army

[Glenn7140]

im joining the army this year at 16 and was wondering can anyone can tell me what im in for eg training and a battle situation

thanks

glenn

[WendyS]

If you don't already have a rough idea of what you're letting yourself in for, either in training or in a battle situation, I would seriously urge you to think extrememly carefully before you join the army or any of the other military services. So often it comes as a very rude shock and you will find yourself in very testing situations, both in training and on active service. Get a few books from the library and educate yourself about what it is like to be in a real war situation. Are you joining up hoping you will see lots of interesting places and have a good life, or have you seriously asked yourself what it will be like to be s**t scared, possibly injured or maimed for life or finding yourself continually shot at by an unknown enemy, as in Iraq or Afghanistan. Perhaps take yourself down to your nearest Territorial Army centre and ask to talk to some serving officers about their experiences. I have the greatest admiration for those who serve their country in the military services but I don't think you should join up in ignorance or by under any illusions about what it could involve.

[buildersmate]

I reckon you're very patient, Wendy. This surely has got to be a spoof question. We'll be having people asking what job a policeman does next.

[Glenn7140]

im not wasting anyone's time i really am joining in about 3 months.
i just wanted to know because alot of my friends are telling me stuff that i dont think is true and thats why im asking you guys.
sorry if ive upset u.

Glenn

[buildersmate]

Alright, you win Glenn, and a good answer from Wendy I reckon (I do quite a lot of work with the MOD but I'm not employed by them). If you want more, why not drop into the Army Recruiting Office or (better) attend one of the Open Days the Army run where you can talk (informally to a certain extent) to a few soldiers with real experience. Don't know where you live but the Aldershot event this year is 15/16 July.

[dayoff]

dont do it

[Ms.Hijinx]

i would imagine that hazing might be in your mind glen yes they do it and sometimes its not funny but it happens, training is hard and sometimes its difficult to accept being told what to do when you are an adult as for battle you get to see a lot of crap things but some beautiful countries too i was married to a soldier so hence the info but on the other hand u get to drink yourself stupid once posted to germany and u can cheat on your wife in a number of different locations and noone will dob you and then you can abandon her and your children in a foreign country and the army will protect u from repercussions of your own actions sorry last bit is true but u probably didnt need to know just me having a rant good luck if u enlist

[Lonnie]

I'm ex Army, Wendy has given you excellent advice, two things I will add, When you become a soldier, you will be expected to kill or be killed, thats worth reflecting on, and the other, is if you are definately joining, go into it as a career.

[cascarelli]

Blimey, WendyS is not someone I'd want to cross!! Good on you Wendy!