98 replies to this topic

[AVV IT]

From what I hear it's become a lot harder to get in over the last couple of years. With the state of the economy and the level of unemployment, there are a lot more people trying to join up these days, often because of the job security associated with being in the forces. Also with all the cuts in defence spending, the demand for new recruits isn't as high as it used to be. Having spoken to a couple of people who have been through the selection process recently, it seems that it's not as simple as just signing up any more. There now seems to be quite a lot of competition for recruit places, so they can afford to be much more picky about who they choose than they used to be.

Don't let that put you off though, if it's what you want to do then go for it. You just need to make sure that you do your research and put 100% into going through the selection process, like you should with any selection process really.

[Mini Cheddars]

From what I hear it's become a lot harder to get in over the last couple of years. With the state of the economy and the level of unemployment, there are a lot more people trying to join up these days, often because of the job security associated with being in the forces. Also with all the cuts in defence spending, the demand for new recruits isn't as high as it used to be. Having spoken to a couple of people who have been through the selection process recently, it seems that it's not as simple as just signing up any more. There now seems to be quite a lot of competition for recruit places, so they can afford to be much more picky about who they choose than they used to be.

Don't let that put you off though, if it's what you want to do then go for it. You just need to make sure that you do your research and put 100% into going through the selection process, like you should with any selection process really.

Ah, thanks for the insight. I could find it harder to get into my chosen trade than I expected then. Good to know.

I'm doing as much research as I can. Anyone know of any good sites that talk about the Royal Logistic Corp or maybe phase 1 training in detail? Not videos though as I'm on a mobile broadband dongle. Need to ration that precious data.

[Frank the Tank]

Do you have another trade/corps in mind. The RLC have been hit very hard with redundancies, that's not to say they aren't recruiting but as has been said they can be a lot more selective.

Although I have no regrets about joining up it's worth noting that it's not all roses and plain sailing, just keep that in mind.

Reference the women folk in the Army I'll let you discover that as and when you get in.

[Mini Cheddars]

Well failing the RLC, the next option would be to go for an infantry soldier role. On the Army website it comes up in the 'most wanted' bit.

The infantry soldier page lists these:

You should like:

• Taking risks and feeling the adrenaline
• Outdoor activities
• Working outside
• Target or game shooting
• Driving vehicles

and

You should be interested or have experience in:

• Combat
• Ammunition & Explosives Handling
• Telecommunication
• Vehicle / Equip Mechanic
• Paramedic
• Security
• Driving large vehicles
• Driving small vehicles

I love taking risks and feeling the adrenaline. When I was walking the Watkins path up Snowdon last year we were lost in thick cloud. I wanted to carry on going straight up, but one of my mates was worried about going too far the wrong way so we went back to where we last saw the path. That was adrenaline-pumping and a bit risky!

Outdoor activites... well I'm not into team sports like football or rugby, but I love the great outdoors and haven't really had much of an oppurtunity to do much due to lack of funds. Minimum wage with minimum hours sucks arse.

Working outside... again, I love the great outdoors so would be more than happy doing that than sitting in an office at a computer desk.

Target shooting I've covered and driving as well, I think.

Reference the women folk in the Army I'll let you discover that as and when you get in.

You bastid!

Edited by Mini Cheddars, 31 March 2012 - 07:28 PM.

[Mini Cheddars]

Well I've found a pretty good research portal.

With a quick Google search I found this thread. Looks like that forum could hold a wealth of information for me. Just what I was looking for. First-hand experience rather than a sales style blurb on an official website.

[Black.Ghost]

The women folk are a mixed bunch. It's a treat awaiting you.

Go into the careers office and get the brochure for every cap badge. That should at least give you some idea of all the jobs. Then research the ones you want.

[Mini Cheddars]

Haha thanks.

I will do. :) That infantry driver role is appealing to me as well. Going to have to do some good umming and ahhing.

Frank, I see your location is set to Aldershot. Is that where you're currently situated? As you can tell I'm only up the road.

[Frank the Tank]

Haha thanks.

I will do. :) That infantry driver role is appealing to me as well. Going to have to do some good umming and ahhing.

Frank, I see your location is set to Aldershot. Is that where you're currently situated? As you can tell I'm only up the road.

I am indeed in the wonderland that is Aldershot.

You don't need to be into team sports but working as a team and with those around you is essential.

Besides, if you don't like football there is clearly something wrong with you.

[Mini Cheddars]

Hell, maybe I'll be stationed there one day with ya! I'll look for another Mini haha.

I'm more than happy to work in a team. I sort of do it where I am now. Football is just boring though. :-p

[Frank the Tank]

Well there certainly is a decent sized element of RLC here. I hope to be at Pirbright soon though, you may be unlucky enough to meet me.

[Mini Cheddars]

Can't wait!

[Mini Cheddars]

There's a good thread here that says the following:

It asks if you have ever applied to join before, if you have and filled in a previous RG8 tick yes, if you only picked up a magazine tick no, if you have ticked yes but didn't go anywhere with it you will delay your application as people will be chasing your previous docs and things.

Well that sucks as I applied for the RAF 8 years ago. But I'll stay truthful and tell them.

Will pop into the office tomorrow. So excited.

[Frank the Tank]

It won't (shouldn't) add much time onto it, believe it or not we are sort of catching up with the old technology side of things.

Just go in and take on board what the guys will tell you. BUT.... Don't be pressured into something else, there are other jobs available in the Army and some will be quite desirable and some not so. Like I said make sure you have a few job options and enjoy the 'fantastic' DVDs you will no doubt watch.

Once finished go home, pub or for a drive or whatever but go somewhere to think about all that was said.

[Mini Cheddars]

Oh that's alright then. I can wait a short while. I was reading that it could take a year to get into basic training. Eep.

Ha I'll try not to be pressured into something else! A recruitment officer on that forum says to have 3 jobs in mind. My first choice is a driver in the RLC. Second choice is infantry driver and third choice is light-machine gunner or regular grunt.

It may sound daft, but I'm actually looking forward to watching those DVDs. I never jump into anything big without first researching as much as I can and watching the guys in action will give me a great idea of what I could be letting myself in for and I'm really excited about it.

I have a fitness question. I had some choccie Sugar Puffs about 20 minutes before I went for my first run in years. Plotted out a 1.5m/2.4km route online and ran in 400m bursts with about a 1 minute break inbetween.

First 400m I was quite knackered.
Second 400m I was pretty damn shattered.
Third 400m... well I got to 300m then just couldn't go on. I felt physically sick. I don't smoke or do drugs. Could that have something to do with my not long having breakfast beforehand?

I did a short bit of jogging and walking on the way back home and don't feel too bad right now.

This leads me onto my next question. I bought some pasta swirls and some Uncle Ben's sauce. How long after eating should I go for a run without
feeling sick? A couple of hours? Maybe do some circuit or strength training while I let my stomach settle?

[EDIT]I don't know if the link will work but this is the route I did.

http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/workout/DarylHaigh/b5v85r9e8v4ioda8

The planned run was that, plus the end of that road, turn left, then next left, right at the end then follow the road back home.

I'm fully aware anyone can see where I live now but I don't mind.

Edited by Mini Cheddars, 01 April 2012 - 11:21 AM.

[Frank the Tank]

Overall the whole process could take a year, that's potentially from tomorrow until you start basic.

I am by no means trying to put you off but remember that the guys/DVDs in there will be trying to 'sell' you something, everything will look great. They won't lie but it all depends on the questions you ask.

Reference the job choice there is one other option as a driver and that is Comms Logistic Specialist in The Royal Corps of Signals (ooorah ), I'm not biased. And as if by magic http://www.army.mod....river-storeman/

You will get most of your licences via this too, just another option.

Reference the food and phys, everyone is different. Me personally, I can't have more than a slice (at a push 2) of toast before doing phys. That's about 30 mins before running/tabbing/circuits. I know blokes that will eat a full english 15 mins before a steady state run and be fine. Hydrating before (throughout the day) is essential too.

Before trying the 1.5mile run you should do some regular running, 3-5 miles gradually increasing distance or decreasing the time it takes you to cover X miles. Break that up with some fartlek/sprints etc (A track is great for this).

Circuit training is good for developing your upper body - no gym needed if you do 'bodyweight' exercises. All sorts of press-ups and core exercises can be done indoors or outdoors.