical. Why dont I re-join? Too effing unfit and have 2 more LOs, plus my dh would want to join as well and we don't have anyone who could look after the kids for such long periods. I still think about it and miss it and would love to do one last tour, but my current situation is too precious to muck about with. You have to be 150% committed.

Good luck in your decision, if I was you I'd phone the local TA unit and aks if you could drop in on a Drill night and talk to people there, get an up-to-date and more honest view, than the Army Careers Office. Good luck in whatever you do, but my best advice is don't do it if your DH isn't 100% behind you.

ah -hello hf128219 - your dh wears the hat! i was wondering about the six figures.
that post got hairy up the workers!!

Have you considered the Royal Navy Reserves as well as the TA?

I was a Naval Nurse and had a blast, didn't have to sign for Reserves when I left but if DH wasn't still serving I would probably apply.

Hi Glucose! The 6 figures has nothing to with him though....

yes good idea, my friend offered to take me to a TA 'bring a friend nite' but I would rather go to a medical one so I know what would be expected of me.
Think i will get some basic info from the careers office then maybe ask if I can go to a medical TA unit for a visit and speak to 'real' people.

I know what youre saying about things going wrong but dh has his parents close by, and we have great neighbours who would babysit one or the other in an emergency.
I think dh would support my decision if its what I decided to do, thats not to say he'd think it was the right one.

Does anyone know the difference between TA and medical reserves? (dont think you have to do the training or something like that)

mosschops - no idea if i'm too late - but have a think about looking at 4626 Sqn RAuxAF... google RAFreserve or something...

just a little plug lol

(6 years regular, 13 years reserve and counting lol)