This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk-news/2013/jul/15/brecon-beacons-ta-reservists-deaths

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Brecon Beacons TA deaths are a blow for government amid defence cuts Brecon Beacons TA deaths are a blow for government amid defence cuts
(2 months later)
The deaths of two Territorial Army members come at a time when the government is trying to significantly increase the number of reservists and revamp the role of the volunteer force.The deaths of two Territorial Army members come at a time when the government is trying to significantly increase the number of reservists and revamp the role of the volunteer force.
Over the next 10 years it is aiming to boost the number of TA members from 19,000 to 30,000 in order to make up for the loss of regular service personnel forced by defence cuts.Over the next 10 years it is aiming to boost the number of TA members from 19,000 to 30,000 in order to make up for the loss of regular service personnel forced by defence cuts.
TA soldiers have to commit to a minimum of 19 or 27 days a year depending on their role. Most training takes place at evenings and weekends, and there is a two-week annual camp.TA soldiers have to commit to a minimum of 19 or 27 days a year depending on their role. Most training takes place at evenings and weekends, and there is a two-week annual camp.
A new recruit receives £35.04 for a full day, rising to £43.54 after basic training. In addition TA members receive an annual tax-free sum known as a bounty, which starts at £424 for the first year and increases annually after that. Travel to units and food is subsidised, while kit is free.A new recruit receives £35.04 for a full day, rising to £43.54 after basic training. In addition TA members receive an annual tax-free sum known as a bounty, which starts at £424 for the first year and increases annually after that. Travel to units and food is subsidised, while kit is free.
Like regular soldiers, TA members learn how to handle and fire a weapon. They are instructed on how to live and look after themselves while living in the outdoors for extended periods.Like regular soldiers, TA members learn how to handle and fire a weapon. They are instructed on how to live and look after themselves while living in the outdoors for extended periods.
Each unit has its own physical training instructor who advises on fitness, sport and general health and nutrition.Each unit has its own physical training instructor who advises on fitness, sport and general health and nutrition.
The SAS (Special Air Service) Reserves comprise two regiments: 21 SAS(R) and 23 SAS(R), formed in 1947 and 1959 respectively.The SAS (Special Air Service) Reserves comprise two regiments: 21 SAS(R) and 23 SAS(R), formed in 1947 and 1959 respectively.
It accepts male volunteers with no previous military experience between the ages of 18 and 33, and those who have been in the regular or reserve forces up to the age of 35.It accepts male volunteers with no previous military experience between the ages of 18 and 33, and those who have been in the regular or reserve forces up to the age of 35.
The selection course for potential SAS reservists takes place twice a year. It has two stages: aptitude and continuation.The selection course for potential SAS reservists takes place twice a year. It has two stages: aptitude and continuation.
Aptitude is described as a "progressively arduous phase". To stand any chance of success candidates must be very fit at the start of the course.Aptitude is described as a "progressively arduous phase". To stand any chance of success candidates must be very fit at the start of the course.
The selection course is designed to pinpoint candidates who are physically and mentally robust, self-confident, self-disciplined, able to work alone and able to assimilate information and new skills.The selection course is designed to pinpoint candidates who are physically and mentally robust, self-confident, self-disciplined, able to work alone and able to assimilate information and new skills.
The aptitude test is understood to culminate with a 40-mile (64km) march carrying a pack weighing around 60lb (27kg). Sources who have knowledge of the test say that though it is carefully planned, candidates are given more autonomy and less guidance than they would get in regular units. Only around one in 10 are thought to pass the test.The aptitude test is understood to culminate with a 40-mile (64km) march carrying a pack weighing around 60lb (27kg). Sources who have knowledge of the test say that though it is carefully planned, candidates are given more autonomy and less guidance than they would get in regular units. Only around one in 10 are thought to pass the test.
If candidates pass the aptitude stage they are required to undertake "continuation training", an intensive period of instruction and assessment on special forces tactics and techniques. They are expected to learn new skills while being placed under physical and mental pressure.If candidates pass the aptitude stage they are required to undertake "continuation training", an intensive period of instruction and assessment on special forces tactics and techniques. They are expected to learn new skills while being placed under physical and mental pressure.
The commitment is huge. Continuation takes place over a series of weekends and blocks of training totalling around 80 days over 12 months.The commitment is huge. Continuation takes place over a series of weekends and blocks of training totalling around 80 days over 12 months.
Within 12 months of completing selection, candidates enter a period of probation that requires the completion of parachute and communication courses, after which those who have met all the criteria are eligible for deployment.Within 12 months of completing selection, candidates enter a period of probation that requires the completion of parachute and communication courses, after which those who have met all the criteria are eligible for deployment.
SAS reservists have traditionally been used as a long-range reconnaissance force, but in recent years have served alongside SAS regulars in both Iraq and Afghanistan.SAS reservists have traditionally been used as a long-range reconnaissance force, but in recent years have served alongside SAS regulars in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Though demanding, many aspire to join the SAS reservists. It is better paid than the regular TA, has more kudos because of the SAS's famous reputation and can be a way into regular special forces units.Though demanding, many aspire to join the SAS reservists. It is better paid than the regular TA, has more kudos because of the SAS's famous reputation and can be a way into regular special forces units.
The timing of the tragedy in the Brecon Beacons could not be worse for the government as it tries to revamp the image of the TA.The timing of the tragedy in the Brecon Beacons could not be worse for the government as it tries to revamp the image of the TA.
Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, is keen to alter the perception of the reserves as "weekend warriors". He has spoken of rebranding the TA as the Army Reserve and making sure it is an "integral part of the regular army".Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, is keen to alter the perception of the reserves as "weekend warriors". He has spoken of rebranding the TA as the Army Reserve and making sure it is an "integral part of the regular army".
Hammond is keen to attract former regular soldiers into the TA to boost numbers and help change the ethos of the reserves.Hammond is keen to attract former regular soldiers into the TA to boost numbers and help change the ethos of the reserves.
The tragedy also comes hard on the heels of the trial of the former SAS sniper Danny Nightingale, who was convicted last week of illegally possessing a pistol and ammunition. The case of Nightingale is being seen as a blow to the reputation of the SAS.The tragedy also comes hard on the heels of the trial of the former SAS sniper Danny Nightingale, who was convicted last week of illegally possessing a pistol and ammunition. The case of Nightingale is being seen as a blow to the reputation of the SAS.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Enter your email address to subscribe.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox every weekday.