Join the army ?

[lazyitus]

When I was growing up, I wanted to either join the army or the RAF. Things didn't end up going that route in the end but it got me thinking.

It ain't what it was, what with all the changes in warfare and terrorism being the current 'trend'.

If I could turn back the clock, I honestly don't think I'd even consider joining up.

Has the old style appeal gone, or have I just matured?

[GasBlaster]

Maybe matured? When I was younger I thought it was great to be in the army and dreamed of the day the door would open, the green light would go on and we would leap into battle. Now not so sure. Recklessness decreases with age. Still lots of young lads joining up though.

[rude-boy]

I was just reading through the eldest step-son’s application form for a place at Welbeck (the Army 6th Form Collage) last night.

He has wanted to join the army since he was 8 and is 15 in June. He has been going to Army Cadets for the last 2 years and plans to do an engineering degree after 6th Form, followed by Sandhurst.

He has had all of the implications explained to him, that he might have to go to war/be maimed/die and follows current affairs regularly. He regularly talks to serving personnel, not just the recruiters, and has about as good an idea of what he’s in for as you could get.

Added to this there is at least one cadet from his company joining up every couple of years.

So I’d say that there is just as much interest in joining the Army as ever, it’s just it is a very different Army today from that which it was in the 80’s and even the 90’s.