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Ok, no i know this forum has a huge list of topics and threads, so i'm hoping this question hasn't been raised already

i'm 19 years old and just finishing my a-levels. I don't want to go to uni coz the whole education thing is really beginning to do my head in!

i've always wanted to join the army, but now the time has come to seriously consider it.

however, i can't decide whether or not to try as an officer or as a private.

Here are some of my problems:

OFFICER - great chance to really prove ones self, to gain maximium respect from friends, family and collegues, and to be apart of a strong leading team. To be able to lead teams into battle, to act as a guide and support for other units, and of course............, the officers mess

SOLDIER - A chance to really get your hands dirty, to make friends for life, to work your way up through ranks, and to be apart of a team. To gain maximum respect for going into any situation and really being able to test myself.

So, i'm stuck.. please help,

I know i may be really naive in the statements above, and you've probably never read a thread so long with so may spelling mistakes, but i hope somebody out there can understand my problem

Which one is it to be?

Only the you can decide mate...

in the end the choice is yours...

write a list of the pros, cons and what not for each,

which ever gets the highest could be the one for you!

ask around, serving ex pongos and see what they think of privates and officer!

cheers, davo

Go for Private mate. I personally wouldn't want to be lead by someone who can't make his mind up on such an important career choice. If you want to be an Officer, you wouldn't be asking this question would you?

However, you will gain "maximum respect" if you start from the bottom and work your way to the top. You could always go in for a fast-track commission if your superiors think you're Officer material.

i always thought you only needed 2 A levels to be considered for an officer..may be wrong thugh

Wise words from AC. If you feel you are a natural leader, are comfortable under pressure and leading from the front then the Officer role is probably for you. But if you're indecisive and don't like taking control then you'd be better off as a squaddie. There are many other factors involved in making the decison, get info. and advice from as many sources as possible. Speak to your local Careers Advisor.

You don't need a degree as Nimrod says. But the promotion scale is far much better along with pay and the opportunities to get decent postings. Many don't have degrees and get on fine; but are very unlikley to get passed Major.

Mike

P.S Where in Surrey are you?

ok guys, cheers thankyou for your help...

i think your right, if i new i wanted to be an officer, i'd really know! :fadein:

and an ability to read a map!

I was under the impression it was the INability to read a map.

Mike

Is anyone aware of what the Canadian Equivalent of A-Levels are? Or the closest thing to it.

I Must say it I didn't know that you were unable to become an officer and not have a degree or at least have a commitment to complete one (That's my situation within the Canadian Navy right now)

BritCanuck,

Is anyone aware of what the Canadian Equivalent of A-Levels are? Or the closest thing to it.

Grade 12, same thing. Recommend you get your transcript recognized by this body. Even if not needed it shows you are capable of taking the initiative, like a soldier should. http://www.naric.org.uk/

Not that long ago, before 1992, at RMA Sandhurst, it could be argued the cadets with degrees were treated as second-class. Now every cadet does the same course, whether just out of high school, with a degree, from the ranks, or an overseas cadet. About 85 pct of the cadets have degrees.

I recommend you enlist rather than pursue a commission, neither experience in the army is better than the other. Do not join as an officer for extra money or because you think you are obliged to due to your educational background. If what you want is the Army experience alone, without responsibility right away, join as a soldier. If you find you want to be in command after your minimum service is up, you may go on promotion courses and become an NCO or even attend the RCB and go to Sandhurst.

Officers will invariably tell you, "a platoon commander's job is the best job you'll ever have." There's also plenty of soldiers who by choice stayed in as NCO's and wouldn't trade their jobs for anything.

From what I remember, to be considered for an Officer you need 140 UCAS points. These are points which are awarded for the various grades you recieve through college/uni.

Coops

You are right coops. The min officer requirement is 140 UCAS points which is roughly equivalent to 3 'E' grades at A2 level. Very qualified!

Mind you, 95% (official figures) of all Sandhurst cadets are grads. Non grads recieve half the pay of grads, and a non grad will spend 4 years as a subaltern, in comparison with one year auto promotion if you have a degree. Plus, you have to literally be god to get past Major if you do not have a degree. Whoever said they don't have the commitment to get a degree...don't be an officer!

Chris

chrisfow wrote:95% (official figures) of all Sandhurst cadets are grads........Whoever said they don't have the commitment to get a degree...don't be an officer!

Have to dissagree there mate. I know you better than to get your facts wrong....80% is the figure you want for the number of grads at Sandbags.

I understand that all the army wants is proof of a level of 'brains' a potential officer has, and a non-grad would not stand a chance against a grad if it came to the army choosing. However, you can in some cases get a degree when you are in, i know of people who have done that.

I personally would not like to have a massive debt to pay off when i start my life in the 'big wide world', and with the number of mickey mouse degrees going around today, you might aswell just get a degree in hairdressing....its still a degree isn't it.


James