Joining queries

[StevieA]

Hi all, I'm 24 years old and I'm torn between joining the Paras or going back into my old career as a firefighter.
Basically I'm looking for other people's opinions as to weather joining the Paras would be right for me. Am I too old to be joining up now? Realisticaly?

Don't get me wrong, I loved being a firefighter and it's something I'd love to get back into but after going on an insight course with the parachute regiment which I thoroughly enjoyed, and always having a keen interest in the armed forces, I feel like I may come to regret it later in life if I don't give it a shot.

As I say, any thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[ParaToBe]

Join the para's!
Just think mate you only live once, no harm in trying the poc or prac which ever your going for, it is not 100% certain you will get in either mate But if i were you id go for it!

Karl.

[StevieA]

But has my opportunity come and gone though? On the insight course I was on I was the oldest by roughly 3-4 years with the majority of hopefulls being 17-20

[bored_stupid]

24 isn't too old, I guarantee you won't be the oldest bloke on your platoon. There'll more than likely be a fair few lads your age/older in your platoon so I certainly wouldn't let age put you off.

I personally would recommend it if you're interested in being a soldier, the training you get from the Pltn Staff is second to none, I firmly believe it's the best Regiment in the world.

If you have what it takes you'll get through it if you don't you wont no matter what your age it's that simple.

[gunner75]

Your not old at all. Maybe on paper your older than most recruits but remember in battalion there will be blokes older than you! Id say get yourself in now! Dont make the mistake I made and leave it too late so that you miss the age cut off (although I think it has been raised). when this happens you have to settle for others...
Also, although everyone is different, the further you leave it, (especially Para Reg) generally the harder it may be to keep up with the fitness requirements. Im in my 30's now and to be honest dont think Ill come close to reaching that kind of fitness again, not in any 'short' time scale anyway.

[sky ninja steve]

get in there i was 23 when i joined and was fitter than a few fair few young "uns" plus in my eyes the life experience of the time you had between 16 to 24 will go along long way when youre in there i hate afc shit stains who join straight from school and think they know everything cocky little shits .plus you could do youre 4 years have the time of youre life proved to everyone you can do it then get out and re join the fire brigade then if its what you still want to do thats what i wouldnt mind doing when i get out you got any tips on how to go about joining the fire brigade ?? or is 27 too old? lol

[StevieA]

Cheers for the replies guy.

Steve, it's all about PQAs nowdays mate, if you do your homework you shouldn't have much trouble getting in although it may take a few attempts for you to learn how to structure your answers etc. That's the way it's gone now, yes it's bollocks but it's the only way in. If there's anything specific you want to know then just pm me mate and I'll see what I can do.

[ParaToBe]

24 is still very young mate lol....since when did you become old when your 24 Go for it mate otherwise, you may (will) regret not doing it forever and if you think 24 is old try regretting something forever. JOIN!!! WOOO hehe

[StevieA]

Well after 2 years of pissing about on civvy street I'm now at the stage where I'm thinkig f*ck it and just going for it.

Do many people join at 26?

[Wholley]

What does age have to do with it?
If it's what you want then go for it.
As has been said you can only fail.

"Bull By The Horns"time bud.

[StevieA]

Definately bulls by the horns time now. Another year has passed and finally I realise that there's nothing out there on civvy street for me. Currently working on my fitness ready for selection. I just wish I'd gone for it when I wrote my original post on this thread as I'm not 3 years older. 3 years wasted.

[Eddiek1989]

Do it, i had a few 28yr olds, a 31yr old and 33yr old on same intake as me when i was training.

Go for it, you wont regret trying, you will always regret never going for it.