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Joining Para's as an officer?
Posted: Sat 16 May, 2009 9:45 pm
by shotgunjack
Hi,
I hope to join the Para's in the near future however i would also like to tain as an officer.
I understand that the paras are not a bogstandard troop, therefore i was wondering if i would only be allowed to join as a soldier?
Sorry if this has been asked bfore ive been through over half the threads and not seen anything.
thanks, from now for the info
Jack
(edited: to make clearer)
Posted: Sat 16 May, 2009 10:09 pm
by gunner75
Without sounding funny... there is no way on this earth you will be gaining a Masters with spelling, grammer andd punctuation as poor as witnessed here. That in mind I'd assume your a young lad just asking the question and obviously aiming high with the chosen career choice.
Officers from all units are that extra special from your average joe. Para reg however HAVE to have that extra shine and something about them to set them above the rest. the average fitness level of a parachute regiment soldier recruit has to be incredible, an officer candidate wishing to get into the parachute regiment has to be beyond that!
Posted: Sat 16 May, 2009 10:18 pm
by Mike90
gunner75 wrote:Officers from all units are that extra special from your average joe.
How so?

It's just a different role is it not, something to consider if you have the qualifications and fancy a more 'manager' based role? I wasn't aware that having a commision made you a better soldier.
Posted: Sat 16 May, 2009 10:23 pm
by shotgunjack
Ok thnx very much. by the way, im actually on my way to Henley business school for my MA.
Ok i figured the standards would be higher. Since i have set myself on gaining entry to the paras, if i were to fail entry as a officer would they allow me to enter as a soldier. Or would they say "no" as they have just spent 11months training me as an officer and therefore dont want to waste their investment?
Posted: Sun 17 May, 2009 11:39 am
by Tab
If the worse happened you could always try out as an officer in another Regiment then apply for the Para's, but you would still have to pass the P Course
Posted: Sun 17 May, 2009 3:34 pm
by shotgunjack
Ok thnx tab,
my main concern actually is ill get there all qualified, pass the tests etc, and find that there are no officer spots available. Since there can only be so many officers and 'cos there are only 4 para reg's that means very limited positions.
i dont know whether its a legit concern or not so thats why im asking.
.... also thnx to all those that post the fitness req's in other threads really usefull. its nice to have some goals to hit, though i set mine a little higher. (as others mentioned theres no point going for the minnimum)

Posted: Sun 17 May, 2009 5:06 pm
by gunner75
mike90
the ability to lead, motivate and organise not to mention shine when it comes to fitness. maybe not 'special' but certainly a notch or two above the average standards required.
Posted: Sun 17 May, 2009 10:13 pm
by _Mark_
shotgunjack wrote:and 'cos there are only 4 para reg's
You must have a quad-nationality? Brilliant!!
Posted: Sun 17 May, 2009 10:24 pm
by shotgunjack
_Mark_ wrote:shotgunjack wrote:and 'cos there are only 4 para reg's
You must have a quad-nationality? Brilliant!!
thats great, if i new what you meant.
are they not all for the british army?
Posted: Sun 17 May, 2009 10:36 pm
by J.Fazza
shotgunjack wrote:_Mark_ wrote:shotgunjack wrote:and 'cos there are only 4 para reg's
You must have a quad-nationality? Brilliant!!
thats great, if i new what you meant.
are they not all for the british army?
The 4th battalion is TA
Posted: Mon 18 May, 2009 12:45 am
by _Mark_
Dont worry mate, they are battalions not regiments.
Was just a joke, If you had the option of 4 Parachute regiments you would possibly have 4 nationalities. Never mind
