Hello! Does the army reserve have tto pay for rent and food?

Hi Darina,

Whilst those who are in the British Army as full-time regulars receive discounted accommodation (single living accommodation/ block, or service families accommodation/ housing), they do still pay. As reservists, you will likely be living at home, and not housed by the Army so unfortunately do not qualify for the discounted rent per se. On exercise or operations, you are granted the same conditions as your regular counterparts, so it's likely you will pay zero for any accommodation in those situations.

Similarly for food, whilst you're in training, the food charge is deducted from your pay. However, after you've completed training, you pay a subsided rate. Reservists who are on camp or exercise will be in the same boat, whether that be paying the discounted rate on camp, or eating rations for free on exercise!

So yes to summarise, the army reserve would also pay for food, and privately their own rent.

Hope that helps answer your question!