JOINING THE ROYAL MARINES

[Sarastro]

Hi guys. I've been in a similar situation recently. I had my heart set on joining as an officer, but my AFCO had mis-advised me about the age limits for POC and I was too old by a couple of months. Gutted isn't the word.

Exact same thing happened to me Foz

Seems the first line of recruiters do anything they can to pass you on, guess they have quotas to fill or whatever. Not best pleased I was on being told three different things before a final 'too old'.

[TAFFY]

She wouldn't stop me from going because she's not that type of person, but she would probably give me a major guilt trip for wanting to do it again, which in fairness is understandable from her point of view, as this would be the second time I mentioned it to her. I'm in the process of applying for the police force at the moment, but if I'm unsuccessful at that then I have considered that I will re-apply for the RM. Can't work a 9-5 office job for much longer!!!!!!!!

[Sully]

What troop were you in Taff?

Can you remember anyone from the troop? I might know a few.

I always felt a bit gutted for some lads who were injured out - I know that I would never have gone back there if the same happened to me. I sometimes wondered what became of one or two good lads who fell by the wayside through no great fault of their own.

[TAFFY]

No Sully mate, I haven't actually been in the RM previously I was only in the application stages when I withdrew. Should have made that more clear.

[Sully]

Sorry Taff, you made it perfectly clear in your first post. I'll pick up a sniper's chit whilst I get me coat.

I left the Corps because I had young Sully inbound and felt that I couldn't fully commit to the job - some can I suppose, different strokes and all that. It sounds odd but you have to be fully prepared to die for the job and at the end of training you are - I wouldn't be now. Two lads in my training troop had kids and I've no doubt they made fine bootnecks, they were good lads.

If you want to join - best get on to it now mate. Good luck whatever you choose to do.

[TAFFY]

Ay cheers Sull. Sounds like you really weighed up all the factors and thought about it with maturity & with the long term in mind. I will just have to do the same & I'm sure the right decision will be made (& without taking too long about it!!!!)

[Sully]

This could be playing on your mind though mate and affecting your behaviour towards her - if you don't do it you can conveniently blame her, relationship breaks down and by then it will be too late. If she supports you then you've definitely got a good'un - it's a bit of a test to put someone through though.

All I'll say is make sure the real reason for doing or not doing it is you. Money doesn't matter and nobody starves in the Corps. I'd like to think that my time in the Corps put things in perspective - friendship and community are vital - money isn't even important. Good luck Taff.

Ramble over.

[Doc]

Where abouts are you in Wales Taffy?

I went through similar issues when I got married, do I stay in or leave? I left and did it for the wrong reasons.....regret is a killer. Im divorced now and doing a 9-5 job, been doing them on and off since I left the forces, inbetween living overseas and trying to get back the feelings of the old days.

Mate if you want to go for it then do it, if your unhappy, your relationship will end up in shit state aswell.

Im in Wales for now so I can always look after her when your away...the good egg that I am Dont worry she wont love me Im a minger

Good luck Taffy with whatever happens, lifes to short to ponder.

[TAFFY]

Cheers Sull, wise words & very true at the same time. You've hit the nail on the head in what your saying & It's of immense help to have someone confirm your thoughts, so much appreciated.
Doc, I live in a small town near Swansea called Llanelli (may recognise it if your a rugby fan) It's a sprawling metropolis as you can imagine!!!!. Thanks for sharing some personal experiences in order to give me some advice, top man. By the way I would be more than happy to have a fellow countryman look after my petal.

[stripey588]

taffy,

I joined the RM in 1990, got to week 27, then wrapped. I left the corps on the day the first gulf war started.

Ever since, i have regretted my decision. When i left, i got wed, had 2 kids, and knowing my (late) wife couldnt manage the kids alone (things you find out over time). i never tried again.

Im 32 now, (33 in 3 weeks) and the biggerst regret in life i have is that i didnt finish training/rejoin and complete the course.

You will know your girlfriend, and how she works. You will know how she reacts when you tell her the news that you wish to rejoin. That decision is down to you. That is where trust comes into it. The seperation is long.

thats just my view mate.

llike the rest said, "what if ???"

Thats a kicker when time has passed.

All the best whatever decision you make.