Need some advice on choosing the right path

[LeeChapman]

Hi everyone. My first post! Although I have been a ghost memeber of the forums for a while.

I wish to join the army, but at the minute I am very confused on what path to take. I have just finished University where I completed a Computer course. Therefore, a path open to me is Military Intelligence. Something I am interested in (ish) and something I feel I could do well, the problem with this arrises from the fact I want to be in the action, leading from the front.

This brings me nicely to another choice I feel I have...an officer, the Paras or LI. Sounds good to me! But wait, theres a problem or two. At the minute I`m 6ft3 and 11 1/2stone and smoke ten cigarettes a day. I can run 100m faster than most people, but wouldnt even complete a 1000m!! I am currently trying to bring my weight up by eating a nice protein rich and healthy diet, and doing light excerise to build muscle mass. But have not started to run yet, or ease off the smoking. I have, ever since a small child dreamed of being in the SAS, my determination still makes me want to be apart of the regiment and I will succeed. Herein lies the problem of being an officer, I know and it has been confirmed to me by a friend in 23rd SAS that officers can only serve three years with the regiment before being RTU`d. OUCH!! I dont want that, I want to be there for as long as I am fit and well. It would kill me getting so far, then having it took away with it out my hands.

My friend in 23rd said I could join as a Tom then, or a 'bloke' as he put it, I didnt ask why maybe someone can clear this up?
The route of being a Tom, is what if I fail selection? I read the compass wrong or some silly mistake. I will be sent back and be rueing the day I didnt take up the offer of being a officer. Is this a chance I would have to take?

Maybe there are other options I could take that I am not aware of? I`m still a novice to alot of military things.

Anyone with some help or guidance could maybe help me.

My army careers office says they only do people who join the ranks, werent any help at all. (Sunderland)

Thank you in advance.

[Sig657]

I'm afraid only you can answer this question yourself!

Although if i was you i would'nt join as an officer as much as the pay and other circumstances are better purely because nobody's gonna have maximum respect in my mind for someone whom joins at the top, who wants to be lead into the field with soemone of no experience? I don't know so cant say about joining SAS as officer only lasts 3 years but sounds a little iffy to me :s. Maybe you are looking a little too far ahead? Nothing ever goes as planned exactly.
If you have just completed a computer couse at Uni then maybe the Royal Corps of Signals would be a good option?

Whatever you should choose to do, good luck!!

[AC]

Do whatever you think you will enjoy most. 'Nuff said!

[stew the bean]

"Do whatever you think you will enjoy most. 'Nuff said!"

very true..dont let others push you into this and that.

Well you and me are in very much the same position. I have just left Uni again with computing went forward for a commision and failed, went out and got a shit (but well paid) civy job and hate it. Now I am applying for soldier entry into the signals core as a System Engineering tech.

Being an officer doent seem to be the best thing for everyone but I think a lot of people feel they have to go for it (especially if you have been to Unie). However when looking through you options think of it like this.

Men of our generation will be working till we are 65, so what if we spend 5 years in the Infantry or the Tank core? Also look into soldier trades. The crux for me was that in the signals I would do everything I would do technically in civy street, so why not join up?

Think BIG PICTURE.

Also you fitness does need work, however this is just like anything else the more you do the better you get.

PM me if you want to know more all the best

[LeeChapman]

Thanks for the quick response lads. Yeah I dont wanna get pushed into doing something I dont want to just to fill spaces, as long as I stick to my guns there wont be a problem with that. Also, Yeah I`m totally unsure at the moment what to do.

Stew I was looking at that on the MOD website, sounds like it could be good, but the qualifications that you can gain from it aint. I guess you could be all over the world in that job tho. So that seems canny.
What info you got on it Stew? Would you be able to share mate?

Just researching every possible thing I can before I weigh them up.

Thank you for helping me again

[MikeB]

wouldnt you have your uni qualification to fall back on if the trade doesnt give you a "good qualification" ?

Remember you can study while your in the Army, my Grandfather was in the Royal Signals for 22 years and studied for a degree as well as his trade training. His friend who was an officer didnt get any trade behind him although he too had the degree, guess who got the better job? yep my Grandfather.

Oh and my Grandfather was the 1st NCO to study and hold a degree in the Army!

Make sure you dont join a Regiment/corps just because of the trade prospects, i pulled out of my RSC because i wasnt doing what i wanted to do.

[Tab]

Why not try for the best in both worlds, go for a commision in the Intelligence section, then do a 10 day P course and transfer over to the Para's at a later date, you will just have to make sure you are fit enough when you go for it.

[LeeChapman]

Tab - that sounds good to me. I didnt know you could really do stuff like that, but that does sound good. I will have to look into that, thank you pal.

Mike. Yeah I guess, but somemore wouldnt hurt! hehe

Nice one with Grandfather, something to be proud of that mate! And yeah Mike, I seen on your other post about you pulling

[MikeB]

yeah i know but if i would have completed the RSC then pulled out before i was due to start basic i would have cost some one a job.

Dissapointing but i feel i should do what i really want, not what other people want ie RAF Regiment.

[podder]

Is their a hidden meaning in that???? im confused

[MikeB]

Sorry, but was I the only one who thought someone posting on here that he cannot run 1000m, but is worried that his tenure in the SAS will be reduced if he accepts a commission was amusing to say the least.

Walters have been reduced to tears for less stupid postings.

Very well spotted i mis-read the 1000m sentence.

[goreD.]

Hi all.

I have read this post with interest as I find myself in VERY similar circumstances.

I have always dreamed of becoming one of the worlds finest brain surgeons. It is something, I believe I would excel at. There are only a few things standing in my way. The trouble is that I'm just no good at exams. I never study and have just failed an I.Q. test.... I scored 87. My teachers have told me that I am E.S.N. (Educationally Sub-Normal) Another more worrying problem is that I just can't STAND the sight of blood. I have been unable to study biology beacuse of this.
The university/medical college system also needs changing. I have been told that if I am successful I could be working as a junior houseman after approximately 7 years of dedicated study. Herein lies the problem. My teacher says that it would take ALOT longer than that for me to qualify. I wonder if it would be better to start lower down as let's say a porter in the hospital. I would then be able to work my way up to my dream job !!! This would enable me to work in the hospital environment where the 'action' is.

Can anyone offer me advice?