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Hi everyone, sorry for the delay but I've been busy sorting things out e.g. trying to find a temporary job, argueing with parents over keep and the whole 'You wanted to leave home and now your back, so what are you going to do now' thing.

The first two weeks I found very tough, just basically adjusting to responsibilties of having to look after so much kit etc. For a young 16 year old it was quite a culture shock.

Towards the end of week 3 I developed a severe chest infection with asthma like symtoms e.g shortness of breath, constriction in chest coughing up mucus etc. I saw the MO who told me that my body was reacting to the new types of stresses and strains I was putting through. Anyway I was put on light duties for the last two days of the week, couldnt do phyz or drill for families day, (told my mum; dont bother coming down) spent two days at home, not feeling much better.

Back at camp the team said that if I didnt go on Ex 'Early night' I was to be back trooped (Our troop 870, had got off to a great start training team had been impressed so far and our PTI was very pleased also, the thought of getting back-trooped was not pleasant!).

So despite feeling like crap I went on Early Knight and strangely I felt better, it was good to be out there soldiering with the troop again. After the ex I thought wah hay! I'm back in business. However on the Friday I felt even worse than before the same symptoms but this time with shivering and light-headedness. Went to see MO again and he said I was having a relapse and all he could do was give me a stronger dose of anti-biotics and put me on light duties again.

At this point I felt crushed, I saw any sought of career I might have in the marines slipping away. Come Monday the team said that I was in no condition to go on ex 'Quick cover' which included 'wet and dry' through the night, so they said I would have to be back-trooped.

At this point I made the decision that I very much regret, the illness certainly didnt help. Anyway I told trp, sergeant I wanted to opt. out, saying that it was clear I wasnt going to get through condition if I carried on like this and I didnt want to join another troop, they tried to convince me to stay, my cpl said I had the potential of making a good marine, which was really sound of him because he didnt have to say anything.

Anyway I remained stubborn because I was feeling terrible, I then went to see the company OC who agreed to opt me out but told me to come back when I was ready. So that was that then, I spent the next four days feeling just as shitty and handed all my kit back in. Saw my oppos for the last time just as they were deploying to Woodbury. Felt very sad to be leaving such a great bunch of lads, however at this point in time I was feeling so bad I just wanted to leave camp.

Anyway now back at home still not fully recovered, I have to go the asthma and allergy clinic on Friday for the THIRD time to confirm I dont have asthma.

Well that's me, I'm now back at home feeling very depressed and annoyed. Have been arguing a'lot with the parents about which direction I'm going now.

I still want to be a Royal marine, however I am concerned that by simply jumping back in, the same thing will happen as before and there will be a repeat performance.

Now I'm wondering to myself, by waiting until I'm 20 when I would be 'fully grown'; will my body be able to cope with the demands more readily 4 years down the road?

I'm not sure what I should do at the moment, and if I did go for the latter option, what would I do in the meantime?, I need to get out of the house that's for sure.

The very best of luck to all the lads starting basic soon, as I know there are quite a'lot of you. Be warned it will be a big shock, I hope you take the challenges in your stride and that you are able to cope.

As for me, I'm looking for as much advice as possible at the moment so any is warmly appreciated.

I'm 17 next month, but want to find direction. I've been thinking of trying to find overseas work, just to try and get away from it all.

But at the end of the day I still want to be a Royal marine and thats why we are all here.

All the best

Jack

My advice would be to approach your situation very pragmatically. If you think that your body will cope better in a few years, then give it some serious thought. That said, make sure the clinic has exhausted all possible ideas, make them aware of your situation and so forth. However, don't make decisions on the spur of the moment or when you're feeling particularly depressed. You probably won't feel like that in a few days and will be able to make a far clearer decision about what to do.

So, in a nutshell, I think you should be absolutely certain that you're medically fit. As well as that, give serious, realistic, thought to your decisions.

I hope I don't seem arrogant or rude. I honestly wish you the best of luck with whichever path you choose... hopefully the one leading to a Green Beret!

Sorry to hear things didn't go well for you, good luck with your future.

Sorry to hear what happened Jack.

I feel maybe joining the Royal Marines at 16 is not the best age to join, that's only my view. But as you said you would still like to join the Royal Marines in the long run. Maybe joining a TA unit would be a good option, at least then you will be able to get a military experience that would help you later on in life.

But the best of luck with what ever you choose to do, good luck on Friday.

Good effort! You've got further than most already.

You've obviously got a brain, so why not do a degree or get back into education? I'm currently studying for a BA Hons in Outdoors Education & Adventure Recreation. I'm training to be a Mountain Leader (Civilian of course), working towards NGB Qualifications in Kayaking and Scuba diving and i'm also going through the recruiting process with the TA as a Signaller. At the end of my uni course, I aim to join the Royal Marines and I believe that the experience I gain through my hobbies, degree and TA will put me in a position to get the most out of the Marines, as well as my future life as a Civvie, should I pass the course.

The sky's the limit mate, and you're still young!

Sorry to hear this langarotti,imo i think you should join the TA or even the RMR for a year or so then give RM recruit training another go.

Good effort Jack.

Have you considered something like this in the interim before going back to Royal

http://www.campamerica.co.uk/ClientSide ... intro.html

Lad I know had a really good time/experience with these people, might be worth considering as an interim measure before going back to Royal. Climate might sort your chest out too!

Good luck anyway, keep us posted.

Sorry to hear things didnt go well.

Fair play to you for giving it a go, especially being so young!

As many have said you are young and have lots that you can do and achieve before considering joining the RM. If you got into uni you could apply to join as an Officer this would also give you the opportunity to move away from home for a few years. You could also join the TA whilst doing this and get some military experience.

At the end of the day the decision is yours and you have to make it! Im sure you wouldnt have any problems getting back into recruit training, but like you have said are you going to be medically & physically fit to do so?

Time is on your side, you are young so take as much time as you need to make the right decision.


The Recruit

Passed PRMC: 2nd March-5th March
Start Basic: 26th April

It is a complete b*tch being ill when you are at CTC and it is very common to think of negative thoughts when you are stuck on the ward. Basically you have too much time to think and thats when alot of people opt out. I did it, and I regretted it big style. I remember watching my troop do bottom field passout and I was extremely envious of them and also gutted. However I am back in next week. Sixteen is very young and I would say come back in a few years but don't leave it too long. Well done anyway and good luck.

Sorry to hear that mate - it's a bit of a downer.

I know this is going slightly off on a tangent, but do you guys reckon that 16 is too young to join?

The reason for asking is that I've got a mate who's 15 at the moment and wants to join next year after doing his GCSEs. He's a fit lad but I reckon that 16 is a bit too early in life to commit to the military, especially the Royal Marines. I think this for 2 main reasons:

1. At 16 your body has not developed enough to be able to cope properly with the training (I think that Langarotti's case highlights this).
2. Why commit yourself so early to the military? Why not live life a little bit before joining? There's a whole world out there. And while the military can be a very hard life, it is also a pretty sheltered one.

Plus there is the point that you can't go on ops until you're 18 (well, as far as I know anyway).

I know people do get through the training at 16, but I think that if you wait until you're 18 you will stand a better chance of passing out and you will have a little bit more experience of life on 'the outside'. Plus you will be that bit more mature so better able to cope with the mental pressures of separation etc... These thoughts have been backed by an ex-CSgt RM I met (who actually did join at 16... errrr ).

Not meaning to put anyone off joining at 16, it's just my two pence. I'm interested in what you guys have to say on the matter.

P.S. For info, I'll be joining next year (as a recruit) at the grand old age of 21. Got to finish uni first.

Loads of sound advice on here. Id say get yourself fully checked out, make sure you're happy with what the docs tell you and then think about what to do next. You are young (as everyone keeps telling you!) so time is on your side. Id say go with your gut feeling - if you feel like you need time away to mature then do it. Go travelling or work abroad, AC's idea about doing a degree in outdoor rec is a great idea if you're into that kind of thing. If you're set on the Green Beret then set yourself goals that will benefit you're desire to achieve it while you're waiting to go in again, keep your mind focused on the final aim.

I wouldnt worry too much about that illness coming back - ive had exactly the same thing and its just a chest infection, you were unlucky thats all.

Good luck with everything.

Im 19 now and ive had the best time of my life between the age of 16 and 19! Caused abit of damage to my body with all the alcohol but its been worth it for the memories

Even though I can't remember many friday nights

Everyone is ready for different kinds of pressures at different ages. I suppose it all depends on their upbringing, therefore its hard to say at what age is best to join! Well thats my view anyway

Im sorry to hear that mate. HOpe everything works out for you in the future.

Yeah gutted for you mate. Keep on thinking about the positives until you think the time is right for your next shot.