Irish

[mr-kipling]

I was just wondering how the Paras take an Irish history?
I'm going to be joining the TA before I go in the Paras (I'm on a web designing course I paid a lot of money for, don't want to just drop it yet) and they're saying that it could take me a year to actually get in the TA because of security checks and stuff and I was wondering if the Paras were the same?
Kind of a ball ache having to wait a year.

Thanks.

[Alfa]

If you get your clearence from the TA it would probably cover you for when you join the paras too but if you mean will it take as long if you simply sign up for Para Reg instead of the TA then yes it will take just as long. The security clearence for the TA and Regulars will be the same, especially in regards Northern Ireland.

[mr-kipling]

Yeah N. Ireland is where I'm from too I've been living in England since I was 6 (12 years ago) and after 5 years of being a british citizen anyone from any other country can join without problems, just us bloody Irish folk.

I'll just keep pressuring them until I get in, not much else I can do really.

Thanks for the answer!

[Alfa]

Well the reasons for such lengthy security vetting are quite obvious and understandable given the history of NI but it shouldn't really have any effect on you joining, apart from the time it takes to get the clearance, unless you've got any connections to a paramilitary organisation. Which obviously I'm assuming you don't mate.

[mr-kipling]

I understand the cause for it I just wish it was a quicker process.
Things will pick up over the next few years now that the IRA have gone clean but I doubt that'll affect my case.

I dunno if I have any connections, I believe 2 of my cousins were involved with some kind of orginisation (dunno which one, if any, I don't even know what religion I am or what all the fighting is about) so it might take a damn long time and be a hard fight to get in.

I'd probably be better changing my name and claiming I was born on the streets

[edit] Yeah I just rang my Mum and I was right in believing that 2 of my cousins were involved, it's probably ruined my chances but I'll give it a go anyway.

[BigStevie]

Very basically the 'agencies' will put your name, and the names of your family, throught the computers and see what it spews out...given that most people here know or are related to someone or other who may be 'traced' in some fashion, the likelihood is that this may slow things down but just be patient. The worst thing that can happen is that someone has mentioned your name during a 'q & a' session conducted by PSNI or similar - but if you left while still a youngster this shouldn't be a problem - unless your family is still in touch with people here.

Bit convoluted i know, but the int machine here has a lot of info and they use it constructively. Don't sweat it - but make your own enquiries within your own family and find out if there really is anything to be concerned about.

[BigStevie]

It really makes a difference who they were involved with - for a number of reasons that i am not prepared to discuss in open forum. Just wait and see mate.

[Paratrooper01]

Got loads of mates who are from both the republic and northern ireland in the reg, so you should have no problems getting in, unless your dad is sin fein!!

Irish arn't the only people having trouble joining now...South african government has declared all nationals fighting in the british army are now mercenaries and liable to be prosecuted when returning home. What a bummer

[mr-kipling]

Well thanks for the positive information!

I guess I'll just apply and see what happens.

Also that kind of sucks about the S. Africans.

[Tab]

We had a pile of blokes from both sides of the border in the Regiment when I was serving, and there was no problems whats so ever

[neil1955]

Same in the 70s Tab,salt of the Earth so dey are....

[Paratrooper01]

...until they all have a drink

[Tab]

Untill we all had a drink, is more like it

[Paratrooper01]

When the regt have a drink, EVERYONE and everything gets smashed up!!

Should have seen our barracks when we returned to colly yesterday...place was in shit state! Beer cans, tele's smashed, rubbish, shit, piss and sick everywhere!!! Thats before the boys hit the town!

[Paratrooper01]

Talking of drinking....the piss up/barbeque we had layed on for us in Cyprus was absulutely outrageous by the way!! Im surprised the press have not got hold of that little gold mine of information.