Im thinking of joining the British Military...?

Question

Should i join the army, The Navy, or the royal marines. And what ever else you can suggest?

Answer 1

Think very, very hard before joining any of the services. You have to sign up for at least 4 years, and that's a long time. The state of the world at the moment means you will definitely get posted somewhere harsh. Iraq or Afghanistan now or who knows where in a couple of years. It's not like it used to be. Don't misunderstand me, i'm not against the forces and i think all those who join are very brave (if a bit mad) but it's a big decision. I'm not a forces person myself but my job means i train a lot of forces (medical) personel so i know a bit about it. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Answer 2

Do not join the Royal Air Force, especially the Royal Air Force Regiment, they are the laughing stock of the U.K armed forces. Although their food is generally very good. Be careful about some of the Army regiments, some of them are a bit ordinary, try the paras or the marines.

Answer 3

Have a serious thought about what exactly you would like to do in the forces.
Once that is clear in your mind pop along to your nearest Army careers office and talk to the recruiting sergeant there.

The good thing with the Army is that can learn any trade you want to. Its not killing and getting blown up, there are many jobs you could do and lets face it your not going to drown in the army or fall out of the air lol.

Give it a go, youve got nothing to loose and you are not commited to anything by asking a few questions.

Answer 4

Don't want to be unnecessarily negative about your ambition, but have you seen how little the gov't cares about our wounded be it physically or mentally.
Also, money might not be your driving force, i don't know, and at a young age the salary might even seem appealing, but honestly, i think the pay is a disgrace and shows what real contempt our gov't has for our military personnel.
The British gov't over the years has a poor track record of looking after our troops once they have served their use (eg military personnel subjected to nuclear tests in the 50's which were deemed 'safe' through to the effects of depleted uranium used in shells now and since the first Gulf War in 1991).
You might be lucky to escape physical injury but i hope you seriously research the effects of our military interventions on ex-service peoples minds. I read that there have been more suicides as a result from aftermath of The Falklands War in 1982 than there were battle casualties.
As President Bush famously said, "War is a dangerous place" (top of the class for that one Mr Bush!), and many ex military have to deal with their conscience (if they have one) for many years to come.
Maybe's consider a career that puts your interests first rather than potentially going to die or kill others on the whim of some pen pusher in parliament who, i'm sure would dissuade any of their own loved ones to be in the front line. (eg.I'm sure Prince Harry will be far removed from any action in Iraq and it looks like by the time he gets there they might be coming back anyway?!).
Furthermore, i dont feel, in the current climate that our involvement in backing US wars/expanding military bases around the world is something to look back on with pride. Just ask the majority of the people of Iraq and the people we invade if they believe their lives will be improved by our intervention. (though it's debatable whether our mainstream media will ever report the truth as 'ordinary' Iraqi's see it and experience it on a daily basis in THEIR country.
It's playing politics with people's lives.

Answer 5

The best option at the moment is The Royal Air Force. They are deployed all over the world and the life is great. Any trade or licence you acquire will stand you in good stead post RAF career. If you want to be an infanteer, join the Royal Air Force Regiment. Good pay and conditions and some great postings.

Answer 6

The Royal Marines but make sure you are fit enough!

Answer 7

What ever you join, make sure you get a trade - cannon fodder does not count - and make sure its a uniform and colour you like, after all you will be spending a lot of time in it. Also think about how messy you will get - air, sea or mucky field hmm what a choice!!! To be honest, you'd be better training to be a plumber or electrician, or mental health nurse, we'll need loads of those soon.

Answer 8

It also depends on what you want to do with your life after your service is up.

All branches of the armed forces have specialisations and you should aim for one if you can that will give you a head start in civvy street

Answer 9

That's a tough question, you should research what possibilities are available to you and go with the one that sounds the most interesting and that can play to your personal skills and strengths.

And if that doesn't work, pick the one with the sexiest uniform. Girls can't resist a man in uniform!

Answer 10

Don't know about getting blown up - but you will realise how much your countries' politicians (the ones in power at the time) care for you when you're in a losing battle.