Hi Everyone, Wonder if you can help!

[Damolee]

Hi folks,

Well, not sure where to start with this one.
Considering joining the Forces, but what I have found thus far is how the recruitment process seems to dodgy questions or perhaps aren't forthcoming with info, so I thought i'd talk to you fine guys and gals first up.

I'm 24 years old, pretty healthy, not overweight but quite stocky.

I wear glasses for watching TV and reading, which sucks..... would this go against me?

I was in the past treated for depression, for about six months but this was more to do with sleep troubles basically caused by being out of work.

Personal debt is an issue, would this hinder my application?

Is there anyway, to an extent a means of knowing where your likely to be stationed depending on the career taken?
Obviously, doing a tour/s abroad isn't a concern.

My uncle is currently based in Germany, has been in the Forces for twenty odd years, another Uncle who was previously based there before leaving and another killed in the Falklands when I was barely past gravy in my old man's loins.

I am somewhat acustom to Army life, but I do curtail a certain degree of Civvie ignorance, as we all do.

I don't know, just wasn't sure where to start and figured it's best to ask those who are living it or have lived it rather than the friendly voice on the phone deeming to take away my soul ...lol


I have been moving from pillar to post for years, never having a feeling as such as "home" , always knowing there was a calling awaiting me, where as normal people find Religion, I am leaning towards joining the Army.

Any pointers?

Thanks for reading me out, or humouring me... that'll do aswell.

Cheers,

- D -

[Dogwatch]

First step taken coming on here Damo, next is get yourself down the careers office, speak to the people in the know, tell them your concerns, and take it from there. Sorted.

[Damolee]

Doing that ASAP...

What I have found, they are really illusive about discussion on certain things.
Quite strange lol

Thanks for you input m8....

Hopefully be able to come on here in the future from the other side of the equation.

Cheers.

[Sticky Blue]

Each case is decided on its own merits. You might think you are an outstanding candidate, they might not; you may think you have no hope, they may love you.

If you don't try, you'll never know

[Damolee]

Thanks mate, I think i'll remain "indifferent" until I get down there then.

From start to finish, how long does the process normally take before and upto basic training? ....seem to be getting conflicting info.

Give me something to ponder over the weekend.

[anglo-saxon]

The glasses issue will likely depend on the trade you want to go into.

The depression issue could be significant. Here (Canada, they look at it very carefully. You can't get a civi firearms license here with a history of depression, etc.

The dept thing can also have an impact as it relates to reliability. Here, an enhanced reliability check is performed and includes a credit check. You can't get upgraded to secret (Level II) if you've had a bankruptcy.

As for location, surely you know that units generally aren't static? Whatever base a unit is stationed at, they will likely be off hither and thither doing ops and training, etc. You need to properly reserach this if it is a concern.

[Damolee]

Hmm, my credit history isn't great but not quite bankrupt... yet.

One main reason for joining is the fact I am struggling to get a job... blasted employment agencies. It seems like the only chance I have left of getting a sustainable career. Had enough of all this temping lark....
They don't get the concept of me not wanting to work in an office 9 to 5.

I'm aware that units aren't totally static, when duty calls ....obviously you have to move / go, it's more a case of being based in one place for atleast the first few years... depending.
I've been told this shouldn't be an issue though, luckily.

Hopefully when they look at my doc records they'll see the meds were for sleep deprivation rather than depression as such.

I'l wait and see what they say... got my fingers crossed.

[Ruth]

I think that they look more at your attitude to money than just plain "how much do you owe".

I know of a guy who had run a small business whose business partner had skipped the country with all the money and left him with a huge debt. He was paying what he could back, although he would be 130 years old when it was all paid back, but he was accepted as he was being responsible about things.

As for the depression, it's a case by case basis. I think you have to be three years treatment free and then assessed by a miltary Consultant Psychiatrist.

[Damolee]

Doesn't sound too bad.
I wasn't sectioned or anything extreme, lol ...just sleep control rather than take sleeping pills which are addictive.

Money, usual story ...bloke screwed over by a dodgy ex. heh

Thanks for the info, it's not deemed my aspirations completely lost. lol

Cheers , very much appreciated.