What to do?

[bigdog]

I posted this in both this and a MFAT forum, apologies if thats not the thing to do. I have a quandry which i would appreciate some assistance with.
I have been training in order to join the RMR, and Im currently in the application process, have my test in a couple of weeks. However i have been chatting to a couple of friends who are in the regular services and they feel that I would be better of applying elsewhere as there are other roles that would appreciate skills that I have and would make use of them.
I am currently finishing a masters degree in Middle east studies and will be starting a Phd researching military elites in islamic countries. I have had to learn arabic and am currently trying to learn persian as well. My friends feel that i would be better applying to the TA MI instead of the RMR. I can see their point but am still attracted by the effort involved in earning the green lid and the work involved in joining an elite unit. They argue that serving your country to the best of your abilities would be reward enough.
I would appreciate any thoughts or advice that anyone would have to help me out.

[Tab]

I trust that you are applying for a commission

[bigdog]

No, I dont think the RMR does them, and I was advised that it was very hard to get one in the TA MI unless you had prior military experience.

[harry hackedoff]

Bigdog, the RMR do have reserve officers, ask Dwarfy or Skiffle for the full s.p.
Which Reserve Unit you join would depend on why you want to join. Go along to both Units and talk to the Regular NCOs who are attached and then decide
Good luck either way.
And welcome aboard

[bigdog]

I want to join for a variety of reasons. Physical fitness, the desire to push myself harder than I have been before, the fact that either unit would be very different to what I do the rest of the time, I feel i work best in a very disciplined enviroment, I came close to joining the army when I was eighteen, and whilst I would not say I regret not doing it, there has always been a sense of what might mave been. I also spend a lot of my time researching and studying the military, however i dont think I can really comment fully until Ive been there and its not just words in a book. Im interested in which unit I would get to use my skills to be the best i can, and not being presumpteous hopefully be an asset.

[Artist]

One thing about being a Bootneck is that you need to know just what your doing and why your doing it. This applies to both the RM and the RMR.

So please stop being a pillock. Do it or farking don't. Thats it in a nutshell. I get bored with this sort of daft question truth be told. You've told us all that you are a student with rucks of intelligence, your up for a PHd so you say. Surely you can make a command decision without recourse to asking such a question from people who you have never met and more than likely never will meet.

Use that thing between your ears and decide for yourself in other words.

Artist

[Tab]

Right to the point as usual Artist.

[dwarfy]

Bigdog,

As far as i am aware all officers in the RMR are taken from all ready serving RMR ranks. This meaning you would complete your training as a Recruit (not an officer), and then having completed phase 1 Alpha and 1 Bravo(earning your Green Lid) ,and your skills courses. you may be selected to go down the officer route after. So you can become an officer in the RMR but not as a YO from the very beggining like the regs.

If you finish training, im sure your 'other' skills will be put to good use, in the current climate and area's of operations that the Armed Forces are serving in, an Arabic speaking individual certainly carry's some worth???

Go along to an RMR presenatation evening, and ask the questions you want answering there, thats your best bet mate.

Dwarfy,

[Wee Willy Winkie]

middle eastern studies and military elites? i bet your hoping to be on that guns for hire in a few years aint ya
whatever you do make sure you do it with the best effort, dont go in to anything half heartedly. good luck mate.

[bigdog]

Thanks for all your advice. Artist your comments remind me of an old rugby coach telling me that I would be a decent player if I did not think about everything so much, so thanks for that. I have decided after much deliberation and advice taking to apply for a commission, hopefullly in the Int. Corps. I will put my Phd on hold for a few years, after all at my age 26 it is now or never to join the army, whereas I will be able to continue my studies at a later date.

[jos]

Bigdog,
if your arabic is good and you have the aptitude and want some overseas travel try something different and go for MI6.
They are gagging for good recruits just now.

If you do have a 'go' don't be put off by the general lack of common 'dog' (common sense) and lack of morals that most of them seem to suffer from.
You also need the ability when in the field to be able to work on your own...