University Graduates

[Glenn]

Hi, i am currently at university and still feel a strong sense of direction to a career in the armed forces upon leaving.

My question is: do many graduates join the army not as an officer? I would imagine recruitment would try to steer you towards the officer route. I personally feel i would rather not. Even though i might have the "life experience" said to be gained from university, i just dont feel im a natural leader.

Im interested in the Royal Engineers. To be honest i would rather join as a sapper and learn a trade.

If i was to take this route, would having a degree make promotion through the ranks more available/ quicker? Also i will graduate at the age of 24, whats the average age of recruitment within the RE? Would i be one of the only older recruits?

Thanks in advance.

[Tab]

As an officer you will have a much wider scope of operations and it will be far more interesting. Leadership skills can be learnt like any thing else.

[Glenn]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have always been under the impression that people are born leaders, or with the right qualities to be a leader.

Do you believe then that leadership skills can be learnt and developed. I am a quiet person, with not great ability at speaking out infront of groups of people.

Another problem i have is maths. I am absolutely terrible at it. I would imagine their to be some fairly tough maths entrance exams to being an officer. Especially maybe more so in the RE.

Any other opinions on this would be greatly appreciated

[Wholley]

There are the odd few people that are'Born Leaders'
For the most part we have to learn to lead.
Go for your degree and enjoy yourself at university.
The math will come in time,just keep at it.
I had a tough time with it too,largely because I just had no interest and my math master was a boring old fart who,although he loved his subject just could not teach it.

"Here is a pretty little proof"

"What?"

"Pay attention at the back"

"Why do you think I sit at the back?"

Best,


Albert Einstein.

[grean_and_slimey]

Mmmm I am not sure I agree with Tab re the scope of operations for officers, I think in some ways they are more limited in what they can do i.e. there job is to lead not to do – big difference.

I am a double graduate (MA) and I went in as a squadie with no regrets, what I would say is aim at a strong trade that will stretch you i.e. Geo Tech, OPMI etc.

Either that or go for the full on infantry experience i.e. para marine etc. Again I know a few that have gone down this path.

The AFCO is all about bums on seats and they will push you down the officer track, however this is not the only route I can assure you!

[Lou1607]

Hello,

I'm also at university at the moment and am going for RAF Reg Officer. Have you looked at the different university organisations?

I looked at the University Officers Training Corps run by the Army but they've stopped recruiting . In that regard it would be nice to have a more general Army group available. Maybe there's a society at your SU which you could try and get into, and work your way into a "leadership" position.

And yes, I think that leadership skills can be learnt, but only by actually doing it. I think that's the only way you'll know.