Misfits, Dad's Army Types et al...
Discussion
DonkeyApple said:
What about the Walts who were actually in the military? Over the years I've encountered many an ex soldier who has massively bigged up their service record.
That sort of thing was apparently a bit of an issue a few years back where there were a lot of private security firms in Iraq recruiting ex-military guys. I worked with an ex Green Jacket who'd done a tour with one of them and reckoned it was an accident waiting to happen as most of their staff had claimed lots of infantry experience when in reality they'd spent most of their army career driving trucks or cooking. Yes I know they're soldiers first and trades second, but there's definitely a difference.The Spruce goose said:
Another at my current place says he was in the SAS signals?
The SAS did/does have an attached squadron of Signalmen who provide behind the scenes technical support for active units. They do get to play with some good kit, but I believe they are kept well out of the way of anything secret/daring/exciting. When my father was stationed Germany, there was a few of the "Secret-Scaleybacks" working with him. They were nerdy neckbeard types though - very good at technical and analytical stuff, not particularly good on personal hygiene and social interaction as I remember!
The Spruce goose said:
a manager at a old job told every man and his dog he was in the SAS reserves.
Another at my current place says he was in the SAS signals?
Both were in the army of some sorts.
Reserve SAS regiments... http://www.army.mod.uk/specialforces/30603.aspxAnother at my current place says he was in the SAS signals?
Both were in the army of some sorts.
63 (UKSF) Signal Squadron... http://www.army.mod.uk/specialforces/30605.aspx
21SAS have squadrons in London, North Hampshire (Bramley, nr Basingstoke) and 'Wales'. 23SAS have squadrons in Leeds, Manchester, and 'Scotland'. I think the bleeps are down on the south coast, possibly Portsmouth.
I certainly wouldn't get in, despite a 25 year military career. They only recruit up to 32 years old (34 for ex regulars). You're not getting in on a support role either if you're older than 49. I'm too old so there'd be no point in me looking into SAS(R) regiments even if I was interested in the idea. I'd be better off in an RE Plant Troop, eating pies.
If the manager at your last place, and the current colleague aren't giving Aunty Liz 50-odd days of their time per year, then they're probably Walting. 28 days is the minimum commitment for SAS(R) units, and they certainly are NOT looking to recruit soldiers for whom achieving 'bare minimum' is enough. I think I read somewhere that 55 days a year is fairly 'typical'. And support from the soldier's civilian employer is essential. The selection process is way beyond all but the most committed of people, just in terms of getting time off for it for a start. Many consider it, but when they start realising how demanding it is on your free time, they just join 'easier' reserve units. For some disappointed dreamers, this is the point where they begin to make s
t up about being a trooper, I think...21 and 23 SAS recently moved from control by C/O UKSF to the 1st Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade. Experience in Afganistan and Iraq has shown them as not being able to match the regulars on Op's.
So they are now more akin to the LRDG and Auxiliary Units of WWII fame.
So they are now more akin to the LRDG and Auxiliary Units of WWII fame.
RizzoTheRat said:
That sort of thing was apparently a bit of an issue a few years back where there were a lot of private security firms in Iraq recruiting ex-military guys. I worked with an ex Green Jacket who'd done a tour with one of them and reckoned it was an accident waiting to happen as most of their staff had claimed lots of infantry experience when in reality they'd spent most of their army career driving trucks or cooking. Yes I know they're soldiers first and trades second, but there's definitely a difference.
A friend of a friend, never liked him, always seemed to be a bragging dullard, had the best car, fittest girl etc all while looking like a bit of a bellend.
Anyway he always banged on about his time in the Army, every time he met anyone new you could guarantee he would mention it within about 5 minutes. One night a mate comes out who also served and matey starts up straight away, then when he realises my mate had served he clams up a bit. Now us being wind up merchants, realise something is amiss so my mate questions him some more.
He obviously can't blag my mate so tells him his (unit?) etc. It transpires, he was a f
king COOK. All his stories of daring do and everything just melted away, he's been known as Steven Seagal ever since
98elise said:
Hainey said:
S11Steve said:
ellroy said:
Some of us only have 6.....
Either you served pre-1942, or pre-JPA commission?
Navy or Air force service number I guess?
I was an army brit-brat so only have a bit of awareness of the Army system. My mother worked in the MOD civil service for most of her life, and she dealt with the JPA system when it came in about 10 years ago.
My knowledge of the RAF and RN extends as far as "crabs" and "fish heads"...
I was an army brit-brat so only have a bit of awareness of the Army system. My mother worked in the MOD civil service for most of her life, and she dealt with the JPA system when it came in about 10 years ago.
My knowledge of the RAF and RN extends as far as "crabs" and "fish heads"...
RizzoTheRat said:
That sort of thing was apparently a bit of an issue a few years back where there were a lot of private security firms in Iraq recruiting ex-military guys. I worked with an ex Green Jacket who'd done a tour with one of them and reckoned it was an accident waiting to happen as most of their staff had claimed lots of infantry experience when in reality they'd spent most of their army career driving trucks or cooking. Yes I know they're soldiers first and trades second, but there's definitely a difference.
I heard similar from an ex para who'd been doing maritime security in Nigeria.Sod that for a game of soldiers!
Ironically we were on a health & safety course, seems like a popular route for ex forces types.
When I was little they let me wash some cars & help paint a Land Rover with in the DofY barracks in Chelsea.
I didn't get a medal or anything, that's not why we did it.
I can't say any more on an open forum.....
All this army talk is all very interesting but it's not like any of you have served in a proper role in 4x4 emergency response is it?
Oh I've been to Iraq and got a medal...blah..blah..blah. My dad was in the Paras and killed ten Germans....yawn.
Let's get back to talking about the real heroes!
I met a guy down the pub claimed to have served with Chemical Chaos, obviously the ladies were eating out of his hands. He had the proper patches on his jacket (leather blouson with elasticated waist band) and his car was properly stickered up...
But, with knowledge gained from this thread I was able to out him as a fraud!
A Walt Walt, now that's a crime that should get time inside.
Oh I've been to Iraq and got a medal...blah..blah..blah. My dad was in the Paras and killed ten Germans....yawn.
Let's get back to talking about the real heroes!
I met a guy down the pub claimed to have served with Chemical Chaos, obviously the ladies were eating out of his hands. He had the proper patches on his jacket (leather blouson with elasticated waist band) and his car was properly stickered up...
But, with knowledge gained from this thread I was able to out him as a fraud!
A Walt Walt, now that's a crime that should get time inside.
RizzoTheRat said:
That sort of thing was apparently a bit of an issue a few years back where there were a lot of private security firms in Iraq recruiting ex-military guys. I worked with an ex Green Jacket who'd done a tour with one of them and reckoned it was an accident waiting to happen as most of their staff had claimed lots of infantry experience when in reality they'd spent most of their army career driving trucks or cooking. Yes I know they're soldiers first and trades second, but there's definitely a difference.
This sounds very much like the scene in Ronin."What colour is the boathouse in Hereford"
jdw100 said:
All this army talk is all very interesting but it's not like any of you have served in a proper role in 4x4 emergency response is it?
Oh I've been to Iraq and got a medal...blah..blah..blah. My dad was in the Paras and killed ten Germans....yawn.
Let's get back to talking about the real heroes!
I met a guy down the pub claimed to have served with Chemical Chaos, obviously the ladies were eating out of his hands. He had the proper patches on his jacket (leather blouson with elasticated waist band) and his car was properly stickered up...
But, with knowledge gained from this thread I was able to out him as a fraud!
A Walt Walt, now that's a crime that should get time inside.
I'll bet none of these 'soldiers' have been up 'the hill'. Oh I've been to Iraq and got a medal...blah..blah..blah. My dad was in the Paras and killed ten Germans....yawn.
Let's get back to talking about the real heroes!
I met a guy down the pub claimed to have served with Chemical Chaos, obviously the ladies were eating out of his hands. He had the proper patches on his jacket (leather blouson with elasticated waist band) and his car was properly stickered up...
But, with knowledge gained from this thread I was able to out him as a fraud!
A Walt Walt, now that's a crime that should get time inside.
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