Z- Training

sm_counsell · 25-01-2012, 10:50

I have absolutely no idea why this popped up in my head, but I seem to remember that when I was a very little girl (late 40's)I used to get so upset because every so often my dad had to return ( to an army camp, I presume) to do his Z training. Apparently it was to keep ex soldiers in trim in case war reared its ugly head again.
Am I imagining this?? or does anyone remember something similar??

DaveinGermany · 25-01-2012, 19:44

Don't know about "Z" training, but in my time I automatically went onto the long term reserves & could theoretically be called back up, up to my 46th. This came about due to the Army act of 1996, prior to that I was liable to reserve service upto the 22 year point (taking into account any previous Colour service).

You were expected once a year at a designated time & place to present yourself, with full reservist kit (stuff you had to keep hold of) & partake in a set of T.O.E.T.S. (test of elementary training skills) a physical all to a particular standard & for this you were paid a couple of bob for your time & efforts.

This was later commuted (to save money) to filling out a reporting form which you were sent once a year to let them know you were still breathing & available as cannon fodder. All this so that should Her Maj's Government decide a bout of putting Johnny foreigner in his place was overdue, sufficient meat for the mincer was available.

I believe this practice is nowadays redundant what with, 'Uman rights & suchlike.

Only mention of "Z" I could see was :-

Reserves and reservists the British Army of 1914-1918

MargaretR · 25-01-2012, 19:52

My doc is an ex army regular (good if I ever get shrapnel wounds

) and he was recalled for service when the Bosnian war was on.

DaveinGermany · 25-01-2012, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

My doc is an ex army regular (good if I ever get shrapnel wounds

) and he was recalled for service when the Bosnian war was on.

Not surprising really Margaret, there has always & still is a shortfall of CMT's (Combat Medical Technicians) in all disciplines & with the current Op's in Afghanistan, the problem has been quite vividly shown.

cashman · 25-01-2012, 22:49

Think what was to become our "Special Ops" lads up to around 46/47 were called the Z Force?

sm_counsell · 26-01-2012, 21:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

Think what was to become our "Special Ops" lads up to around 46/47 were called the Z Force?

Thanks Cashman, so I wasn't imagining it, any more info on these Special Ops

mobertol · 26-01-2012, 22:03

I know my dad was called up to do military service around '46.Think he was among the last year of conscription.

1986 I was MCR President of Trinity Coll. Oxon., the JCR President was Jo Perry -first year the College had 2 female student Presidents. Turned out Jo's dad had been a conscript with my dad. Boozy reunion followed as they hadn't seen each other in 30 years!

cashman · 26-01-2012, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by sm_counsell

Thanks Cashman, so I wasn't imagining it, any more info on these Special Ops

Sorry susan its just summat in back of me mind,i read yonks ago.