Hoping To Join The Army - Good Idea?
Discussion
Sheets Tabuer said:
soad said:
I was studying full time in a college, so only had limited time. My mind was focused on other things at the time.
Be warned, they'll kick you out for smoking weed these days.
They've always kicked you out for weed, you couldn't find cranberry juice for love nor money on a sunday night.... (dunno if it worked)Be warned, they'll kick you out for smoking weed these days.
Regular and random drugs testing is normal. Most offenders get caught for cocaine or marijuana, but steroid abuse is becoming more prevalent. Virtually all positive tests ended in discharge. After all the hard work, it really is an epically stupid way to lose your job.
I'd recommend it to anyone and think everyone should have the experience of being broken down to almost nothing, it teaches you a hell of a lot about yourself.
However, knowing what I know now I'd also not do it again if I went back in time.
If you are serious, do a trade, one that transfers well into civvy street if you do come out.
I've seen a lot of people who have left and now have no path in life, without the discipline they lack the motivation and get stuck in a terrible rut.
However, knowing what I know now I'd also not do it again if I went back in time.
If you are serious, do a trade, one that transfers well into civvy street if you do come out.
I've seen a lot of people who have left and now have no path in life, without the discipline they lack the motivation and get stuck in a terrible rut.
I think the problem the OP will face is that any job in the army that gives a trade worth having will be over-subscribed, therefore the criminal record will count against him.
My advice? Get yourself down the RAF and navy recruiters too, just to see if one offers a better career than the others.
On the other hand, if you want to be an infantryman, and want to do that for twenty years or more, go for it.
Where I work, as a civvie, there have been a few ex-army guys who joined in the infantry, saw active service in a few places, and then moved over to the REME. That's worth bearing in mind.
My advice? Get yourself down the RAF and navy recruiters too, just to see if one offers a better career than the others.
On the other hand, if you want to be an infantryman, and want to do that for twenty years or more, go for it.
Where I work, as a civvie, there have been a few ex-army guys who joined in the infantry, saw active service in a few places, and then moved over to the REME. That's worth bearing in mind.
A semi serious suggestion, but one to think about.
I have a bunch of family in France, and one of my cousins in Toulouse had a friend that I knew very well, he enlisted in La Légion Étrangère.
He’d never been in any trouble in France, but he’d been nicked in Toronto, Canada, when he lashed out at an English speaking Canadian, who heard him say something in French, and suggested that he F off back to Québec.
He volunteered for airborne training after basic, and I was in a bar with my cousin when Georges came in, wearing his green para beret, the girls were all over him like a rash.
I told him that I’d seen soldiers with airborne flashes wearing red berets, why was his green?
He said that regular French army paras wore red, to show that they were inferior to La Légion.
I have a bunch of family in France, and one of my cousins in Toulouse had a friend that I knew very well, he enlisted in La Légion Étrangère.
He’d never been in any trouble in France, but he’d been nicked in Toronto, Canada, when he lashed out at an English speaking Canadian, who heard him say something in French, and suggested that he F off back to Québec.
He volunteered for airborne training after basic, and I was in a bar with my cousin when Georges came in, wearing his green para beret, the girls were all over him like a rash.
I told him that I’d seen soldiers with airborne flashes wearing red berets, why was his green?
He said that regular French army paras wore red, to show that they were inferior to La Légion.
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.
id go for it mate. i also like the other posters suggestion about the french legion. you will learn a new language as part of the process too. I split up with my gf as well and just feel that my life is going nowhere unless I do something about it.
Tony1963 said:
I think the problem the OP will face is that any job in the army that gives a trade worth having will be over-subscribed, therefore the criminal record will count against him.
My advice? Get yourself down the RAF and navy recruiters too, just to see if one offers a better career than the others.
On the other hand, if you want to be an infantryman, and want to do that for twenty years or more, go for it.
Where I work, as a civvie, there have been a few ex-army guys who joined in the infantry, saw active service in a few places, and then moved over to the REME. That's worth bearing in mind.
That's what I was told as well that my record could go against me for the trades and other popular roles so I have no problem being infantry and then maybe applying for something else after I've proved myself and that's all in the past. You never know I could even end up in the Military Police!My advice? Get yourself down the RAF and navy recruiters too, just to see if one offers a better career than the others.
On the other hand, if you want to be an infantryman, and want to do that for twenty years or more, go for it.
Where I work, as a civvie, there have been a few ex-army guys who joined in the infantry, saw active service in a few places, and then moved over to the REME. That's worth bearing in mind.
I was told that the Army would be better with a recent criminal record than the Navy or RAF but don't know how true that is.
Frank7 said:
A semi serious suggestion, but one to think about.
I have a bunch of family in France, and one of my cousins in Toulouse had a friend that I knew very well, he enlisted in La Légion Étrangère.
He’d never been in any trouble in France, but he’d been nicked in Toronto, Canada, when he lashed out at an English speaking Canadian, who heard him say something in French, and suggested that he F off back to Québec.
He volunteered for airborne training after basic, and I was in a bar with my cousin when Georges came in, wearing his green para beret, the girls were all over him like a rash.
I told him that I’d seen soldiers with airborne flashes wearing red berets, why was his green?
He said that regular French army paras wore red, to show that they were inferior to La Légion.
Heard about the FFL - that would be a big decision and don't know if it would be for me. Donn't think they'd be too worried about my little record! Met a guy in my last job who said he used to be in the FFL but never knew if he was bullshi^^inf=g or not.I have a bunch of family in France, and one of my cousins in Toulouse had a friend that I knew very well, he enlisted in La Légion Étrangère.
He’d never been in any trouble in France, but he’d been nicked in Toronto, Canada, when he lashed out at an English speaking Canadian, who heard him say something in French, and suggested that he F off back to Québec.
He volunteered for airborne training after basic, and I was in a bar with my cousin when Georges came in, wearing his green para beret, the girls were all over him like a rash.
I told him that I’d seen soldiers with airborne flashes wearing red berets, why was his green?
He said that regular French army paras wore red, to show that they were inferior to La Légion.
Tango13 said:
My Nephew has his passing out parade tomorrow as a front line medic as he wants to be a Paramedic.
My career advice to him was...
'As a civvy Paramedic you'll get verbally and physically abused and maybe even shot at in the rougher parts of the big cities, if you join the Army you'll still get the same s
t but at least you get to shoot back'
Nice one. Hope all goes well for him tomorrow.My career advice to him was...
'As a civvy Paramedic you'll get verbally and physically abused and maybe even shot at in the rougher parts of the big cities, if you join the Army you'll still get the same s
t but at least you get to shoot back'Has been great hearing all the experiences and opinions. Appreciate it.
http://en.legion-recrute.com/
ETA just seen the comment above. FFL highly recommended if civilian adventures get in the way of entry to the brits. In twenty years you'll not regret it. I'm still working with old pals from there and it's a lot more up to date than it used to be. Aldershot or Calvi...let me think....
ETA just seen the comment above. FFL highly recommended if civilian adventures get in the way of entry to the brits. In twenty years you'll not regret it. I'm still working with old pals from there and it's a lot more up to date than it used to be. Aldershot or Calvi...let me think....
Edited by andy_s on Thursday 31st May 04:36
I joined the marines at 23 and was one of the oldest guys in my troop but there were a couple of 30+ recruits on camp. Depends on your attitude how you get on with the lads but even now I’m 35 a few of my peers/superiors are childish pissheads. I did 3 years infantry but then chose to be a mechanic before they selected a shortage job for me. If I could have my time again I either wouldn’t have joined or only done 4 years.
The Royal Navy is crying out for engineers and are giving decent retention incentives. Go subs and you get the nuclear qualifications but being at sea as a marine engineer wouldn’t be so bad. I’m looking at transferring to the RN and working on aircraft. I have considered the RFA or MN but I don’t think I could be away from the kids so much.
From my experience of working with the army their junior ranks get treated more like kids compared to the rest. Saying that my aircraft tech neighbour is a complete and utter fking retard and has been promoted to Cpl within 3 years of joining.
The Royal Navy is crying out for engineers and are giving decent retention incentives. Go subs and you get the nuclear qualifications but being at sea as a marine engineer wouldn’t be so bad. I’m looking at transferring to the RN and working on aircraft. I have considered the RFA or MN but I don’t think I could be away from the kids so much.
From my experience of working with the army their junior ranks get treated more like kids compared to the rest. Saying that my aircraft tech neighbour is a complete and utter f
king retard and has been promoted to Cpl within 3 years of joining.As a man of 25 years military experience, I feel I must comment.
First, some of the earlier posts that need nipping in the bud.
'Sign your life away...', this isn't the 1950s, the minimum commitment is 4 years - if you don't like it, leave, there's no issue with it.
'£14k to get killed...', it's easy to look at a pay table and scroll to the very bottom and think feck that. It's true, a new entrant gets just shy of £15k, but he/she only pays £60 a month for accommodation, gets free health care, 24/7 gym membership and a non-contributory pension scheme equivalent to 52% of your salary every year. By the time you're trade qualified and have your feet under the table at your first assignment I'd be surprised if you weren't earning £20k with a genuine career ahead of you. The renumeration is probably more than you'd get currently working in a retail outlet and look at the ceiling earnings in your current role - what does your manager earn, and his manager?
After a full career, leave at 45 with a tax free lump sum (c.£50k+ for an average performer) and an immediate pension that should cover your mortgage/bills for the rest of your life.
In the intervening years, you'll do sport, you'll travel quite a lot (more now than ever), meet some new mates, have several girlfriends and be presented with opportunities to educate yourself and develop as a human being.
If you get married and pop a few sprogs, the Army is a good club to be in, a community that looks after each other. If your Mrs doesn't like it - fine, buy your own place, they'll help with that too with 50% of your salary available up front for a deposit, paid back in tiny chunks.
Your criminal past will be a concern, the DD ban will be served when the Army won't let you drive anyway, the criminal damage piece will be a consideration as nobody likes a hooligan. BUT, having people with colourful backgrounds enhances the mix, your experiences have altered your character and perspective, we don't want clones, we need the broadest foundations we can get.
Just remember, drugs are bad M'kay. Give it a good think, come back to me if you have any specific Qs.
First, some of the earlier posts that need nipping in the bud.
'Sign your life away...', this isn't the 1950s, the minimum commitment is 4 years - if you don't like it, leave, there's no issue with it.
'£14k to get killed...', it's easy to look at a pay table and scroll to the very bottom and think feck that. It's true, a new entrant gets just shy of £15k, but he/she only pays £60 a month for accommodation, gets free health care, 24/7 gym membership and a non-contributory pension scheme equivalent to 52% of your salary every year. By the time you're trade qualified and have your feet under the table at your first assignment I'd be surprised if you weren't earning £20k with a genuine career ahead of you. The renumeration is probably more than you'd get currently working in a retail outlet and look at the ceiling earnings in your current role - what does your manager earn, and his manager?
After a full career, leave at 45 with a tax free lump sum (c.£50k+ for an average performer) and an immediate pension that should cover your mortgage/bills for the rest of your life.
In the intervening years, you'll do sport, you'll travel quite a lot (more now than ever), meet some new mates, have several girlfriends and be presented with opportunities to educate yourself and develop as a human being.
If you get married and pop a few sprogs, the Army is a good club to be in, a community that looks after each other. If your Mrs doesn't like it - fine, buy your own place, they'll help with that too with 50% of your salary available up front for a deposit, paid back in tiny chunks.
Your criminal past will be a concern, the DD ban will be served when the Army won't let you drive anyway, the criminal damage piece will be a consideration as nobody likes a hooligan. BUT, having people with colourful backgrounds enhances the mix, your experiences have altered your character and perspective, we don't want clones, we need the broadest foundations we can get.
Just remember, drugs are bad M'kay. Give it a good think, come back to me if you have any specific Qs.
OneTwo said:
'£14k to get killed...', it's easy to look at a pay table and scroll to the very bottom and think feck that. It's true, a new entrant gets just shy of £15k, but he/she only pays £60 a month for accommodation, gets free health care, 24/7 gym membership and a non-contributory pension scheme equivalent to 52% of your salary every year. By the time you're trade qualified and have your feet under the table at your first assignment I'd be surprised if you weren't earning £20k with a genuine career ahead of you. The renumeration is probably more than you'd get currently working in a retail outlet and look at the ceiling earnings in your current role - what does your manager earn, and his manager?
I was on about £18k when I went on tour for 7 months in 2009. After all the bonuses and extra pay I managed to save c.£14k. I was strict and only spent £200 in 7 months but some lads are dire with their money and came back from post tour leave in more debt. The two gyms here are open 0700-2100 Monday-Thursday 0700-1200 on a Friday if they can be arsed to open it before half 8. OneTwo said:
In the intervening years, you'll do sport, you'll travel quite a lot (more now than ever), meet some new mates, have several girlfriends and be presented with opportunities to educate yourself and develop as a human being.
Most of this is true and if you do over 8 years you get your Uni fees paid for plus 3 x £2k to do other courses. Travel depends on so many variables but crawling around Dartmoor, Sennybridge and Otterburn in the rain soon gets pretty boring.OneTwo said:
If you get married and pop a few sprogs, the Army is a good club to be in, a community that looks after each other. If your Mrs doesn't like it - fine, buy your own place, they'll help with that too with 50% of your salary available up front for a deposit, paid back in tiny chunks.
Depends on location and your department. Some of them are very family orientated and understand but others can be a pain in the arse especially if your kids gets sick and the wife actually works and can't get anymore time off. We're on our second married quarter location and the first was horrendous with everyone interfering with each others business and wives wearing their husbands rank etc. It did allow us to rent our house out but now we are buying and cant wait to get away. The future accommodation model sounds interesting as they are proposing to pay part of your mortgage for up to 5 years if you buy near work. dai1983 said:
The future accommodation model sounds interesting as they are proposing to pay part of your mortgage for up to 5 years if you buy near work.
How is "near work" defined? WO and above will move every 2 years, so surely a home near-home is a better solution to give families stability?I think the general idea is to put the ball in the court of the individual. If he's content to up sticks every 2 or 3 years, crack on. If he wants to put down roots, but take the hit on commuting on Mon/Fri or whatever - the choice is there.
The choice was always there to be honest, but how the offer is delivered is changing.
But this is some way off for OP. He needs to get through the training bit and wade through several layers of sticky wenches before he commits to a set of house keys.
The choice was always there to be honest, but how the offer is delivered is changing.
But this is some way off for OP. He needs to get through the training bit and wade through several layers of sticky wenches before he commits to a set of house keys.
Evanivitch said:
How is "near work" defined? WO and above will move every 2 years, so surely a home near-home is a better solution to give families stability?
There’s a certain mileage that is defined as “near” and IIRC it’s within 50 miles. If you get drafted/posted then you still have the entitlement to married quarters, removals, disturbance that you do now. ETA: this is all taken from a proposal I saw over a year ago. There’s also parts where they’d pay part of your rent and costs if you decided to rent “near work” instead.
Edited by dai1983 on Thursday 31st May 09:55
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