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Midlands Challenge - Are You Ready?

A local Territorial Army (TA) soldier from West Bromwich is throwing his support behind a TA recruitment campaign by helping to launch Midlands Challenge 2009.

Midlands Challenge is an exciting approach to recruitment, where those interested in a career with the TA can become a fully qualified soldier in just five weeks, earning £600 in the process.

During Midlands Challenge, which is an annual intensive training programme held over the summer, participants will be expected to complete various activities, including shooting, climbing, canoeing, abseiling, fitness training and lots more, Once they have successfully finished the course, they will qualify as a fully trained TA soldier (basic level) and be appointed to a regiment of their choice in the West Midlands, where the real adventure begins.

Dan Blackall, 18, is currently a student at Walsall College, studying public services. He joined the TA as a supplier in the 159 Supply Regiment and hasn’t looked back since. He comments: “I’ve always been interested in a career with the Army, but as I wanted to study first the TA offered the perfect solution for me.

“Being a soldier in the TA has given me many opportunities. As well as training as a supplier, I’ve been able to gain additional skills and am now a qualified physical training instructor too. The TA even taught me how to drive for free! There are a lot of great people you work alongside who are there to help you develop as a soldier, which is a bonus and makes it easier for you.

“On top of the skills I’ve learned, I’ve also had the opportunity to travel. I’ve been to Germany to ski and even got paid to go to Gibraltar.

Dan concludes: “When I trained, it was over a number of months, so Midlands Challenge is really a great opportunity for anyone free for a few weeks over the summer and as it only happens once a year, those who complete the challenge are amongst a select unit of people.”

Last year more than 100 soldiers completed Midlands Challenge successfully and went on to pass out as fully qualified soldiers. The majority are now deployed at units across the West Midlands, enjoying their new role in the TA.

For more information on Midlands Challenge 2009 or to register your interest, please call Captain Makand Singh on 07826 914960 or visit the Midlands Challenge pages at armyjobs.mod.uk/westmidlands

For further information:
Natasha Glenville / Sheeba Ali
Golley Slater PR
Tel: 0121 384 9700
Email: nglenville@golleyslater.co.uk / sali@golleyslater.co.uk


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