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Guys and Gals, Past and Present Military. . . .

I would like to think that I am just getting the usual cold feet, is this common. Im 25 and have lived away from the family nest for 7 years so it isn't that and I know my doubts wont put me off. But do any of you have regrets about joining up? If so what are they?

im due to go into the army in november and i have had second thoughts but when i really think about i know its what i want to do

Glad its not just me then. Like I said, the doubts are not enough to put me off, christ the AFCO staff could have done that if I wasnt detemined enough (well some of them at least).

yeh i noticed that bout the AFCO, i swear they try to put you off

Dawnie,Cast your net around all the Serving and 'Former'Marines on this site most have served a fair ammount of time in the Corps (life) and ask if they would do it again, I think you would be rather supprised at the responce.Aye JR

I'd say make sure you want it 100% and that your 100% ready.
From personal experience I am due to join the RAF regt and have already told them at AFCO to put my start dates back on TWO occasions. This is not due to 'wimping' out or whatever, its simply because the first time I had personal family probs and the second time I was simply unlucky and picked up an injury, for which I am currently undergoing physio. I knew that both of these things would be a hindrance to me If I had ploughed on through with it all and at 28 time is running out for me so I cant keep putting it off, but I phoned AFCO and they agreed with me its best to sort yourself out before you sign up rather than go in half hearted and want to jack for whatever reason half way through training. Although p*ssed off with the injury my therapy is workin and I notice it when I do my training, this alone is making me mentally stronger and now I'm chompin at the bit to get in there and have a go!

It is entirely natural that you'd have doubts...you are making a life changing decision...totally leaving your comfort zone.

Firstly, I recommend you have a good chat with your AFCO. For a start they WON'T send you to training if they have any doubts that you might quit.

Secondly, you have to consider what sort of life you want to leave. One day, many years from now you'll me old, wrinkly and retired...propping up the bar at your local boozer, spending your pension. At that time you'll do an awful lot of reflection on your life. What sort of memories do you want? Will you feel proud of your life and your achievements? Will you have overcome hardships and made sacrifices?

Biggles, absoloutely and I completely agree with a lot of what's above.


I got to 23, out of uni for a couple of years, had done loads with the TA and was enjoying it. Had a good job.

But I just thought....this is all fine but would I regret not joining when I'm 30.....too right I would and I made the decision. Best thing I ever did. I hated a lot of Sandhurst but it had to be done and it's all been worth it. .

As someone once said (cheesy I know)......

'Regret what you do do not what you don't do'

If you do decide to do it, grab it with both hands and go for it. Don't do it half heartedly, you'll never feel happy in the military if you do.

Join, you'll love it.
Some times/duties are crap, but you share these times with some of the best mates you'll ever have, and the bad times are soon forgotten.

dawnie I've been in the raf for 15 years, and have no regrets at all, there has been some crap times, but they are far outweighrd by the good times i've had, and the many detachments i've been on.

my advice it to join up, put up with the basic and trade training, and after that you'll have a great time. especially as an eh tech, cos you get to travel loads.

good luck

:microwave:

Think am just at the point where I'm thinking Oh god Im really going to do this. The other worry that I have is that the trade of EH Tech only recruits once a year and if I dont get through the basic training this time round I will have to persue another interest for the next 12 months (first will have to find another interest).

Having just given up my flat and got rid of furniture and stuff failure this time round is not really an option.

so dont fail!

I would'nt worry too much about failing the course, the instuctors are there to help you through, and the other people on the course will help you out as well. If you do fail any exams, you are normally allowed a couple of retakes. When I was doing trade training, there was one exam I could'nt pass, but they awarded me a pass anyway, as i'd passed all the others. also if you do find it to hard, or realise that it isn't the job for you, you will be allowed to re-muster to another trade.

Just make sure you get a fit as possible before you go. Get used to ironing your own clothes, cleaning your own stuff and getting up early in the morning.

Buy some books on military training (the guys on the Army page can probably recommend some), shooting, feldcraft, NBC etc.

Organise a visit to an RAF base...you'd be surprised what a few phone calls can achieve!

Prepare as much as possible prior to leaving.

This'll give you the best possible chance.