04 June 2018
Islanders who are interested in joining the Armed Forces in Jersey, earning more than £1,000 from committing to just 27 days a year, are being invited to an open day this week.
The Jersey Field Squadron, the Islands Army Reserve unit, will be hosting an open evening on Wednesday 6 June, from 5pm until 9pm, at Le Quesne Barracks, Mount Bingham as part of a recruitment drive.
The daily rate of an Army Reservist starts from £37.47 rising to £46.42 after completing basic training. In addition, there are a number of bonuses including:
• £300 upon enlistment
• £1000 upon completing basic training and a further £1000 upon completing trade training.
• There is also an annual tax free training bonus starting at £444 rising annually to £1700 after five years.
At the open day, on Wednesday evening, Army Reservists from the Jersey Field Squadron will be on hand to answer questions on what it is like to serve in the Armed Forces.
There will also be the opportunity for the public to visit the barracks to view the impressive Militia Silver collection that was previously on display at Elizabeth Castle.
Major Charlie Montgomery, Officer Commanding of The Jersey Field Squadron, said: “The open evening will showcase the opportunities available within the Squadron for individuals to develop their potential and earn extra money in their spare time. There will be the chance to use some of the kit and equipment that the Squadron regularly trains with. In addition, the Militia Silver, on loan from Jersey Heritage, will be on display for all to see and there will be a collection for the Army Benevolent Fund.”
Each Reservist is trained as a soldier first and masters skills such as field craft, shooting, navigation and first aid before they pick a specialist subject within the Royal Engineers.
Individuals can learn new trades from combat engineer to communication specialists as well as military chefs, medics and plant operators. Combat engineers build bridges, use demolitions and provide water to the Army. Plant operators drive the diggers, building defences and moving earth. Military chefs feed hungry soldiers both in barracks and in the field when they often must improvise with cooking techniques and ingredients. Specialist drivers are employed to drive the variety of military vehicles the engineers use.
Major Montgomery added: “Once trained, there are opportunities to deploy on Operations around the world alongside regular soldiers as well as support mission critical training in places such as Canada and Kenya. With dynamic and exciting training in Jersey and the UK, serving in the Army Reserve develops your transferable skills in a fun and challenging environment.”
gov.je