Opting For Operational Service

[WilliamPallett]

Hello,

I was wondering...I'm joining the Army as a Musician hopefully very soon depending on my Physical Selection/Music Audition results.

In specialist trades of the Army like Musician etc where your not on the top of the list for being sent on Operation...can you opt or ask to be sent on operational service ie Afghanistan?

As being a Musician will be my main job, but of course my secondary role is CBRN & assisting the RAMC...& I would like to get Operational Service in as well as being an Army Musician if you understand.

[tom163]

Doubt you will be doing any assisting in the role of CBRN mate as thats 1 RTR and 27 Squadron RAF Regiment.

But I have heard of people opting in for Afghan deployments even if there in different units.

[WilliamPallett]

Oh right I see yes, so a person can opt for deployment if they wish to, if they're in a more specialist job...

Thanks, just wanted to ask as I want the Music side of the job but still the Army side you see.

[Tab]

I don't think that they have much need for musicians in Afghanistan, what they are after is mainly combat soldiers, and other support staff. You have to remember that they are only there for six months at a time.

[WilliamPallett]

It's just that my friend's Uncle is a WO1 at Kneller Hall (HQ Corps of Army Music) & he's said that the Army has been down there asking for Musicians to go to Afghanistan to support (mainly the RAMC) & other jobs.
The full 6 month tour.
If you didn't get told you were going I wondered if you can ask, that's all

[Tab]

The thing is do you want to be a musician or take up another role with in the Army, if you move across to another role yo might have trouble getting back as musician

[WilliamPallett]

I want to be a Musician more than anything, it's my life.

I appreciate the Bands go around the world to play Music which is fantastic I can't wait.
Friends in some of the Bands have been to Afghanistan to play Music, there's another Band going in December for 5 weeks to play to the troops over Christmas.

But of course this is still the Musical role, not secondary Army role.

William

[wrong_out]

I think i remember reading that members of the RM band went to iraq or afghanistan and worked as drivers. Not sure if it was just around the bases doing odd jobs or going out in convoys though.

[WilliamPallett]

yes your right they went out to Iraq & Afghan to do driving duties.

Which is what the Army are wanting Army Musicians to do now as well if not already, driving, guarding & helping the Royal Army Medical Corps & any other jobs that need support.