it's important

[oskar5]

Hello,
My name is alon, I have served in the Israeli army for three years and having a lot of operational and combatent experience, now about to finish my studies in the University. Since my army is a regular one (and not voluntary) I'm not allowed to return to the army and fullfill my dream to join the special forces. My question is if there is any way in which I can join the sas, or the regular army? who is the adress to such exceptional request? is there any way to by pass the bereaucracy?

I'll be thankful for any help or advice.

Thanks,
Alon

[ABI]

Shalom

In answer to your question I depends on whether you are a UK national (I assume your not), failing that one or both of your parents should be British born and hold a valid passport, before you can think of applying.

We do have quite a few individuals from other countries in the UK armed forces but they tend to be from commonwealth countries (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa etc) and even they must prove their family ties.

If (and its a big if) you can satisfying the above criteria you should be able to join up although they would probably vet your application. If you get past all of these hurdles I would advise joining the Parachute Regiment in the first instance (but then I would).

Couple of questions for you now.

I understood that the Israeli army retained a permanent staff, could you not apply and join them? (the weather is far better in Isreal)

Have you contacted the British Embassy or tried UK Govt websites?

There are plenty of people posting on here who may have better info than me, I'm sure they will be able to assist.

Best of luck

[oskar5]

Hello,

Yoy are right, I don't have a citizenship in the UK.

In answer to your second question, I have tried everything I could, unfortunately the bureaucracy is stronger than me, and if you are not 18 years old you can't join those special units.

it's not worth for them to pay a lot of money to me if thay can take young people -who must serve in the army anyway- and pay them a regular salery (before thay continue to a permanent service).

However, there must be a solotion to my request. Don't you think I can contribute british army from my experience? Israel in a war for many years, we have a lot of knoledge and experience.

Thanks,
Alon

[voodoo sprout]

You might be able to join the regular British forces, the official text is:

Nationality
British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens may join the Royal Navy or Royal Marines. However, certain career paths are only available to British citizens. See the link below for details.


Nationality
Requirements

Note:
(i) A waiver of the above requirements may be granted by the Secretary of State for Defence for candidates who are British citizens at the time of application regardless of place of birth or former nationality.
(ii) In exceptional circumstances a waiver of these requirements may be granted by the Secretary of State for Defence to persons who are Commonwealth citizens or citizens of the Irish Republic at the time of their application regardless of place of birth or former nationality. Any person who seeks such a dispensation will have their case considered on its individual merits.
(iii) Only candidates holding British Nationality are eligible for the Submarine Service. No nationality waivers will be considered.

c. In addition, whether or not you are of UK origin, you should normally have resided in the UK for a minimum of five years immediately prior to making an application. In certain circumstances, particularly when an applicant is of UK origin, or the country of residence is one where security checks can be carried out, a shorter period of residence may be accepted.

So, it might be possible to move to Britain for long enough to obtain British citizenship, and then apply. However, even then you would only be starting from the begining with a regular unit, you would then have to apply for special forces like everyone else so overall it could well be far more hassle than it's worth .
However, are you a reserivst in the IDF? If so, you may be somehow able to get a place with a British unit in some kind of exchange program, but I don't know of anything like that myself.