The Armed Forces

[darkstar]

Just wondering anyone on the boards has been in the armed forces? I'm finding myself increasingly interested in joining the Army as a graduate. I understand positions are competitive. Anyone have any knowledge on the pros and cons of joining up?
The RAF is another option, my grandfather was a path finder during the second world war.
I'm not really sure why i've begun to consider this, up to a couple of weeks ago it had never entered my mind.
Cheers.

 

[Andy in Sig]

I did 22 years in the Army. My penultimate posting was as the Regular Army instructor with a TA unit and I used to interview potential recruits including graduates like you, many of whom wanted to be officers.

If you are not absolutely determined to get in straight away (I'm assuming you want to be an officer), I would recommend doing a year as a private soldier in an infantry TA unit and maybe even consider getting a six monther in Afghanistan under your belt. This would be good for a number of reasons: firstly you would find out exactly what you were letting yourself in for. Secondly you would be demonstrating a serious level of commitment and maturity when you eventually applied to the regular Army. Thirdly you would have a degree of advantage based on your experience which you would take with you to the selection board.

 

[Ashtrayhead]

I've never been in the services but you have my admiration and support if you do sign up!

 

[ianrauk]

One of my greatest regrets was not joining the services (Navy) when I had the chance.

 

[chillyuk]

Back in the 60's I had major problems with the law and did what any self respecting idiot with half a brain did in those days, I joined the French Foreign Legion. I went in as an inadequate, immature wally and came out 5 years later a corporal and a man. I loved every minute of my time and you have to experience the camaradarie of soldiers to understand it.

this is of no use to the OP's question other than to confirm that the military can be a great life if you want to make it so.

 

[upsidedown]

11 years in the Navy from the mid 80s. It was a great life but they are worked much harder now.
I would thoroughly recommend it though, it gives you a great outlook on life and inner discipline and strength.

 

[snapper_37]

One of my greatest regrets was not joining the services (Navy) when I had the chance.

+ 1.

Fair few of my family are in the services and they have all seen a lot more of the world than I ever will. All have settled in bases abroad (Cyprus, Canada) and seem to be happy with life and 'the job'.

Latest recruit is my cousin who graduated from Sandhurst last year and has begun her first tour as RMP in Afghanistan. However, prior to this, she had the terrible job of informing families of the deceased/injured.

If you think it could be the life for you, go for it Darkstar.... before it's too late.

 

[dodgy]

17 years in the RAF, joined '84. I always describe it as 17 years of drinking and laughing, but to be fair I also learned a lot.
It's different now, stretched to breaking point in many trades.

 

[fossyant]

Well hats off if you want to do it....doesn't sound much 'fun' in Afganistan at the moment....one 'local lad' to us had only been there a very short time....

If you think it's for you, certainly take notes of the comments above.

 

[Chrisz]

Without wanting to be a party pooper or anything - there is actually another thread (13 pages so far) titled "Anyone been in the armed forces?" - might be worth a nose

 

[chap]

Just wondering anyone on the boards has been in the armed forces? I'm finding myself increasingly interested in joining the Army as a graduate. I understand positions are competitive. Anyone have any knowledge on the pros and cons of joining up?
The RAF is another option, my grandfather was a path finder during the second world war.
I'm not really sure why i've begun to consider this, up to a couple of weeks ago it had never entered my mind.
Cheers.

Here's the link, my lad: http://www.arrse.co.uk
Good luck!

 

[Dayvo]

In my experience you get laid quite a lot too

I always wondered what the role of the Regiment mascot was!

My brother was an RAF fireman for 24 years and loved every minute of it until he became a sergeant and was sat behind a desk for the last 2-3 years of his service.

He wasn't posted abroad much, but had three tours to the Falklands (after the war), was based in Baghdad at the airport and came under attack several times, had three years in Holland with NATO, was in Cyprus and Scotland, and various bases in England.

He went in as my little brother and came out as my big brother! It did him the world of good and he wouldn't hesitate to do it all again, if nothing more for the friendships he forged.

 

[zacklaws]

Looking back my biggest regret was not to join the RAF or the Navy instead of the Army. I had some great times in the infantry, but it was when it was all over that I saw my error, I had no trade to get a job, I had plenty off qualifications from managing and designing ranges to demolitions, weapons etc up but what good where they in civvy street unless I fell lucky.

My advise now to anyone joining the forces is look for a trade in the RAF or the Navy so that your job aspects are better when you leave. Think for the future.

 

[addictfreak]

Did 6 years in the Royal Signals, mostly Germany and N. Ireland. Loved every minute of it!

 

[tomb1960]

I have nothing but huge respect for anyone in the armed forces and only you can ultimately decide, but......I work in the hospital that receives the wounded from Afghanistan it is neither fair nor appropriate to go into detail here, but suffice it to say be very very sure before you join up.