Decisions...

[Skepticsnake]

Hi, i was wondering if i could get some advice from you guys. I'm currently at uni (2 years left) and am looking to join the armed services after i leave.

Firstly, i've made my mind up that i want to be part of the elite, only way to go! so that leaves me with the decision of either Marines or Para's. What i have researched so far leads me to believe there is not an awful lot of difference between the two groups, e.g. both are elite, very fit, specialist at insertation behind enemy lines etc. is this right or have i been mislead?

Seconly, officer or soldier/commando?? I know this is really a personal choice, but the only reason i wouldnt go for officer is because after a couple of years of troop commanding, i'm concerned that the job will consist of sitting behind a desk all day, which is exactly what i don't want. Does anyone have any insight on this?

Any help would be much appreciated,

Regards

[Patrick]

Hi there. You should get down to your local AFCO and ask them for all the info you need, free DVD's and training suggestions as well.

Your local AFCO is really the best starting point, then come here and ask something more specific. All the best m8.

[Skepticsnake]

Hi, thanks for the advice, it's much appreciated, i'll follow it and hope i can find the path best suited to me.

As for casually flicking through not taking notice of the dedication needed, i can assure you this is not what my intention was, nor did i mean what i wrote to give that impression. It's just that i know i do want to be part of the elite, work hard and dedicate myself to whatever i choose. I was just hoping to get a bit of inside info as it were on the forums. To help me find what is best suited to me.

I understand it's easy to misinterpret written words as you cannot hear the conviction and understanding they are spoken with. I wil be sure to check out my local AFCO.

Thanks

[Patrick]

Hey, don't mention it. It was well intentioned and absolutely nothing untoward meant.

I've only just registered because of my app to join the RM is now running. There's some brilliant guys here who really know what they're talking about. It's just you have to push the right buttons so to speak because of all the muppets wasting everyone's patience.

Stick at it and you'll make a fine officer, not behind a desk but like Lt Col H. Jones of the Parachute regiment in the Falklands, very much leading from the front in every possible way.

Best of luck

[marinewannabe]

Alrite mate ,
I have a few mates who are bootneck officers and regardless of your rank as an officer be it 2nd lt or General, a degree of desk work will always be there , And regardless of been an officer or a Marine there is alot of bimberling about camp doing nothing when your at a unit , unless your on pre - Ops training.

[Skepticsnake]

Thanks man,
i know that there will always be a bit of desk work, its just i dont want to be in a situation where i could be out in the field, but instead i spend all day sitting behind the desk with no action at all...

[Jcooke]

Just finished University myself bud. Dedicate yourself to training when you are there and it will make your application so so much easier as you will have a full 2 years worth of prep for it. I know how had it can be to do that as motivation can be lacking when your mates go out on the gas, my advice is join your uni's OTC. My lot were a great bunch of lads, who all wanted to go off and do different things within the forces, but this bond gave help with determination and training. Good luck mate. As for choosing Marines or Para’s, its got to be Marines, but I imagine everyone on here will give you a very bias opinion.

[themattmeister]

It won't be 2 years of troop commanding it will most likely be 1 year and not even a whole tour as for some strange reason they change troop commanders half way through a tour, probably to spread experience more. Then it will most likely be a stint at Lympstone teaching nods how to wash their balls.

From my understanding the more rank you hold the less say you get in what you will be doing you could prof and become OC of MSG or an LC OC on Bulwark, or dip and become the officer in charge of JPA (joint personal admin) audits.

[Patrick]

[Wholley]

Patrick,
Before anyone else mentions it your avatar is,
a)The wrong way round.
b)It's the famous phot of the USMC raising'Old Glory'On Iwojima.
Don't recall any Royal Marines being there at the time