Where do you fit in?

If all this information is a little daunting and you are not sure where you fit into the Reserve Forces, click on some of the following questions which you may be asking yourself, to give a better answer. And if you need further information email us on post@emrfca.org.uk or telephone: 0115 947 6508

ARE YOU...
Under 13 years old?
Between 12 and 17 years old?
Enjoy helping young people to achieve?
A student in higher education?
Medically trained or a medical or healthcare student?
Professionally qualified in a non medical field?
Interested but don't have any spare time?
17 to 32 years and want to learn new and different skills in the Reserve Forces?
Over 32 years old?
Wanting to go to sea?
Wanting to fly?

If you are under 13 years old the Camouflage Club is for you.

Get into the Camouflage club and get yourself some real action and a free magazine that's a really great read. Its full of interesting and exciting stuff and packed with quizzes and competitions and articles giving the real story of army life. Its for all teenagers who don't want to miss out on the action. Click on www.mycamouflage.co.uk to get into camouflage today.

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Between 12 and 17 years old, you might like to join the Cadets (Sea, Army and Air) or, are you an adult who likes to help young people to achieve?

Do you have what it takes to be a cadet? If you are between 12 years and 18 years 9 months old you could have the time of your life with your local cadets. Bags of action, loads of challenges, and fun with a great bunch of friends. Free uniform and access to some seriously impressive military facilities. To find out more have a look at our Cadets page.

Being a cadet leader is serious - and its fun. Serious because you are helping young people to develop a sense of achievement and self esteem. Fun because you will be leading from the front, sharing the excitement of exercises and expeditions. Adult leaders are paid. If you would like to train as an adult instructor with the cadets, go to our Cadets page.

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If you are a student in the East Midlands try the University Officer Training Corps.

A University society with great social, sporting and adventurous training opportunities, it also carries out military and leadership training. You can have some serious fun - and get paid for it. All those expeditions and courses make a great selling point on your CV too.You join as an Officer Cadet and you could become a commissioned officer in the Territorial Army before you graduate. You will get a unique insight into the traditions and customs of the British Army. There is absolutely no commitment to stay in the Army after you finish your studies, in fact you can resign at any time. Click here for more information.

Students in higher or further education

Want to earn money whilst studying - why not join the TA or Royal Auxiliary Air Force? You will also learn new skills, develop your personal and leadership qualities and have a great time along the way. You will join as a basic soldier, gaining valuable experience at receiving orders. If you and your unit think you have the aptitude to become an officer, you will be sent on the appropriate training to equip you for the Commissioning course. All units understand that your studies come first. To find your nearest unit, click here.

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Army Medical Services TA

Already a healthcare professional or a medical student? Why not expand your knowledge and do some useful networking by joining the Army Medical Services (AMS). There are lots of opportunities for qualified doctors and nurses, as well as medical students, student nurses and other health care professionals. You will have the opportunity to work with health professionals from different departments, hospitals and health authorities. There are opportunities for career short courses and training in trauma techniques which could enhance your existing experience. Click here for more information.

Many non-medical units also require medical officers, preferably with A&E or GP backgrounds, and can offer them the chance to do something completely different with their spare time.

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Professionally qualified, you could put your skills to used in a Specialist Unit.

There are opportunities for many different professions and skills to be used in Specialist Units. To find out more about specialist opportunities in the Reserve Forces, click here. There are also opportunities in local independent units for some specialist skills such as medical, engineering, administrators, telecommunications and construction.

Specialist units may train as little as two weekends a year plus their annual camp, so are ideal for those who are already qualified, keen to be involved with the military, but with limited free time.

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Recruiting age limits for Territorial Army and Royal Auxiliary Air Force

The Territorial Army recruits from the age of 17 and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force from the age of 18. However, there are upper age limits for joining some units as shown below.

There are lots of opportunities in local units to learn a whole range of new trades and skills, and there is something in East Midlands for most age groups and interests. To find out more about the types of units, go to Where to find the Reserves. You can find the units nearest to where you live using the interactive map.

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Royal Naval Reserve

HMS Sherwood is based in Nottingham, for more information, click here.

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Royal Auxiliary Air Force

The four local Royal Auxiliary Air Force units are involved with airfield defence and intelligence, not flying, but you will certainly get extremely close to combat aircraft. To find out more, see the Royal Auxiliary Air Force page.

Flying and gliding opportunities are available to members of the Air Cadets and further information is available on the Cadets page.