Things to do...

[letsrole]

So now you think a degree doesnt teach you how to do your job? Hmm.

A few sessions in the class room? Its more like 60% class room and 40% in the field.

[ihavethedetermination]

So now you think a degree doesnt teach you how to do your job? Hmm.

A few sessions in the class room? Its more like 60% class room and 40% in the field.

I think he's on about the fact that in the RM there is a clear purpose to the education, where, and i found this, at uni the degree is just the start and is no certanty that you will get the job once you have got the 3yrs of debt.

It's a hard decision to make as both have real life benefits. All you have to do is read the Navy News to see that booties and sailors alike all recommend thinking about degrees and that they are an extra tool to a career outside in civvy street.

Then you have to ask, if someone is not fully committed to gettng a degree, are they going to complete the three years? If he really wants to be an officer then he could do the stuff needed to make his application shine in the next year.

[Scott_Allen]

I simply refuse to accept that you can only become an officer if you have a degree!

That's just one way. If you can prove you are dedicated, can lead and show that you have seen a bit of the world then... what's the issue?

[lukeyluke]

I think university shows the corps that not only do you have academic ability but that you are also a committed person and that you have taken time to complete a full education.

If you decide not to go to university then I think it is important that you something structured that incorporates qualities such as leadership and commitment as well as obviously keeping yourself fit at the same time. Travelling would probably be a good thing, getting involved in aid / volunteer work in third world countries, visiting some famous historical military sights that are also relevant to the RM’s. Maybe Gibraltar, Auschwitz, Normandy, the RM museum etc.

There was a report in the news recently about a family taking their children out of school for a year to go on an educational trip around the world. I can’t imagine a trip to educate yourself on life would look bad at all on your application.

I might be wrong but if I were the officer interviewing you I would be very impressed that you had taken part in volunteer work and visited places of relevance to the corps and the military. It shows that you have a genuine interest and I think the experience would be equally as valuable as a degree.

[Scott_Allen]

I think university shows the corps that not only do you have academic ability but that you are also a committed person and that you have taken time to complete a full education.

If you decide not to go to university then I think it is important that you something structured that incorporates qualities such as leadership and commitment as well as obviously keeping yourself fit at the same time. Travelling would probably be a good thing, getting involved in aid / volunteer work in third world countries, visiting some famous historical military sights that are also relevant to the RM’s. Maybe Gibraltar, Auschwitz, Normandy, the RM museum etc.

There was a report in the news recently about a family taking their children out of school for a year to go on an educational trip around the world. I can’t imagine a trip to educate yourself on life would look bad at all on your application.

I might be wrong but if I were the officer interviewing you I would be very impressed that you had taken part in volunteer work and visited places of relevance to the corps and the military. It shows that you have a genuine interest and I think the experience would be equally as valuable as a degree.

Cheers Luke! Thats exactly what I am talking about

[Scott_Allen]

It's my location mate.

Being in full time education I am not exactly rolling in it for transport money. I will be driving soon, and the TA centre is very close to me, whereas the closest RMR's are the other side of London and Kent :s

[Von]

Scott,

So you don't want to go to University and don't fancy the RMR because it is too far?

You might be the best thing since sliced bread and so get into the Corps as an Officer anyway but you need to be aware that you are opting out of the two things that can really make a difference: the first because you will stand out like a sore thumb if you don't have a degree and they will want a pretty convincing answer as to why you decided not to do to Uni and the second because you will stand out like a sore thumb for having a Green Beret when you apply to be a YO and so they will make all sorts of allowances for other areas that may not be so strong (such as not having a degree).

BTW visiting a few places to do with Corps history in a year off really wouldn't do it for me if I was interviewing you for a commission and you didn't have a degree. I would want something to convince me you were really special. You could perhaps row the Atlantic or do the Devizes to Westminster Canoe race. something the Corps is quite fond of.

Don't delude yourself; the guys who are selected to be trained as Officers in the Corps will be impressive in a number of respects. You need to load the cards in your favour as much as possible. So far you have asked others for advice. Let me turn the question round to you; if you don't want to go to University and don't want to get a Green Beret with the reserves then what will attract the selection officer to you?

Good luck,
Von

[Scott_Allen]

Scott,

So you don't want to go to University and don't fancy the RMR because it is too far?

You might be the best thing since sliced bread and so get into the Corps as an Officer anyway but you need to be aware that you are opting out of the two things that can really make a difference: the first because you will stand out like a sore thumb if you don't have a degree and they will want a pretty convincing answer as to why you decided not to do to Uni and the second because you will stand out like a sore thumb for having a Green Beret when you apply to be a YO and so they will make all sorts of allowances for other areas that may not be so strong (such as not having a degree).

BTW visiting a few places to do with Corps history in a year off really wouldn't do it for me if I was interviewing you for a commission and you didn't have a degree. I would want something to convince me you were really special. You could perhaps row the Atlantic or do the Devizes to Westminster Canoe race. something the Corps is quite fond of.

Don't delude yourself; the guys who are selected to be trained as Officers in the Corps will be impressive in a number of respects. You need to load the cards in your favour as much as possible. So far you have asked others for advice. Let me turn the question round to you; if you don't want to go to University and don't want to get a Green Beret with the reserves then what will attract the selection officer to you?

Good luck,
Von

Hey Von, I don't think I said that I DON'T want to go RMR, it's simply impossible.

With Uni, the reason I am not going is because I don't think it is for me, I have looked into it, been to multiple open days and I really think it wouldnt benefit my personal makeup.

However, spending 8-12 months maturing and learning about real life current affairs issues would. Surely volunteering for aid work, working at one of those adventure camps for 6 months, and being in the TA is going to look good.

If I can prove that I have taken that year out to achieve what university would have given me in the way of life skills, and more... surely it can't look bad

[Von]

Scott,

What you suggest doing will clearly make you more attractive than if you have sat at home, working in a pub and gone out clubbing the rest of the time. Whether it is enough depends on how attractive you already are to the Corps (what have you captained or led ...).

Some guys in the RMR will travel a couple of hours each way to train and many travel upwards of one. You wil be reimbursed travel expenses so money should not be an issue. Where do you live that you think it would be so hard for you to get into an RMR unit?

Rgds,
Von

[Wholley]

I don't think I said that I DON'T want to go RMR, its simply impossible.

I wouldn't use that sentence in an interview.
So far you want to be an officer in the RM,Army,RAF and the TA.
You may not realise this but recruiters look at these pages and to see you bounce around like a pea on a drum is not going to endear you to any of them.
I see your doing the same over at Military Forums.
I'd try a little commitment if I were you.

[Scott_Allen]

Wholley your missinformed.

Especially about the RAF.

These forums are full of really helpfull people, who are interested in helping you out and giving advise, people like Von. He has really helped me in a few cases, also PAGreenwell... same as Von hes a very helpfull bloke.

But then we have Wholley, who thinks for some reason that just because I suggested that it may be a good idea to have a seperate forum for the RAF Regiment, that I want to join them, and all he seems interested in is petty little arguments and putting people down. Very mature.

Sorry but i've had enough. Finished.

[ihavethedetermination]

I wouldn't use that sentence in an interview.
So far you want to be an officer in the RM,Army,RAF and the TA.
You may not realise this but recruiters look at these pages and to see you bounce around like a pea on a drum is not going to endear you to any of them.
I see your doing the same over at Military Forums.
I'd try a little commitment if I were you.

Just because someone is getting advice from different places does not mean that they are not committed. If I was a careers advisor (not military) I would suggest speaking to as many different people as possible. The benefit of this is that the person gets to make their mind up with the full facts and not just the propaganda from one force but the full story from everyone. That shows that while they may have spoken to others thay are still committed to chosing the force that they have.

[lukeyluke]

BTW visiting a few places to do with Corps history in a year off really wouldn't do it for me if I was interviewing you for a commission and you didn't have a degree. I would want something to convince me you were really special. You could perhaps row the Atlantic or do the Devizes to Westminster Canoe race. something the Corps is quite fond of.

Here I was implying that these experiences would be valuable add ons as a pose to focus events in replacement of a university education.

I think that a collection of educational and responsible style events that show you are a good potential candidate for a Royal Marines Officer are the only possible replacement in the rare event that level 4 education isn't pursued. My initial thoughts on this are service in a reserve force, aid and/or reconstruction work in third world countries, outdoor sporting activities particularly a course or work that involves some level of organisational or supervisory responsibility in outdoor pursuits. As previously mentioned Mountain Rescue would probably ideal for the last idea.

Thanks,

Luke

[ADDiction]

But then we have Wholley, who thinks for some reason that just because I suggested that it may be a good idea to have a seperate forum for the RAF Regiment, that I want to join them, and all he seems interested in is petty little arguments and putting people down. Very mature.

This kind of trash talk amazes me. What is it with some of you guys and the mods? Admittedly anyone can, and should be questioned, but why must it be in this manner. This is Mfat. THE military fitness and training forum, you don't become a moderator easily.

Listen to Wholley, communicate with Wholley, and maybe even discuss topics with Wholley. That way instead of making a dick of yourself you might actually learn something.

Suprise us all with a wonderfully mature response , or just call me a twat .

Sorry but i've had enough. Finished.

It's up to you whether or not you choose to remain on this forum.

[Stokey_14]

But then we have Wholley, who thinks for some reason that just because I suggested that it may be a good idea to have a seperate forum for the RAF Regiment, that I want to join them, and all he seems interested in is petty little arguments and putting people down. Very mature.

This kind of trash talk amazes me. What is it with some of you guys and the mods? Admittedly anyone can, and should be questioned, but why must it be in this manner. This is Mfat. THE military fitness and training forum, you don't become a moderator easily.

Listen to Wholley, communicate with Wholley, and maybe even discuss topics with Wholley. That way instead of making a dick of yourself you might actually learn something.

Suprise us all with a wonderfully mature response , or just call me a twat .

Sorry but i've had enough. Finished.

It's up to you whether or not you choose to remain on this forum.

I agree, call me an arse licker (or what other insult you wish ) but surely the Mod's and senor members of this forum deserve some respect in the way you speak to them and communicate with them.

Just look at all of there post's, they have obviously spent a lot of time and effort making this site what it is today, helping people and keeping a tight ship.

I personal am very thankful and full of respect for these people. If you (or I) have a problem with something then why not just explain you're self in a non hostile manor.

Anyways, I’m not arguing with anyone here just letting my feeling's be known... I certainly know I have no need to defend any of the Mod as there more than capable to do so them selves (hell they are a scary bunch )

I just think the way some people go about making there feelings herd do them selves no favors in the long run.

Stokey