Slight fear of heights

[GJimbo]

Hi all

I'm new to the forums, but I have been reading just about all the topics within the RM and Parachute Rg. forums during the last 3 weeks.

I know this is going to sound really stupid, but although I have a slight fear of heights, for over 5yrs now, I have always wanted to join either the Parachute Rg. or the RMs

Is there anyone out there that have had a slight fear of heights, but have overcome it and successfully joined the Parachute Rg.?

I am unable to find any other post asking this, and to be honest, I ain't surprised

Thanks in advance
GJ

[RobT]

Everyone is scared of heights, its one of our natural fears. Some show it more than others.

[GJimbo]

Hi RobT

I can fly in planes, and such... I've even been on the Empire State building, and had no fear of the height then (in fact, I enjoyed it)... I know that's nothing special, but I don't think my fear would prevent me from jumping from a plane, especially if I'm being kicked off by the officer

I'm hoping to go along to one of the open days they have every so often. This will give me a real insight to what it's like

I'm planning on taking some parachute lessons before I join... I'm sure that'll help come over my fears

Thanks
GJ

[RobT]

I'm planning on taking some parachute lessons before I join... I'm sure that'll help come over my fears

Thanks
GJ

Good idea that.

Rob

[simonm]

I think yu'll find your fear will get smaller as your self confidence gets stronger, that's what i've found I used to hate heights but I found after the high obstacle course at PRMC (which I flew across and really enjoyed which I didn't expect at all) and I've been doing a bit of indoor climbing which helps too but I think you'll find if you get in you'll basically forget about your fear of heights bud cos you'll be too busy to think about it.

[Tab]

Ever thought of becoming a submariner.

[GJimbo]

Hi Tab

You really think I would like to spend up to 12 or months in a Submarine with the only company of Navy boys? I certainly wouldn't want to drop my soap in the shower, someone might get the wrong idea

You've got to admit that it is odd for hundreds of men to be spending over 12 months alone at sea together.

The only part of the Navy I would ever consider joining would be the Royal Marines

[RobT]

You really think I would like to spend up to 12 or months in a Submarine with the only company of Navy boys? I certainly wouldn't want to drop my soap in the shower, someone might get the wrong idea

You've got to admit that it is odd for hundreds of men to be spending over 12 months alone at sea together.

The only part of the Navy I would ever consider joining would be the Royal Marines

What do you think the Royal Marines do then? They don't go on submarines but they still are Navy boys as you say.

[Tab]

If you have doubts don't join, the last thing you need to do is freeze in the door. Once you have your wings it is cout martial offence, you will wind up in the pokey and slung out of the Regiment.

[GJimbo]

Perhaps I protrayed the wrong image of myself. When the officer says jump, I will jump, no questions asked.

There are plenty of things in the Army alone that will put many people off, but most will just get on with it, including myself.

When I say I have a "slight" fear of heights, I simply mean that because I haven't had the experience of jumping out of planes, I'm not sure how I would feel, but I know I have the determination to get through training with a breeze!

[mike_B]

Well if that's the case Gjimbo, why did you start this thread?

Mike

[GJimbo]

To simply find out what offers say, and to see if there is anyone else out there that may feel the same. Nothing more, nothing less!

[gunner75]

A fear of height or a fear of something going wrong that will compromise your safety at height???
Military parachuting is not for the faint hearted that is why p-coy sorts out the people who REALLY want to do it.
Everyone gets nervy/anxious on a jump some more than others.At the end of the day the training is drilled in to you till its second nature and from putting on your chute onwards you have to have 100% trust in your equipment and drills. There aint no time to admire the view anyway, unless your first out then its bout 20-30 secs before you land on the DZ.And when you do land your that pumped up and and buzzin from the adrenalin that you wanna fight anyone.Then a few month down the line the old nerves kick in again knowing that you have to go through it again!
TRUST THE EQUIPMENT!!!

[I love beasting]

GJimbo, i totally see what you're saying. Im in the same position and have a video of the trainasium in p-company. It looks really scary but the more I watch it, the more I think "focus and do it aggressively and confidently as if you are 'the man". Mate Im just going to join up and like it was said earlier, the confidence will grow - everyone around you will be doing the height work and you will complete without doubt and think how easy it is. Good luck.

[gunner75]

I think you will find that in comparison to the other events the trainasium is like being at Butlins