Find out about the different ways to become a Volunteer Reserve.
What you need to know
Any UK or Commonwealth citizen, regardless of whether or not they have any military experience, who meets the basic age, medical, nationality and fitness criteria is eligible to join.
Use some of your free time to serve your country and learn new skills.
Most Reservists serve near their home, normally training once a week in the evenings and some weekends.
Once a year, you will be required to attend a 2 week training exercise or course. If you have no previous military experience, you will need to complete basic training. This can be arranged to fit in around your day job. You don't have to do all the training at once; it can either be completed in shorter modules or in one go.
As a Reservist, when you are on duty, you are paid for the hours that you work. If you complete a minimum level of training and the necessary mandatory tests, you may also be eligible for an additional tax-free payment (Annual Training Bounty).
You will also receive pay in lieu of annual leave and your attendance-based paid service will count as pensionable pay, contributing to your Career Average pension pot. Additional travelling expenses to and from duty will also be paid.
As a Reservist, in addition to routine attendance, you could also undertake additional Voluntary Training or Other Duties. This could count towards the attendance requirement for the Annual Training Bounty at the Commanding Officer’s discretion. The combined total of training or other duties carried out is restricted and dependent upon Service. The maximum limit for this type of training is 180 days per year and may or may not include the days required to qualify for the Bounty.
What you need to do
Visit the following websites to explore more options:
What you need to know
Any ex-Regular or Reservist with the skills and experience required of the post is eligible to join as a Volunteer ex-Regular Reserve (VeRR).
VeRR service is a period of service undertaken by ex-Regular (and sometimes Reservist personnel) with relevant skills and experience to meet requirements to deliver projects and other outputs.
The number of days you can work on this commitment may be limited, and is dependent upon the requirement of your Service.
VeRR commitments are non-binding voluntary appointments similar to Part Time Volunteer Reserve engagements but focussed more on delivering output rather than undertaking training for operations.
You will receive attendance-based pay, pay in lieu of annual leave, and travelling expenses to and from duty. Because this is a non-binding commitment, VeRR service has no impact on your pension benefits or any Special Capital payments you may have received for your former Regular Service.
Defence has an ongoing requirement to undertake and deliver a broad range of supporting functions, specialist projects and roles. One way of meeting this need is by employing VeRRs who, on leaving Regular or Reserve service, were identified as having the experience and skills which make them suitable for such duties, irrespective of other liabilities.
What you need to do
Visit the following websites to find out more about the role and current vacancies:
