Good question. I don't know about joining now as its a different time to when many joined, but Ive spoken to a lot of ex forces, more so RM, I can honestly say I've not spoken to any one who regrets joining or wished they hadn't. Even people who were injured in operations. I've met people who did their minimum time and were quite scathing in their opinions but even they said they were glad they did it and don't regret it, what they gained from the whole experience was still worth it. It's just a personal anecdote and obviously there will be people who would disagree but it's always stuck out to me.For the retired paratroopers on here. Would you join up and do it all again as civilian now ?
Thanks that’s good to here. The military isn’t just war but I’m mainly wondering if those that joined when herrick and telic were active would join as a civilian now without any operations like those going on.Good question. I don't know about joining now as its a different time to when many joined, but Ive spoken to a lot of ex forces, more so RM, I can honestly say I've not spoken to any one who regrets joining or wished they hadn't. Even people who were injured in operations. I've met people who did their minimum time and were quite scathing in their opinions but even they said they were glad they did it and don't regret it, what they gained from the whole experience was still worth it. It's just a personal anecdote and obviously there will be people who would disagree but it's always stuck out to me.
In a heartbeat, yes! The brotherhood can’t be summed up in words and life skills you’ll gain are second to noneFor the retired paratroopers on here. Would you join up and do it all again as civilian now ?
The allure of falling for promotional recruitment advertising is strong. Scrolling through social media feeds only to hover a fraction of a second longer over the masked up, C8 wielding, SF looking Commando or Para is inevitable. Therein lies both thrill and pitfall.
I think we all, as the target market, need to accept that recruitment is a form of advertising. My instinctive inclination is to drill deeper into the role and not fall over the airbrushed recruitment posts.
Call of duty looking posts have replaced the posters of squaddies windsurfing. That is why I enjoy mediums such as this, as you can actually have a discussion with a human and not just look at a carefully designed and staged photograph with a snappy caption. Talking with those that have done or are doing the job is key. I’m under no illusion that as a platoon commander (should I make it) I won’t be diving out of planes, kicking down doors and engaging with an enemy on a regular basis. I appreciate that I will inevitably be behind a desk dealing with administrative tasks. That confident conclusion notwithstanding I remain committed to attempting to join the Paras. For me, in all honesty, I’d much rather read battle honours than glossy recruitment posts.
My advice is to look past the advertising and continue to research the two units by talking with those in them. There absolutely are striking similarities but separated by role. You’ll know which one is the best fit once you drill deeper into them and talk with them on a one to one
This is very sensible advice for anyone looking at either arm. Always take recruiting material with a pinch of salt, and get second and third opinions. This applies to any Service or Arm. Regardless of what they say, recruiters are there to get bums on seats, not to fulfill your every wish and desire, and shockingly adverts may not reflect real experience: not every patrol stops for prayer, and not every bootneck gets his own face tarantula.
The one big difference for soldier entry is, as identified, you know for sure with Para Reg that your career path as a Tom is infantry. As RM you can't be as certain, though you'll always be infantry trained. Be aware though (@Scott R particularly), for officers that's reversed. With the Army you cannot guarantee your regiment or arm before Sandhurst, whereas if you pass AIB and PRMC, you will definitely be a RM officer if you complete the course.
As I can attest! PARA is always one of, if not the most, competitive Regiments, and all individual infantry Regiments have limited spaces per year that are not always evenly distributed among the Sandhurst terms. So as an OCdt you aren't just competing with the ~600 people in your term, but the other ~1200 that year. Worse, if you are in the wrong intake, the 8 places (example only, actual numbers change each year) available at the start of the year may have now only 1 remaining for your term. 1/171 (7/1200) is a far better chance than 1/600.Excellent point. My best friend was a C Sgt at RMAS and said that some good lads have failed at the board. It’s sensible to manage your expectations ahead of Sandhurst and don’t see it as a such thing that you’ll end up Reg.
As I can attest! PARA is always one of, if not the most, competitive Regiments, and all individual infantry Regiments have limited spaces per year that are not always evenly distributed among the Sandhurst terms. So as an OCdt you aren't just competing with the ~600 people in your term, but the other ~1200 that year. Worse, if you are in the wrong intake, the 8 places (example only, actual numbers change each year) available at the start of the year may have now only 1 remaining for your term. 1/171 (7/1200) is a far better chance than 1/600.
Competition is good, but winners also play the odds.
Before you start at Sandhurst. It didn't exist in my time, so for specific info you'll need to look elsewhere.Out of interest at what stage does the POIC ( Officer insight course) occur?
Fair question. Honestly, no. A couple of qualifications to that, however:Thanks that’s good to here. The military isn’t just war but I’m mainly wondering if those that joined when herrick and telic were active would join as a civilian now without any operations like those going on.