Anyone In or Joining the Army?

SpicyDuck

SpicyDuck

SpicyDuck

Soldato
Joined
10 Dec 2003
Posts
6,348
Intrigued, I took a little look at the Army Jobs website and it's really interesting at first glance. I took the 'pathfinder' quiz, which is quite clever, and it's found jobs that I might like to do in the armed forces.

What I particularly like is, whether I do electronics or dentistry, I'd still be involved in and trained as a soldier.

I'm 23 now, have no degree, done a few exciting things in my life and had a lot of different experiences in my time, and this just seems like the perfectly natural thing to do at this point.

I love to travel, wish to get fit and I'd just generally love to be outside instead of indoors all the time; learning and experiencing what the world has to offer.

But my question is, is it really going to deliver what it promises? What's the hidden cost here? Combat, as far as I feel now, wouldn't freak me out. The website is very positive, so what are the negatives that I should also consider?

I see that the pay for new entrants is just over £12k, rising to nearly £18k in the 4th year. That's not a lot really, but I get the impression I wouldn't be spending all that much, and thus allowing me to save a nice sum at the end of the minimum service, should I decide to leave.

And one last thing, how is Army experience seen back in the 'real' world of work? If I left at 28 with no degree, but all this experience, would it be valuable at all? Of course, I think it would be to an extent, but to what extent?

I also think, maybe, it would require me to relocate to a different part of the country, which isn't all that bad to be honest.

So, if you've got any experience, I'd love to hear about it. :)

Thanks.
 
I'm not in the Army. However I'll say a few things..

If you was do to electronics or dentistry you wouldn't go into combat. So that bit doesn't matter.

As for seeing the world, you won't see much in the two fields above.

Try and locate the nearest recruiting in centre, they can give you all the details, booklets etc.
 
Don't forget about post dramatic stress. I've seen people come out of the army and never recovery mentally. Its a horrible,sad a tragic thing to deal with. Even if you don't go into combat it can still change who you are.
 
I'm 24, post grad, and also thinking about the army Phil, or more specifically the RMC. I've been mulling it over for ages - the sheer challenge of passing the officers course is what appeals largely to me, and the life in the forces.

I'd imagine your Army experience would be invaluable, especially if you trained in Dentistry or Electronics.

I'd rather the RAF though, but with my eyesight it was never possible. However I had some brilliant news today, the US Airforce now accepts people who have had laser surgery for Pilot training, and the RAF is to follow suit, so this has opened up the possibility of a once forgotten dream career again.
 
Well, actually, I was thinking of going to train as a Chef. The website gives me the impression that all this travelling and fun activities apply to everyone. Hmm.

Ok, just finished speaking to a Sergeant online at the site, and he's informed me that, obviously, soldiers need feeding all over the world, so the oppertunities to travel are as great as a combat soldier. Well, that makes sense really.

It's all very intriguing. Not sure how far I will take it though.
 
They always hipe it up to a "see the world!" perspective.
I know loads who joined the army then went to Germany as army mechanics......and more or less stayed there.
I joined the Royal Marines, knowing that its a front line soldiers job and NOT the force of choice if you want to gain a profession.
The Navy would have plenty to offer, as would the RAF....more so, i believe than the army. You DO need a certain temperament though.
Good luck with your choice.
 
platypus said:
I'm 24...

... for Pilot training, and the RAF is to follow suit, so this has opened up the possibility of a once forgotten dream career again.
Click to expand...
You're too old.

Army Air Corps accept applicants up to 28 though.

k.Jacko said:
They always hipe it up to a "see the world!" perspective.
Click to expand...
Well it depends on the field.

In the RAF, if you do logistics you'll have a lot of opportunity's. You load up the TriStar early Friday morning. Go to the States, unload, and you have the weekend there.
 
platypus said:
I'd rather the RAF though, but with my eyesight it was never possible. However I had some brilliant news today, the US Airforce now accepts people who have had laser surgery for Pilot training, and the RAF is to follow suit, so this has opened up the possibility of a once forgotten dream career again.
Click to expand...

Aren't you getting on abit to be thinking about becoming a Pilot ? Always thought you had to start really early ( Air corps ) or be very lucky. Goodluck with that though, I've been thinking about joining the RAF for years but keep putting it off.
 
Ive been in the army for a bit over 10 years, i spent the first 6 in the artillery then i moved over to the Royal Military Police, i have loved every minute of it, i have traveled all over the world, it doesn't matter what you decide to join in the army you will go all over the world if you want to, i had tooth fixed in Afghanistan and had to help set up a network in Bosnia.

I would say go for a trade, theres plenty of them in the army, and if you are good at your job you will be promoted within 4 years to LCpl then 3-4 years for your full Cpl, the money is good when you get up the ranks, I'm on about 33k a year.

You will spend every penny you earn whilst your in barracks, either on booze and cars.
Ive spent the last 3 years in Germany and its great over here. I say do it. Even if its only for the 4 years.
 
OvertoneBliss said:
*snip*
Click to expand...
There's many harsh realities to a life in the Army.

Let's say you're wearing a uniform, you are now a target; how does that make you feel?
You might have to kill somebody who is doing little more than standing up for their own beliefs and they just want to put food on their family's table.
You'll forge friendships that will last lifetimes in the forces, but will your friends' lifetimes outlast your career?

I have nothing but the utmost respect for those who are willing to be infantrymen, one of the most thankless jobs in the world in the eyes of joe public, especially in this country.

dsb said:
then i moved over to the Royal Military Police,
Click to expand...
Urgh, get out, we don't want your kind in here!
 
Ive been thinking about it for awhile.
I would have joined last year sometime but i became unfit and grew a stomach :o
Im now gonna get fit again and gain some more muscle and hopefully in 6 months time ill be ready too join :)


Are you prepared to die for your country, and for something you might not believe in?

Prepared to kill someone?
Click to expand...

This have probably got to be the most asked and stupid questions people get when they say they are interested in joining the army.
 
Longbow said:
If you was do to electronics or dentistry you wouldn't go into combat. So that bit doesn't matter.
Click to expand...

You are first and foremost trained as a combat soldier in the army, then you go onto your specialist skill. So no, if there were major troop shortages then he could be placed on the front line!
 
MrJimjok said:
You are first and foremost trained as a combat soldier in the army, then you go onto your specialist skill. So no, if there were major troop shortages then he could be placed on the front line!
Click to expand...

Yes but if there was such a shortage of troops, they would be recruiting everyone from 18 to 50 with 2 feet and 2 hands.
 
Longbow said:
Because he is not joining as a combat roll. The chances are him firing his rifle outside of a range as a dentist or chef are so remote.
Click to expand...

But I believe he could still be posted to a combat zone. Of course the chances are remote, but it's still something I'd consider when thinking about signing up, for what is a life changing choices.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom