MilitaryForums.co.uk

Hi all, I have just registered after stumbling across the forum looking for people's experiences in the armed forces - excellent forum, and what a community spirit!

I am 24 and a half at the moment, and have been working for a little over a year as a programmer. Before that I had some surgery on my kidney and only now is the twinge lessening when I try to do pull-ups...! So as you can imagine my level of fitness is rather low.

I intend to increase my level of fitness over the next 6 months but have been increasingly wondering what the point is, if I am never going to put it to any practical use. Couple that with negligible long-term interest in my work and I think you know where I'm going. I am particularly interested in the RM.

My questions are - has anyone here been in my situation (at my age) and what did you decide/was the outcome?

I'll make my questions easier to answer -

Has anyone here joined the Royal Marines at just over 25 years (that's when I would join, it'll take me a while to reach the required level of fitness)?

Has anyone overcome a serious(ish) injury and subsequently joined the Armed Forces?

Thanks

Hi Orca,

Your age is not a problem. There was a guy on these forums who joined up when he was at the very edge of the age bracket (28). He had a full-time job, house, etc. Passed PRMC, sold his house, quit the job, and he is in training right now. So I wouldn't worry about your age.

Regarding your surgery and your eligibility for employment: get yourself down to your local AFCO and ask them. They should be able to give you an answer, and if they can't, they should be able to find out for you.

Cheers,
Joe

Thanks for the information joe. If my fitness is not up to par I wouldn't consider the PRMC to begin with, but I'll have a word and see what transpires.

Cheers

It is better to try and fail than fail to try!
Work on the fitness and see how you feel. There are people who have joined a lot older than you. I know a bandie who joined from being the manager of an electricl outlet, wife, kids, mortgage, car loans etc. He loves it now and would not trade anything for his old lifestyle. As a programmer there is the new branch/specialisation of IT SNCO... it could be you!

That's what my 6th form tutor used to tell everyone... wise words. Try I will, as early as is sensible next year. My sole aim at the moment is to get fit enough to be confident to attempt the PRMC.

Didn't know about the IT specialisation - it's great to know that the fields of specialisation are far from static (not that I expect them to be). But then, since reading these forums there's a lot I have learned. At university I would so 75-120 'normal' press ups before bed but trying the arms tucked in variety is an eye-opener (especially since I left uni and the press ups 2years ago!!) Lots to learn in the next few months...