If you don't make it...

[druadan]

I don't think I could go to any other part of the military having aimed for the Marines...I'd probably go into some sort of civilian adventurous training job.

[ashley]

If I fail PRMC next week I've got a couple of plans of what I could do.

• Have another crack at PRMC as soon as possible.
• Get a job and wait a year before attempting it again.
• Go to college to do English, History and Maths before attempting the officer route.

I don't think I'd opt for another branch of the forces. It might seem a little arrogant. I'd be happy with a civilian job providing I had some self-worth and actually felt I was doing something useful.

That said, I'm pretty confident I'll be able to pass next week.

[RobT]

Bloody hell, they either brainwash you at these PRMC jobbies or you lot think your gods gift. If your just looking at the romantic side of being a Marine then how about you ask the old and bold how much hard graft it is? Every Reg have to work their tits off Commando's or no Commando's.

[druadan]

Bit harsh there, RobT!! I just couldn't see myself being satisfied, having set my sights on being a Marine, with a job elsewhere in the Forces. I'd rather find an altogether different challenge. Not slating any other branch or reg, it's just what I want to do.

They do do a reasonable job of brain-washing on PRMC though...

[RobT]

They do do a reasonable job of brain-washing on PRMC though...

Thought so!

[HardRock]

Well, I work in an office at the moment, and its the most boring thing ever, Im finding it so difficult, especially since Im training to join RM's, the contrast in adventure and lifestyle is obviously immense..

If I fail PRMC I would def take a few months out, sort out my weak spots then have another crack, am I right in saying you get three attempts?

If it comes to the fact that they say there is no way I can get into the RM's, then I would def go into the BA. I am so bored with civvie life, I need some adventure.

Go to college to do English, History and Maths before attempting the officer route.

Ashley if your college does it, do the public services course, its great, Ive switched over to it. Its obviously is about the public services (armed and civvie) but it teaches you a lot of psychology/discipline and the like, you also tend to do a lot of adventury-style stuff, weve been camping a few times, rock climbing, abseil, high ropes, sailing etc etc

You dont have to do A levels to go for POC, its all based on UCAS points, i think its two at pass and your eligable. Of which, it will be a lot more relevant..

All the best,
Rock

[El Prez]

If I don't make it I'm going to be very sanguine about the whole thing and put it down to racism. I'm Irish and they obviously won't like me.

It's nothing to do with my age, infirmity and mental health.

Wot jew fink m8?

[HardRock]

shouldnt you be on the training team El Prez?

I hear they are all short irish men, 5ft 3 tall, 6ft wide, and a real pleasure to get on with

Did you race through bottom field for your pint of guiness? like on TV? I think theres a poss new ad campaign for em there..

"Good things come to those who wait, and dont throw up, pass out, break something or die"

Maybe I should jack RM idea and go into advertising..

Rock

[El Prez]

5' 3", what a slur on my altitude. Close but still a slur!

[oban3]

i dropped out of training after 6 weeks, hard decision seeing as i had spent 8 months trying to get in. The mistake I made was not having any outdoor or military skills, so simple military tasks like using and cleaning your weapon, or taking care and knowing all your kit in the field became very difficult. They do train you up properly but when you have so many other things to worry about in training it all soon catches up with you. My advice to anyone joining is get in a local reserves group or TA, something to give you basic skills and try and find somewhere to learn and practice rope climbing because this is a killer if you've never done it before. It's all well and good pushing through hard physs but having tendernitous (spelt badly) in your arms because of it makes it all that harder . Anyways I am now with the RAF Regt and will hopefully collect some good years military experience and fitness to go back to the Marines with..... all the best

[Jon]

I finish my A2s at the end of May so wont to join the Marines later this year (september is best). If I fail to get in ill try again but if the prospect became rapidly more unrealistic ill try for the paras and, failing that, the army. Fail to get into any of these id probably go to uni and do a degree in sports, history,astromony or archiology. Nah, im not really the academic tpye. Ill just become a hobo or something.

[MikeB]

I don't want to sound rude but if you don't make the grade to join the Marines you wont make the grade for the Paras either.

You have to be very fit for both. And have the right mind set.

I am joining the Army because i want to do a trade not because i think it will any easier than Marines or Paras but because i believe there are more opportunities for me and the career i want. In the army after you have completed trade training you can do P Company or the AACC to get your Green Beret.

Maybe if you dont make the grade for the marines you could consider joining the Royal Engineers, Royal Artillery or Royal Signals then trying for the green beret?

[HardRock]

I think the idea of getting some military-style experience is def a good one.

My public services tutor is ex red cap and has done AACC. (the suprise i got when I first saw the dagger, he keeps it kinda secret) said to me that he too served in the TA while studying, and it definatley takes some weight off your shoulders, esp in the first four-five weeks, since this is all your basic military things, which of course you will be used to..

Im off to my local TA base tomorrow, right around the corner from me which is nice, its not infantry (its artie), but the closest infantry to me is pourtsmouth, and having looked at the travel times etc, i think it will do more harm than good, but I thinkinf of being attached to the close air support group (HVM), which means i still be out in the field charging around..

I figured my tutors advice is good to take since hes done it all..

the best,
Rock