Help me decide, please!
Posted: Wed 04 May, 2005 9:00 pm
(Sorry in advance for the long post!)
I really can't decide what to do right now, so was hoping for some informed advice here... I know it's not ideal to come to a forum and ask advice from total strangers, but none of my friends/family have any military knowledge.
I'm 23 and have a physics degree from a good university. I have done some cadet stuff in the past and know I like doing army-type things (e.g. I strangely enjoy lying in a wet ditch in the dark).
Ultimately I would like a shot at 22 Selection. I know that loads of people come on here mouthing off about how they are going to be in the SAS. I don't know if I would pass, but I do know I will always regret it if I don't try. My understanding says to apply for selection, you have to have 3 years experience in the regulars or TA SAS. Please correct me if this is wrong! Is it right that you can't apply from the normal TA? Is this a strict 3 years or is there any leeway if you rapidly prove yourself as a good soldier.
So as I see it, I have three options...
1) Apply as a soldier (in the RE)
2) Apply as an officer
3) Keep my normal job and join 21/23 SAS
If I choose 1, would I be bored out of my skull?
I have spoken to my local army careers office who say flat out that I would be wasting my time applying as a soldier, bearing in mind my background. I would also feel a bit guilty about "wasting" my degree/schooling.
If I choose 2, I know I'm by no means guaranteed a place at Sandhurst. Besides, I don't know how much I would actually enjoy the responsibility of being an officer, but maybe I would. It would also take a lot longer to train, and I realise that time isn't exactly on my side because of my age. Finally, I believe in the event of passing selection that you only serve 3 years before being RTU'd - is that correct?
If I choose 3, it would probably take the best part of 2 years just to get in, with 3 years to serve after that. By then I would be 28+ and it might be a difficult transition to make at that stage. However, if things didn't work out, at least I would have a "proper" career to fall back on.
So this is where I'm stuck. I have already been to my army careers office, but didn't mention the SAS, because I realise I would probably sound like every other dick that comes through the door. Besides, would they actually know the inns and outs of SF application anyway? I don't really care about the money aspect (but obviously more would be nice!). What would people do in my shoes? Are there any other options I should consider, e.g. marines/paras?
[Life would be so much easier if you could just apply from civvy street!]
EDIT: maybe I'm just another wannabe, but please just assume I'm not for the sake of helping me.
I really can't decide what to do right now, so was hoping for some informed advice here... I know it's not ideal to come to a forum and ask advice from total strangers, but none of my friends/family have any military knowledge.
I'm 23 and have a physics degree from a good university. I have done some cadet stuff in the past and know I like doing army-type things (e.g. I strangely enjoy lying in a wet ditch in the dark).
Ultimately I would like a shot at 22 Selection. I know that loads of people come on here mouthing off about how they are going to be in the SAS. I don't know if I would pass, but I do know I will always regret it if I don't try. My understanding says to apply for selection, you have to have 3 years experience in the regulars or TA SAS. Please correct me if this is wrong! Is it right that you can't apply from the normal TA? Is this a strict 3 years or is there any leeway if you rapidly prove yourself as a good soldier.
So as I see it, I have three options...
1) Apply as a soldier (in the RE)
2) Apply as an officer
3) Keep my normal job and join 21/23 SAS
If I choose 1, would I be bored out of my skull?
I have spoken to my local army careers office who say flat out that I would be wasting my time applying as a soldier, bearing in mind my background. I would also feel a bit guilty about "wasting" my degree/schooling.
If I choose 2, I know I'm by no means guaranteed a place at Sandhurst. Besides, I don't know how much I would actually enjoy the responsibility of being an officer, but maybe I would. It would also take a lot longer to train, and I realise that time isn't exactly on my side because of my age. Finally, I believe in the event of passing selection that you only serve 3 years before being RTU'd - is that correct?
If I choose 3, it would probably take the best part of 2 years just to get in, with 3 years to serve after that. By then I would be 28+ and it might be a difficult transition to make at that stage. However, if things didn't work out, at least I would have a "proper" career to fall back on.
So this is where I'm stuck. I have already been to my army careers office, but didn't mention the SAS, because I realise I would probably sound like every other dick that comes through the door. Besides, would they actually know the inns and outs of SF application anyway? I don't really care about the money aspect (but obviously more would be nice!). What would people do in my shoes? Are there any other options I should consider, e.g. marines/paras?
[Life would be so much easier if you could just apply from civvy street!]
EDIT: maybe I'm just another wannabe, but please just assume I'm not for the sake of helping me.
