New South African

[Mike B]

Hey there.
I am a big (6'3"/ 14.5st) South African wanting/attempting to join RM.
I stumbled across this site, and found it to be excellent. I tried to join from S.Africa in 1999, but was refused with a letter stating: "Due to the country in which you currently reside, we are unable to take your application further..." So, I moved to England at the end of 2001. I then re-applied this year, and went through aptitude test and interview and did quite well (apparently), and was told that since I have been a British citezen since birth (dual national), I am eligible to apply. They have since come back to me that I have to wait an additional 18 months because I have not resided here for 5 years. By that time I will be 25 yrs old.
Will it still be worth it? Joining at 25 with a bunch of younger guys? Waiting? Should I look for a career in another branch of the military?

Once again, what a good site/forum.
Cheers, Mike.

[df2inaus]

Welcome to the forum Mike! Sorry to hear the recruitng process has been so long. At Sandhurst I met so many other foreigners, esp SA/Zimbabwe who had joined up, many having had to go through the ranks first until the rules changed last year. My gut instinct tells me give the RM a miss and go Army, then join a Sqn that's in 3 Cdo Bde. I get the impression the RM are less likely to take foreign recruits than the army-maybe the're not short of men-Idon't know.

[Mike B]

thanks mate.
I have been looking at the army. a mate of mine has just started his basic training at Lichfield, and they gave him no hassle for being foreign. (although he does get a lot of slack because of the rugby haha).

[Jason The Argonaut]

Welcome to the forum Mike B

Should I look for a career in another branch of the military?

Well I think you should have a look about see what's on offer in another branch of the military. You never know you might find something else that's grab's your eye.


Good luck any way Mike B

[sneaky beaky]

Hi Mike B.
Have a word with Framewolf, who is a regular subscriber to this forum and has had the same problems. You will probably find him on the SF section of the forum.
I can say that the RM are not any different for recruiting and 25 is not too old to join. You might also find it an advantage being that much more mature than an 18 yr. old.
Don't give up on the Royal Marines, they are the best and you won't regret the wait. And as I have said somewhere before, I can hear all those Percy's objecting but they know it's true. Go for it!!

[Andy O'Pray]

Hi Mike B,

I concur with sneaky beaky. You will find that the extra bit of maturity will stand you in good stead. If it is the RM that you want to join, then go for it.

Aye - Andy.

[Mike B]

Hey thanks guys.
I'm now convinced that I am going to keep up the fitness and training until I get in.

See you later.