army careers talk at school

[crisgal]

i need someone's help!

My 16 year old has come home from school and there's been a guy in from the Army, who's proper turned his head!!

Despite never mentioning a career in the forces, he now says he would really like to join.
With the state of the world as it is nowadays, me and his dad are a bit concerned that he will be sent to iraq or somewhere (ok, it's me more than his dad!)

The army guy told him that if you don't want to go to the frontline you don't go! I can't see that being true!

He fancies doing engineering and i know it can be an excellent career.
I would really appreciate any advice from someone who has done it, or has a son or daughter who has recently joined up.

[bobjugs12]

Crisgal, you are aware that British forces pulled out of Iraq ages ago?

[bobjugs12]

BTW There are a few people on here with kids in the mob, and I've been serving for just shy of ten years myself

[crisgal]

i meant afghanistan but wasn't sure how to spell it - lol

[bobjugs12]

No worries.
So what is it you want to know exactly?

[crisgal]

well, is it as great as the guy makes out? Is there an option to leave easily if it's not for you? Does everyone have to go and fight/support the troops out there? I don't suppose they can tell porkies but they probably only tell 'em the good bits!

[bobjugs12]

It all depends what your sons like and after.
Downside first:
Regardless of which service he goes into (Army, Royal Air Force, or Royal Navy) he may be expected to head to an operational theatre. Again regardless of which branch or trade he goes into he may be expected to bear arms. We are in the military. Even the guys who spend their entire time behind the wire on secure bases in Afghan still face risks. There is a lot of hard work and a lot of bull to put up with.

Now the upside:
It's awesome. Your lad will get the opportunity to see places and do things that he's never even thought about. Skiing in Austria, wadi bashing in Oman, mountain climbing in the states, skydiving in switzerland. He will have the opportunity to make mates that are truly for life. He will learn a good trade and will become a man. He'll make a fair bit of money and really enjoy himself doing it.
Every time he comes back on leave you'll notice him changing from a boy into a man. He'll be taught how to be self-sufficient and self disciplined and when he's had enough (contrary to media belief) he'll be given a decent resettlement package and a lot of help finding new work.

With regards to leaving whilst in basic training he will have the option to walk easily (just as his instructors will be able to bin him if he doesn't make the scratch). Once basic has been completed and he starts his trade training he'll have to complete 3 years return of service. This ensures the taxpayer (me and you lol) gets our moneysworth for the investment in him. After that he can apply to PVR at any time. (A PVR is essentially handing your notice, although the notice period is usually 6 to 12 months) and depending on how long he's been in he will get varying levels of support.

If you have anymore questions then i'll be happy to help

[jackthehat]

My boy joined R.E.M.E. aged 17 an a half. I had to sign his papers as he was under-age, but told him I would only do so provided he got himself a trade that can be carried out into civvie-street (i.e. NOT artilliery or tank-driver).
He trained to be an Avionics Technician and worked on helicopters. He did a tour of Afghanistan, but as he wasn't 'front-line' he was protected far more than the R.A. etc.
He is now undertaking training to actually be a helicopter pilot.
He's now 23 and having the time of his life...........

[crisgal]

thanks so much for the answers guys - it's really helpful. we're going down to the army office tomorrow for more information.
thanks again ♥

[dothawkes31]

My youngest son is well on his way to joining the RAF, he is doing the practise tests for the entrance exam and researching the things they've told him he needs to be clued up on to pass the test, there were no vacancies apparently until September and so he is supposed to be doing his tests later this year, he's determined to get in but I am not sure why there is a waiting time, maybe it is a popular choice.

[bobjugs12]

Dot, what trade is your lad going into?

[mosesg]

Definately get him to learn a trade I work in the oil industry and we have quite a lot of ex military personnel working her using skills they learnt in the forces. I can understand why you are cautious about letting him go as he is still your wee boy, but everyone I have ever know who has joined the forces have enjoyed the experience.

[mollykins]

The higher rates and ranks treat you like dirt, especially when you're only a recruite.

My cousin went to a basic training weekend, he could handle the discipline and hard work, but didn't want to be talked down to, like dirt, by people that were only the next rate up.

Plus i go to sea cadets, and one night a week, the army cadets are on the same grounds aswell, and even then, with children as young as 12, they shout and sometimes swear at them, and make them run round our unit (the biggets of the three) a few times.

[boxtops]

Molly, I don't really think you're really in a position to comment. Crisgal is looking for help and advice from people who have family who are serving, or who are in the army themselves.

[Prudie]

Molly do you think a 16yr old female still at school can give advice on going into the army based on sea cadets? It's necessary to take rough discipline at the start in order to instil respect which all the armed forces depend on. There will always be exceptions but most people look on/look back on their time serving with deep pride, a sense of belonging and most particularly lifelong camaraderie that you don't usually get in civilian life.

[Prudie]

Sorry boxtops took so long to compose myself and my answer that I hadn't sen yours

[boxtops]

Thanks prudie, you were more polite than I felt.

[mollykins]

yeah but i se how they treat children, plus my cousin experienced army life for a few days.

[boxtops]

You don't see molly, going for a couple of days is nothing like signing up for twelve years. Can you please not accept that this is something somewhat out of your remit for once?

[boxtops]

Sorry, I was so annoyed that there are too many nots^ - can you please accept, molly, that this is something you really don't know anything about, for once? Those of us with family with a Forces history DO know.