Hoping To Join The Army - Good Idea?
Discussion
I am hoping to join the Army and looking to see what people in the Army or who have been in the Army on here think about it.
I'm 23 and had a bad year last year and trying to get things back on track. I know I'd be older than most but it's what I would like to do - my family don't really like the idea but that doesn't matter.
I've been at the Careers Office and it went well and done the paperwork. It sounds like just what I need and could pick up some good skills. My main problem is having a criminal record - nothing too bad but got convicted for drink driving and criminal damage last year. I told them about this and they said it wouldn't rule me out if everything else checks out but I might have to wait for a bit.
I'm 23 and had a bad year last year and trying to get things back on track. I know I'd be older than most but it's what I would like to do - my family don't really like the idea but that doesn't matter.
I've been at the Careers Office and it went well and done the paperwork. It sounds like just what I need and could pick up some good skills. My main problem is having a criminal record - nothing too bad but got convicted for drink driving and criminal damage last year. I told them about this and they said it wouldn't rule me out if everything else checks out but I might have to wait for a bit.
Jag_NE said:
what is your current job / career, if any? if you are stuck in a rut with no prospects it (might) be the making of you. i have known people who have had a decent run in the forces and then go on to do fairly lucrative (yet dangerous) CP work.
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.
soad said:
Why not try the TA (it still should be mostly weekends?), to get a feel for it?
I got the chance to handle firearms/magazines, use night vision scope, don a gas mask, run miles on end in a winter whislt wearinng a t shirt etc.
They even demo'd a machine gun on a firing range.
I thought about that but the criminal record would still be a problem there and am thinking of being older joining If I was 18/19 I would definitely do that, Sounds like you had a good time - ever think of joining full time or did you just want to do it part time.I got the chance to handle firearms/magazines, use night vision scope, don a gas mask, run miles on end in a winter whislt wearinng a t shirt etc.
They even demo'd a machine gun on a firing range.
I sort of assumed I would have to be infantry and I would still like that as it seems the most active and in the middle of everything but got advised to look at the other options too,
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.
The Mad Monk said:
TL:DR
Are you in the Army yet?
If not, may I suggest you have another think.
I know I have posted on this theme previously, but I think it does no harm to iterate this.
Various well meaning serving, or former, soldiers, policeman and firemen are now being taken to court, or threatened with proceedings for events that happened years ago. The decisions were well meant with the information available at the time.
Think policemen at Hillsborough, or Orgreave. Soldiers in Northern Ireland, and now firemen at Grenfell Tower.
Be careful, be very careful.
Not in yet but should be starting soon. Just got word that my vetting cleared (subject to no more legal problems) this week so should be in training by January.Are you in the Army yet?
If not, may I suggest you have another think.
I know I have posted on this theme previously, but I think it does no harm to iterate this.
Various well meaning serving, or former, soldiers, policeman and firemen are now being taken to court, or threatened with proceedings for events that happened years ago. The decisions were well meant with the information available at the time.
Think policemen at Hillsborough, or Orgreave. Soldiers in Northern Ireland, and now firemen at Grenfell Tower.
Be careful, be very careful.
Delighted and cant wait to start. Since leaving the prison officer job I have been working in retail and then as a labourer so its time to get something long term. Got to do a weekend experience course and loved it and got to know a few lads serving,
Appreciate all the comments and advice on the thread. It helped me make up my mind about applying. The negative ones I read too and good to hear that side too but am going for it and have no regrets.
Ayahuasca said:
Good luck.
My only advice is to get fit, fitter than you think you need to be, fitter than you can imagine being. Run, run and run. Up hills. Up more hills. Up steeper hills.
Basic training can be hard, or difficult, and how fit you are to start with makes a massive difference.
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 nowMy only advice is to get fit, fitter than you think you need to be, fitter than you can imagine being. Run, run and run. Up hills. Up more hills. Up steeper hills.
Basic training can be hard, or difficult, and how fit you are to start with makes a massive difference.
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.
aaron_2000 said:
And that's why I think you'll be just fine. Might be a good idea to have a think what you'd want to do after your time in the army. Private Security could be something to look into.
Presume you mean the stuff more interesting than standing at the door of a shop, Did that for a while and it was a horrible experience. Hopefully I might get a chance to apply to the police again if I stay out of trouble.PHuzzy said:
Lol so true.
Exercises will be fun in Feb and March if it was anything like last year.
Word of warning, the chance of moving into a technical/trade role is pretty close to 0% so don't get your hopes up.
Thanks for the advice - happy enough to go with Infantry and not too worried if the other thins dont come up.Exercises will be fun in Feb and March if it was anything like last year.
Word of warning, the chance of moving into a technical/trade role is pretty close to 0% so don't get your hopes up.
Did you do the same training there last year/ How was it?
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