Career Choice

[Barz25]

One of the main problems i've had is choosing what career to opt for. I was initially applying for pilot but as im 25 (26 in 9 months) i was advised i might be cutting it quite short. So was asked if i would be interested in Ratings level as a Marine engineer. I ideally wanted to apply for Officer level but was pushed more towards the rating level and especially subs. Is there any specific reason for this? I asked about Aviation technician (anyone got any feedback on this choice?)

[T T Fresh]

Submariners are in short supply

[Barz25]

Was getting that feeling. The AFCO did mention the 'Golden Hello' which obviously sounds appealing but realistically what sort of pay do you receive on the subs?

[si-h]

A rating on entry recieves £11,432. For submariners you get a £3,752 bonus rising to a maximum of £6,566 a year and pay increases as you rise in rank. You can find out more about the pay on the navy website: www.royal-navy.mod.uk.

Hope this helps.

[Chappy]

I think they push everyone into this as no one wants to do it! Couldnt think of a more horrible life even if I was in Hell getting my arse tickled by Satan with a feather while he sang Will Young songs.

[HotShot]

Very...very disturbing imagination.

But aye, the money is the only good bit about it as far as I can see.

[Barz25]

Cheers for everyone that replied. I have been perusing (my long word for the day) the Royal Navy website and i must admit the Subs are starting to look less appealing (the Will young and Feather analogy clinched it!!). I'm going for my Officer interview next Thursday so hopefully more light shall be shed then.

[HotShot]

There are more bonuses than they make out, they just don't tell of them too much otherwise people will join the submarine service for the wrong reasons...I know that for a 'tiff on subs there is a hefty bonus the first year, as well as that £5,000 golden hello.

[Barz25]

...do you have the option of choosing what sub you serve on or does that depend on interview and availability? And now for the stupid question, what does 'Tiff' mean?

[Powder monkey]

That "£5000" golden hello, hehe. Its more like £3000 after tax.

[done-my-9]

golden hello? more like "ha ha , now we got you"

[DeepBlue]

A bit late in the day but I can vouch for submarines alomng the following lines:

They deliver real military effect - Strategic dtererent, Covert intelligence gathering, force protection, Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles and Special Forces Operations - Submarines do it all.

They may be a tad uncomfortable but the atmosphere onboard and the sense of 'all of one company' beats anything in any other area of the service with the possible exception of the Royal Marines.

Nuclear submarines aren't that uncomfortable - Plentiful fresh water and no big ship bullshit.

The money comes in handy but its not everything.

[chris78290]

That "£5000" golden hello, hehe. Its more like £3000 after tax.

The Golden Hello is not taxed