What qualifications do I need?

No formal qualifications are necessary to take part in Challenge East although you do need to be enthusiastic, willing to learn and interested in a career in the TA. New recruits must pass the TA selection fitness test. To join the TA you need to be aged between 17 years and six months (on commencing training) and 43. In certain circumstances the TA accepts higher age limits for those joining as professionally qualified or specialist entrants. Ex-regulars may be enlisted up to 52 years of age. For details of a fitness programme to help you pass this test click here.

How do I register?

By filling out the online application form which can be found by clicking here or by visiting ‘apply now’. Once this has been successfully completed you will receive an acknowledgement receipt in your inbox. Alternatively you can text ‘east’ followed by your postcode to 60300. A careers adviser will be in touch shortly afterwards. You can also find out more at any Armed Careers Information Office. See contact details below.

Boston
TA Centre, Main Ridge, Boston, PE21 6SS. 		01205 364710
 
Cambridge
2 Glisson Road, Cambridge, CB1 2HD		 01223 301673
 
Chelmsford
1-3 Dorset House, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HQ		 01245 355925
 
Chesterfield
31 West Bars, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 1AQ		 01246 232857
 
Colchester
63 North Hill, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PX		 01206 574163
 
Derby
3rd Floor, Sitwell House, 9 Sitwell St, Off Babbington Lane, Derby, DE1 2JT		 01332 345619
 
Grimsby
241 Freeman Street, Grimsby, NE Lincs, DN32 9DW		 01472 354112
 
Ipswich
37 Silent Street, Ipswich, IP1 1TF		 01473 255541
 
Leicester
St Georges House, 6 St Georges Way, Leicester, LE1 1SH		 0116 2543232
 
Lincoln
Sibthorp House, 350-352 High Street, Lincoln, LN5 7BN		 01522 524097
 
Luton
Dunstable House, Dunstable Road, Luton, LU1 1EA		 01582 725752
 
Mansfield
TA Centre, Bath Street, Mansfield, Notts, NG18 1BA.		 01623 621934
 
Northampton
7 The Parade, Northampton, NN1 2EA		 01604 633318
 
Norwich
2 Magdalen Street, Norwich, NR31 1HX		 01603 624616
 
Nottingham
Victoria Centre, 70 Milton street, Nottingham, NG1 3QX		 0115 9473629
 
Peterborough
21 Hereward Centre, Peterborough, PE1 1 TB		 01246 232857
 
Southend
Level 3, 347-349 Chartwell Square, victoria Plaza, Southend, SS2 5SP		 01702 456380

What will I get?

On successful completion of Challenge East 08 you will receive around £975 gross with the potential to earn an extra £560 gross if you decide to do the extra two weeks trade training. You will also have gone a considerable way to earning your tax free bounty (for more details ask your local unit). This money will be paid direct into your bank account. On top of that you will have taken the first step into a whole new world of excitement and opportunity.

Where will I stay?

The majority of your training will be based at Grantham, Lincolnshire. The centre is well equipped with a variety of facilities. Recruits will sleep in bunk-style accommodation. However, as part of the action-packed programme of activities you’ll travel to other areas in the region. Recruits will be expected to stay on site throughout the training programme.

What will I need to bring with me?

Kit needed for Challenge East, such as military uniform, boots and training equipment, will be provided. Personal belongings are permitted. All recruits will be fully advised by their sponsored units before the event.

What’s different about Challenge East and normal TA training?

Challenge East is a fast-track training programme after which you’ll be a qualified volunteer soldier. TA soldiers are expected to complete 27 or 19 days a year depending on your unit. By successfully completing Challenge East you will complete this annual requirement in just four to six weeks. Normally your annual training is made up of mid-week drill nights, some weekend training and an annual 15 day camp.

What happens after Challenge East?

If successful, you’ll be passed out at a special parade at Grantham on August 22 2008. After this recruits will be offered an extra (optional) two week trade training session, again at Grantham. On completion of the four and/or six week programme you’ll return to your unit. From here you may, after further training, travel the world, be deployed on operations or assist in many other activities.