Sons joining up I wanted some advice and info

[Daddy gumdrops]

My sons going to be joining the army college in Harrogate later this year, but I just wanted to know a few things if possible from somebody.

He's not very academic he will pass his GCSEs but nothing major no a b or cs, he's very physical loves running mountain biking etc, I think due to him not being really interested in school he's succumb to the fact that anything technical in the Army may be out of his reach, example would be vets assistant or someone in IT. Obviously his mother is blinkered by thinking hell get sidelined into infantry as canon fodder which is upsetting her... So I wanted some advice really.

Does his grades at school really play a part on which route he can take in the Army. I was told by a long serving 5 tours of Iraq Sargent who I work with, that in his day, let's say 8 years ago, the entry exam is what depicts where they put you, and if you do get into an infantry corp it's pretty hard to move about..

Would the army base the decision on that or does his year at college prep him to make his choices..and how would a not very academic have a go at anything none infantry based.

How does it work and what advice can you give him and me on his choices, I being his dad would love him to have a trade so when he comes out he can have something to do, he did fancy dog handler but as I was told that's more of a secondary skill so you need to back it up with something else, but also that role isn't in abundance.

My sons view was infantry and weapons specialist, but that's only because he doesn't thing asking about being a vet or IT network specialist etc he would stand a chance due to poor effort at school

Thanks guys in advance

[Tab]

Your son will be fine and will travel the world and make friends that will last a life time. Once he has passed his infantry training then a whole range of new trades will open up to him. Also if he shows promise then his education will continue in the army. Being a mum you are worried about him getting hurt, well odds of that happening are very few and far between. The papers are always going on about 450 men being killed in Afghanistan but that total is over 14 years which is less than four a year, and he would stand more chance in getting run over in the UK. Also there is no certainty that your son would would even qualifie for the Army as they no longer take the countries rejects and there are a lot of fine young men doing the same thing.

[Zero_Higher]

Hi there,

Forgive Tab for calling you a mother

But his message still stands as you being a Father.

The British Army Recruit Battery test – or BARB test – Will test your son's ability to understand information and solve problems in his head. The result is called a General Trainability Index (GTI). This helps the Army match you with roles that most suit his abilities. The higher you score, the more jobs he will have to choose from.

The BARB test is split into five sections: reasoning, letter checking, number distance, odd one out and symbol rotation. You can practise them in the online example test over on the Army Careers site.The BARB test is a timed test.

As part of the selection process for technical roles candidates are required to complete an additional maths test.

Now if your son has already been accepted into the Army Foundation College he will have already selected what trade he will be joining. There are two courses:

A 49-week course (including eight weeks holiday) for those joining the infantry, Royal Armoured Corps/Household Cavalry, Royal Artillery and some Royal Logistic Corps roles

A 23-week course (including three weeks holiday) for those joining courses with longer Phase 2 training – these are Royal Electronic and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, Royal Army Medical Corps, Army Air Corps and some Royal Logistic Corps roles


Zero.

[Daddy gumdrops]

Thanks Zero that was very helpful.

Thanks

[Zero_Higher]

Not a problem, welcome to the Forums.

Anything else, ask away.

Zero.