Voluntary Withdrawl

[London Boy]

Not really what I meant. I didn't really write that very well did I?

One of those blurry days.

What I meant and what I mean is that I've encountered several people who have viewed the armed forces as the answer to their daily woes, i.e. bored with the job they've done for the last 10 or 20 years and thinking that a spell in the armed forces would be just the ticket, often (but granted not always) in my experience people who are clearly unsuited for the forces, who then regret it quite quickly afterwards.

I know times have changed as have the armed forces but in my intake at RAF Swinderby the oldest recruit was 25 and he didn't complete the six weeks basic. The average age was 19.

[Hyperlithe]

You're forgiven...
4 years ago, the oldest recruit on my intake was 32, and the youngest was 17. Got to say, it's the older ones who've stuck with it - at least 4 of the 19-21 yr olds PVR'd after completing basic training, and at least 2 more during their phase two courses. That said, my intake was mostly aircrew, police, PTIs and FOAs. Don't know if it makes a difference. None of us aircrew cadets were going to quit after everything we'd gone through to get there, and we got it rougher than anyone else on our intake because we were due to outrank our corporals within a few months of leaving Halton. They didn't like that, can't think why...

[bushyredsocks]

The average age for an RAF Regiment recruit to pass out from training is 21

[London Boy]

The average age for an RAF Regiment recruit to pass out from training is 21

Very interesting, it's gone up then. Because in 1980 there was only one chap on my intake at Catterick that was over 20, and he was well over 20 having come from several years in the Paras.

[duggers19]

The idea of basic training in any service, is to make you a better person. At times it's tough it has to be but that's when you really start to learn about yourself. The at the end of it you will look back and realise it's not that bad after all.

p.s. better then flipping burgers.

[bushyredsocks]

The idea of basic training in any service, is to make you a better person. At times it's tough it has to be but that's when you really start to learn about yourself. The at the end of it you will look back and realise it's not that bad after all.

p.s. better then flipping burgers.

................................. Valuable input there..... Ermmm thanks

[sittingstress]

My tuppence worth and directed towards the original poster. Firstly to ensure I am not accused of being a 16 year old wannabe (but I am still fresh faced ); I was an IGDT instructor for a good few years at Halton.

Peter,

By your own admission you joined an organisation that at best you were unsure about the final role you would undertake. You clearly have a drama with commitment and to stack after 1 week demonstrates a serious lack of determination.

I fail to understand how anyone can pack a new lifestyle in after less than 7 days of trying. It certainly wasn't "hell". The phys is most definately not at "a high level".

I would be interested to know what you thought was actually going to happen at Halton.

The system there from an instructor's point of view when a recruit asks to leave so early is complex. Initially we are briefed to try and influence you to give it a good bash and stay a few more weeks. I would suggest that a goodly number of those who did so actually realised what was what and did complete the course.

To manage to leave after such a short time matey means you were identified as a person who is not suited to service life. This opinion can be reached in many ways:

Perhaps you had no aptitude (just couldn't cope)
Perhaps you got homesick
Perhaps you were the course wnaker who pissed everbody off so much in the first week that the staff could tell you were going to be a drama and were glad to push forward your application

I agree with whoever said it before; you are probably best out of the RAF as you don't really appreciate what is required of you nor do you have the determination to push past the first hurdle.

I wish you all the best for your future career.

Regards

ss

PS That was the the polite version. I can sum it up in one sentence should you require it.

[GOS44]

Oh yes please!
Good reply BTW

[peter1034]

wow this thread had generated some attention.

Its been 2 months now from my VW. After coming out it was a complete nightmare, everybody of course has the impression I am not determined & couldn't handle it. Like I said, for the past year I can't seem to commit to anything. I don't know what I want. The though after 6 months I would be tied to something I may of hated scared the Sh@t out of me. I thought about it, but when I was there it was like oh s&it what am I tying myself too. I admit, halton is horrible. You are confined in a limits space, in a uniform & feel like a robot. You will be blasted for everything you do. One corporal was good but strict who I felt more determined to be under, but the other 2 just made me feel like a prisoner and it was a humiliating experience.
sitting stress although I agree with most things u said, people are determined in dfferet ways. I worked for a degree. I was high in a performance related pay scheme - as I was determined not just to make more money but be recognized in the department where I worked.

To be honest I feel I should go back but I don't know to get back in without the long lenghty process - even then I woulnt be guaranteed.

I joined intially by looking at the fitness, travel, being away from home and disregarded the military way of life. Sitting stress - I loved phys. That was the only part I liked during my week. even though I wasn't fit as the others but loved the push the fitness instructers gave you.

[gunner75]

re instructors. your section leader will inspire confidence the others try to break it. what you didnt know is they go back to the staffroom and guage/discuss your reaction! its not personal - your part of what is called the game!

im guessing by your posting on here with you near the nuckle heartfelt posts you want some kind of approval for walking away? you wont get it so endex m8. what i will say is obviously its in your blood and you want to prove you can do it hence why you feel to need to take time out of your life and post. therefore i would advise to reapply and rejoin and realise that training is not 'real' its something you have to get through! your carreer begins after training and is nothing like the experience dished out by the training staff - its back to normality when you join yur unit after recruits!

[rockape34]

I started my basic a good few weeks ago and no longer serve as i have gave my notice with in a week of being there (In Halton).
The RAF told me I have up to 3 weeks to go back in without going through the whole recruitment process again.

To be honest I feel I should go back but I don't know to get back in without the long lenghty process - even then I woulnt be guaranteed.

... can't see what the problem is - you didn't complete the training so it would seem reasonable to suppose that you would have to start from scratch.
What's the problem with "the whole recruitment process" you re-apply to join, take the various tests the the oath - the decision is yours, and if you decide to go through with it - good luck, though I would suggest you don't go for the Regiment.

[danjameswalsh]

Peter, i aplied for the regiment gunners. Just gone through my medical atm and everyday seams soo long just to wait till i can go on pgac, most of my family are ex forces and alot of my mates who have joined or are in the process of joining are really excited and can't wait to join. To me it sounds like your just bored and looking for something to do, just from what i have red on your posts i think your attitude stinks and i dont think your going to get what your looking for posting on a forum neither. Its up to you if you like it not any1 else, and if you wanted to know more you could of easily just waited another week before leaving. As my dad put it to me its not a job its a way of life. I cant talk from experience because im not in yet but from speaking to all my family and listin to all the things they said about it. You just dont seam to be that kean. Good luck mate (Sorry about spelling)~

[Hyperlithe]

Dan, if you know your spelling sucks, then perhaps you could consider doing something about it please.
A number of new members have been directed towards spell-checker...