Realisitic Career Opportunities

[Eagle]

--<pointless drunken waffle now removed ------

What (realisitically) are the career prospects like within the RMR/RM if you were to get your lid aged 30?

ie how long do you have to be in before you can specialise?
& what are the age cut offs if any?
& if you want to specialise should you prioritise that ahead of FTRS initially? or does it make no difference?

Also, does it help if you have civvie qualifications in a relevant area?

For example if you've done a fair bit of sailing/working on boats, would that put you up the list a bit if there was competition for places on a LC course?

Also, if you do FTRS, can you specialise in things while you're doing it? or not? and would it help you progress quicker into a specialisation or would you be better doing your specialisation first?

I'm pretty keen to get stuck in but I also need to think about my prospects as I'm not getting any younger.

Thanks - any advice appreciated.
Time for some asprin...

[jE^_^]

Im sure a wise head can help you in here and provide you with info.

But my advise would be to call up your local Armed Force Careers Office and talk to one of the representatives they will more than likely invite you down for a chat and talk to you that way.

[Beowulf]

Hello mate I have tried to answer some of your questions below. AFCO or others may be able to fill in the blanks.

What (realistically) are the career prospects like within the RMR/RM if you were to get your lid aged 30?

- The RM will obviously be a full time career, the RMR will not unless you go FTRS. But I do not know anything about the 22 year service period when starting at 30. Maybe someone in know can shed some light. Regarding the RMR you will need to keep/hold down a full time job, attend all training nights and weekends and do serious amounts of phys in your own time. It is a big commitment but well worth it I think.

How long do you have to be in before you can specialise?

- Depending on detachment you could get your lid within 12 – 18 months although it could be longer due to other commitments such as work, girlfriend/wife/family, missing too many drill nights/training nights/weekends, getting back trooped and the nastiest of all injuries (this is a barsteward!)

If you complete Phase 1 and 2 pass the RFCC and you get the lid you will then have to do Continuation Training, which I am told takes 6 months depending run run. Then you can do a Specialist Qualification which may take a further 6 months or more depending when courses start ect.

What are the age cut offs if any?

- The day before you 33rd birthday. Although I am assuming that you must be through the application process or already well into it.

If you want to specialise should you prioritise that ahead of FTRS initially? Or does it make no difference?

- May possibly help with regards to which unit you are sent to, for example one of RMR Bristol’s SQ is Heavy Weapons. These chaps are apparently always in demand thus there are always opportunities for FTRS. Each unit will have different SQs check this out with your local unit or the RN website also gives a run down somewhere.

Also, does it help if you have civvie qualifications in a relevant area?

For example if you've done a fair bit of sailing/working on boats, would that put you up the list a bit if there was competition for places on a LC course?

- I would imagine so.

Also, if you do FTRS, can you specialise in things while you're doing it? or not? and would it help you progress quicker into a specialisation or would you be better doing your specialisation first?

- Pass, I guess so as I would imagine the Corps would want you trained in many areas. Although I am guessing!

I'm pretty keen to get stuck in but I also need to think about my prospects as I'm not getting any younger.

- Good luck mate, hope this helps. I am in a similar boat. Pm me if you have any other questions?

Cheers

[Eagle]

Cheers for that. So what stage are you at yourself?

[Beowulf]

Cheers for that. So what stage are you at yourself?

Holding troop bud, all admin complete just about recovered from injury and waiting for that special weekend.

[Eagle]

Good luck! Just give em hell!