joining the paras

[bobishungry]

Hi guys,
I'm 19 and I want to join the Paras. Basically i tried the AOSB and failed my sponser said from looking at my resaults that I need to gain some experience). I have decided that I am going to join the Paras as a soldier, I've already done the BARB test. I was just wondering that when I try the AOSB again, which I will, if I have joined as a soldier in the Paras in the mean time, will I be able to gain a commision in the Paras or will I HAVE to move to another regiment? Please can someone help me on this. Cheers.

[Sarastro]

You won't be forced to move to another regiment. However, getting a place in Paras as an officer is very competitive, so you won't necessarily commission into Para Reg.

[Chas]

If you join up in the ranks hold the necessary qualifications
and show potential you may be selected for a commission.
You must also indicate that this is the course that you wish to
follow when interviewed in recruit training by your platoon officer.
The Paras are superb and if you eventually got to the RMA Sandhurst,
you will have another hurdle to cross for the Paras only take the best
and someone might do better who is in another regiment and transfer.
Competition is extremely tough and the Parachute regiment is always
always oversubscribed to. A recent company at the RMA had 28
applicants from all regiments including their own. So the Paras can
be very selective
I passed selection and was offered a Para commission many years
ago but stayed with my parent Corps the fantastic Royal Marines.

[bobishungry]

Thanks alot guys, I knew the Paras were very competitive but I had just heard rumors that you couldnt rejoin your regiment if you gained a commission. My first worry has to be getting through recruit training, cause I'm sure that will be bloody hard in itself!!!

[Sarastro]

Bob, even though I don't believe there is a specific rule dictating you cannot rejoin your regiment, it is something that seems to be very much at the discretion of the recruiting officers.

The argument is, for example, if you have spent a few years as a tom in 3 PARA, you have plenty of mates there who know you as a tom; returning after a year at Sandhurst as a 2Lt can cause problems of familiarity for both you and them. Even if you are placed in 2 PARA, there is plenty of crossover between them, and you are likely to end up commanding your recent oppos. This is a situation the Army tries to avoid. Moving to another regiment obviously doesn't present the same problem.

Fact is, it might not be banned, but honestly it probably won't improve your chances of getting a commission in the Reg. Not really sure who you can talk to to give you an honest appraisal of how they do these things nowadays, I've generally found that AFCO / regimental recruiters are just eager to get you into Sandhurst / their regiment; perhaps Chas or some of the older heads on here know someone who can.

[bobishungry]

I know, I've heard rumours about that, but the thing is, there is no point in me joing another regiment as a soldier just so i can join as a Para if I pass the AOSB later on, because its so hard to get in as an officer anyway, so there is no guarantee of me getting into the Paras as an officer, so I might as well just get the red beret as a tom and see what happens.

[Boxingmad]

Just join the Paras anyway - the officer thing can always come later.

[bobishungry]

I know, thats what I'm doing. I've already done the BARB test and I've booked myself onto an insight course. Does anyone know how long the whole process takes from applying to getting into Catterick? Basically I'm at the stage where I've sent off my medical forms and am waiting for them to get back to me. Any estimation would be appreciated.

Hi Bob,
Please remember to capitalise the word 'I' in future.
Regards
T_T

[bobishungry]

Well 'I' am very sorry :p