Hoping To Join The Army - Good Idea?
Discussion
Jay22 said:
Thanks. I found the fitness tests alright and working as a labourer now keeps me fit bit probably will do some more running. Ive cut down on drinking since what happened last year. Itried to give up smoking and tried vaping but am back smoking now
Read through your posts and I think you have made a good decision; not least because it is a positive start towards a long-term career; be that in the Army or elsewhere. I know a couple of full-time Army blokes who started out from a young age and have never left; enjoy the life so much it became their Friends and Family. Other's left with a Trade or at least far more confidence and discipline as to how to take the next steps in Life - some joined the Police down the line.
Cut out the smoking though - you'll not regret it. Oh, and ignore the negative comments - those are from people who look only at the sensationalist fraction of a percent rather than the larger picture of how it truly is.
Coolbanana said:
Read through your posts and I think you have made a good decision; not least because it is a positive start towards a long-term career; be that in the Army or elsewhere.
I know a couple of full-time Army blokes who started out from a young age and have never left; enjoy the life so much it became their Friends and Family. Other's left with a Trade or at least far more confidence and discipline as to how to take the next steps in Life - some joined the Police down the line.
Cut out the smoking though - you'll not regret it. Oh, and ignore the negative comments - those are from people who look only at the sensationalist fraction of a percent rather than the larger picture of how it truly is.
If you can properly knock the fags on the head before you start at phase 1 then you'll be onto a winner.I know a couple of full-time Army blokes who started out from a young age and have never left; enjoy the life so much it became their Friends and Family. Other's left with a Trade or at least far more confidence and discipline as to how to take the next steps in Life - some joined the Police down the line.
Cut out the smoking though - you'll not regret it. Oh, and ignore the negative comments - those are from people who look only at the sensationalist fraction of a percent rather than the larger picture of how it truly is.
When i went through Phase 1 we were actually advised by the medics not to attempt to give up whilst in basic training as it could lead to further stress issues. In a way i can see some logic in it.
Regardless of whether you give up smoking or not you'll come out of basic twice as fit than when you started provided your giving it 100%.
Good luck, even if you don't stay in the army beyond your minimum return of service you'll gain a lot from it that will set you in good stead for a return to civilian life.
Pothole said:
Jay22 said:
Working in a minimum wage job in a discount shop but it;s boring and not me. I've been there since Christmas after I was "resigned" from my other job after getting caught for the drink driving and criminal damage. My dream job was always the police but I know that won't happen now so have been looking at the Army and all the different careers that are there.
I split up with my gf as well and just feel that my life is going nowhere unless I do something about it.
How do you know? Have you asked?I split up with my gf as well and just feel that my life is going nowhere unless I do something about it.
Don't ducking drink drive in the army though. And definitely definitely NOT drugs. You'll be bounced out fast.
Evanivitch said:
There's a lot of crap going on at the moment with the Army either not bouncing people for drugs or letting them rejoin in short order.
Mmhmm...Applications to retain someone with a positive result on a Compulsory Drugs Test need to go to their Brigade Commander for authority. Very rarely granted.
Initial Training is slightly different, in that time is now allowed for people to learn the Values and Standards (i.e. if you come from a part of society where drug taking is normalised, it is reasonable to allow some time for you to understand the Army culture and attitude toward drugs). Sort of a "two strike" policy, but only up to the end of that bedding-in period. Note that this does not apply to the RMA...
On rejoining...if someone has been booted out for taking something and then manages to turn their life around and sort their s
t out, why shouldn't they be allowed to come back into the fold? Clearly dependent on them being decent soldiers in the first place, and not consuming anything once back in - from a more practical perspective, it costs tens of thousands of pounds to recruit and train even the "cheapest" soldier. Stupid to let all of that investment go to waste, especially in the current climate. Nobody is suggesting that it should be routine, but the 22yr-old who gets kicked out for taking a pill could be a very different person to the 27yr-old who reapplies. I think it is a 2yr minimum bar on re-entry, but I am not aware of many being taken back after such a short period.A 77 year old ex-soldier is being charged for something he was alleged to have done 44 years ago, and was told then that no further action would result.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-454...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-454...
The Mad Monk said:
A 77 year old ex-soldier is being charged for something he was alleged to have done 44 years ago, and was told then that no further action would result.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-454...
“Hutchings has made the case it was never his intention to kill or injure Mr Cunningham, but that he was firing warning shots to get him to stop”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-454...
Warning shots aimed at his back?
Evanivitch said:
There's a lot of crap going on at the moment with the Army either not bouncing people for drugs or letting them rejoin in short order.
A colleague got sacked bacuse he tested positive of Class A. I over heard my G1 advisor who said they would consider retaining where the following were met:-under 22
-private level
-non Class A
I’ve known loads of people to get caught drink driving in my time. They get a slap on the wrists and have a get out of jail free card for any driving duties.
I’d still reconsider joining the infantry if I were the OP.
dai1983 said:
A colleague got sacked bacuse he tested positive of Class A. I over heard my G1 advisor who said they would consider retaining where the following were met:
-under 22
-private level
-non Class A
I’ve known loads of people to get caught drink driving in my time. They get a slap on the wrists and have a get out of jail free card for any driving duties.
I’d still reconsider joining the infantry if I were the OP.
Varies a lot from unit to unit and soldier to soldier, based on the CO's attitude.-under 22
-private level
-non Class A
I’ve known loads of people to get caught drink driving in my time. They get a slap on the wrists and have a get out of jail free card for any driving duties.
I’d still reconsider joining the infantry if I were the OP.
Having finished my apprenticeship as a Carpenter and Joiner, after seven years, I got bored and joined the Army at 23 yrs old with the intention of just doing a few years and getting out. I left 2 years ago (24 years later) and would still be there if I had the choice.
I have done so much in those 24 years that I find my current 'civvy' job cannot compare and can't really see any other coming close. I have lived in Germany for 10 years, Cyprus for two and Canada
Do it.
If you feel you have made the wrong decision once you start, there are ways of leaving. A word of caution though, even if there are certain points in training where you think "WTF am I doing here? I don't want to do this......" don't be too quick to jump. The training is meant to be...how shall we say....'challenging' ( "Damn sight more 'challenging' in my day....pull up a sandbag.... etc).
Put your head down, dig in with all that you have and play the Army 'game' and you will get through.
Think about doing something that gives you a trade or qualification when you leave too. Although the Army wouldn't exist without Infantry, it doesn't give you much for the outside world to be honest. As has been said, think 'tech' jobs.
I have done so much in those 24 years that I find my current 'civvy' job cannot compare and can't really see any other coming close. I have lived in Germany for 10 years, Cyprus for two and Canada
Do it.
If you feel you have made the wrong decision once you start, there are ways of leaving. A word of caution though, even if there are certain points in training where you think "WTF am I doing here? I don't want to do this......" don't be too quick to jump. The training is meant to be...how shall we say....'challenging' ( "Damn sight more 'challenging' in my day....pull up a sandbag.... etc).
Put your head down, dig in with all that you have and play the Army 'game' and you will get through.
Think about doing something that gives you a trade or qualification when you leave too. Although the Army wouldn't exist without Infantry, it doesn't give you much for the outside world to be honest. As has been said, think 'tech' jobs.
Coolbanana said:
Read through your posts and I think you have made a good decision; not least because it is a positive start towards a long-term career; be that in the Army or elsewhere.
I know a couple of full-time Army blokes who started out from a young age and have never left; enjoy the life so much it became their Friends and Family. Other's left with a Trade or at least far more confidence and discipline as to how to take the next steps in Life - some joined the Police down the line.
Cut out the smoking though - you'll not regret it. Oh, and ignore the negative comments - those are from people who look only at the sensationalist fraction of a percent rather than the larger picture of how it truly is.
My mind is pretty much made up now. It just seems the right thing to do. My grandad went from army infantry to police and had great stories to tell when I was kid. He died a few years ago but think it has always been at the back of my mind since then.I know a couple of full-time Army blokes who started out from a young age and have never left; enjoy the life so much it became their Friends and Family. Other's left with a Trade or at least far more confidence and discipline as to how to take the next steps in Life - some joined the Police down the line.
Cut out the smoking though - you'll not regret it. Oh, and ignore the negative comments - those are from people who look only at the sensationalist fraction of a percent rather than the larger picture of how it truly is.
Yarders91 said:
If you can properly knock the fags on the head before you start at phase 1 then you'll be onto a winner.
When i went through Phase 1 we were actually advised by the medics not to attempt to give up whilst in basic training as it could lead to further stress issues. In a way i can see some logic in it.
Regardless of whether you give up smoking or not you'll come out of basic twice as fit than when you started provided your giving it 100%.
Good luck, even if you don't stay in the army beyond your minimum return of service you'll gain a lot from it that will set you in good stead for a return to civilian life.
I tried to give up earlier this year but didnt last long. TBH I do enjoy it eventhough I know its not great for fitness. I will c try and cur down at least, Thats funny what they said about not quitting during training.When i went through Phase 1 we were actually advised by the medics not to attempt to give up whilst in basic training as it could lead to further stress issues. In a way i can see some logic in it.
Regardless of whether you give up smoking or not you'll come out of basic twice as fit than when you started provided your giving it 100%.
Good luck, even if you don't stay in the army beyond your minimum return of service you'll gain a lot from it that will set you in good stead for a return to civilian life.
Do you get any stick about smoking during training? Dis many recruits smoke?
selym said:
citizensm1th said:
Jay22 said:
citizensm1th said:
Good luck, keep a smile on your face and you will do alright
Yes Sir!When I go to training I dont want people yo know that I was a prison officer. How much would the training staff know about your past? Im sure I would get stick iver that
I
NewbishDelight said:
Mmhmm...
Applications to retain someone with a positive result on a Compulsory Drugs Test need to go to their Brigade Commander for authority. Very rarely granted.
Initial Training is slightly different, in that time is now allowed for people to learn the Values and Standards (i.e. if you come from a part of society where drug taking is normalised, it is reasonable to allow some time for you to understand the Army culture and attitude toward drugs). Sort of a "two strike" policy, but only up to the end of that bedding-in period. Note that this does not apply to the RMA...
On rejoining...if someone has been booted out for taking something and then manages to turn their life around and sort their st out, why shouldn't they be allowed to come back into the fold? Clearly dependent on them being decent soldiers in the first place, and not consuming anything once back in - from a more practical perspective, it costs tens of thousands of pounds to recruit and train even the "cheapest" soldier. Stupid to let all of that investment go to waste, especially in the current climate. Nobody is suggesting that it should be routine, but the 22yr-old who gets kicked out for taking a pill could be a very different person to the 27yr-old who reapplies. I think it is a 2yr minimum bar on re-entry, but I am not aware of many being taken back after such a short period.
Never really got into any illegal drugs. Might have had a bit of weed when I was younger but not for yearsApplications to retain someone with a positive result on a Compulsory Drugs Test need to go to their Brigade Commander for authority. Very rarely granted.
Initial Training is slightly different, in that time is now allowed for people to learn the Values and Standards (i.e. if you come from a part of society where drug taking is normalised, it is reasonable to allow some time for you to understand the Army culture and attitude toward drugs). Sort of a "two strike" policy, but only up to the end of that bedding-in period. Note that this does not apply to the RMA...
On rejoining...if someone has been booted out for taking something and then manages to turn their life around and sort their s
t out, why shouldn't they be allowed to come back into the fold? Clearly dependent on them being decent soldiers in the first place, and not consuming anything once back in - from a more practical perspective, it costs tens of thousands of pounds to recruit and train even the "cheapest" soldier. Stupid to let all of that investment go to waste, especially in the current climate. Nobody is suggesting that it should be routine, but the 22yr-old who gets kicked out for taking a pill could be a very different person to the 27yr-old who reapplies. I think it is a 2yr minimum bar on re-entry, but I am not aware of many being taken back after such a short period.Taff107 said:
Having finished my apprenticeship as a Carpenter and Joiner, after seven years, I got bored and joined the Army at 23 yrs old with the intention of just doing a few years and getting out. I left 2 years ago (24 years later) and would still be there if I had the choice.
I have done so much in those 24 years that I find my current 'civvy' job cannot compare and can't really see any other coming close. I have lived in Germany for 10 years, Cyprus for two and Canada
Do it.
If you feel you have made the wrong decision once you start, there are ways of leaving. A word of caution though, even if there are certain points in training where you think "WTF am I doing here? I don't want to do this......" don't be too quick to jump. The training is meant to be...how shall we say....'challenging' ( "Damn sight more 'challenging' in my day....pull up a sandbag.... etc).
Put your head down, dig in with all that you have and play the Army 'game' and you will get through.
Think about doing something that gives you a trade or qualification when you leave too. Although the Army wouldn't exist without Infantry, it doesn't give you much for the outside world to be honest. As has been said, think 'tech' jobs.
Good to hear about your career and it being a good choice. Am sure it will be crap at times but I see it as a challenge for me, Has to be better than what I am doing now. I have done so much in those 24 years that I find my current 'civvy' job cannot compare and can't really see any other coming close. I have lived in Germany for 10 years, Cyprus for two and Canada
Do it.
If you feel you have made the wrong decision once you start, there are ways of leaving. A word of caution though, even if there are certain points in training where you think "WTF am I doing here? I don't want to do this......" don't be too quick to jump. The training is meant to be...how shall we say....'challenging' ( "Damn sight more 'challenging' in my day....pull up a sandbag.... etc).
Put your head down, dig in with all that you have and play the Army 'game' and you will get through.
Think about doing something that gives you a trade or qualification when you leave too. Although the Army wouldn't exist without Infantry, it doesn't give you much for the outside world to be honest. As has been said, think 'tech' jobs.
I am going Infantry as was told it would be the quickest for me to start (esp with having a criminal record) and it would be possible to look at other options later.
Lord Marylebone said:
No, I don't know much about the Forces.
The closest I ever came was was attending a private school which was massively into CCF/Army/RAF. It had a reputation for churning out pupils who would go on to be Officers after Uni.
The school was a fully equipped training facility. Had a fully equipped armoury, shooting range, training grounds, and so on.
We spent every week on parade, polishing boots, tying Puttee's, shooting things, crawling in mud, stripping and cleaning SA80's, camping, playing with Army radios, getting shouted at. That kind of thing.
We were regularly sent to places like Catterick, where we got to drive tanks, shoot things, and be shouted at.
.......
Anyway, hated it and left anything to do with the CCF as soon as I could.
So there you go. My armed forces 'career'...
Wellington?The closest I ever came was was attending a private school which was massively into CCF/Army/RAF. It had a reputation for churning out pupils who would go on to be Officers after Uni.
The school was a fully equipped training facility. Had a fully equipped armoury, shooting range, training grounds, and so on.
We spent every week on parade, polishing boots, tying Puttee's, shooting things, crawling in mud, stripping and cleaning SA80's, camping, playing with Army radios, getting shouted at. That kind of thing.
We were regularly sent to places like Catterick, where we got to drive tanks, shoot things, and be shouted at.
.......
Anyway, hated it and left anything to do with the CCF as soon as I could.
So there you go. My armed forces 'career'...
Jay22 said:
Yarders91 said:
If you can properly knock the fags on the head before you start at phase 1 then you'll be onto a winner.
When i went through Phase 1 we were actually advised by the medics not to attempt to give up whilst in basic training as it could lead to further stress issues. In a way i can see some logic in it.
Regardless of whether you give up smoking or not you'll come out of basic twice as fit than when you started provided your giving it 100%.
Good luck, even if you don't stay in the army beyond your minimum return of service you'll gain a lot from it that will set you in good stead for a return to civilian life.
I tried to give up earlier this year but didnt last long. TBH I do enjoy it eventhough I know its not great for fitness. I will c try and cur down at least, Thats funny what they said about not quitting during training.When i went through Phase 1 we were actually advised by the medics not to attempt to give up whilst in basic training as it could lead to further stress issues. In a way i can see some logic in it.
Regardless of whether you give up smoking or not you'll come out of basic twice as fit than when you started provided your giving it 100%.
Good luck, even if you don't stay in the army beyond your minimum return of service you'll gain a lot from it that will set you in good stead for a return to civilian life.
Do you get any stick about smoking during training? Dis many recruits smoke?
Jay22 said:
I guess so. Will be a bit strange for me as when I was working i was getting called sir or boss by the prisoners (sure something different behind my back) but now it will be the other way around.
When I go to training I dont want people yo know that I was a prison officer. How much would the training staff know about your past? Im sure I would get stick iver that
They will know. The training staff will see your CV and background info. You'll get some stick, but it won't matter too much. Everyone will get stick for something and, frankly, you have bigger things to worry about - like learning how to make a bed block, or (a leeeeetle bit more important) how to conduct a section attack.When I go to training I dont want people yo know that I was a prison officer. How much would the training staff know about your past? Im sure I would get stick iver that
Jay22 said:
Never really got into any illegal drugs. Might have had a bit of weed when I was younger but not for years
Good to hear - I was more responding to a different poster, but all-informed is always best!Jay22 said:
Good to hear about your career and it being a good choice. Am sure it will be crap at times but I see it as a challenge for me, Has to be better than what I am doing now.
I am going Infantry as was told it would be the quickest for me to start (esp with having a criminal record) and it would be possible to look at other options later.
We have all bleak moments, but I really cannot think of anything else I would rather be doing for a living (professional lottery winner excluded). I have one friend who earns literally 10x my salary...but I look at what he's doing to earn it (tax advisory) and I think I would rather be doing anything else at all.I am going Infantry as was told it would be the quickest for me to start (esp with having a criminal record) and it would be possible to look at other options later.
I would be a bit sceptical about the transfer options - it is "possible" but not always advisable.
Whatever happens, make the most of it. There is no other job/lifestyle like it.
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