DaveQC. I am also at UWE, my finals approaching! With a name like DaveQC it sounds like you wanna be a Barrister rather than a Marine
Just joking. I have a few mates in OTC and they say it is great fun. They have however said that you arent pushed physically to a great extent, even if you join infantry. There is the opportunity to improve physicaly but it is very much down to you. If you are after great physical training i think RMR would be better. However, i also believe it is harder to get into?
I am considering doing a post-grad next year and am considering OTC! May see you down there?
OTC is easier to get into because its made up of Uni students. RMR holds selection weekend (similar to the regulars PRMC) only ONCE per year, in August.
OK, I will re-phrase.
OTC is A LOT easier to get into!!!
If you want to join OTC in September Dave i would ring up and ask to attend a meeting in the next term. Because the OTC recognises students exam times etc. they dont do as many meetings or outings in the next term.
I dont think you will be able to properly start until new intake in September. My mate does say though if you wanna join, ring up, attend next term for a night (they meet on a weds nite on Whiteladies road) and you will be able to attend one of there training drinking sessions using the officers drink bar at 50p a shot!
Followed by an impossible whiteladies road drink-a-thon!
I definitely prefer the RMR to OTC if i'm going down that general route, because you need ten hectares of land and a very royal accent to join the army as an officer dont you ??
When is the induction for the RMR ......any ideas? Do you need a green lid before you get any experience as an Officer in the RMR?
actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea (it's broad Glaswegian)
Joining OTC does not in any way mean you have to join the Army. You are free to leave at any time.
Also, OTC is all students, its a great way of life. More fun than UWE Chess team! Bit more slack than RMR.
The only intake in RMR is August/September i think. Phone the Bristol AFCO and make enquiries.
Your choice. A lot of people at OTC dont wanna join Army ever. Some there wanna join Navy/RAF and the people at OTC seem fine about that (though they may try to make you change your mind )
When is the induction for the RMR ......any ideas? Do you need a green lid before you get any experience as an Officer in the RMR?
The induction consists of you phoning up your local detatchment, telling them your interested in joining, they will give you details on a "Holding Troop" which runs untill selection weekend. This is basically a fitness sesion with a PTI every fortnight.
To join the RMR as an officer, well you can't. Officers in the RMR are drawn from the ranks, or Ex-Marine may be considered.
Don't rule out OTC. Its mixed, with different Uni's (further trapping opportunities), good money, cheap ales, sympathetic to study etc. The Summer camp is a real hoot and the weekends are brilliant (I went to Stanta an did the FIBUA course). There are great opportunities for adventure training (8weeks in the Phillipines etc) I can't speak on RMR having had no experience but OTC is fashioned for Students and tailor made for those who get out what they put in.
Personally lads you are all barking up the wrong tree.
The RNR is the way to go! You get to do bugger all
Get paid to do it
And it looks great on the ol CV
Also they will happily pay for you to gain further quals. in the mean time.!!!!
Does the OTC actually give any military training, particularly in terms of leadership training for potential Officers ?
Also, I'm not completely informed about the pay details regarding OTC - how much do you get? How often can you attend, including travelling to various events/ how much time does it take up .any ideas?
actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea (it's broad Glaswegian)
The money was £30/ wednesday afternoon and £80/ weekend of which you have to do 4 a year. They do teach you a lot about leadership as it is the Officer Training Corp after all. After three years you should be a company/platoon commander and you lead them on weekends. If leadership is what your after then its pretty hot. I told someone at a job interview and their eyebrows went that high they stuck to his quiff so its sweet on the CV. The only problems are the fact that its got naff all to do with the Navy/ Marines.
The OTC is all geared up to teach military leadership, it their bread and butter.
All student members hold the rank of Officer cadet, they are all considered officer material and are therefore trained with that in mind.
A good majority do go onto Sandhurst, others go for their TA Commissions.......
The training program is written with the academic year as a template, you'll find major exercises at Easter and the summer and loads of stuff in between.......
The training is structured for you to take up leadership roles from section to platoon level; you will learn how to go through the Orders process for both section and platoon.
Training is a Tuesday/Wednesday evening during term time, and plenty of opportunity for training at other times.
And if its money that motives you (being a skint student) then a Officer cadet will get paid a bit more than a nod with the RMR.
Think of the bigger picture mate.....
You’re a junior RM officer serving overseas and you are told to liase with a BSM from the Royal Artillery....
Having spent a few years in the OTC, you know the way the Army works and will easily be able to find your man.
Having a good knowledge of the all the armed forces is a good thing.....
The recruiting Officer would recognise this....
Plus do you really want subject yourself to the hardship of RM training, whilst studying for a degree? Not the easiest of tasks i would have thought......
That little pot of gold (..well nearly)does sound very tempting. To be honest, I need something extra on the CV in terms of leadership before I apply for the Marines, or just in general. I might have to look into it - probably in September now though, since the third term is going to be be a mad rush to pass my exams !
Could be back on board......although it has no links with the Navy/Marines of course!
Cheers Ben.
actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea (it's broad Glaswegian)
