As said not much firing is done. There are a couple of weekends through training where you’ll live fire. Sometimes there will be DCCT time (Dismounted Close Combat Trainer) - a PlayStation with adapted issued weapons - to hone skills. Also, as said there is the annual ACMT (Annual Combat Marksmanship Test), along with the small matter of the shoot included in the endurance course.
With the comment re: “as a younger lad I would lean towards regular” - I initially find myself disagreeing *but* quickly tending to agree, the right circumstances. Without those circumstances RMR is good and if you can get time at a unit - be it an FTRS or mobilisation - then I think the “itch” will be scratched - depending on your reasons for joining.
Sounds good to me, I think my civvie perception is probably that you guys are always on the ranges etc. I imagine budgets just don’t allow for that though.
My circumstances are really about securing a really good qualification that I could always rely on to pay the bills and have a decent caree, or turning that down and potentially not even making it through RT for potentially something out of my control, I.e. a nasty injury. Not to sound to pessimistic that is, just trying to be realistic.
I like the idea of the reserves as it would allow me to do both, providing I make the cut that is. But I’d still have the chance to deploy if I am in the position to obtain a FTRS with a unit or if something kicks off and they require it, which like you suggested is the main attraction to me.