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Does anyone who is currently serving in 16 AA Brigade know if the Int Corps guys attached have to complete P-Coy and if they have to be of a certain rank/experience to serve with the Brigade?

Another question: is it pronounced 'Sixteen' Air Assault or like with Four-Five Commando pronounced One-Six. I always thought it was 'Sixteen' AA. I know it's taken from the '1st and 6th Airborne Divisons' from the Second World War and '89 Military Intelligence Section' was '89 Field Security Section' that served with distinction (like all units) at Arnhem where they were forced, by the Germans, to serve as Infantry in defence of Arnhem Bridge. Two lost their lives and only one of the dozen that landed avoided injury.

If i can make it through selection my primary job choice is in the Intelligence Corps with my back up being the Royal Engineers. My dream is to serve with or within 16 AA Brigade in some capacity.
The Royal Artillery have ceased recruiting in my area and maybe nationally for a year so it rules out 7 RHA and 47 Reg, both routes to the Brigade.

That leaves: 23 Regiment RE, 216th Squadron Royal Signals, 7th Assault Battalion REME, 89 Military Intelligence Section Int Corps and then 2,3 and 4 Para from the Infantry.

I'm sure there also routes into the Brigade through Logistics and the Air Corps.

Apologies for going on a bit, getting close to selection and just completed my first jump which was a static line solo attempt, so i'm getting a little excited!

Thanks for your time

Dixie66 wrote:The Royal Artillery have ceased recruiting in my area and maybe nationally for a year so it rules out 7 RHA and 47 Reg, both routes to the Brigade.

That leaves: 23 Regiment RE, 216th Squadron Royal Signals, 7th Assault Battalion REME, 89 Military Intelligence Section Int Corps and then 2,3 and 4 Para from the Infantry.

Sorry but that is like going to a car dealership and when the salesman asks what car you are interested in, you list off every car in the showroom, you need to know that you want to do, you will be doing it for at least the next 4 years of your life, you have engineers up there, signals, reme, int, para reg, and even a t.a unit.

Dixie66 wrote:getting close to selection and just completed my first jump which was a static line solo attempt, so i'm getting a little excited!

If it's getting close to selection and you haven't decided what you want to do, you should put it off untill you know what you want to do, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a job that you dont want to be doing, bringing down everyone around you, sorry to be harsh but you need think about it.

Reading back my post does look like i'm in a a bit of a muddle so apologies for that.

I was all decided on the Royal Artillery, my three choices were Light Gun, HVM and AS90, however i was then contacted and told that they have ceased recruitment which in a way is good because it opend my eyes to more the army had to offer.

The highest two job choices offered, taking into account my grades were Biomedical Scientist GTI 58 and Operator Military Intelligence GTI 55. My score was 68 but missed out on a few choices due to only having a D in Maths.

From a career perspective The Intelligence Corps looks interesting and also mentally and physically challenging which is what i'm after. Good promotion prospects are a bonus and it's something a bit different to what i've been doing the last few years (postman!!). I learn't some Russian a few years back that i enjoyed which would fit in nicely with elements of the Corps and courses that can be taken.

However, there is a second selection process involved so if i pass my first but fail the second my back up job will be probably Plant Operator Mechanic in 23 Regiment Royal Engineers. 3rd Choice likely to be Air Despatcher in the Logistics or another RE job.

In that regard i am fairly settled, however i would very much like to serve with 16 AA Brigade, for me joining the army is more about the challenge and pride instead of setting myself up for a post army career. My long term goal is to be a songwriter so joining the army for me isn't about learning to be a tradesmen but if it's part of my job criteria then i'd give it my all.

I'm sure a lot of people join up for a specific job and skill but i'm one of those that wants to simply serve for the challenge and prestige of being part of the best. But i still want to do something i'd enjoy, get to travel and have the chance to serve with 16 AA Brigade, even if only in attachment.

As for selection, my run time is down around 9:30 most days, and as it stands i'm on target in the other departments. I'm not ill prepared just not one of the lucky ones who decided maybe even before entry what was for them 100%. But i think i'm there now in terms of what to aim for.

_Mark_ sorry but i should have explained better but the reasons i listed units attached to 16 AA isn't because those are the ones i want to join but merely listing what options there are to serve with 16 AA Brigade and the same options i've looked through when i searched all the Corps jobs and Regiments.

One of the first 'grown up' books i remember reading was 'A Bridge Too Far' and it has had a lasting impression on me. 89 Field Security Section, 9 PARA Squadron RE etc all served there and for me it would be a great honour to be part of something i have so much respect for.


Thanks

i think its time you see sense my man and just join the paras! i think thats the real reason your on this forum

maybe...

trouble is if i went for direct entry but failed P-Coy, then i'd be shadow posted to an Infantry Regiment, which probably not of my choosing, where as if i join a Corps and Regiment i'd like to serve with and then attempt P-Coy after i have settled into the forces if i then fail i'm back to what i know instead of being in limbo.

One of my questions was can you serve in 16 AA without passing P-Coy? Searched the internet but couldn't find a definitive answer. 23 Regiment Royal Engineers has some 630 strength and half are para trained but i don't know if the other half get to go on tour with 16 AA as there are two Para Squadrons in the Regiment but also two standard field squadrons.

Maybe consider arranging time with your nearest AFCO to discuss your interests and options.
I have no doubt that they'd be able to help you.
If you do this I'd be interested to hear how you got on, I imagine others would too.
Good luck

ofens

89 is a prize posting for Int Corps,
You would have to come top of your course to have a chance of getting that posting.
Phase two is very very tough and competition is fierce for SF/PARA/CDO postings.

You dont have to do the course but you are encouraged to do it

I can imagine it is a prize posting and even being in the smallest Corps shows how special 89 is to have such competition for a place.

MSI64, may i ask what unit you are serving in? and thanks for the information.

Ofens, cheers for the kind words. I have seen my careers advisor recently and will be seeing him again next week to confirm my final choices and sit my final interview before selection. He gave me as much info as he had, just trying to pad it out with my own research and with help on here.

Dixie66 wrote:_Mark_ sorry but i should have explained better

No need to appologise bud.

Dixie66 wrote:One of the first 'grown up' books i remember reading was 'A Bridge Too Far' and it has had a lasting impression on me

Band of brothers had a huge influence on me signing up.

Dixie66 wrote:My long term goal is to be a songwriter

If you can sing too, you could be a later addition of james blunt he was in the household cavalry though.

Alas i struggle with the singing and i doubt my voice would go that high without a little help

i can strum a few chords and write a few words but not wow the crowds or bring down a house like a chorus of singing birds!