There are a variety of reserve contracts across the three services. The largest section of the reserves is probably still the Army reserve that is based in local drill halls. Haldane created the Territorial Force in 1908 from a rag tag collection of yeomanry and militia across the country and turned it into something that could resist potential invasion in the face of mounting tensions across Europe. It was only really "Territorial" until 1914 when a large proportion of them signed up to go and fight in Northern France, but the terminology survived another three generations. During the Cold War it was an enormous force of poorly paid and poorly equipped long-suffering souls whose job was to hold back the Warsaw Pact for a few days until they all got vaporised like everyone else. Short expiry soldiers, so didn't need good kit, clothes that fitted, pensions and so on. Open the bar early and everyone is happy. In comparison, it is now a tiny force with far superior kit and training. There are deployment opportunities, home and oversea, AT, and other opportunities that previous generations of reservist never saw. Even pension entitlement (if only they could find my paperwork: some things never change). Is it effective use of resources in national defence? This is a force that has surprised both their commanders and their enemy in the past. I think if we consider that surprise is the most effective tactic in war and that WW1 and WW2 were not won by Regulars, it's probably money well spent.

Can i join the reserves if i work away and will only be available on Saturday and sunday

Im signing up to join reserves, was told on the 2 week annual camp u get paid a 1200 bonus for it? Was told on the F2F event plus when u do your first weekend u get 500? But that will only be for the first weekend you do, but with the annual camp is that a 1200 bonus every year when u do the 2 weeks or is it jist the first time you do it

In the reserves you didn't mention LSPT (Lone Soldier PT) where 2 days a week you get paid a 1/4 days pay for doing PT. I'm in the 156 RLC and we get paid for doing PT on a Tuesday and a Sunday. To get paid for Tuesday you have to also turn up to drill night then you get paid 1/2 day pay.

Whats your thoughts on the 2 ex bootnecks apparently been killed in gaza?

thanks for the advice, can i contact you? I 'm Mohammed from London, still not sure if to go reserve officer or soldier, need advice and bit confused