TERRITORIAL ARMY MEDICAL
Everything that you need to know about why NHS health professionals, HCA’s and student nurses should seriously think about joining the Territorial Army Medical Services. PAY
Great daily rates of pay + an Annual Tax Free bonus of up to £1,800
COMMITMENT
27 days divided over weekends and a two week residential camp, of which the NHS will give you up to 2 weeks ‘special leave’.
ADVENTURE
Excellent opportunities for adventure, including; Skiing, Offshore Sailing, Mountaineering, Hill Walking, Canoeing, Sports and much more...
NHS PARTNERSHIP
Territorial Army training delivers directly transferable skills which support your NHS career. We help you with CPD requirements. We work in partnership with the NHS and Universities to assist them in the delivery of team building and leadership events, clinical research and development and clinical seminars and forums.
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE
Develop your clinical skills, ‘When deployed on Operations’, as a member of a world class team in possibly the most challenging and well resourced trauma environments on the planet.
DEPLOYMENT
Currently an average of 3 months in any 3 to 5 years. Our Afghanistan commitment is coming to an end and we are transitioning to peace-time activity.
MEDICAL
CONTENTS To navigate to a page, simply click on the button opposite the page that you want to view. To return to the contents page simply click on the Back Button at the bottom of each page. Preface Adventure Teambuilding NHS Employers Fitness & Health Teamwork Work Life Balance Who Can Join (Trades) You Tube Video Links Your Route to Becoming a Soldier Your Route to Becoming an Officer FAQ’s CV Guidance Notes CV template
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PREFACE
The Territorial Army Medical Services is made up of people who are not much different from you and like you they have a full NHS career, they are well qualified clinicians, HCA’s and student nurses, and they often have busy professional and family lives. Working in partnership with their NHS employers, we provide personal and professional development for these paid volunteers, so that every few years they can work in one of the most challenging and rewarding clinical environments on the planet. This brochure and accompanying media links have been put together in order to provide you with an insight into their world. I hope that it will inspire you to join and if not, you will better understand that as well as having great adventures, a great social life and lots of fun; our TA Medical Reservists make a vital contribution to saving the lives and easing the suffering of those who are victims of war.
Colonel Peter Jackson TD Commanding Officer 208 Field Hospital (Volunteers)
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ADVENTURE
What will you be doing next weekend? Leadership, fitness and building strong teams doesn’t just happen. We invest heavily in delivering training opportunities for our NHS Reservists that inspire, and they get paid too.
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MEDICAL
TEAMBUILDING
e c n a r F Malta
n a e b ib
r a C a n ha
Vegas
USA
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How many employers put this much effort into building great teams? BACK
NHS EMPLOYERS
Will your NHS employer support your decision to join the AMS Reserve? Any employer who is committed to delivering high standards through the personal and professional development of its employees will actively encourage you to join the Army Medical Services Reserve. We are able to provide you with world class personal and professional development at no cost to your organisation. The additional special leave that your NHS Trust gives you (usually 2 weeks) to help you train with the Army is a demonstration of their commitment to your professional development. Your employer understands that people who are fitter and better motivated, take less time off work. When you are mobilised the Army takes over responsibility for paying you and we also provide financial support to your employer for any reasonable hardship that they might encounter, we let both you and your employer know when we want to deploy you and that usually happens 6 to 12 months in advance. There are very few absences from work that are both planned and funded and which provide such an excellent return on investment in professional and clinical development. Even if we were to mobilise every single member of the Territorial Army Medical Services, that would amount to less than 0.001% of the daily sickness absence rate experienced in the NHS. In reality, the AMS Reserve has a National recruiting footprint from which we recruit less than 400 doctors, 900 nurses, 129 ODP’s, 270 HCA’s and 150 other professionals Allied to Medicine. Unlike some other countries, our Army and its Reserve Forces are all paid volunteers. Your employer fully understands the personal sacrifices that Reservists make on behalf of the Nation and in support of its National and International interests. Under the Reserve Forces Act 1996, your employer cannot discriminate against you if you decide to become a Reservist. For more information on the benefits of Reserve Service both for you and your employer click on the SaBRE Link below...
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FITNESS & HEALTH
Work out with a team and you’re far more likely to achieve your fitness goals. When the going gets tough you’ll be there to motivate each other. The Army thrives on strong teams. With our expertise we will help you set targets and make sure that you stick to them. The camaraderie that you and your team mates share will push you on to achieve goals that you never thought were possible. All Reservists have to pass an annual fitness test, which is one of the main elements of their mandatory yearly training objectives. An incentive to achieving that goal is the tax-free cash bounty, worth up to £1,800. Now that’s got to be better than paying £50 a month for a gym that you never use... When you join the TA, you’ll need to be capable of running 1.5 miles in under 14 minutes and within a few months, and with our help and support, we’ll expect you to run the same distance in about 12 minutes. So if you need to lose a few pounds and get a little fitter before you join, now is the time to bin the cream cakes and dust off your old trainers. You’ll need to be medically fit to join. You can’t become a Reservist if you suffer chronic illness or conditions such as; asthma, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid problems, depression treated with medication or eating disorders. The Army will encourage you to get fit and stay fit by providing you with a wide variety of opportunities through military training, sports and adventure training.
So, what are you waiting for?
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TEAMWORK
It takes more than talented individuals to make a great team Can you be relied upon to support your team no matter how tough a situation might get? Do you understand the principle of a selfless commitment to others, and can you live up to those values? Can you keep a sense of humour and support your colleagues when everything seems to be going wrong?
Then we want you on our team
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WORK LIFE BALANCE
Reserve Service has been designed to complement a healthy work-life-balance. All of our clinicians lead busy professional lives and many have partners and young children. You’ll need to have some free time available if you’re thinking about fitting Reserve Service into your life, but it’s not particularly difficult. NHS employers will usually support you with up to an extra two weeks special leave to help you train, this is in addition to your normal annual leave. Every time you train with the TA you’ll be paid a wage and travel expenses. The maximum annual training commitment is only 27 days p.a. So if you subtract the additional two weeks special leave that should get from the NHS, you will only need to find three or four weekends out of your own schedule to meet the annual training requirement. Family or relationship first, work second and Territorial Army Service third. That’s a healthy way to create a balanced lifestyle. So if you’re thinking about becoming a Reservist you’ll need to do four things; 1.
Discuss it with your partner.
2.
Discuss it with your clinical line manager and check out your NHS Trust HR policy on how they’ll support you as a Reservist.
3.
Make sure that you have all of the information that you need to hand that will help either your partner or your employer understand that you becoming a Reservist is a really positive thing that they should support.
4.
Get in touch with us...
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WHO CAN JOIN? Royal Army Medical Corps Surgeons, Physicians, Anaesthetists, Paramedics, Biomedical Scientists, Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians, Radiographers and Radiologists, Operating Department Practitioners, Physiotherapists. Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps Critical Care and Emergency Nurses Specialist Registered Nurses working in one of the following acute clinical areas; General Surgery, Burns & Plastics, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedic Surgery, General Medicine, Theatres and Recovery. Healthcare Assistants NVQ level 2 and above. Royal Army Dental Corps Dentists and Registered Dental Nurses. Supporting Trades Drivers, Radio Operators, Chefs and Clerical Staff. Age: You must be over 18 and under 45 years of age to join in a clinical trade.
The Territorial Army actively recruits all Adult Branch Student Nurses and final year Medical Students. BACK
YouTube VIDEO LINKS
For an insight into the experiences of our AMS Reservists while deployed to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, Click on the following links... Emergency Department Nurse Critical Care Nurse Theatre Nurse Ward Nurse ODP Radiographer Biomedical Scientist Trauma Surgeon Emergency Medical Consultant Anaesthetist
If you experience any difficulty activating these links from the pdf simply go to and type in The work of an Anaesthetist in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan inserting the relevant profession for the word highlighted in red.
Full length Medical Reserve Video
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YOUR ROUTE TO BECOMING A SOLDIER
Joining the Territorial Army Medical Services as a soldier is straight forward, with a training programme that fits around your NHS career
APPLICATION INITIAL ENQUIRY
DIRECT ENTRY Professionally Qualified Soldiers are selected from all of the professional clinical trades and HCA’s. Doctors, Dentists and Pharmacists, can only serve as Officers.
Come along to your local TA Medical unit for an informal visit, you’ll experience a warm welcome and we will answer any questions that you might have. Usually, we will arrange for one of our serving Reservists to be present who is of the same professional speciality as you. Provided that we both meet each others expectations, we will proceed with your application and approach your referees.
Most NHS employers will offer you two weeks special leave per year to encourage you to serve your Country as a Reservist. Remember too, that when we borrow you to deploy to Operations in places like Afghanistan, your employer will be fully compensated during your absence.
Complete the application forms together with a comprehensive CV. We will need to see your original professional qualifications and verification of your identity. Next; we’ll arrange for you to attend a medical which will be conducted by one of our occupational health doctors. This application process is no less rigorous than applying for any clinical position in the NHS. Accuracy, attention to detail and returning forms which are comprehensively completed, all help us form a picture of who you are.
As a Reservist you are protected Under the Reserve Forces Act 1996 against any discrimination.
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SOLDIER SELECTION WEEKEND This is usually a weekend residential assessment course Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. You are required to pass an Army occupational health medical which will be conducted by one of our contracted doctors. You will have to pass a fitness test, including a 1.5 mile run and that must be completed in under 14 minutes. The weekend is designed to assess how well you work as a team player, basic intellect, problem solving, physical fitness and organizational skills. On successful completion of the assessment weekend you will be Attested as a Territorial Army soldier.
up to 3 Months
TRAINED SOLDIER COURSE PART A Six residential weekend courses at an Army Regional Recruit Training Centre. Commencing Friday evening and concluding on each Sunday afternoon. Transport, food and accommodation is provided and you will be paid according to rank. Training is based on core military skills. You will be expected to attend an average of one to two weekends per month. For those candidates who have struggled with fitness, we will expect to see continuous improvement in your physical fitness prior to commencing Part B. If you prefer, a 2 week consolidated course is also available.
TRAINED SOLDIER COURSE PART B
This is a two week residential course at an Army Recruit Training Centre. Commencing Friday evening and concluding on the final Sunday afternoon. Transport, food and accommodation is provided and you will be paid according to rank. This course builds on the core military skills and principles of soldiering that you have already gained. The course concludes with a passing out parade that you will be able to invite friends and family to watch. You will be expected to complete this final phase within 12 months of joining. Total 32.5 days
6 to 12 Months
NEXT STEPS After completing your Basic training this is the start of what will be a rewarding secondary career. Many of you will be eager to deploy on your first Operational tour of duty and rightly so, but remember, the Territorial Army Medical Services has so much more to offer; the management and leadership development opportunities available are extensive
YOUR ROUTE TO BECOMING AN OFFICER
Joining the Territorial Army Medical Services as an Officer is straight forward, with a training programme that fits around your NHS career
APPLICATION INITIAL ENQUIRY
DIRECT ENTRY Professionally Qualified Officers are selected from all of the professional clinical trades. Doctors, Dentists and Pharmacists are direct Officer entry only...
Come along to your local TA Medical unit for an informal visit, you’ll experience a warm welcome and we will answer any questions that you might have. Usually, we will arrange for one of our serving Reservists to be present who is of the same professional speciality as you. Provided that we both meet each others expectations, we will proceed with your application and approach your referees.
Most NHS employers will offer you two weeks special leave per year to encourage you to serve your Country as a Reservist. Remember too, that when we borrow you to deploy to Operations in places like Afghanistan, your employer will be fully compensated during your absence.
Complete the application forms together with a comprehensive CV. We will need to see your original professional qualifications and verification of your identity. Next; we’ll arrange for you to attend a medical which will be conducted by one of our occupational health doctors. This application process is no less rigorous than applying for any clinical position in the NHS. Accuracy, attention to detail and returning forms which are comprehensively completed, all help us form a picture of who you are.
This is a three day residential assessment course which usually takes place at York between Wednesday evening and Friday afternoon.
You will have to pass a fitness test, including a 1.5 mile run and that must be completed in under 14 minutes. The weekend is designed to assess how well you work as a team player, basic intellect, leadership, problem solving, physical fitness and organizational skills. Finally you will be interviewed by a panel of Officers who will also include clinicians. On successful completion of the board you will be Commissioned as a Territorial Army Officer.
As a Reservist you are protected Under the Reserve Forces Act 1996 against any discrimination.
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OFFICER SELECTION BOARD
up to 3 Months
OFFICER TRAINING PART 1
OFFICER TRAINING PART 2
This is a two week residential course at an Army Officer training facility. Commencing Friday evening and concluding on the final Sunday afternoon. Transport, food and accommodation is provided and you will be paid according to rank. Training is based on core military skills and leadership.
This is a two week residential course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Commencing Friday evening and concluding on the final Sunday afternoon.
Soldiers who have completed Phase 1 (TSC A+B) Training are exempt from this initial two week course.
RMAS is the foremost officer training college in the world. Your development as a leader will be supported though access to a facility and the collective experience of its instructors, the like of which is unparalleled in civilian life.
This course builds on the core military skills and principles of leadership that you have already gained.
6 to 12 Months
NEXT STEPS After completing your Basic training this is the start of what will be a rewarding secondary career. Many of you will be eager to deploy on your first Operational tour of duty and rightly so, but remember, the Territorial Army Medical Services has so much more to offer; the management and leadership development opportunities available are extensive
FAQ’s What if I join and change my mind? We simply ask you to write a letter of resignation and return any kit and equipment that you have been issued. I work a lot of bank, agency or perform private work in addition to my normal NHS job, if I was to deploy to somewhere like Afghanistan would I lose out financially? No. Provided that you can produce evidence of your income the Army will compensate all reasonable additional income. Can my employer stop me from joining the TA? No. However we do operate a form of intelligent recruitment and usually contact your line manager to ensure that they understand the benefits of Reserve Service to both you and your employer. Also we would not support over recruitment in any single NHS department. How does the recruiting process work and how long will it take? First of all you will need to complete the CV which is attached here, there are guidance notes to help you. Once we have established that you have the skills to fit one of our positions we will ask you to attend an informal interview. Next you will take some medical forms to your GP for verification of your health status; your GP is paid for completing the form. Next there are a few application forms to complete and you can then attend a selection weekend as described in the previous pages. On successful completion of the weekend you will swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen and you will be enrolled into the Army Medical Services Reserve. The whole process should take no longer than 4 to 6 weeks, but this all depends on your own commitment to returning paperwork and attending a selection weekend. How long can I stay in the AMS Reserve? For most Professionally Qualified Soldiers and Officers the upper age limit is 60, provided that you are both physically and medically fit and that you remain clinically current for the post that you hold. What if I move to another city or town, can I remain in the TA? Yes. There are 11 regional units in the UK and one National unit. Every main Unit has several sub Units within its region, so you’ll always be in reach of an AMS Field Hospital Unit. We simply transfer you to your new location. A real bonus when you’re arriving in a new city with few contacts, your new Unit will welcome you and provide an instant social network and support. I have exams in the forthcoming months, should I wait until I finish them before making an application? No. The application process can take 4 to 6 weeks, longer for some individuals, so we advise to make your application but delay the start date for your recruit training courses. All employers value people who can juggle more than one commitment and we are no different.
For an informal chat call us on 0151 488 6655
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CV Guidance Notes The CV template must be filled in comprehensively. Please remember that this is the first real impression that we will get of you as a potential recruit, and poor grammar, spelling and a lack of attention to detail will often result in delays if not rejection. In the section relating to civilian courses; please include any civilian clinical courses that you have attended (i.e. Venepuncture, Cannulation, Moving and handling, Infection control, safeguarding Children ALERT, ILS, ALS, etc.) If you are working toward a qualification please provide us with details. E.g. for HCA applicants, you may be working toward an NVQ level 2, or Student nurses 2nd or 3rd year we need to know your completion dates etc. Military experience relates to previous Military Service Regular or Reservist and requires you to provide dates and details of Phase 1 and Phase 2 training. Please include full details about your discharge and or reason for leaving the Armed Forces. Please ensure that where additional information is required that you use this opportunity to tell us why you want to become a Reservist and what you feel makes you stand out as an applicant. Referees must be professional and or employers. You may not use friends as referees. You should aim to return the CV with PDF copies of any professional certificates and registrations within seven days of receiving this e-mail. This is a measure of your commitment as an applicant. If there is likely to be any delay in submission of your CV, or indeed if you have any questions; then please do not hesitate to call us. Mon –Thu 0830 to 1600 hrs 0151 488 1549 / 6655
The time that it takes to complete the application process is largely dependent on you.
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ANNEX B TO 2MED BDE/860 DATED 04 JUL 11 ARMY MEDICAL SERVICES TERRITORIAL ARMY (AMS TA) GENERIC CV PROFORMA This generic CV is to be completed in full to provide the necessary detail to process your application. Incomplete, inaccurate or non verified information may result in your application being delayed. Please take your time and complete the CV template electronically to facilitate transfer by email. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, the Ministry of Defence will collect, use protect and retain the information provided in connection with all matters relating to personnel administration and policies. This information will be used in order to process individual commissioning applications, assessing appropriate rates of pay, assessment of professional qualifications and assessing suitability for mobilisation. The information contained will only be disclosed to individuals who’s duty requires them to process such applications.
PERSONAL DETAILS Army Number (if applicable): Rank (if applicable): Full Name: Unit: Private Address:
Postcode: Telephone number (daytime): Mobile Number: Email: Date of birth: Age: Place of birth: Nationality: GENERAL INTERESTS Please list your sports & hobbies
B- 1 RESTRICTED WHEN COMPLETED
GENERAL EDUCATION Please provide evidence in the form of certificates School: Qualifications:
Date: College: Qualifications: Date: University: Qualifications: Date: Workplace Training:
Are you subject to workplace based assessments? If so please include copies with your CV (*delete as applicable)
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS For each give awarding Body, Level of study and date. Please provide evidence in the form of certificates 1. Date: 2.
Date:
3.
Date:
4.
Date:
5.
Date:
6.
Date:
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION Please provide evidence of Professional Registration Professional registration number. Confirm that you are registered at present date:
From:
To:
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION OF TRAINING (CCT) Please attach a copy of your CCT Date of Entry onto the Specialist register (Medical Officer applicants only) PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL Have you undertaken appraisal (*delete as applicable):
Date:
CIVILIAN COURSES ATTENDED Please list and date any civilian courses you may have attended and provide evidence to support.
MILITARY EXPERIENCE Please list any previous military experience you may have, to include dates enlisted/commissioned.
MILITARY QUALIFICATIONS Please list any military qualifications you may have.
D- 1 RESTRICTED WHEN COMPLETED
APPOINTMENTS Please ensure you include dates (month/year) for all activities/trg undertaken within each appointment/specialisation. Applicants on rotational posts must annotate ‘Rotational Post’ in the title box. CURRENT APPOINTMENT Title: Employers Name: Employment Address:
Postcode: Date commenced: Date finished: Description of your job, what does it entail?
What Contract are you currently working under? Full Time:
Give details of contract hours and clinical area etc.
Part time: Agency: Bank: Other – Please specify: If you are involved in management or other non-clinical activity, please indicate how much clinical work you do per week/month.
PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS Please list your previous appointments in chronological order starting with the most recent. Rotational posts must annotated ‘Rotational Post’ in the title box. Include month and year from and to dates. Post Title: Address: Dates: Description: Details:
Post Title: Address: Dates: Description: Details:
Post Title: Address: Dates: Description: Details:
Post Title: Address: Dates: Description: Details:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Use this section for information such as meetings or training attended, audit, research or
publications etc.
REFEREES: Please provide 2 referees covering at least the last four years. One of which must be from the candidates current clinical employment and is to be a Clinical Line Manager. Referee One: Clinical or Professional (Delete as necessary) Name and Professional status/Title: Address:
Must be a professional or clinical line manager.
Postcode: Email: Telephone: Referee Two: Clinical or Professional (Delete as necessary) Name and Professional status/Title: Address:
Postcode: Email: Telephone:
Declaration: I certify that at the time of completing this CV I have no pending disciplinary / administrative action being taken against me Signature: _______________
Date:_________________________________
I confirm that the candidates professional registration number has been checked and it is correct and current.(Regular Nursing Officer to complete) Rank
Name
Date
.