NATS and the TA

[pugwash4x4]

Anyone have any experience of being in the TA whilst employed by NATS?

[man friday]

Know a few lads that are in the RAF VRT and they dont seem to have any problems

[chevvron]

TA and RAF VR(T) are two different things; with the TA your employer is 'required' to release you for training or active service, but with the VRT you're not liable for active service thus you have to request special leave which might or might not be approved.
In either case you must inform your local manager of your intention to join and they will pass it to higher authority if they can't make a decision themselves.

[pugwash4x4]

i wasn't thinking about joining the TA before training as i'm 100% committed to validating- it was just a general question really. After i'd finish training i'd like to consider joining the TA (i play rugby almost as often as i'd have to go to the TA so its not a time problem). Thought that NATS might have refused to allow people to join based on the nature of the job. better to ask than presume!

[Avoiding_Action]

I do remember reading somewhere that you get extra annual leave when you are in the TA to account for the required two week camp each year. Unfortunately I can't remember where exactly or if it still is the same.

[Bern Oulli]

Many many moons ago when I applied to join the Ministry of Civil Aviation as it was then (that dates me), I was already in the TA. This of course was in the depths of the Cold War which was showing signs of warming up. I was told quite bluntly by the interview board that I would have to quit the TA because, as an ATCO, in the event of call-up (a distinct possibility) I would be promptly commissioned in the RAF which just might conflict with my duties as a Bombardier in the Royal Artillery (TA). Guess that doesn't apply now.

Bdr Bern Oulli, RA TA (Retired)