(Sorry in advance for the long post!)
I really can't decide what to do right now, so was hoping for some informed advice here... I know it's not ideal to come to a forum and ask advice from total strangers, but none of my friends/family have any military knowledge.
I'm 23 and have a physics degree from a good university. I have done some cadet stuff in the past and know I like doing army-type things (e.g. I strangely enjoy lying in a wet ditch in the dark).
Ultimately I would like a shot at 22 Selection. I know that loads of people come on here mouthing off about how they are going to be in the SAS. I don't know if I would pass, but I do know I will always regret it if I don't try. My understanding says to apply for selection, you have to have 3 years experience in the regulars or TA SAS. Please correct me if this is wrong! Is it right that you can't apply from the normal TA? Is this a strict 3 years or is there any leeway if you rapidly prove yourself as a good soldier.
So as I see it, I have three options...
1) Apply as a soldier (in the RE)
2) Apply as an officer
3) Keep my normal job and join 21/23 SAS
If I choose 1, would I be bored out of my skull?
I have spoken to my local army careers office who say flat out that I would be wasting my time applying as a soldier, bearing in mind my background. I would also feel a bit guilty about "wasting" my degree/schooling.
If I choose 2, I know I'm by no means guaranteed a place at Sandhurst. Besides, I don't know how much I would actually enjoy the responsibility of being an officer, but maybe I would. It would also take a lot longer to train, and I realise that time isn't exactly on my side because of my age. Finally, I believe in the event of passing selection that you only serve 3 years before being RTU'd - is that correct?
If I choose 3, it would probably take the best part of 2 years just to get in, with 3 years to serve after that. By then I would be 28+ and it might be a difficult transition to make at that stage. However, if things didn't work out, at least I would have a "proper" career to fall back on.
So this is where I'm stuck. I have already been to my army careers office, but didn't mention the SAS, because I realise I would probably sound like every other dick that comes through the door. Besides, would they actually know the inns and outs of SF application anyway? I don't really care about the money aspect (but obviously more would be nice!). What would people do in my shoes? Are there any other options I should consider, e.g. marines/paras?
[Life would be so much easier if you could just apply from civvy street!]
EDIT: maybe I'm just another wannabe, but please just assume I'm not for the sake of helping me.
Share This Page:
Help me decide, please!
-
PluckyBrit
- Member
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Wed 04 May, 2005 8:02 pm
- Location: England
-
Doc
- Guest
Seems like you've already sussed most of it out.
Choice is whether you'd rather keep a civvy job and go 21 or 23,
OR
Join up proper, do a minimum of 3 years, stick your chit in, hope that your chit gets approved by the Boss, then eventually get on Selection, and maybe pass.
Fail and you'll have to go back to your Unit and then you'll have to stick it out while you wait for either a decent draft, your 12 months are up if you put in your request to leave, or the time comes to have another shot at Selection (assuming of course they would let you back)
No-one can make these decisions for you. It just depends on what you want from life, and how bad you want it
Choice is whether you'd rather keep a civvy job and go 21 or 23,
OR
Join up proper, do a minimum of 3 years, stick your chit in, hope that your chit gets approved by the Boss, then eventually get on Selection, and maybe pass.
Fail and you'll have to go back to your Unit and then you'll have to stick it out while you wait for either a decent draft, your 12 months are up if you put in your request to leave, or the time comes to have another shot at Selection (assuming of course they would let you back)
No-one can make these decisions for you. It just depends on what you want from life, and how bad you want it
-
PluckyBrit
- Member
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Wed 04 May, 2005 8:02 pm
- Location: England
Thanks for the quick replies - to be honest I would definitely choose option 3, IF it didn't take so long. I am just worried about being so old by the time I'm allowed to apply for the real thing...
It is daunting to know that whatever I do, I have to put in a big investment of time without even knowing if it will pay off for several years. I can't help wishing I never got this stupid idea in my head!
It is daunting to know that whatever I do, I have to put in a big investment of time without even knowing if it will pay off for several years. I can't help wishing I never got this stupid idea in my head!
-
Doc
- Guest
-
PluckyBrit
- Member
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Wed 04 May, 2005 8:02 pm
- Location: England
-
Flintham Block1
- Member
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Thu 03 Mar, 2005 2:36 pm
- Location: uk
I think the reaction to this post should show some of the knobbers on here what happens WHEN someone makes a well thought, well constructed enquiry...they get decent advice !!!! I too agree with the majority fella, give 21/23 a go, but I am not talking from any personal experience whatsoever so probably best to ignore me!!!
-
Artist
- Guest
Grow up and stop being a total pratt are my humble thoughts on this.
Join the Artists Rifles by all means. TA SAS unit by the way.
Why ask such stupid pointless questions on an open Web Site? Most of the Herberts who are going to reply are going to be farking Walters who have gleaned all the info from Web Sites run by Walters for farking Walters!
Am sick and farking tired of this farking crap!
Artist
Join the Artists Rifles by all means. TA SAS unit by the way.
Why ask such stupid pointless questions on an open Web Site? Most of the Herberts who are going to reply are going to be farking Walters who have gleaned all the info from Web Sites run by Walters for farking Walters!
Am sick and farking tired of this farking crap!
Artist
-
Devils_Advocate
- Member
- Posts: 151
- Joined: Tue 22 Feb, 2005 7:21 pm
- Location: UK
-
Rotary Booty
- Member
- Posts: 1772
- Joined: Sun 06 Jan, 2002 12:00 am
- Location: Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Have the posts by the 'Herberts' been deleted by the Moderators as it makes Artist's contribution to the thread look a bit over the top compared to the other sensible, helpful replies.Why ask such stupid pointless questions on an open Web Site? Most of the Herberts who are going to reply are going to be farking Walters who have gleaned all the info from Web Sites run by Walters for farking Walters!
Am sick and farking tired of this farking crap!
Derek
-
Artist
- Guest
