Jerome

Although I was only in the TA, I have a good idea what Army life is about.

Firstly, you should get an idea of the jobs the Army have to offer. Be realistic about your selection because for certain regiments and jobs, the competition is fierce. You are already to old for an apprenticeship for example. You get tested on application and the results from these tests are what decides which regiment you can choose from. Some regiments will have no vacancies and you can either wait or choose a different regiment.

If rank is important to you, be aware that some regiments promote quicker than others. For example, the Military Police fly through the ranks, but the REME guys seem to take forever to get promoted.

You should also be realistic about the chances of being sent to a war, a war you may disagree with. A large percentage of the army have been sent to Iraq. Many are on their second or even third stint there. I spent 3 months there and it was not pleasant, even after the "war" ended.

If you don't like being ordered about, forget it. There will be times that the biggest ar5ehole you hav ever met in your life is ordering you to scrub the toilets. Having said that, you aren't constantly being ordered about.

If you don't like being cold and wet, or hot and dusty, for days (or even weeks) on end, forget it. You will be sent on exercise without all the creature comforts for weeks on end.

Recruit training is hard (not as hard as it used to be though!) and for good reason. It's a tough job and recruit training ensures you are fit enough - physically and mentally.

Life in the regiment is a lot more relaxed in comparison, but will still involved some bull**** etc. Everyone has to do guard duties for example, so if you can't cope with the idea of that, forget it.

You can be posted to some crap locations, but many postings are extremely enjoyable. If you don't like being a long way from home, forget it.

Now for the good bit. It is a job quite unlike any other. You really can see the world if you are keen and possibly a bit lucky. Even in the TA I went to the US, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Cyprus and all over the UK. You will make friends that will stay with you for life. You work hard and play hard. The social side of the army can be fantastic. Not just getting hammered in a bar, but playing sports, travelling and all sorts of other adventures are possible. Some of the stuff I got to do included freefall parachuting, abseiling (incl. out of helicopters), skiing, mountain climbing, white water kayaking. There are an infinite number of possiblities for those that choose to make the most of it.

If you are lucky, you can end up in one of the trades that are in great demeand in civvy street. Some regiments are having real trouble holding on to their troops because of the money on offer in civilian life. Having said that, even a 3 year stint in the Infantry will equip you with some useful skills and a self-confidence you will keep for life.

The best thing to do is to try and get on an assessment exercise thingy. This is no-commitment stint with army that enables you to get a glimpse of army life. Well worth it if your are serious about the Army.

lawson101

I didnt realise it was such a task to get in the RAF!! Im actually quite surprised.

Have a mate that has been in the RAF for 6-7 years now and he seems to enjoy most of it. Although he was recently in Iraq for 3 months!!

I would like to imagine that if you apply yourself when there then you can come away with some good qualifications etc that you will benfit from when you leave.

Better to do something than nothing I reckon.

Julz1983

My husband is in the royal engineers, get to go on alot of really good tours, do loads of great stuff, get posted to Ireland, Germany, Canada, Cyprus, and I would recommend it as one of the best to go in to, alot friendlier than alot of other corps, plus you have a trade when your time in army life is over with but you are still young enough to have a job on civvie street.

Vegescoob

Chaos, I suspect you are a bit of an "individual".
So is my brother but he was in the Royal Marine Commandos. Green beret and all that.
Long time ago now, but he ended up buying himself out, after several years, because he couldn't take it.
A cousin, also in the Marines, did the same although after many years.
Think long and hard about this.
Also, imho, this country does not treat it's ex servicemen and women very well.
Where is our equivalent of the Veterans Administration?