Odds against me...

[Fox]

I finally applied to join the army on 28.1.04. It is my dream to join the army. I wanted to sign up 4 years ago but never got round to it. I am now 26 years old. My birthdate is 26.3.77 so I am almost too late for most of the jobs.

So far I have passed the BARB test. The medical history thing was referred back asking for more info from my GP. I had a cyst removed from my left calf/ankle area back in Jan 2002. I also had medication for treatment of depression in early 2002.

Will the docs fail me on that? So far they asked for more info. I can run fine and am quite healthy. I can run 1.5miles in 11mins, so I need to work on that. I can do about 50 pressups and about 30 sits. I need to improve on that as well but I can do it.

I currently work for the Royal Courts of Justice. I am an admin officer. Its a nice stable office job. But I am bored as hell. I cant stand being in the office all day. I want a job that offers more, challenges both physically and mentally. I am an asian and a muslim. Its my dream to join the army. I know I will love the life. I have friends who have been in the army so I know a little about how its like.

BUT Am I too late? Reckon the docs will fail me?

[Guest]

Just studying the Civil Service in Politics at school! What is your rolew in the courts? Have you signed the Official Secrets Act? Sounds like the kind of job you want after the army!

All you can do is speak to an army careers advisor, Officer i am guessing?

[Fox]

Hi there, I work for the Queens Bench Division of the Royal Courts of Justice, Judgments and Orders section. I issue high court judgments and orders, foreign judgments, county court judgments transferred to the High Court, also change of name deeds (Official registration) and a few other bits and pieces. I have signed the Official Secrets Act yes. Sooo many interesting cases hehehe.

Remenber the case with Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones against Hello Mag? I sat in the court room. Was cool. Hutton enquiry, Tony Blair was even questioned at the High Court. Seen it all.

Yes, it a nice job to have after the Army. In fact there are two guys in my section who previously were in the army.

Its a nice job and all but for now I want to join the army more than anything else. My training is more important to me than meeting up with my girlfriend etc. Its my dream. But I guess I wont dream too much. I have been reading the various threads, and it doesnt always end in happiness.

[Fox]

No one has any idea?

[I love beasting]

Im not an expert but there is leway involved with age when its a matter of months or weeks! Medically they will be strict but if you are fit and well I think you stand a great chance, you have a lot to offer.

[Fox]

I did visit the Recruitment centre. But they told me I have to wait for the reply from the MOD doctors as they dont know the medical stuff. I just wanted some reassurance I guess. I am waiting for a reply from the MOD docs. I sent in the medical form on the 28 of Jan 04. The recruit centre said I have to wait for the letter from the MOD, take it to my GP who needs to provide further info.

Any advice on what I can say to the GP/doc to pursuade him to give me a good report? I suppose what the GP writes determines whether my application is accepted or not. Hopefully if accepted I then have to face the fitness test and further medical.

[Fox]

Well just to update (...update for whom?..I wonder if anyone even bothers reading all this... hehehe ) went along to the AFCO to pick up the package requesting a med report from my GP. The GP wasnt too happy at first, seeing as I requested she deal with the matter ASAP. But she got all the stuff together anyway and promised to post it out next day.

Hopefully the Docs involved in the selection process are happy with everything and medically clear me.

Or else this is the end of the road for me. I aint getting younger and that will be it. Fingers crossed, hopefully I'll pass.

[df2inaus]

Fox,

Have you considered joining the TA first? They'll take you up to the age of 32 and once in you can always do a stint of Full Time Reserve Service, i.e. a full time attachment to a regular outfit. These days there are many more opportunities to transfer over permenantly to the regular army following FTRS, or so I'm led to believe.

I couldn't have said it better, you've got a decent civvy job, status, don't throw it away. Join the TA have the best of both worlds. Seeing as you're public sector, the two jobs should go together well. I joined the regulars 4 years older than you after being in the TA and it turned out to be a mistake. Stay where you are and go TA.