Non-graduate life experience

[AlexRR]

Hi, I've just found this site and its been pretty helpful , So please forgive if I'm repeating other posts!
I'm a Lower Sixth student (17 years old) studying Biology, Chemistry and D&T, I play for the school Rugby, Hockey and Cricket so I am pretty physically fit. I am looking to join the RM with the September 2009 batch of YO. I have yet to start applying! The main problem that i fear (from what I've read on here) is that I would have a lack of Life experience, however I am going to Chile (with World Challenge) to do community work & stuff like that, I also went to Ecuador the other year to do the same sort of thing again with world challenge! I am also a Corporal (2nd highest ranking NCO in the RAF section (no RM section ) as there is only 1 NCO in the Upper Sixth!!!!)

What I would like to know is if the RM would accept my trips to Chile and Ecuador as Life Experiance?
Whether the RM recruit many non-graduate direct entry YO's?
When I should start applying for the 09' batch!

Thanks
Alex

[davidemmerson]

Alex, I'm in a similar position to you, except I'm aiming for the YO 2008 batch, but at the moment that is looking pretty unlikely. I'm shitting myself that I simply haven't done enough to get noticed, maybe YOU could help me with that!

Outside of your sports, what other fitness work are you doing? For example, what sort of distances are you running and the times etc. I do rugby and cricket and coaching in cricket which is good because you are leading/organizing a group of people, maybe you get involved with that and pick up some non-academic qualifications on the way.

I think your World Experience work would be just what the RM are looking for, so I wouldn't worry about that. It's more than I've done so I should be worried not you! they like the Cadets so you've done well with that, can I ask what school you go to?

As far as non-graduates go, I am not sure how many they do recruit. To be honest, I think if you are good enough you will be accepted, but you might want to talk to your local AFCO about that. Get down there ASAP!

You can apply now, there is no rush to get you on a POC, tell them if you want to join in 2009, they will understand. Hope all goes well for you, make sure you reply!

David

[AlexRR]

Hi David,
I go to Worksop College http://www.worksopcollege.notts.sch.uk/ ... efault.asp
I do all sorts of stuff, press ups, sit ups, fair bit of running don't know the times because I've never timed it myself!!!! I'm going to do a BTEC?! in Aviation Studies with the CCF as the oppurtunities there so i might as well do it! lol I'm also going to do a Gliding Scholarship in Easter maybe?!
If you want to I'm more than happy for you to email me if you want some help?! I'm probably going to apply through school and have been given lots of advice from the school RSM (hes an ex-para so hes not too keen!!!! ), I'm going to speak to the RN Liason Officer and get the info pack and the application forms from him!

Alex

[Chas]

Alex RR,

Of course the AIB would be interested in
your visits to South America.They will be
regarded favourably.

To everyone who is worried about youth
do not be put off. Please do not treat what
I now say as arrogance but this may interest
you. (Remember I am an old fart )

I joined the RMFVR in 1956 at 17. Two years
later I joined 931 Squad. I was then put up for
a commission. First I had to pass RM Unit Selection
Board, (USB) then War Office Selection Board,
WOSB similar to AIB now. Duration three days.
I then proceeded to Mons Officer Cadet School with
eight other RMs'. I was commissioned as a Ty.2Lt.RM
with three others. The others went to the Army since
the Corps only had four vacancies. Luckily I got the last
posting. I returned to ITCRM now CTCRM for my officer's
commando course. Then I went on my first posting.
Eventually my commission was confirmed.

Now all YOs' Short Service and Regular are sent direct
to CTC for their officer training after AIB.

When I joined I looked very, very young. 'Real Skin', also
I only just made the official minimum height limit for those
days a tad over 5'6". As an officer I made some of the seniors
blink and take a second look. They were wonderful, took care
of me, addressing me as 'Young Joe or Young Sir.' It was an
honour and privilege to serve with them. Several were former WW2
Cdos.

I have some very funny dits on this.

Finally don't worry if you are young and diminutive.
Show genuine keeness and the AIB will soon ascertain
if you are what they want.

Good luck and go for it. You will never regret it.

Chas. RMFVR - RM- Depot, HMS Undine, 43 Cdo etc. RMFVR/R.

[davidemmerson]

Alex,

I go to a Comprehensive and the opportunites to do the stuff you are doing are very slim! Don't waste those opportunities! By the way, nice school.

I'm more worried that I haven't done enough to look good in a group of YO's and might not even get there- do you think sponsored runs/ long distance walks etc would be a help or do I need to look bigger? Maybe Chas, you could help me with this, if you don't mind?

What sort of advice are you being given? I'm going to be a real cheeky/ desperate b*****d and ask you if there were any decent tips in there y wouldn't mind sharing? If you'd rather PM or e-mail thats fine, or if you don't want to at all, thats just as fine too.
Hope the application goes well,

David

[Chas]

David you have incoming pm.
Chas.