REME versus RLC

[suicidal_tendencies77]

hi people,

Need to gather some consensus as to the pros and cons of two particular trades in either corps.

Which if you had to do one would you do? Pioneer in the REME or Driver ine the RLC????

[df2inaus]

ST,

If you're referring to the Royal Pioneer Corps, they are in fact RLC. If you have the option, I'd go REME, but thats just me.

[GARRYOWEN]

The REME dont have pioneers.

[DelD]

The REME is of course far superior, but it depends what you want. It has to be said that the REME are losing people hand over fist to other corps such as the RLC and AGC at the moment. This is due to the pecularities of the REME promotion structure, which can get you to Sergeant quickly, but then the entire rest of your career can depend on how you perform in a 2/3 day Artificer selection course. If you do not shine well enough, which seems to mean come out with the latest fashionable management buzz words (REME officers love this rubbish, David Brent would be commisioned in an instant) then no Tiffy course, and therefore basically no promotion past Sergeant. I know of guys who were never going to make it past Corporal in the REME, transfered to the RLC and actually made WO 2 faster than anyone in their intake.

Do what you want to do now, but remember that if your circumstances change, and it is no longer giving you what you want, it is never too late to change.

[goreD.]

Hi,

If I were you I would go R.E.M.E. Be very careful on which trade you go for.

First of all look at which ones you are interested in and make a list.

Go for the technical trades formost, I.e. Air tech, Ins tech, tels tech etc.

If you don't achieve the required standards then go for Armourer/Gunfitter or Vechical Mechanic.

Get as many courses under your belt as you can as this will stand you in great stead when you leave.

There is always an option later in your career to re-badge or even change
to another force, eg RAF.

Good luck.

[Khendon]

having this problem myself, after speaking to the AFCO a bit more ive narrowed my choices <assuming i get in> to Aircraft Technician, Armourer or Ammunition Technician, but i'll be damned if I can decide which at the moment.

All three seem interesting, with varying oppurtunities and promotion prospects, all fairly technical involve using your loaf more than a little. Tis hard to decide.

I have some time yet, still got to lose another 8kg and get another minute or two off my 1.5 mile time, but if anyone has any insights, or there are any ex-REME or RLC guys here with any advice i would much appreciate it.


-Dave

[AdamR]

having this problem myself, after speaking to the AFCO a bit more ive narrowed my choices <assuming i get in> to Aircraft Technician, Armourer or Ammunition Technician, but i'll be damned if I can decide which at the moment.

All three seem interesting, with varying oppurtunities and promotion prospects, all fairly technical involve using your loaf more than a little. Tis hard to decide.

I have some time yet, still got to lose another 8kg and get another minute or two off my 1.5 mile time, but if anyone has any insights, or there are any ex-REME or RLC guys here with any advice i would much appreciate it.


-Dave

Out of all of those Ammunition Tech is probably the most exciting and varied in terms of what you get to do (although also the most dangerous). Although you'll maybe have less to show for it when you come out (unless you get a private contract somewhere clearing out unexploded ordanance). IIRC you start off as a LCpl immeadiately after training and the promotion prospects after that are better than the other two.

[goreD.]

Hmmmm,

Having been an Armourer I feel somewhat qualified to speak on this subject. I have also been to S'ness on an Ammo Tech course. My brother was also an Air-Tech in the REME. I don't believe that A.T's are in any more danger than the other two.

It all depends on what you want in life and also depends on what you are interested in. All trades highlighted have opportunities after army life.

[Guest]

What a refreshing change this thread is, a refreshing change from, "Who`s best, Marines or Para`s" take a make`n`mend.

[Khendon]

thanks for the replies, it is hard decision to make if im honest, trying to weigh up which i'd enjoy more, which is most interesting and which you get most out of after you leave.

Although all 4 trades spark an interest in me, and they sound good, you dont really know exactly what it entails until you do it i guess. I want to work with my hands, i like weapons and aircraft, i like takings things apart, putting them back together again, and learning new things all the time and id like a long career in the Army assuming i get in. The AFCO said i should be thinking about these things while i train hehe, any more opinions wouldbe great

[eruantion]

Promotion is much better as a Tech in the REME. I'm not sure about Ammo Tech in the RLC. One thing you have to remember is that Tech training is long! Some of the Air Techs were in trade training for 3 years! I was in there for 1 and a half years.

[DelD]

Air Tech is a good trade, with good promotion prospects, but the downside is that the postings are not that varied. Basically apart from the few guys in the Antarctic, a few on exchanges with the Navy, and maybe two with the Royal Artillery, to work in your trade means a constant round of Army Air Corps units. With no disrespect to our colleagues in the AAC, this can be fairly boring after 3 or 4 postings. It is made worse by the fact that 2 of their, in reality 5 regiments are located in the same place. Add the fact that REME's major second line workshop is colocated with them means a career half spent in East Anglia, not exactly travelling the world. As an Air Tech you work when the aircraft are not flying obviously, so you work long shifts, in barracks, peace time, war time, makes no difference. Expect to be given no credit for this, you will regularly work all throught the night to meet tasking and still have to get up a few hours later for some daft parade called by some AAC or regimental duties idiot who has never had his uniform on after dark.

Pay 2000 has removed any advantage you had salary wise over your steam REME cousins, who despite what they say do not have anywhere near the level of responsibility you do, especially when you make class1 trade.

I dont want to put you off, but it is a good trade, which has deteriorated over the years by lack of postings, manpower, and pay cuts.

You get to fly lots if thats your thing though!

[mattt_h]

theres always elecy tech same quals lots of postings

[binary]

i know a guy that was in the REME.he started of as a private soldier but as he had did a engineering course in civi street they saw him as potential armourer so after passing the tiffys course he was then promoted to sgt.Then after about a 2 years he was promoted to s/sgt then a few years later he was promoted to A.Q.M.S and was released from the colours just before reaching A.S.M. This was all in about 12 years so the R.E.M.E would be a better option .The rlc how ever has more jobs and more room for promotion,if you dont pass the tiffys course than you dont get promoted. :fadein:

[Big Boys Rules]

I will not comment on the other trades you have expressed an interest in, merely correct Gore'd comments and add my own. His course at shoeburyness is likely to have been Conventional Demolitions, an act that is conducted under a 0% tolerance for accidents so I'm sure he will have seen the safe side of being an Ammunition Technician. AT's also conduct IEDD counter terrorist bomb disposal to the layman, make your own mind up.
If you chose to become an AT you can have a successful career without ever touching the IEDD side of the job, accident investigation, monitoring missile firings and so on.
I'll leave you with this thought, this job is not for everyone, if you chose this job and are not suited to it, you'll be miserable as sin, but that goes for most jobs in the Military.
Suit this job and it's the best job in the Army.