RMAS by Jan?

[Maverick00]

If I pass RCB at the end of Nov whats the chances of me getting an RMAS place for Jan? Does anyone know? Preferably those that are in the know or have previous experience with these matters. No pressing reason to get in on that date just that my job bores me and I really want to get cracking asap should I be successful. Also I would need to give work as much notice as possible (pref. 4 weeks), thus meaning I'd need to know if I have a place asap after RCB. I know its jumping the gun a bit but thought I'd ask in case things go my way at RCB.

[Come on The Boro]

Hi Maverick,
I think there is very little chance you will get on the January intake; I am joining as a soldier in January (partly due to my frustration with the officer selection process although i decided i wanted to join as a soldier anyway.... passed my briefing with a cat 1. in March, had to wait until July for my Main Board, passed, and was told I would be going to RMAS in September. However, they then told me that intake was full but that January would be a realistic possibilty. That then became a doubt (although they said i could be put on a reserve list) so to expect to be going in May ). I would say that you will be going in May (I think that is the least popular intake - most go in September having finished Uni/College and most others in January after having a break after finishing uni/having christmas at home etc.
If you really want to make that January intake, then as soon as you pass RCB, then get on the phone direct to RMAS (I have the number if you want it) straight away, tell them you want to go in January, and you never know, they may have vacancies (I was told when i rang them, sometimes when people get their joining instructions, they decide they dont want to do it anymore). Unfortunately for me, I rang them a week before my RCB, and although they had a place available, as I had not passed RCB they couldn't give me it ; When i rang back after i had passed, lone behold it had gone. I think as your doing your RCB at the end of November, there may well be a few places available at that time because of this.

Anyway, good luck with your RCB (just be yourself and show them how much you want it and you will pass no probs ) and i hope you get to RMAS in January! (i have never written so much, but as i have been through the same so thought i would pass on my experiences!!)

PS. I know how you feel about being in a job you hate, im sat at my desk now cursing everything about my job, but not long to go!!

[Maverick00]

Hey Boro thanks for taking the time to reply. Your answer is pretty much what I expected to be honest! Will I get the number for RMAS with my joining instructions if I pass? I was planning to ring up and push for it anyway. My job isnt that awful to be honest but I've been waiting a long while to get my desired career in the forces started and my patience is starting to run thin.

I'm already sponsored by the infantry but I'm going to my interview with the RA next week. Would it be worth mentioning my intentions to them or my sponsor and see if they could pull any strings? I really want to get cracking with it all and if I had to wait an extra four months I'd have to see if I could go travelling or something because I'll lose the plot well before I reach May!

Out of interest, how come you chose the soldier option?

[Come on The Boro]

Glad to help Maverick.

Yes you be issued with the number for Sandhurst with your joining instructions, however, these will not come until just before your entry date into RMAS. The number is 01276 412556, so as soon as you pass RCB (I found out on the Monday post after I got home from work!) get on the phone to them and ask about vacancies in January (I honestly think they might have some for January). For the record, my situation mirrors yours to some extent; I hate my job and the whole process seemed to drag on and on and I felt helpless to do anything about it! Not long to go though Maverick; stick to your guns and with any luck you will be in pronto!
I was sponsored by the infantry too Maverick (PWO to be precise) and when I mentioned my frustration with my start date, they gave me some really good advice and told me the chances are I would get a place in January via a waiting list (there was a vacancy but I hadn't passed RCB at that point), so yeah definately voice your concerns to the RA, its in their interest that you are happy with whats happening (especially as you are a potential RA officer).

With regard to the choosing the soldier option, it was something I had been thinking about for months. After passing RCB only to be told I would have to wait 10 months to go in, really got to me after all the hard work I had put in and it felt like all the enthusiasm I had wasn't shared by the Army. I went to the ACO, spoke to a Sergeant about my situation, and he was really helpful and seemed genuinely enthusiastic about my career choice. Now, I am joining as a linguist in the Intelligence Corps, probably in January, and have been touted as a candidate for a commission anyway in my report so all going well, I will go for a commission after gaining soldiering experience.

If you need any more advice don't hesitate to ask; i'm glad to help as I was in the same positionas you!

[Maverick00]

Can't think of any q's mate but will let you know. Thanks again you're a legend! I'm going to ask the question at my interview next week and see what they say. I'll make sure I call Sandhurst asap once I know my fate. I thought the results normally arrived in the post on the saturday? God, having to wait till mon would be agony.....

[Come on The Boro]

yeah i think they are meant to come on the Saturday, but you know the post office Best of luck Maverick, let us know how you get on