48 replies to this topic

[Jack Jones]

anybody on here in the army or ever been in the army
thinking about joining
thanks

[Zacherius]

I was in the TA's. Wanted to join the army but got talked out of it by my friends and family and have regretted it for the last 15 years !!

The TA's ( Territory Army ) is a good point to get a feeling for the army and if you'll enjoy it, as you can leave when you want and depending which "area" you are looking to go into ( more options ! ) you can find the right TA, or some cover a full range within one to give you that insight. I chose the Parachuting Regiment which was my cup of tea ( Adrenaline Junkie ) but my best mate was in the Mechanical Engineers. He joined the army as well, was in their for 15 years in the end and has now retired !!! He has his own garage with about 6 mechanics working for him.

I would recommend rather than regret. Truse in what YOU want and listen to what people say, just don't get pressurised. Go and See the army recruitment office as they will give you the best info.

[Rosslin Racing]

I did alot of AYT and nco courses and so on which was great!! up at the crack of dawn to wash in freezing cold water outside, run round the camp, get breakfast which always had fried eggs that were like rubber I loved it!! joined the TA as I was older I found that alot of would like to be Rambos hung round so I left. in those days a tour of North Irland would have been very real thing and the idea of shooting someone with batterys or being shot for NOTHING struck me a stupid.
surpose I was not born to kill.
the Army is a good place to learn a trade, just remember the other side of the coin, your there to fight when they say, thats the deal.

[Jammy]

I've heard the TA virtually is the army at the moment. A lot of people on PH saying anyone in the TA will see deployment at some point, only difference is pay, training and weapons you get! Although I suppose your tours won't be as long, and you'll probably get more time between tours too.

But yea, army. Probably a good idea at the moment given the way the job market is going. Half decent pay (though a lot of people say it's not enough when you're being shot at), and opportunity to some very good training.

[Zacherius]

I've heard the TA virtually is the army at the moment. A lot of people on PH saying anyone in the TA will see deployment at some point, only difference is pay, training and weapons you get! Although I suppose your tours won't be as long, and you'll probably get more time between tours too.

But yea, army. Probably a good idea at the moment given the way the job market is going. Half decent pay (though a lot of people say it's not enough when you're being shot at), and opportunity to some very good training.

Although the TA has less pay, if you have a job here they HAVE to allow you time off without inflicting any pressure on your position. ( Part of the Law with Serving your country or something )
You are right though. As although TA's is a good starting point. If you are called for Duty, you have to go, you can't decline or you face a court order !!!

Another option is you can pay ! and go and do the Royal Marine Training. This is very intense, but will give you the full "feeling" ! Its very good and if you are interested in the army, you are probably a certain way of mind and will more than likely enjoy it ( yet hate it while you are doing it ! ha ). We (about 6 of us) did it and 2 of my friends failed before the end, then another failed the vision test which they did AFTER he had done all the training ( can't remember, it was 12 or 20 weeks ).

Lots of options. Go and see the Recruitment Guy, but keep an open mind and remember that you more than likely will serve some time and could be right on the front line in Iraq or similar. ( One of my mates is there, and another is sat hating his position in an Army Store in Scotland !!!! Anything can happen.

[Jammy]

How much is it to do the Royal Marine training?

[CharlieBrown]

My Dad joined the Army years ago as a musician, enjoyed his time in the Army, made lifelong friends and picked up a few interesting stories along the way.

He is now a music teacher and really enjoys teaching kids to play.

He has now helped others join the Army/Air Force bands and recommends joining the forces bands for those interested as a way of progressing their musical talents.

I thought about joining the Air Force as an Engineer but decided against it. I wonder how things would have been different is I had joined.

It is signing away your life for an amount of years though, but there benafits are excellent training, a stable job(?) and playing with guns!

[Mr Duck]

What about signing up with the RAF?

I'm an Avionics Technician on Chinooks, and straight away there's a huge difference. For starters, you get treated like a normal person whereas in the Army you tend to see that they treat you like idiots.

Also, you're far less likely to get shot at - unless you join the RAF Regiment. Army-style job, better welfare!

Let us know what you think.

PS - have you always thought of joining up, or is just recently? For some reason, there are a lot more applications to join during the winter months as opposed to the summer ones, and that might well be because the cold days & short light time makes people want to do vastly different things from what they're doing atm.

[markaboot]

sod that get in the fire service!
probably one of the most rewarding jobs out there.

Edited by markaboot, 21 November 2008 - 09:59 AM.

[Ethel]

If it's the uniform 'n excitement of facing conflict and danger on a daily basis that appeals wht not be a traffic warden?

Have look around on the Arrse forums for a feel of what serving soldiers think and ask questions, but bear in mind squaddies have a compulsion for hyperbole.

The RAF is just like working for the AA but less unsociable hours.

[mini turbo]

i'm starting my basic training for the army in january.

[Rosslin Racing]

If it's the uniform 'n excitement of facing conflict and danger on a daily basis that appeals wht not be a traffic warden?

Have look around on the Arrse forums for a feel of what serving soldiers think and ask questions, but bear in mind squaddies have a compulsion for hyperbole.

The RAF is just like working for the AA but less unsociable hours.

Ethel that must be the funnest thing i have seen you write!!! nice one made me chuckle

[Jack Jones]

alot of my family has been there and said best thing they have done
life long mates
i just want to enjoy a career, and i am not doing that at my job atm, havent really been since i started 3 years ago
i just want to get a job that well help me see the world and whats out there
and a job that keeps me fit

army sounds like it would be fun
2 or 3 of my mates who i am very much like joined and they love it so i cant imagen why i wouldnt

i dont want to do mechanics in the forces thats what im trying to get out of, i dont really know what options there are

[wolfys_mini]

right, the only thing stopping me joining any armed forces...is the fitness aspect. im not the fittest, im not a good runner, jumper, or any good at assault courses or the like. but i always wanted too join the armed forces...whats the fitness training bit like?

[Ethel]

Careers office, just remember they have vacancies to fill so if they need plant operators they'll tell you it's the best job in the Army

Don't be fobbed off by promises of switching trades at a later date either. If there is something you want to do and you pass the tests stick to your guns even if all the vacancies are filled in this intake there'll be another one 6 months or so down the line. Regions have quotas too - so if you they can't offer you underwater helicopter technician in your local office you may get lucky at the other end of the country.