A friend of mine is about to go into Sandhurst to do his Officer training and I don't really know what it means to be an Officer in the British Army, what the next three months will hold for him while he is in training, how they decide if you 'pass' or not and what happens next.
He is a qualified physiotherapist and I understand that they run a course for Post Graduates and that he will be a lieutenant level physiotherapist. I am just totally ignorant about it all and can't seem to find out much on the internet. For example, what are they addressed as while on their Officer training, so that if I were to write to him, what would I put before his name?
No one in my family has been in the military at all and it is a totally alien culture to me. I would love to hear from someone who has been through the same course at Sandhurst or who knows all about it to help fill me in!
Many thanks,
D
2007-01-19 05:39:02 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Very roughly -
Look beyond the military protocols and strutting.
An army officer is a decision maker (an NCO is a decision interpreter and a "grunt" just does it). True, an officer will get the credit for his team's work but he also carries the can if they under perform.
In active service he is responsible for the lives of his men as well as achieving the mission set by the generals.
At all levels he is a team leader and will undergo what in Civvy Street would be called Manegment Training.
When he "passes out" expect your friend to be the equivalent of a senior shift manager (ward sister or male equivalent sort of thing).
2007-01-19 05:54:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Second Lieutenant : Pretends he's in charge but as to ask about everthing...Good.
First Lieutenant : Has learned a lot now thinks he knows a lot....OK.
Captain : Cocky I'm the man I know it all "that's an order soldier" kinda guy.....OK to a point.
Major : Seen it done it and bought the Polo Shirt they know it all so don't even try to tell them any different....
Lt Coronal : Getting up in the clouds but still in touch with the boys on the ground...Will often be seen during a Ex visiting freezing cold P*ssed off squaddies in his megga heated Range Rover asking how are you today and keep it up...
Coronal : Getting up with the Brass still talks to squaddies normally from a raised position.
I could go higher in the ranks but most leave before they hit top Brass so there ain't that many and to tell you the truth I ain't met the many although I did meet a Brigadier once he was wearing white trainers and his combats look like sh*t isn't jail time for any mortal but who's gonna pull a Brig..
2007-01-19 16:59:22 · answer #2 · answered by 284561 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Officers learn to delegate and ensure Self preservation plus Sandhurst trained ones are taught to speak with a plumb in their mouth and drink Port and Pass the Buck
That's why it only takes 12 weeks
2007-01-19 05:48:49 · answer #3 · answered by Roger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Struts around like a peacock, barking orders, saluting and being saluted at every turn. Sits on his petard and pushes papers whilst the grunts do the real work. Gets overpaid for underworking and thinks he is the Queens gift to society.
As well as speaking with a plum in the mouth to fool people into thinking he is upper class his converstaion rarely contains anything intelligent above that of military jargon and patronizing spoeech to his superiors. Anyone want to join?
2007-01-19 05:46:26 · answer #4 · answered by Shelty K 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a "qualified physiotherapist" in civilian life he'll get to perform same duties but probably in Iraq, AFGHANISTAN, or anywhere else the MOD decide to post him.
They are addressed as Mr.. during Officer training - basic respect !
He'll be given a number and rank - you will add his surname to it when you write to him !
2007-01-19 05:43:59 · answer #5 · answered by Hello 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think there is, as long as you have the physical ability, and pass all the mental tests they use then they will allow you. Also if u have done service in the police etc. that will increase your chances. To be honest, my brother joined when he was 16 and now a staff sargent, he is fed up of the army and only staying in for the pension now. and to keep upto the physical standard, it involves a great deal of effort. also if you have watched any video's, such as panorama, it will make you think twice about joining. if i was you i would visit the millitary careers office. they will discus the best route for you. and if you dont have a lift, they will pick you up. and i agree with the person above, go for the RAF, the prospects are much better. Also if you are intelegent then the RAF is the better option, there is a reason why the army is (cant think of the word, but advertising) and that's because nobody wants to join. Also consider joning other branches of the forces. BTW i'm only 16 but most of my family have been in the Army, royal signals, royal dragoons. RAF police. RAF. Navy etc. Also with the RAF you get to travel, that's a major bonus.
2016-05-23 21:57:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will get a gun and be sent to fight Bush's war on "Terror" which could be anything you like.
2007-01-19 06:45:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he wanted you to know, he would have told you...... sorry.
2007-01-19 05:58:29 · answer #8 · answered by Bunts 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋