i really really want to join the Royal engineers in the army but all my family are putting me down saying if you go there be no going back and stuff like that but I'm under 18 so my mum will have 2 sign for me do you think i should try and change there minds or should i just wait till I'm 18?
2006-09-01 02:55:32 · 26 answers · asked by im_smoking_hot 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
wait til you're 18. That's something that's really hard to change you parents' minds.
2006-09-01 02:58:03 · answer #1 · answered by desigal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I would like to say that one of my best friends was once a Royal Engineer officer. He had a rich and varied career, good deployments to the Balkans and elsewhere, and is a well-adjusted, extremely happy man with a bright future. Be clear on this: There is life after military service.
Now as for your situation ...
(1) This should be a decision solely by you, for you. Requiring your parents to cave in and sign something is not the mark of independence, it demonstrates a lack of patience and respect for your family. If you were your own man, you wouldn't require a signature from someone else. Needling your parents to sign consent forms just comes across as wrong. Wait until you are 18, when you are inalienably your own man, and responsible for all your decisions.
(2) This doesn't mean you should just slack off and be a nuisance to everyone around the house with your bitterness. Work yourself to physical perfection. Seriously. Take up a martial art, do a lot of cardio work, use this time and the youth you have to build yourself up for your future. If you are physically fit, your career will prosper. If you are lacking in physical attributes, your career will suffer. It is simple as that. Supplement this by studying the basics that were taught you in high school. The sciences, the math, the language studies. If you are educated and articulate, you will be entrusted with greater responsibilities and rewards. If you are unable to perform even simple tasks and inarticulate, you will be blackballed. It is simple as that.
You have perhaps a year, two years, or far less left. Use the time to prepare. Read on military history, the state of the Army today, its weaponry, its manuals, where it is going, what it is doing. Read the press releases, then read everything else. Work out constantly. Think carefully on what you want to do: It may not be Royal Engineers. It could be Paras. It could be an Armor unit. It could be something else. Give yourself the luxury of time. Don't take it away from yourself by going into service now and being the underage kid, the runt for everyone to pick for details.
Good luck.
2006-09-01 14:41:31 · answer #2 · answered by Nat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Advise them that there is the opportunity to go back. Up to the age of 18 or older if you are still carrying out your training you can (DAOR) Discharge As Of Right (Get out of the army) at any time and it is solely your decision. You could explain to them that this is the career path that you really want to follow.
There is nothing wrong with the army, take it from someone who knows in fact it is actually a good life. Or, like you say you could wait to you are 18.
I had the exact same problem you are having now, but i had it 11 years ago, i was 17 when i joined and I've never looked back.
2006-09-02 18:02:38 · answer #3 · answered by nosnibor_jay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a serving soldier in the Royal Engineers, I joined when i was 16 years old and have never looked back, having had a varied career and been trained to a high standard in my trade.
If you are totally set on joining up and they are so against it, they may not listen so waiting until you are 18 may be your only option.
2006-09-02 16:46:40 · answer #4 · answered by andy m234 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Consider trying thde following:
* join a cadet organisation - Army Cadets being the best option I would suggest.
* Ask about look at life at the Army Careers Office - spend a week with the army.
Neither of these forces you to go on to the Army.
Alternatively try the TA, the options to get out there are easier.
Note - advice given from the viewpoint of a Leiutenant in the Army Cadet Force.
2006-09-02 03:17:29 · answer #5 · answered by james_langham 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should wait, the reason for this is nothing to do with what your parents think. When you join the army your terms of service depend on when you can get out of the army. Open Engagement is the one you will be on which means you have to do a minimum of fours years man service. And i say man service because this time does not count until your eighteenth birthday. Why would this matter i here you say... Well for one if you hate it when you join up you will have longer to serve before you can get out. And if you like it and want to stay if you will have to wait longer for the committal bonuses you get at your five and eight year point. I would be nice to have your parents backing but once they see you passing off on the drill square they will be proud as punch.
2006-09-01 13:58:20 · answer #6 · answered by Coley61 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is something you really want to do, then don't let your family put you off. Talk to a careers adviser from the Army and he will help explain things to you including the committment that you are expected to make when you join. I think you got to join or at least three years now. Not sure though so check it out.
2006-09-01 09:59:12 · answer #7 · answered by paradisefound1980 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I ran into the same problem, my mom did not want to sign for me when I was 17, but I talked her into it. But I am very happy with what I do, and that is what you need to do as well! Make sure this is what you want to do!!!! Your family is right, there really is no backing out once you're sworn in! If it is what you want, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Just be sure!
2006-09-01 10:07:47 · answer #8 · answered by *~HoNeYBeE~* 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wait till your over 21, before then you will change your mind about most things daily - but that's just being a teenager! you've got plenty of time for making big decisions in the future.
2006-09-01 10:01:10 · answer #9 · answered by dosyposie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wait until you are old enough to go on your own signature. Then there is no one to blame for a mistake other than you. Get more education. A engineer, needs to be educated and have the knowledge to advance in rank. Sergeants get to watch privates much out the crappers.
2006-09-01 09:59:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm currently a full screw in the infantry i joined the first time when i was 17 and to be honest i believe its to young i got out and then rejoined at 19 and don't look back.Its up to you but enjoy your time as a civvy and enjoy your youth then join.
2006-09-01 18:53:42 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋