Academic study at RMAS

[James85]

Hi all,
I am just about to start my application with the hope of being accepted to attend the RMAS. I can find alsorts of fitness programmes that will get my body ready for the challenge but there seems to be a lack of information on the Academic side of things.
I am hoping for a career in the Infantry (RHF) so can anyone who has gone through recently please point me to the right path of study, I have a degree already but what things would you have read/researched before you walked through the gates of the RMAS.
I know a few Guys in the services but because I am from a large working class scheme they are all in the Non Commissioned ranks, Great blokes but cant help me find out what to study. They have also said that with my accent I may have a hard time mixing it with the other Officers, Is this still the case in the modern Army?
Anyway thanks in advance for any information you can send my way.
Cheers
Jim

[ABBA]

Hey,

Best thing to do for the academic side of things is to brush up on your knowledge of world politics, international relations and the sort. Also as much military history as you can before you go paying close attention to past UK deployments. Most of the stuff at RMAS is now geared around the management side of things, man management etc just remember you won't be the only one going who is clueless, for most there it will be totally new. You'll find that the older guys going for their late commission will help you out. Good luck with the process and I hope you make it, good choice of regiment too, where abouts in Scotland are you?

Also what is your degree in?

[James85]

Thanks for the reply ABBA, I am from Glasgow which is why I want the RHF. I studied Electronic engineering.
Can you recommend any good reading in the military History side of things? I dont know enough about that subject.
Cheers
Jim

[ABBA]

Better make it clear to them you want to join the RHF cause with a degree in Electronic Engineering they will try and badger you into the glorious corps of the Signals like myself...

Books wise I read a bit of everything, I can't sit down and read a book cover to cover. I got most of my knowledge from history at school, military friends and the good old tv. If you have digital or Sky whatever it is these days check out UKHistory, Discovery Civilisation, Discovery, History Channel and UKPeople, once you've seen a programme and it gets you interested you're more likely to go get a book on it.

At RMAS no-one is going to know everything so if one guy knows a lot about WWII and one knows a lot about say modern warfare you are both going to feed off eachother and at the end be strong on each aspect, just try and get as broad a base of knowledge as possible before you go.

I can't talk from experience cause I am not going to RMAS for another 5 years but I have a lot of friends who have gone and passed out, and I get taught how to prepare for it in my Unit.

Before you go though you will attend your RCB Briefing and the actual RCB, these will give you a good idea of the topics that the army focuses on. Need anymore help and I'll try my best.

Ross

[ABBA]

Also research the RHF if you don't already know a fair bit, they will ask you why you want to join that regiment over others and how much you know about its history, foundations, colours, honours, current deployments.

[Captain_Crusty]

You don't need any specific military knowledge, you just need the ability to learn. This comes from someone who was a 'military virgin' when I started and ended up coming fourth for the Queen's Medal.