Aussie looking to join UK Army, Seeking Information.

[Jacco]

Hey guys, currently living in Australia and considering joining the British Army. Answers to the following questions would be extremely helpful with the decision making process.

1) Over here, the defence forces seems to be heading in a very politically correct / Occupational health and safety orientated direction. Our govt. won't commit many troops to conflicts for fear of bad press, guys can't use non issued kit despite the issued stuff not being the best for the role, most recently there is discussion regarding women entering front line combat roles which means lowering the fitness standards for infantry. All these plus more, but you get the idea.

My question is weather or not this trend is occurring in the UK Army also? If so, in what ways?

2) What is the accommodation like, specifically for members of the Paras? How many to a room, facilities, food etc.

3) Concerning salary, I'm not that motivated by money, but I've read that the starting salary for private is 17,000 pounds a year. As opposed to $43,000 a year for private in Aus. This seems to be a big difference and I'm wondering how people go with managing their finances over there? Do you get enough to save for the future etc. Also, do roles like the Paras / SFSG attract more pay once qualified?

Cheers

[rw1]

1) women entering front line combat roles: no chance of it over here, studied it at college, due to the fact men are protective of women, would risk there lives in order to save a woman, its human nature, so they will not allow on the front line, thats not to say they can't be in, obviously there are alot serving already! on the case due to fitness, that is shocking, im sure they would be keeping there levels of it up, i've met some who can achieve the same as me and ive passed my adsc recently!

2) As a para you will obviously have a painfull phase 1 and 2, it isnt easy! info can be found here on para selection, and phase 1 and phase 2 training : http://www.army.mod.uk/training_educati ... 18145.aspx There is a 3min vid that will give you some answers.

3) as a para you will recieve "Para pay" im unsure on the amount i know it is a bit more than regular tho, depends how much your looking to spend/living on or off camp etc. living on camp here is 20-30 a week or something, so 1040 for accom there are ways round
finances! army living is cheap check here for more details on pay. http://www.army.mod.uk/join/20063.aspx


hope this helps gl