The Paras ?????

[SanMiguel]

Hi all,

Before I ask my question, I want to say that this is not intended to be offensive to any serving, former or wonnabe Para.

I'm 24 years old, just fininshed uni (do not fancy being an officer) and have recently gone through a bit of a crisis in my life - I need something to get on with, I've always had the forces at the back of my mind.

Now has come to the stage that I think I should start getting on with it as i'm not getting any younger.

I've always thought that if I go for the forces I should go for the best, the Paras are some of the best in the world.

My problem is that i'm worried that I wouldn't fit in with the paras as I've been told by many a person that they can be a bit rough around the edges, which is not how I would describe myself.

The Paras is something which I feel really strongly about, but I'd hate the thought of being a bit of an outcast from the start.

I know that this isn't really the sort of attitude to have but it's something which keeps popping up in my mind.

Apologies if this is seems as if i'm Whinging or thinking i'm to pretty for the Paras, because it is not intended.

I have a feeling that the recruiter will tell me my face wont fit, or that sort of thing.

Anyway, look forward to any replies.

[tom163]

Alrite mate I am still a Para wanabee at the min lol (in fitness training) but Im sure if you get stuck in the training, do you fair share of work and make an effort to get to know some of the lads you should be good. Also if your ACIO officer tells you anything like you wont fit in or just tryes to divert you from you choise, ring this number 01206 782343 or email recruiting@parachute-regiment.com and tell them. My ACIO office said I would'nt reach the fitness required to be in the Paras (im a skinny build) but I rang up and the next time I went down he was very helpfull , if you know what I mean and complimented me on my good improvement in the short time from when I last visited. Hope any of this will be helpfull to you mate.

[Chris_Manchester]

thats f*ckinh terrible, them telling you that you wouldnt reach the fitness level. Anyone can make it with the right determination and comitment.

[Wholley]

My ACIO office said I would'nt reach the fitness required to be in the Paras

Maybe he was trying to get you to flame and try harder?
Besides with a skinny build you hit the ground less hard.
Remember,
A leaf takes longer to reach terminal velocity than a brick

[tom163]

Yeah I was put off for a bit once he told me that but then like Wholley said maybe it was his style of giving me more determination. Im doing good now though

Also sent you a PM Chris_Manchester, I have a question you may be able to help me with.

[_chris]

I was told that first time I went to talk about marines, from then on their attitude was totally different. From what I was told its a way of weeding out the people who won't make it. If you go home and give up because one guy says you won't make it then you're not worth their time and effort.

[tom163]

Yeah exactly mate, thats why when I go back soon hopefully I will give them all a big surprise

[SanMiguel]

Cheers for getting back to me guy's,

the point I was trying to get to was, I'm not enough of a toff to be an officer, but I also wonder if i'm rough enough to fit in as a para trooper! I'm no way a soft lad tho!

Mainly due to my age, e.g i'm guessing most of the lads will want to get smashed in the most shittiest night club in town scrapping with the locals - I have nothing against this but I think i've grown out of this sort of thing now.

Was just wondering if i'd fit in!!

[SanMiguel]

PS, my last post was not an insult at any of you officer types!

but I have known serving and training officers from all 3 branches of the forces, and I feel comfortable enough to say they are, in general..... Toffs!!

With this being the Para section i'm sure they won't be watching!!

[tom163]

Im sure you'll be fine mate, Ill only be 17/18 when I hopefully get in so I prob wont be able to get into the clubs and pubs but im sure there will be other lads there in the same age bracket doing other things. The media the Paracute Regiment have been getting lately hasnt been helping either.

[Wholley]

PS, my last post was not an insult at any of you officer types!

Air Hair Lair my good soldiewy type person.
I parsonally feel thet ewe have insulted a whole segment orv the Bwitish Army which is thowoghly commited to keeping out oik's like ewe....




Jeeves,


My coat,If you pwease.
Thar's a good fewwow.

[ADDiction]

So knowing a few others in HM forces allows you to judge, and generalise them all does it?

Wise up mate, or expect more of Wholley's verbal beastings.

[Chas]

I can assure you my good man officers are not all effete toffs.
So they can be recognized they merely drop their aitches and
talk about huntin, fishing and shooting with Pater. With their ladies
or catamites they affect a lisp to appear more refined. They refer to
each other by peculiar public school nicknames which are totally
incomprehensible to the uninitiated. Their other favourite appellation
is 'old boy'. They refer to their men of course as 'the chaps'.
They pretend to be astonished when a man commissioned fom the
ranks enters their hallowed domain - but they are harmless once
you get to know them and in the main kind at heart.
Of course 'the chaps' refer to all their officers as Pigs ! .

Yours aye-

Piglet.

[SanMiguel]

People please,

I said I didn't intend any offence, so I will not apologise, it's going completely of the subject which I posted anyway.

Yes, you are right, not ALL officers in the forces are toffs. However meeting officers to be who were in the OTC (I was not OTC), and from close family and friends who are officers in the forces, I will not change my position on this.

The conversations I had to listen to whilst talking to some of these people were, and I kid you not -

Playing POLO at the weekend

Going to the Opera with Sandhurst

Having Mess bills which are more than an officers anual salary

And how the regular soldiers were just 'Simple People'!

No hard feelings!

[Chas]

No doubt Sloane Ranger Guardees or Household Cavalry.
Thank God I was a common Bootneck. But in my day Royal
did play polo. Nic Vaux was also a fine point to point rider
winning the inter services point to point race at Cowdray
Park.
No offence taken but most officers are very down to earth
with little side. Remember the old adage. 'If you can't take
a joke you should never have joined'.
At Mons OCS, as a Mne.officer cadet I was offered a Para
commission but luckily passed out just high enough to stay
with my parent Corps the Royal Marines. I was lucky.
The officers I met from both units officer's mess were just
normal blokes and made me most welcome.
Nowadays it is even more cosmopolitain thank goodness.
Chas. RMV202910 (1956) 2Lt. 17/04/59- Now an old boar/bore.