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Posted: **Sat 09 May, 2009 11:02 pm**

Hi

I'm 27 thinking about joining the RM. I first thought about it when i was 19 but i started to do well in my career so gradually the idea got forgetten.

Over the last month or so i have been giving it serious thought as i guess i am nearing the age where doing this becomes no longer possible and i am no longer too interested in what i do for a job. I have a few questions that i would apprieciate anyone being able to help me with.

My main problem is my eyesight, after years looking at a screen all day my sight isn't too great. It's no so bad that i need to wear glasses or contact lenses in everyday life but if i took my driving test again i certainly would need them, for instance if a number plate is further than 5-6 metres i have to squint and can barely read it
From reading my understanding previous posts is that i can either get LASEK, and after 12 months apply. Or wear contact lenses or glasses. I don't fancy the prospect of the LASEK mainly because of the 12 months/ cost / not being able to work or damaging them again using a computer in the healing time. Has anyone here had experience going through RMT with contact lenses that could offer advice about how difficult it is?

Also would i have to wear them at all times, or could i just use them when nessecary?

My last questions relates to the actual 32 week training program. Assuming i passed the medical and other tests and got through the PRMC, and went onto the training program - there would be no going back for me in terms of the damage i would do to my current career - so my main worries are about the failing process.

From reading and watching the documentaries my understanding of the process is that there are tests along the way, and if you fail you are put back into a different troop to retake where you failed, and if you are injured you go into a rehabilitation company and then returned to a troop. Is there a limit to the number of times you can be backtrooped? and also with regards to injuries, is there a maximum amount of time they will give you to get fixed up? - lastly if you do fail, do they let you just reapply and start the process again, or does it depend on the reasons for them failing you?

I'm prepared to throw away my career to do this and will do whatever it takes to get in. i just don't want do that and then fall off a rope on a test consequetively and be told sorry your out etc and not being allowed to restart the entire thing and work my ass off untill i make it.

Sorry if thats a bit of a rant

Thanks in advance for any help

Posted: **Sun 10 May, 2009 8:55 pm**

Alright Mate,

cumbrianpikeman wrote:Hi

I'm 27 thinking about joining the RM. I first thought about it when i was 19 but i started to do well in my career so gradually the idea got forgetten.

Over the last month or so i have been giving it serious thought as i guess i am nearing the age where doing this becomes no longer possible and i am no longer too interested in what i do for a job. I have a few questions that i would apprieciate anyone being able to help me with.

My main problem is my eyesight, after years looking at a screen all day my sight isn't too great. It's no so bad that i need to wear glasses or contact lenses in everyday life but if i took my driving test again i certainly would need them, for instance if a number plate is further than 5-6 metres i have to squint and can barely read it
From reading my understanding previous posts is that i can either get LASEK, and after 12 months apply. Or wear contact lenses or glasses. I don't fancy the prospect of the LASEK mainly because of the 12 months/ cost / not being able to work or damaging them again using a computer in the healing time. Has anyone here had experience going through RMT with contact lenses that could offer advice about how difficult it is?

I don't wear glasses or contacts, however quite a few lads in my troop did. As far as I know, none of them had any issues. I never heard any of them mention or complain about them at all.

Also would i have to wear them at all times, or could i just use them when nessecary?

You wear them we needed.

My last questions relates to the actual 32 week training program. Assuming i passed the medical and other tests and got through the PRMC, and went onto the training program - there would be no going back for me in terms of the damage i would do to my current career - so my main worries are about the failing process.

From reading and watching the documentaries my understanding of the process is that there are tests along the way, and if you fail you are put back into a different troop to retake where you failed, and if you are injured you go into a rehabilitation company and then returned to a troop.

I really wouldn't worry too much about any of the tests. Everything is progressive and will be explained well. As long as you pay attention when required, there isn't much to worry about.

Is there a limit to the number of times you can be backtrooped?

Not sure ??? anyone else ???

and also with regards to injuries, is there a maximum amount of time they will give you to get fixed up?

I have heard stories of lads being in Hunter for well over a year. As far as I know, it depends on the type of injury and possibly your ability / determination / motivation, in other words your potential.

lastly if you do fail, do they let you just reapply and start the process again, or does it depend on the reasons for them failing you?

Not sure mate.

I'm prepared to throw away my career to do this and will do whatever it takes to get in. i just don't want do that and then fall off a rope on a test consequetively and be told sorry your out etc and not being allowed to restart the entire thing and work my ass off untill i make it.

Sorry if thats a bit of a rant

Thanks in advance for any help

If you pass the entry tests / PRMC, then obviously the staff think you have what it takes. No one will be trying to catch you out / see you off in any of the tests. They want you to pass mate (as long a you meet the standard).
If you make it into RT, the ball is in your court. Put the effort in and pay attention and you won't go far wrong.

Hope this helps mate.

Rich.

Posted: **Sun 10 May, 2009 9:20 pm**

I imagine it's still the same as when I went through; no limit to times back-trooped (one lad I knew of in Hunter had done most criteria tests two or three times), but you can only fail each particular test a maximum of three times.

There is no limit on time you can spend in Hunter to get fixed, but you will get MD'd if you pick up an injury which cannot be fixed sufficiently for you to successfully complete training. Also long-term injuries picked up in the first few weeks (shin-splints etc) have been known to result in MD, to reapply when fixed.

If you were discharged through failing tests numerous times, I imagine they would be very wary about letting you reapply, but that is just speculation.

I think rc covered the rest.

Posted: **Sun 10 May, 2009 10:23 pm**

Thanks for the responses lads

I'm gonna start increasing my cardio and spend a lot of time reading but give it a couple of month before I take the next step of contacting the AFCO as i want to run it over in my head for a while and be 100% it's what I want to do

Posted: **Tue 12 May, 2009 4:06 pm**

You might aswell get down the afco mate and talk to them aswell, it will give you more of an idea.

Posted: **Fri 15 May, 2009 6:15 am**

Be prepared and informed, and dedicated.
I started the application process aged 28 and until I'd passed PRMC I pretty much got a hard time from the careers officer - and I wasn't suprised really.
It's all part of the selection process.
(And also the removal of my head from my arse, a long and painful process which is by no means complete yet

!! )
Good luck

Posted: **Fri 15 May, 2009 12:15 pm**

If you don't mind me asking, what sort of things did they give you a hard time about?

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