jah-boy wrote:I've heard that unless you have ties into the military (e.g. Having a dad whos a captain, or being the son of a duke etc.) its unlikely that you'll be selected.
Thats pretty much utter tosh mate. Whilst there are still the odd regiment in the British Army that would look more favourably on those with links/money/title (not naming any names), the overwhelming majority of the Army will select the candidates based on merit. Aside from the minimum fitness and academic standards, when you do your selection (I think its called AOSB these days) they are looking for natural leaders, people who can cope under pressure, who have the ability to lead from the front, to have that "something" about them.
Yes its true that a lot of candidates come from privileged backgrounds, but not as big percentage as there used to be. I got offered sponsorship by 2 regiments (well, 1 corps and 1 regiment) when I was considering being an Army officer, and I'm a northern lad from a working class background, no degree and bank account heavily in the red. In the end I decided it wasn't for me, but I've no doubt if I had turned up to AOSB and had the qualities they were looking for, I would have got my place at Sandhurst.
You need to be fit, intelligent, up to date with the modern world (i.e. read broadsheets and watch Newsnight instead of bashing off at the Daily Star) and have a natural leadership quality. If you're thinking about going for orrificer, my advice to you would be get a bunch of good A levels, seriously consider a degree (for the life experience as well as the qualifications), get fit and start taking an interest in current affairs.
Theres other lads on here with more experience of attending main board (and even Sandhurst) than I have, so I've no doubt they will share their experiences with you as well. Try PM'ing
Sarastro, I think he's been through Sandhurst in the last year or so and I'm sure he will offer you some sound advice.
