Quick Army Question.

[smokey2326]

Ok, so the title isn't really true, it's more like "potentially life changing army question"...

If you was;

25
No job
With no employment history
With no qualifacations
Due a baby in the next week or so
Reasonably fit and healthy

Would you join the army???

ETA- I havent been sat on the dole or claimed any kind of benefits, ever..

Edited by smokey2326 on Monday 11th June 13:19

[rog007]

Only if you really want to be in the Army. It's not a job, it's a vocation that requires total commitment, and not just from you, but from those around you too. You have to want to join for good, long-term ish reasons if you wish to get the best from it. Good luck!

[V8mate]

If you've already started a family, you also need to ask your missus whether she's prepared to 'join the army'.

It's a big commitment for wives and families too.

[PugwasHDJ80]

smokey2326 said:

Ok, so the title isn't really true, it's more like "potentially life changing army question"...

If you was;

25
No job
With no employment history
With no qualifacations
Due a baby in the next week or so
Reasonably fit and healthy

Would you join the army???

ETA- I havent been sat on the dole or claimed any kind of benefits, ever..

Edited by smokey2326 on Monday 11th June 13:19

personally regret never joining the army for a few years- would have been very very interesting.

have to ask though- at 25, how have you never had a job, been on the dole or got qualifications.

Surely you've either work for someone, or been to school?

if you haven't been on the dole, have you been in prison?

[Snowboy]

Everything Rog said above is spot on.

I will add;
I think that having a baby in two weeks is a bloody good reason not to join the army.
For the most part I think it’s a game for young people with no ties.
It’s one thing to start a family when you are already in the military and all people know the situation, your story is quite different.

If you’re looking for a big change of direction in life then perhaps looks for opportunities overseas that would be good for a young family.

[smokey2326]

Snowboy said:

Everything Rog said above is spot on.

I will add;
I think that having a baby in two weeks is a bloody good reason not to join the army.
For the most part I think it’s a game for young people with no ties.
It’s one thing to start a family when you are already in the military and all people know the situation, your story is quite different.

If you’re looking for a big change of direction in life then perhaps looks for opportunities overseas that would be good for a young family.

Who's going to employ me though, really?

On the basis of my CV (or lack of) I wouldn't give me an interview, nevermind expect someone else to.

[whirligig]

Would echo all advice given so far. I've been a "Navy Wife" for 20 years and it's a job in itself. I've had to raise our three kids single handedly a lot of the time and my OH has missed a birth, death and countless birthdays, anniversaries, big occasions due to being away at sea (on a submarine for some of the time which has meant he was more or less uncontactable).

It's not just any old job that you can try out to see if you like it - it's a full time commitment and with a baby on the horizon not good timing. Having said that, it's afforded our family a very good standard of living (presently living abroad due to NATO draft) with excellext job security, pension etc so I'm not complaining at all - just be sure that your wife is fully informed and fully on board.

[Boozy]

People often forget the sacrafice the family have to make...so thank you!

[smokey2326]

whirligig said:

Would echo all advice given so far. I've been a "Navy Wife" for 20 years and it's a job in itself. I've had to raise our three kids single handedly a lot of the time and my OH has missed a birth, death and countless birthdays, anniversaries, big occasions due to being away at sea (on a submarine for some of the time which has meant he was more or less uncontactable).

It's not just any old job that you can try out to see if you like it - it's a full time commitment and with a baby on the horizon not good timing. Having said that, it's afforded our family a very good standard of living (presently living abroad due to NATO draft) with excellext job security, pension etc so I'm not complaining at all - just be sure that your wife is fully informed and fully on board.

We know it will be hard, especially to start with and she isn't very keen if i'm honest. But, she does realise that i'm doing it for us and for the reasons you point out. I do honestly think after getting used to being away from home and settling in that i'll enjoy it aswell (i'm looking at logistics, not combat).

[Snowboy]

I’d suggest the best place to look is arrse.co.uk.
You’ll find a lot of military, ex mil and people in your position.

They might have a lot more to offer this discussion than a bunch of car enthusiasts.

I know nothing about you, but I’m going to make some wild guesses.

To be 25, unemployed, no qualifications I’m guessing you lack personal discipline and you find it hard to concentrate and commit to schools work.
The army might be able to drill discipline into you and it could be the best thing for you.
Or it might not.

1. Look at arrse.
2. Go and speak to the local recruitment office.
3. Send the Misses to speak to some military wives. There’s a lot of good and bad things she needs to know.

[BruceV8]

smokey2326 said:

i'm looking at logistics, not combat.

Even if you're not in a teeth arm (infantry, armour etc) you are still a soldier first and a tradesman second, which I'm sure you know if you've read the recruiting bumf. In today's asymmetric wars there are few clear front lines, so being a logistician won't necessarily keep you away from danger. Two chefs were recently killed in Afghanistan.

Are you and your partner married? If you are you will find army life a lot easier than being 'just' in a long term relationship with a young child. The army is an old fashioned organisation in many respects. If you are married, you are entitled to a married quarter (a subsidised house or flat) and quite a lot of welfare support (although Im told this is under review).

If you are in any other situation, you are considered to be a single soldier and will live in barracks. But when there's a sudden need for someone to do a job - let's say to go on guard - they don't go knocking doors on the married quarters patch first. You can live out with your partner at your own expense, subject to your CO's approval. Being 25 and with a baby that should just be a formality.

I served for 24 years and I think the army offers a fantastic career opportunity for the right people, doing it for the right reasons. If you are one of those then go for it. If you aren't (and only you will really know which you are) than perhaps not.

[smokey2326]

Buggles said:

Well someone will employ you, the Army being one of those options.

I hear what you are saying, and it may seem like you have nowhere else to go, which believe it or not is where the Army gets a lot of its recruits.

As others have said, the Army isn't 8-5 Mon-Fri, so it needs careful thought before you literally sign your life away for a few years.

It's not just a case of "my only option" though (although it plays its part).

We realise it's no ordinary 9-5 and that it will be hard, especially to start with. I really do get the felling that 5 years down the line we'll look back and realise it was the best thing i could of done though.

Nobody else is going to take me in, train me, pay me, make me "part" of something, give me the oppurtinity to do something worthwhile with my life etc...

I'm not under the illusion that i'm going to be rich from joining the army. I'm sure i could earn more than the basic wage doing whatever, but i want stability and the chance to progress furter and feel like i've accomplished something. When people ask Chloe what her dad does i want her to be able to answer proudly, she can't do that now ....(ignoring the fact she's not born )

[smokey2326]

Snowboy said:

I’d suggest the best place to look is arrse.co.uk.
You’ll find a lot of military, ex mil and people in your position.

They might have a lot more to offer this discussion than a bunch of car enthusiasts.

I know nothing about you, but I’m going to make some wild guesses.

To be 25, unemployed, no qualifications I’m guessing you lack personal discipline and you find it hard to concentrate and commit to schools work.
The army might be able to drill discipline into you and it could be the best thing for you.
Or it might not.

1. Look at arrse.
2. Go and speak to the local recruitment office.
3. Send the Misses to speak to some military wives. There’s a lot of good and bad things she needs to know.

1. will do
2. Going tomorrow
3. Can't see her doing that but i will suggest it.

As for your guesses, pretty much but your describing me from 15-21, apart from the discapline bit. The last 4 years have been spent regretting not listening to the people that was trying there best to put me straight. I've just not really know what to do other than just keep plodding on.

[smokey2326]

BruceV8 said:

Even if you're not in a teeth arm (infantry, armour etc) you are still a soldier first and a tradesman second, which I'm sure you know if you've read the recruiting bumf. In today's asymmetric wars there are few clear front lines, so being a logistician won't necessarily keep you away from danger. Two chefs were recently killed in Afghanistan.

Are you and your partner married? If you are you will find army life a lot easier than being 'just' in a long term relationship with a young child. The army is an old fashioned organisation in many respects. If you are married, you are entitled to a married quarter (a subsidised house or flat) and quite a lot of welfare support (although Im told this is under review).

If you are in any other situation, you are considered to be a single soldier and will live in barracks. But when there's a sudden need for someone to do a job - let's say to go on guard - they don't go knocking doors on the married quarters patch first. You can live out with your partner at your own expense, subject to your CO's approval. Being 25 and with a baby that should just be a formality.

I served for 24 years and I think the army offers a fantastic career opportunity for the right people, doing it for the right reasons. If you are one of those then go for it. If you aren't (and only you will really know which you are) than perhaps not.

I know i'd still be at risk in Logistics, i imagine that if i'm driving a big feck off truck through Afghanistan i'd maybe be at more risk than most, theres not many bigger targets i suppose. I'm not joining for a nice safe job though.

We're not married at the moment but we have been together for 6 years so not unimaginable that we would do.
I was prepared to stay in barracks and her stay at her house in Manchester. Would i be right in thinking that if i was based in the U.K i'd be able to come home at weekends to see them.

[Snowboy]

smokey2326 said:

Would i be right in thinking that if i was based in the U.K i'd be able to come home at weekends to see them.

I don’t know for sure.
But as I understand it the job is a 7 days a week job.

You get leave at certain points where you get to take so many days off.
But otherwise you have to be where the army tells you to be.

I’m pretty sure that you can be posted anywhere in the country or any base anywhere.
I also think they make a point of moving people around to give them experience.

Don’t expect to be going home every weekend to see the Mrs.

I’d be very interested in the real answer from a squaddie though.
My answer isn’t based on personal experience.

[BruceV8]

Snowboy said:

smokey2326 said:

Would i be right in thinking that if i was based in the U.K i'd be able to come home at weekends to see them.

I don’t know for sure.
But as I understand it the job is a 7 days a week job.

You get leave at certain points where you get to take so many days off.
But otherwise you have to be where the army tells you to be.

I’m pretty sure that you can be posted anywhere in the country or any base anywhere.
I also think they make a point of moving people around to give them experience.

Don’t expect to be going home every weekend to see the Mrs.

I’d be very interested in the real answer from a squaddie though.
My answer isn’t based on personal experience.

Not while you're in phase one training, but after that when you're not on duty your time is your own. Soldiers aren't prisoners! When I was in Germany I used to travel back to the UK one or two weekends a month to see my then girlfriend. Then on top of that is your annual leave entitlement.

[shouldbworking]

Joining the army is not a 'fall back' option. If you want to do it, do it. If you are searching for a minimum effort job to pay the bills, absolutely do not. They don't take just anyone - consider that they have to pay for over a years training before you can be useful to them and they will want to see that commitment in any potential soldier.

You could get a bit of a look at it by joining your ta unit, though they wont be entirely amused if you turn up for a bit of training and then say 'actually, I was just here to see if I liked it, now im going regulars'.

You could search for 'look at life' events which get run to give you a small taster.

[no-worries88]

The OH's brother is based down in Windsor with the Life Guards,although currently out in Canada til some time this week I believe. He usually comes home one weekend a month due to sometimes having to work Sat mornings etc and not being worth the travelling. Also some weekends he'll be on guard duty not allowing him to return home. He has spoke about leaving once he comes back from Canada,whether he does or not I don't know. He has done 3 Afghan tours,out to Canada twice and sailed round Spain and Greece etc,he turns 22 next year,that's a lot of travelling for a young lad.

[rhinochopig]

OP you're clearly articulate and have decent written English. Your upcoming child seems to have focussed your mind somewhat enough to give you discipline to do something with your life. One other option is to back to school - night school - and get some qualifications.

Okay pissing about at school has delayed things, but hell, people in their mid 30s and 40s retrain into a new career. Forces is not the only option if your OH is uncomfortable about it.

[smokey2326]

BruceV8 said:

Snowboy said:

smokey2326 said:

Would i be right in thinking that if i was based in the U.K i'd be able to come home at weekends to see them.

I don’t know for sure.
But as I understand it the job is a 7 days a week job.

You get leave at certain points where you get to take so many days off.
But otherwise you have to be where the army tells you to be.

I’m pretty sure that you can be posted anywhere in the country or any base anywhere.
I also think they make a point of moving people around to give them experience.

Don’t expect to be going home every weekend to see the Mrs.

I’d be very interested in the real answer from a squaddie though.
My answer isn’t based on personal experience.

Not while you're in phase one training, but after that when you're not on duty your time is your own. Soldiers aren't prisoners! When I was in Germany I used to travel back to the UK one or two weekends a month to see my then girlfriend. Then on top of that is your annual leave entitlement.

That sounds more like what i've read on the site.

How does the leave work? Are you told when you can take it or is it upto each soldier when they have it?

If you don't mind me asking, did you have wife / kids when you was serving? How did you find the time away from them ? Did it get easier the more you had to do it ?