29 replies to this topic

[blacktulip]

No not mercenary work, although there is big money in that. There is a company that works out here in Afghanistan that provides people simply for translation work, on camp (which is comparatively safe work) and they are on mega money. They are what is called SC cleared (Security Checked) which can only be achieved because they have lived in England or America a certain amount of time. It is because of the security clearance that they can earn so much money. I have a security clearance that is a level higher than that. The future language to learn, IMO, is Arabic.

There is decent money is private security work as well, especially the Close Protection side of life, and there were a lot of Infantry Corporals who left to do that, and now earn so pretty high amounts - more than they would have earn in the infantry.

Yeah I know there are some serious cut backs with the emergency services, I would hope that the forces experience might be a sweetener, but like you say there are likely people from all walks of life that have different experiences to bring to the party. The good thing is I do have a year left to decide what to apply for, and save money on top of the redundancy in case things don't work out straight away. I don't really want to dip into the redundancy money unless it is for starting a business or a deposit on a house.

Also, to answer someone's question near the start about why are the army still recruiting. It is because there is natural wastage in the army as well. People get to natural retirement age, some sign off etc, and others get promoted. You need to keep the balance right (i.e. you have a lot more privates than you do Sgt Majs for example). If you don't keep the structure right all the time, it will seriously bugger it up in the future. However, the recruitment numbers are drastically lower than they were a few years ago.

a friend of mine does that work and he is raking it in, if you dont mind RPGs flying past you head all the time.

[Black.Ghost]

Well after much thinking about it and deliberation, I have decided to go for it. It will be a big change and a chance for a new career - hopefully something interesting. Time to start looking at potential training courses and the like, and see what options are out there.

Even though I am applying for it, its not even guaranteed anyway to be fair. If I get it though, I'll be out by Christmas. Bring on January and a fresh start.

[Wakey-Dan]

Avoid the police like the plague. I've had to edit this message as Im not aloud an opinion on a public forum but I suggest everyone Reads a book called wasting police time which gives a very accurate account of how officers want to do the job and help the law abiding public but what were actually doing 95% of the time.

Edited by Wakey-Dan, 11 February 2013 - 11:42 AM.

[Black.Ghost]

If you want, you can PM your thoughts?

[Black.Ghost]

So the redundancy results were out today. Turns out I got what I wished for. My last working day in the army will be 17 Dec. ill be in Colombia for a month and then I need to find a new job. Should be interesting. It will be a bit sad to leave the army - the people make it a good job really but time for a new challenge. Anyone else on here in the army face the threat of redundancy in this tranche? How did it go?

[BronkoMini]

How many years have you been in, the TA are looking of ex regs to join if you didn't want to leave all soldiering behind

[Black.Ghost]

Yeah I know. I was thinking about that. They wouldn't need me full time though, because there are lots of people in my rank and I wouldn't want to just give up weekends for it. I don't mind giving up weekends if its a full time career but I wouldn't want to do it just every now and then to go on exercise.

[hazpalmer14]

I wasnt in the tranche purely because of time served rank etc. I know one lad in my LAD got it, so he's buzzing and so is another lad at my last place. One guy didnt get it so he signed off, but he wanted out anyway so the money would have been a bonus.

[sonikk4]

Being realistic there is no such thing as a safe job anymore no matter what everyone thinks.

 

Its not only the Armed forces that are having serious cutbacks but NHS, Police, Fire Brigade etc etc. 33 years ago i joined the RAF thinking job for life but that did not happen. Such is life. Things do change especially with successive governments, new policies and so on.

 

Anyway back to you BG, take whatever resettlement courses you can lay your hands on no matter how silly or stupid some may seen. Obviously go for the ones that count but having others tucked away on your CV may get you out of the mire in your deepest need.

 

I regret not doing some a lot earlier than i did but the transition going from Germany back to the Uk having a new baby took its toll but i still got a course and that proved a financial lifesaver.

 

Good luck in whatever you do, always be positive, have a good read up on interview process's HR babble and so on as this is a big driver in getting you to where you need to go.     

[Black.Ghost]

Well after adding up all my leave, today was my last day and I am now on the ferry on the way home. I am going back to camp in October for a proper leaving do and pick up the last of my stuff, but for all intents and purposes, my military career is now over.

I'm looking forward to starting something fresh and spending time in the UK for a while and a bit of normality. I'll probably end up getting bored with normality though!

My last official day is still 3 months away so a bit of time to find a new career.

It all came around a bit quick in the end and it's kind of weird knowing its all over.

[rally515]

Best of luck with your choice Mr Ghost,

 

 I'm sure you'll settle back into a routine somewere soon and start a fresh, (things i'd do for a clean slate  )

 

Cliff

[chrisj]

Best of luck for your future endeavours, I can imagine it rather daunting not knowing what the future will bring but exciting also.

Keep us posted!

[mattdc2r]

Good luck.  I took voluntary last year, and was out 12 Dec 2012.  Found a job straight away.  Pay isn't as good, but quality of life is sooo much better, and i get to see my baby daughter grow up, rather than getting sent away on courses and holidays in Afghan every 12 months.  

All the best.

[BronkoMini]

If you still need abit of military in your life you could joint the TA

[Black.Ghost]

Yeah someone told me about the TA and apparently they are offering a 5K sign up bonus as well. My sister is trying to get me to join the cadets as an instructor. Not really sure what I will do with regards the military route to be honest, but I'm thinking a clean break from it all and start afresh.

 

I should be able to get a decent job albeit with somewhat less money.

 

Best of luck for your future endeavours, I can imagine it rather daunting not knowing what the future will bring but exciting also.

Keep us posted!

 

Pretty spot on there. I am currently sat at home with nothing to do, trying to find inspiration for a career. I think for the first time in my life I'm feeling a little bit lost as to what to do. It didn't matter before because I was young and then I joined up, but now I'm 30 with no job and no idea what I actually want to do. I am sure I could get a IT or security related career but I can't help feeling that I would be bored silly and the one thing I have realised is that having a job I enjoy is probably the most important thing.

 

Thanks for all of the good wishes.