Private or officer?

[kwew]

Albeit I dont want to argue I think Chris is right that it is around 95% grads to the 5% non-grads/ranks.
And on the point of non-grads getting past Major I dont think it really makes a difference what Qualifications you have as long as your the right man for the job, Im not going to uni and I have very good Alevels I even had a place at med school, I just dont want to go to uni, so really it cant make to much difference if your good enough. But now Im out in Oz for a year Ill worry about my RCB main board when I get home but for now "we drink and be merry"

[chrisfow]

James mate, i'm sure it is 95% because I was recently speakin to a guy currently in his final term (he was at the staffords when i was). He is a non-grad and told me that it was 95% grads. Also, I'm positive I read it somewhere else.

Where is the 80% from, because the staffords recruiting officer told me it was 95% too. Did Lt Col Edwards tell you that or what book is it and how old is the book?

See ya tomorrow mate

[Guest]

Between 80% and 85% currently arrive at the Academy with a university degree in subjects which cover the whole range of academic study.

source from http://www.atra.mod.uk/rmas/courses/cadets.htm

Not too sure about how up-to-date these websites are but it is the 'Official RMAS' website, so who am i to argue.


James

[jlitt]

Spoken to a few guys who are going for officer who don't have degrees they hav'nt mentioned anything negative being brought up in interviews just asked why they were not doing a degree. Yes two A-levels are the mininmum needed. I think the word minimum is important there, having good quals shows a good capacity for learning and makes you a more competitive candidate.
I think to answer your original question; look at what qualities are wanted from an officer, be honest and if you think you might have some of those qualities then go for officer if not do'nt, look at how best you will serve the Army.
The best thing you can do is contact your local recruitment officer and have a chat with him.

[jlitt]

I would also like to point out that raw intelligence/ intellect is tested both at main board and by the battery of computer tests that you do at the brief, not just assumed because you have got good qualifications. There was as I recall a few disappointed candidates issued with Cat-4’s some of them grad’s, whilst some of the best candidates were non-grads.
I would say it’s assume than the Army promotes it’s officers on merit rather than if they carry a piece of paper and a few letters after their name.
The proportion of grad’ : non-grad’ probably fluctuates on the intake, with Septembers intake probably being higher due to the students already having done their RCB’s whilst at uni’ and secured a place at RMAS, due to sart on completion of their degrees.

[df2inaus]

chrisfow,

James mate, i'm sure it is 95% because I was recently speakin to a guy currently in his final term (he was at the staffords when i was). He is a non-grad and told me that it was 95% grads.

Your friend is probably exaggerating, or is in an exceptional intake. He may very well be by chance the only non-grad in his platoon, that can happen. I was at RMAS two years ago and it was about 85 pct graduates, but we only had three non-grads in the platoon, one of whom went to uni but never finished, one was an ex-ranker and the third went to Welbeck, who never had to pass RCB.

I promise you, a non-graduate with an interest in history and/or current affairs with reasonable A-level grades will have no problem passing or even excelling at the academic component.

I realise, I'm writing about what happens once you pass the RCB. At the RCB you will have to write an essay under time pressure.

At RMAS, the command appointments given on exercise are what really matter. If you can't write essays worth a toss relative to the other cadets but follow the estimates rigidly and can grip people when they need it, the DS won't care.

df2

[Nemo]

Ok, well i think all your reply's are valid, but i think i'll keep on researching!

I personally wouldn't want to be lead by someone who can't make his mind up on such an important career choice.

This is a very good point. I think that my best option would be a private.

I thankyou for your opinions

mike_B

Where in Surrey are you?

Ash Vale, Nr. Aldershot

[Guest]

To be honest mate, it is all down to whether you think you can lead 30 or so men into battle, have the character to keep up morale, teamspirit and keep them in good shape and well trained, and carry out orders given to you by your superiors. These are your responsibilities, and if you think you could handle them, go for Officer. If you just want to be a member of the team and get stuck in with the lads and be told what to do, go for soldier. Both have their advantages and dissadvantages, and it has been a great area of concern for me. However, i have realised how stupid i was to even concider going for soldier, as i know from CCF and my Army Workexperience report that i have the potential for great things and i have the sort of character for leading people.

Humans are one of two things...a leader, or a follower. Decide which one you are. (p.s. being a leader does not mean shouting out encouragement and useless commands, but intelligent, well thought about ideas that people listen to and follow.)


James

[Guest]

third went to Welbeck, who never had to pass RCB

I could have sworn that Welbeck students do not have to do RCB, as they are scholars and already have a place in sandhurst

[tin4tin]

when i applied to join last year the army really did try to make me go to uni and then join as an officer. but i just wanted to be one of the lads and then the army still wanted me to join as an officer because of my a levels 4 A2's at A grade but i would rather start from the bottom and work myself up the ladder

[df2inaus]

James

I could have sworn that Welbeck students do not have to do RCB, as they are scholars and already have a place in sandhurst

Its true, a recommendation from the Welbeck headmaster is what's required to attend RMAS. I've noticed that some Welbeck grads go to Cranfield University before attending RMAS.

At the risk of raining on your parade I would recommend you go soldier rather than officer if you really want into the Parachute Regiment. The hardest part of becoming an officer in the Paras will be the year at Sandhurst. I can only assume from experience that unless you are rated top-third of your intake (not necessarily limited to 1/3 of the intake) they won't touch you.

You should ask yourself not if you have officer potential but if you are exceptional among those with officer potential.

That said, I'm the person you may have been warned about, I'm trying to save you from disappointment, so make sure you talk to a wide variety of people.

I was told, sometimes passionately, by people, especially ex-miltary, that I was out of my mind to attend Sandhurst. I went in determined to prove them wrong and it turned out they were right. For 90 percent of RMAS entrants the reverse is true and they pass out, but not necessarily into the regiment of their choice.

Best of luck,

df2

[thenewshmoo_1]

i just finished university and am joining the army as a squaddie. I know the pay is better as an officer and its a more responsible job, but i think its better to start as a squaddie and work your way up. In my opinion you`ll have a lot more confidence in what your doing if you`ve been in the same position as the men you are leading rather than jumping straight into the deep end; and probably have more of their respect also. Thats what i reckon anyway. Good luck