CTCRM Lympstone or Sandhurst?

[Sully]

I can't answer that I'm afraid Alf. I suppose one advantage of being an officer is that you're less likely to get stuck in an arse draft - you have more scope to put yourself forward for more 'interesting' roles. I think you get more control over your destiny.

Mark, I'm not from Chatham I just ended up there although I'm originally from Kent, I'm from one of the mining towns near Deal (which again has a history). I had a few inspirations for joining the forces before I joined like an old fella down the road who fought at Arnhem, and, strangely enough (long story) a Delta Force sniper who I met in Germany and did some phys and shooting with. I expressed an interest to him about the forces and he said to join the Corps - he was instructing at the LRRP school in Weingarten working with SBS and SAS lads. The SBS and the Corps in general made a big impression on him. Later on he was in the first Black Hawk downed in Mogadishu.

After that I think a book about the Cockleshell Heroes sealed it for me.

[Alf]

Hello all.

Thanks for the replies, it's given me more to think about so cheers for your help. Dave and Sarastro I've replied to your pm but I'm not sure if they've gone through, please let me know if not.

All the best to all.

Alf

[Artist]

Alf

In the end it's up to you what you decide. The Para Regt is a one choice if you are to old for the Corp. But the officers do tend to treat the blokes as Chattle. Hearing a Para Officer talk about his blokes as "His TOMS" once put me in mind of some Hoo Ray talking about a Pack of Fox hounds.

At least in the Corp Officers and other ranks respect each other. I have Mates who went Corp Commision. One is now a Lt Col RM. But rank went winging out of the window when a bunch of us would meet up socially. The next day it was "Sir" and C/Sgt and there is nought wrong with that. We liked and respected each other and knew when to abide by the rules.

Artist

[Sarastro]

The Para Regt is a one choice if you are to old for the Corp. But the officers do tend to treat the blokes as Chattle. Hearing a Para Officer talk about his blokes as "His TOMS" once put me in mind of some Hoo Ray talking about a Pack of Fox hounds.

Surely depends on the officer though Artist

Alf, yes it has, will reply when I'm here for more than 30 seconds

[friendlyfireaintfriendly]

Remember that it can be a bit tricky to compare the two as the Royal Marines YO course is aimed at making a civilian into a Royal Marines platoon commander with all the tactics and skills that come with it

Sandhurst is aimed at making a civilian into a british army officer, then an infantry officer (as our closest parallel) will THEN do a further few months training on the platoon commanders course to become an infantry platoon commander (an 'ossifer of the line infantry)

The Para Regt is a one choice if you are to old for the Corp. But the officers do tend to treat the blokes as Chattle. Hearing a Para Officer talk about his blokes as "His TOMS" once put me in mind of some Hoo Ray talking about a Pack of Fox hounds.

So many different officers that its very dangerous to imply a summary of all officers attitudes from one officer to another

[Artist]

Most Para Officers seemed to have the same attitude towards there blokes. Save for the ones who had come up thought the ranks. Sorry but that was my overiding impression whenever I met up with the Paras.

It may well have changed nowadays but back in the 70's and 80's thats the impression I always got whenever I worked with them.

Have either of you two ever worked with the Paras? Because I have.

Artist