Ozzy thinking about joining the Para's

[jhend21]

Hi all, i've just completed my last year of school and have been wanting to join the military for quite some time now, I have researched a lot into the Australian army but it really does not appeal to me, frankly there are only 2 units in the australian army that provide a challenge to get into, on the otherhand The British Para's, from what I have read, are regarded as one of the most highly trained infantry battalions in the world and I would like to be a part of that.

My questions are as follows:

1. Do you think this is a good idea?
2. I have a mild degree of colour blindness, would this stop me from joining?
3. What are the citizenship issues?
4. How many Australians have actually done this?

Also Britain means i've got the whole of Europe at my doorstep and gives me a lot more chances of seeing the world.

I don't want to be a "mercinary" or anything, it's just that I want to have something that will give me enough of a challenge that I want to be proud of what I have achieved, rather than sitting it out in the Australian Army for 5 years until I get a shot at SF.

Any help is much appreciated

[Jo]

Alrite mate,

In reply to some of your questions...

Its only a good or bad idea to how it will suit you. Are you ok with leaving australia and coming to the UK to train and work, and so on. There were some australians in my platoon.

The minor degree of colour blindness would probably not stop you from joining as I have in past come accross one lad on base who had full colour blindness.

Your best bet would be to go onto http://www.army.mod.uk - there is an onlin careers office on there which allows you to talk dirrectly to online careers staff. Alternativly you can contact the regiment directly by usuing the contact details on the website - http://www.parachute-regiment.com

What ever you deside to do mate, good luck!

[jhend21]

Thanks for the info Jo,

I wouldnt be joining for atleast a year as im in the middle of getting my Commercial Helicopters Licence, but I really do not have enough money to get qualified into all different types of helicopters.

Leaving Australia is fine for me and I have always like Britain since I went there for a holiday when I was about 10 and I do prefer it over the climate here.

As there is only a short period (by short I mean 10-12 years) of time in which joining the Para's and maybey having a shot at SAS selection am I eligible, and from what I have gathered, people underestimate the pay for military becuase they go on the 'end figure' instead of counting living costs etc etc, so on my leave, I could pay for some more flight time so there might be a job waiting for me when I get out of the service.

Sorry If it comes across as me 'doing it for the paycheck', but im just finding a way that I can achieve two dreams.

[CharliePowell]

Or if flying is your thing you could look at the army air corp. Get qualified for free.

With regards to your question "How many have done it"
During my RCB there was a South African, a guy from New Zealand and a Canadian. That was out of about 60 people.

Charles.

[jhend21]

As I mentioned previously I have colourblindness, so flying for the army is out for me.

[Cheeze]

Hey jhend21,

I am a South African (in the US working and skiing) who is trying to decide between joining the UK Forces (para), or the Aussies (Special Forces Commandos).

For climate reasons, plus I have loads of friends there, the Ozzies are better equiped and I would prefer to get Oz citizenship and maybe end up living there, etc.
Are you sure you prefer rain and overcast weather all the time compared to Sunny Oz?

Isn't joining SF through the direct recruitment scheme a challenge? Also once you have served 2yrs in a commando you can try out for the SASR, or TAG E or TAG W.

Check out this site:
http://www.ausspecialforces.com
There are lots of articles on the Special Forces Direct Recruitment scheme (SFDR) in the news and info link.

Tell me what you think. I may still join up in the UK.
Cheers