Applying to British Army

[Kimmy]

It's been something I've wanted to do for years, but has sort of been shot down by other people and immediate life. Now, I have my chance and honestly? I'd love to get away.
I'm applying this year, of course, but despite having extensive research on each specific job (there's so many to choose from) I cannot decide what exactly to apply for.

Here's the list of my considerations:


At 18, you can apply to be an officer (and undergo training) with 180 UCAS points, which I have.
I could also apply to be an Infantry Soldier, which, essentially is front-line fighting.
There's a Ceremonial Gunner, which to me, doesn't entirely fit within my dreams. However, it does seem cool.
There's Household Cavalry too, which often performs ceremonial duties, but learns to lead a four-wheeled troop of armoured vehicles.
There's a HR Specialist, providing administrative support to army personnel. This includes a lot more secretorial work.
Driver (self explanitory).
Paratrooper - This is where you drop into action via helicopter or plane etc. Seems infinitely cooler, and has always been high up there on my considerations lists.
Dog Handler (because dogs.)
Mariner, which handles the ships and taking supplied and troops around the world.
Air Defense Gunner (Rapier)
Household Cavalry Soldier, much like Household Cavalry, though crews vehicles on opperations.
Logistic Troop Officer

Obviously I've done research on each one and I know the requirements. It's not like I can hop in and grab the job. It takes years to reach some of them and I'm willing to put the work in.
I have no idea, however, where to start and what to go for. I'd hate to begin one and decide against it in the future.
There's a few more that I haven't mentioned too, and some of the details might be a bit off.

Any ideas or help? Anyone have any extensive knowledge on any of the mentioned jobs?

[Richie]

Not being sexist but I was surprised at this 'front-line fighting.' I honestly didn't think females were able to join frontline combat for various reasons, wasn't it all over the news a couple of years back? 'Woman could make british army less effective' is the first google return for front-line female soliders which was published by the dailymail
Ripieno;

[Kimmy]

Not being sexist but I was surprised at this 'front-line fighting.' I honestly didn't think females were able to join frontline combat for various reasons, wasn't it all over the news a couple of years back? 'Woman could make british army less effective' is the first google return for front-line female soliders which was published by the dailymail
Ripieno;

I thought that all changed, no idea. I'll look it up. I'll be so pissed it it's not allowed!

[Empired]

I have absolutely no idea how to help you but there's a position for dog handler???????? Do you get to train them or just look after them? I'd never even thought of a job like this. It's something I'd seriously consider though wow I'm so excited

[Inseriousity.]

I think your best bet would be to go to an army careers centre and ask your questions there. maybe there is flexibility to move around if you wish etc but you won't know until you ask.

http://www.army.mod.uk/join/20088.aspx

From what I can make out, they're really downsizing the army and building up reserves instead.

[Kimmy]

I have absolutely no idea how to help you but there's a position for dog handler???????? Do you get to train them or just look after them? I'd never even thought of a job like this. It's something I'd seriously consider though wow I'm so excited

I'm pretty sure you get to train them as well as handle them? That's what threw me. I love dogs, always wanted to work with them... and then there's all of this fighting stuff. It looks so misplaced ahh

- - - Updated - - -


I think your best bet would be to go to an army careers centre and ask your questions there. maybe there is flexibility to move around if you wish etc but you won't know until you ask.

http://www.army.mod.uk/join/20088.aspx

From what I can make out, they're really downsizing the army and building up reserves instead.

Reserves though. ;l

[Richie]

I thought that all changed, no idea. I'll look it up. I'll be so pissed it it's not allowed!

Would you really want to put on the front line though, it's so easy to make the decision then regret it, you're putting your life on the line. I love this quote "Soldiers! don't give yourselves to brutes - men who despise you - enslave you - who regiment your lives - tell you what to do - what to think and what to feel!".

Each to their own, I guess. Personally I wouldn't, some may think that's a cowardly and selfish decision but I wouldn't be able to take another mans life if a war was to arise, which is essentially what you're signing up for.

Perhaps if you were to take up a position, don't take something as heavy as front line combat.

[scottish]

I think your best bet would be to go to an army careers centre and ask your questions there. maybe there is flexibility to move around if you wish etc but you won't know until you ask.

http://www.army.mod.uk/join/20088.aspx

From what I can make out, they're really downsizing the army and building up reserves instead.

Let's hope not, they've already been informed from like every person in senior positions that downsizing will severely cripple our defence in a time when we need it the most.

Depends really, from my perception if you, you'd be better suited as dog handler or HR specialist.

but yes go to a career center and ask for more info.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Joining the army is a immensely respectful thing to do, man or woman, and serving Queen and country isn't something you should let people put you off with stupid comments. The army wouldn't be my type of thing - I prefer the Royal Navy myself - but if it is yours then go and find out about it at a recruitment office.

My cousin joined the Royal Australian Army and he loves it.

[e5]

I have absolutely no idea how to help you but there's a position for dog handler???????? Do you get to train them or just look after them? I'd never even thought of a job like this. It's something I'd seriously consider though wow I'm so excited


I'm pretty sure you get to train them as well as handle them? That's what threw me. I love dogs, always wanted to work with them... and then there's all of this fighting stuff. It looks so misplaced ahh

- - - Updated - - -



Reserves though. ;l

Dog Handlers will work with dogs (and train) that can sniff out bombs or sniff out drugs or find IED's and to follow a trail. They're a very useful tool the Army has access to!

[scottish]

Dog handlers are skilled soldiers who work with Military Working Dogs wherever the Army is deployed. You start by working with protection dogs, looking after the security and safety of strategic assets and bases. Later you might be chosen to handle specialist dogs that can detect arms and explosives.

Your initial training teaches you how to handle, look after and care for your protection dog on operations and hones your skills as a handler and professional soldier. You join a squadron in the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, where your soldiering skills are developed. You also complete training that prepares you and your dog for operations.

You learn veterinary care techniques related to the health, welfare and training of military working dogs. You learn to handle protection dogs and to detect and apprehend intruders. You could also be chosen to go on a Specialist Dog Handler course, where you learn to handle arms and explosive search dogs, high assurance search dogs, dual role dogs, vehicle search dogs, infantry patrol dogs or tracker dogs.

Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Animal Care (Service Dog Handler) (QCF)
Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Animal Care (Service Dog Handler) (QCF)

[Bloop]

sorry but why would you ever think of applying to the military

[Kimmy]

sorry but why would you ever think of applying to the military

Sorry, but why not?
Couldn't I question that about any job?

[welshcake]

I wish I could join the army, I've always wanted to but I wouldn't pass the medical. I think it's great you're thinking of doing it. Use what skills you have now to pick what you wanted to do. I wanted to go into IT and communications. Cry. I wish I could.

[Okeanos]

Joining the army is a immensely respectful thing to do, man or woman, and serving Queen and country isn't something you should let people put you off with stupid comments.

Come off it, soldiers deserve zero respect. There is nothing respectful about being trained to kill people and no matter how you dress it up, that is essentially what they army is for. As for serving Queen and country, maj can go to hell. If you want to serve the country why not do something useful like becoming a doctor, nurse, police officer, teacher or social worker - they do a whole lot more for the country than an idiot with a gun.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Come off it, soldiers deserve zero respect. There is nothing respectful about being trained to kill people and no matter how you dress it up, that is essentially what they army is for.

So the millions of young lads who gave their lives for King and country against the Third Reich deserve zero respect?

Maybe you should go over to your beloved Europe, stand on the fields of Flanders (as I have) and take in the sacrifice they made for us. Absolute lions of men.


As for serving Queen and country, maj can go to hell. If you want to serve the country why not do something useful like becoming a doctor, nurse, police officer, teacher or social worker - they do a whole lot more for the country than an idiot with a gun.

Doctors, Police, teachers and social workers aren't the ones throwing themselves in a shower of bullets in a foreign hellhole so you can post this tripe freely.

[Empired]

Come off it, soldiers deserve zero respect. There is nothing respectful about being trained to kill people and no matter how you dress it up, that is essentially what they army is for. As for serving Queen and country, maj can go to hell. If you want to serve the country why not do something useful like becoming a doctor, nurse, police officer, teacher or social worker - they do a whole lot more for the country than an idiot with a gun.
Ah yes let's scrap our murderous army and be invaded by the East- or literally any country that notices how we have no defense system- instead. There's no point in the super useful doctors nurses, police officers, teachers and social workers if we have no way of protecting them from outside threats.

And @Ripieno (http://www.habboxforum.com/member.php?u=121601); how's it going? Any more idea on what to do next?

[Kimmy]

Ah yes let's scrap our murderous army and be invaded by the East- or literally any country that notices how we have no defense system- instead. There's no point in the super useful doctors nurses, police officers, teachers and social workers if we have no way of protecting them from outside threats.

And @Ripieno (http://www.habboxforum.com/member.php?u=121601); how's it going? Any more idea on what to do next?

Narrowed it down to paratrooper, a regular soldier or an officer; but when I tried to apply it asks for a passport and i don't have one yet grrr

Need to get everything sorted.

- - - Updated - - -


Come off it, soldiers deserve zero respect. There is nothing respectful about being trained to kill people and no matter how you dress it up, that is essentially what they army is for. As for serving Queen and country, maj can go to hell. If you want to serve the country why not do something useful like becoming a doctor, nurse, police officer, teacher or social worker - they do a whole lot more for the country than an idiot with a gun.

Or, you do whatever the **** you want because you don't have to conform to everyone else's views and opinions? :)

[Empired]

Narrowed it down to paratrooper, a regular soldier or an officer; but when I tried to apply it asks for a passport and i don't have one yet grrr

Need to get everything sorted.
Passports are a pain. When did you apply for one? I had to renew mine recentlyish and it took absolutely ages. I was supposed to be going on a school trip to France and nearly missed it because my passport took such a long time :rolleyes:

[Kimmy]

Passports are a pain. When did you apply for one? I had to renew mine recentlyish and it took absolutely ages. I was supposed to be going on a school trip to France and nearly missed it because my passport took such a long time :rolleyes:

Not applied yet, I'm so slow! Going to do it this week though ... Why do they take so long? ;l

[Empired]

Not applied yet, I'm so slow! Going to do it this week though ... Why do they take so long? ;l
:/
well you're not gonna get a passport if you haven't applied for one :////////// ;)

And because there are a lot of applications to get through I assume

[Okeanos]

So the millions of young lads who gave their lives for King and country against the Third Reich deserve zero respect?

Maybe you should go over to your beloved Europe, stand on the fields of Flanders (as I have) and take in the sacrifice they made for us. Absolute lions of men.

Doctors, Police, teachers and social workers aren't the ones throwing themselves in a shower of bullets in a foreign hellhole so you can post this tripe freely.

Typical right-wing argument. Yes, I do respect the soldiers who died in WW2 - that was probably the only worthwhile war we've ever been in - but that does not mean all soldiers deserve respect.

Every soldier who died in Iraq and Afghanistan has died I vain since their 'sacrifice' (:rolleyes:) has made no difference to my freedom. Iraq and Afghanistan never posed a threat to the UK, I would have been free to say this regardless of whether we went to war or not. Risking your life for no good reason is not worthy of my respect.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Typical right-wing argument. Yes, I do respect the soldiers who died in WW2 - that was probably the only worthwhile war we've ever been in - but that does not mean all soldiers deserve respect.

Yes it is a right wing argument. That's right, because we actually aren't consumed self-loathing.

And what about the Falklands? The two-hundred or something men who died in that conflict? Aden? Malaya? Korea? Singapore? the Raj?


Every soldier who died in Iraq and Afghanistan has died I vain since their 'sacrifice' (:rolleyes:) has made no difference to my freedom. Iraq and Afghanistan never posed a threat to the UK, I would have been free to say this regardless of whether we went to war or not. Risking your life for no good reason is not worthy of my respect.

I don't agree with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan either you'll be surpsied to know however the soldiers did die for their country and whether or not you agree with the conflict you still have and show respect for men who did their duty when called up and served their country.

Giving your life for your country and people is just about the most noble thing you can do.

[Okeanos]

And what about the Falklands? The two-hundred or something men who died in that conflict? Aden? Malaya? Korea? Singapore? the Raj?

All pointless.


I don't agree with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan either you'll be surpsied to know however the soldiers did die for their country and whether or not you agree with the conflict you still have and show respect for men who did their duty when called up and served their country.

Giving your life for your country and people is just about the most noble thing you can do.

No I don't because as I say, it was futile, it achieved nothing, all they did was destabilise a region and kill hundreds of thousands of innocent people. Nobody who died 'gave' their life willingly, if they had the choice I'm sure they'd have all chosen to live.They died doing a job, why do they deserve special attention and respect? Plenty of people have died doing jobs in other professions.

[-:Undertaker:-]

All pointless.

Defending the Britons on the Falklands from an aggressive act of war by the Argentine junta was pointless?


No I don't because as I say, it was futile, it achieved nothing, all they did was destabilise a region and kill hundreds of thousands of innocent people. Nobody who died 'gave' their life willingly, if they had the choice I'm sure they'd have all chosen to live.They died doing a job, why do they deserve special attention and respect? Plenty of people have died doing jobs in other professions.

It's a little different joining the army to other professions, ie a brick layer dying on the job as a brick falls on his head. Is marching straight into the hellfire of war and knowing you are likely to die as a result really comparable and worthy of only the same respect as a a guy who falls off his ladder?

You sound like the kinda guy who, back in the late 1930s, would've sat back and refused to serve. How brave of you.

[Okeanos]

Defending the Britons on the Falklands from an aggressive act of war by the Argentine junta was pointless?

Yup.


It's a little different joining the army to other professions, ie a brick layer dying on the job as a brick falls on his head. Is marching straight into the hellfire of war and knowing you are likely to die as a result really comparable and worthy of only the same respect as a a guy who falls off his ladder?

You sound like the kinda guy who, back in the late 1930s, would've sat back and refused to serve. How brave of you.

I respect the brick layer more. If you have so little respect for life that you're willing to throw yours away in a blaze of bullets for no reason then the world is probably better off without you. As for bravery, is it brave for a soldier to shoot and bomb people just because they are told to? I don't think so.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Yup.

So in other words you don't even believe in the basic human concept of self defence.

All I can say is goodluck to your friends, family or future wife and children if the time ever comes for you to stand up and defend them.


I respect the brick layer more. If you have so little respect for life that you're willing to throw yours away in a blaze of bullets for no reason then the world is probably better off without you. As for bravery, is it brave for a soldier to shoot and bomb people just because they are told to? I don't think so.

You have little respect for life as just above you've said the Falklands conflict, saving the people living there, was pointless.

[Okeanos]

So in other words you don't even believe in the basic human concept of self defence.

All I can say is goodluck to your friends, family or future wife and children if the time ever comes for you to stand up and defend them.



You have little respect for life as just above you've said the Falklands conflict, saving the people living there, was pointless.

Defence, sure - but the war didn't archive much as the Falkland Islanders still live with the threat of invasion. Diplomacy is the only thing that works in the end, not fighting. Your second point makes zero sense.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Defence, sure - but the war didn't archive much as the Falkland Islanders still live with the threat of invasion.

Yes it did. The Falklands remain British and free, and the Argentine military junta collapsed as a result.


Diplomacy is the only thing that works in the end

There's nothing to diplomatically discuss. The Britons in the Falklands wish to remain a colony under the Crown, the British Government wishes the same yet Argentina doesn't. What else is there to discuss?

Argentina: "We demand the Falklands"
Falklands: "No we don't want you"
Britain: "We and those in the Falklands don't want you"

End of discussion.


not fighting.

Fighting doesn't work? What!? Errrr the crushing military defeat of the Japanese Empire and the Third Reich didn't work then?


Your second point makes zero sense.

No, that is you.

You've gone now from saying that all soldiers are killers to having said that in some wars it may be justified. You are all over the place.