Joining the Marines, my baby, and my age. Need advice.

[coopa_troopa]

I've always had an ambition to join the Marines but life just kinda got in the way. My partner gives birth to our baby in August and this is the spur I needed. Some of you might be wondering why I would want to join up when my partner and I are just about to bring a baby into the world. And some of you probably know straight away.

I want to look back on my life and feel proud that I have achieved something. I want to feel proud for myself, and I also want to make my family and my child proud. Some of you might not understand this, and some of you may.

My question / concern is this: I will be 27 when I apply and probably just turned 28 if I am selected for Basic Training. And I cannot escape the concern that this will be detrimental to my career as a Royal Marine. I am aware that I am well within the age limit (this has been confirmed on many occassions), however I just cannot escape this niggling doubt that as a more 'mature' applicant, the opportunities given to those joining in their early 20's and younger will not come my way.

I'd like to get some feedback from experienced members of the forum.

Thank you,

Coopa

[sammy571819]

I know i can't speak from my personal experience, but i doubt very much that you will have less oppportunities than other Royal Marines because of your age, if anything you might might have more because of your experience. When my brother passed out there was a 27 year old in his troop who won the best recruit trophy and I doubt he was held back due to his age. I would hope that a 27 year old with more life experience would recieve just as many opportunities as a 17 year old fresh out of school.

[flo]

Coopa, i suggest you put any fears to the back of your mind. As a mature student you have experience in life and you have a goal objective to finish the course and become one of Britains elite. As for your personal cirsumstances, unfortunately you wouldnt qualify for a Married quarter as you and your partner arent married, despite having a baby together, and also the fact that you will be in training. There are many mature students on the basic course and you wil not be the only one im sure.

But mostly do it for your self, make yourself proud and then the rest is easy.

good luck.

[coopa_troopa]

sammy and flo, thank you for your positive comments. Although I have had concerns regarding my age, I have also felt, as per your comments, that there are advantages to being a 'mature' applicant.

It is true, a 28 year old possesses more life experience than a 17 year old. I have been independant for nearly 10 years now, and this alone is a major plus. Also, I wonder if having experienced 'civvy street' for so long, one could say I will appreciate more what a Royal Marine is actually fighting for.

I also know what's 'out there', in that I know what 'civvy life' can offer me, as I have experienced it first hand. I am making an educated decision about pursuing a career in the Royal Marines. I won't be second guessing my decision because I know exactly what I have left behind, and not wondering 'what's out there in civvy street for me'.

I have also experienced what I believe most 'teens' should experience. Women, excessive booze, partying, and getting into the odd spot of mischief. Generally not taking life seriously. My thinking is that I have done that, got the t-shirt, and now want to take my life seriously, whereas, and I can understand this completely, a young 17 year old man joining the forces is expected to be serious about his profession yet he may have that 'itch' to go out and do the stuff teenagers expect to do at that age.

One remaining concern I have is the fitness factor. Do the Royal Marines look upon age as an issue? Or merely your level of fitness. What I mean by that is, say I join at age 28, when I reach say, 35, would that be an issue for the Marines in terms of what they see as acceptable roles for me, or does age not matter so long as you can prove your health and fitness?

Thank you once again,

Coopa

[dalo]

Yeh i dont think you have nothing to worry about on that subject, there was a thrity two year old on my prmc. I think he was an ex engineer so that just shows that they do look for experienced and switched on people.

[Rugby lad]

As a halfway measure there's always the RMR, plenty of guys your age in our recuit troop at the moment.

It'll still give you the opertunity to be deployed but with the ability to be far more flexible with your time, something i'd imagine would be a good thing with a little'un on the way.

Best of both worlds (?)

Rugby Lad

[mfat_man]

Yeh i dont think you have nothing to worry about on that subject, there was a thrity two year old on my prmc. I think he was an ex engineer so that just shows that they do look for experienced and switched on people.

From what I know what Dalo says is correct.... listen, there are '000s of people out there who wish they did things, put it off and reget it later.

If you feel you want to join up, go and do it before you regret it later!

Good luck

[sammy571819]

Agreeing with what Dalo said, the RMR does soundlike a good option for you. My brother has been saying for a while now that he might leave the regulars to join the reserves as they seem to get more opportunities than he does. Its taken him 6 months to get on a driving course when he knows RMR blokes who have been getting in ahead of him. By joining the RMR you will be able to spend more time with the family but also recieve most of the opportunities the regulars do. Another plus side is you will be able to hold a regualr job on civvie street for extra income. Just an area you could look in to.

[coopa_troopa]

The RMR's sound like another option for me. However, do RMR's get the same training and is it still as prestigious and elite?

Thank you,

Coopa

[sammy571819]

I dont know exactly the training that the RMR go through but obviously it doesnt include the same 32 weeks the regulars do. Im pretty sure it does include all the commando tests though, culminating as usual in the 30 miler. Regarding the prestigious and elite point, it is really a persons point of view. People thinking certain soldiers are better that others will happen, like paras thinking their better than Royals and vice versa, but in the end they know that the other regiment is one of the best trained in the world. The regular RM's know that their training was tougher than the RMR's, but as ive said they also know they've comlpeted the commando tests and know that they can just as easily go to war.

[borisimo]

RMR do the same tests to pass the commando course, have to be fitter because there isnt time for the PTI's to work with you in the 2 hour night a week, have to balance it all with a full time job and family, also most of the specialisations are still open to you etc so yes id say they are just as elite. it takes most RMR guys 18 months to get the green lid too so you have to be pretty determined.

obviously the training isnt in the same format because of time constraints but you learn the same skill sets and have to get to the same standard as regular RM's, perhaps why they can be integrated so well in conjuction with regular RM.

[coopa_troopa]

Well this is something I will talk about with my local AFCO. At the moment I want to commit myself fully to becoming a Marine, however once my baby is born I might find it a lot harder to spend so much time away from home.

I am also very glad that opportunities will not be restricted as a result of age.

Thanks for all the great comments,

Coopa