THE Territorial Army in Chelmsford has opened its doors to new recruits.
The 3 Royal Anglian, based in Colchester Road, wanted to showcase the range of employment opportunities as part of a big recruitment drive.
Careers as chefs, drivers, medics, caterers, infantrymen, engineers and signallers are just some of the 200 roles available for people interested in joining the part-time Army.
One budding soldier was Jake Henderson, 18, who handed in his application form at the open day last Wednesday.
Jake, who works as a banqueting waiter, said: "I wasn't really that interested in my A-levels, and I was offered NVQs at school. I have just gone on from there looking at my other options. I just wanted to join the TA. I was at the careers office and they advised me this was the way to go.
"I was interested in seeing everything that was there but I was mainly drawn to the infantry soldier gear. I nearly joined the RAF and I did some tests, but then I thought that I could not commit as a full-time soldier in the Army, so joining the TA is the best of both worlds.
"I am really excited. I'm not nervous at all. I'm sure I will pass all my fitness tests, health tests and problem-solving tests with no problems."
Visitors to the event were able to see and try out the kit and weaponry for themselves as well as talk to TA soldiers.
Another man who handed in his application form on the day was Kieron Woodcock, 21, from South Woodham Ferrers.
Kieron, currently unemployed, said now is the perfect time to focus on a career in the Army, but is not fazed by being called upon to go into a battle zone.
He said: "The Infantry is something in which I have always been interested because I am an adrenaline junkie.
"The careers office advised that I come down to the open day. It is good to see the weapons face to face because I want eventually to become a weapons specialist. The soldiers who were there explained the different functions of the weapons, and told us how you can move to different units.
"I was restricted by my former job in a scuba diving company, but since being made redundant, I can focus all my attention on this now.
"My family has a military history so now it seems only right that I carry it on."
Colonel Kevin Halus said: "We think this is a great way to demonstrate and educate people in Essex about the opportunities available with the TA and its contribution to the defence and security of the nation.
"There has never been a better time to be a TA soldier and we have so much to offer potential candidates – an active lifestyle, the opportunity for travel and adventure, as well as first-class training and access to further skills and qualifications. No matter what your talents, you can get involved."
For more information about the career opportunities available in the Army, visit www.army.mod.uk/join or call 0845 600 8080.
