What is the process like for joining as a reserve tank crewman? How does the training compare to regular?

To become a reservist tank crewman you first get in touch with the Royal Wessex Yeomanry. They will guide you through the joining process. After that, you begin with training as a driver or gunner before you can progress to being a loader and a commander.

Compared to regular training, the pipeline is slower, the speed of which is dependant on how much time you can commit to training. In comparison to regular soldiers you tend to get less day to day time on tanks but you can ask to do more and train with regular regiments. There is also the option to volunteer to deploy on operations with a regular regiment. At the time of writing this the main operation with tanks is in Estonia.

While the training pipeline is slower, there are some fantastic opportunities in the reserves. Soon the Royal Wessex Yeomanry will exercise with the US National Guard on their M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks.

Thanks for the reply. One more question if you don’t mind; would I contact RWY directly to apply? If not, how does one go about it? Thanks.

If you visit https://jobs.army.mod.uk/apply/ you can begin the process of joining and you can select the path you want to take, be that regular or reserve, officer or soldier. You could also contact the RWxY direct to chat to some people about the Regiment and what they do day to day. I have worked with them in the past and they are a great bunch who are keen to find ways you can serve with commitment that suits both you and the Army.

Thanks!