A Service Category is the category you are posted to, this defines pay grade, attendance and allowances within the unit.
List of Service Categories and what they mean:
SERCAT 1 - Training
SERCAT 1 refers to any and all recruits inside of ARTIC. They don't receive pay as they are not allowed to attend operations until the completion of training.
SERCAT 2 - No Service Unless Called Out
These people do not serve unless they are called out in major situations. E.g. Next to no numbers on OP Nights or to help out.
SERCAT 3 - Non-Enduring Pattern Of Service
Sometimes defined as Random Patterns of Service. These people cannot be put into a schedule, thus given high flexibility.
SERCAT 4 - Short Notice Call for Duty
These people may be given a short notice "Call For Duty" to partake in OP Nights or PvP, or other major situations.
SERCAT 5 - Enduring Pattern Of Service
Anyone here may have a schedule; they can be put onto a timeline and can be expected to show up during those.
SERCAT 6 - Flexible Service
Flexible Service is defined as a person who shows up 90% of the time but has been given flexibility to participate in other random instances.
SERCAT 7 - Full-time
A Person who works around the clock, they typically are found in call-outs, Call For Duty, partaking in Training or helpful situations.