When you join the military, dies everyone who wears, or once wore, a uniform become your family?

Question

Hi there, I am off to the RAF soon, having just passed pre-selection. Whilst there the CO told us that:

'From the first day you put on that blue uniform until the day you get put in the ground, every member of HM Armed Forces, regardless of Service, Rank, or Role, is your sibling. There is cheerful banter and ribbing but when the sun goes down we're all here to do a job, and we all stick together through thick and thin, no matter what colour your uniform, no matter whether you're a recruit or an Air Marshal,'

This is more or less what he said- is it true? Do we really help each other out, for all life, on base and off? If it is, I can't wait!

***Sorry, meant 'does', not 'dies', in the title!

Answer 1

I will always consider my brothers and sisters in arms family. Just like real family, there will be ones you love, a few you like, and some you hate.

Answer 2

Basically what he is saying is one branch can't get along without the other. Each is designed to support the other.
Obviously, as in any venture, whether it is military or civilian, there will be individuals that you won't like. It is natural. But when it comes down to the real deal, war, then you have to put all that aside and cover each others azz.
If it is in a pub and someone you don't like is in a good old fashioned knock down drag out barn burner then it is no big deal if you walk away. It might just wake him up and figure out maybe if he wasn't an azz hole, then he would have had some back up.

Answer 3

It is certainly true of many British Army regiments, so why not the Royal Air Force?

I mean, when the RAF scramble to go and intercept a Russian bomber somewhere over the North Sea, they must have with them the memory of their glory of the Battle of Britain. No one can ever take that away.

I know for a fact that when the British Army battle tanks roll forward, they are all accompanied by the spirit of the 8th Army. There is no doubt of it.

Once in, you are never really ever out. It's for life and beyond.

Answer 4

I joined the Canadian Forces in 1977, and that i actually did not decrease back then. I retired from the RegForce in 2002, and with the aid of that factor, it became into starting to be so lots extra complication-loose. right this moment marks my thirty 5th anniversary of first starting to be a member of. i'm a reservist now, and human beings have a lots extra effective appreciate for the armed forces than that day I first joined. maximum do not something, yet, some will remark, even nonetheless not many.

Answer 5

This is true in war time or when on active duty. However, in peace time it is not quite the same although but there is a special bond that develops between certain groups and types of servicemen, mainly in those whose job is being active in a defensive role, like flying staffs and RAF Regiment types. What tends to happen is that those that you befriend during training and development often remain close contacts throughout your career.

Answer 6

My hubby says that is true. There is definate banter between different trades within the RAF but you are all on the same side and are one big family.
I am sure you will enjoy your career in the RAF. Congrats on passing the selection process. Wish you luck with your future.

Answer 7

There is a distinct difference in my mind between a man or woman who served and a civilian. No matter what branch or country they served in. If I meet someone who is a vet I am a lot more likely to form an acquaintance or do a favor than I am if they never served.
Probably a prejudice on my part but it is the truth.

Answer 8

Yes, there is a bond between the Armed Forces that exists nowhere else.
My best mate is still an Army mate from 1975.
It's true and absoultely amazing.
Enjoy

Answer 9

To this is true for most military people but not all some whilst not ashamed of their service prefer to fade away. Of course some ex military like to trade on their service but too many.

Answer 10

Your colleagues in whichever squadron /unit you serve in will more or less become your extended family.
These are the guys and girls that if you go into battle, you need to rely on them to possibly save your life.
They will become in some ways more important at times than your actually family.
But remember it swings both ways they will rely on you just as much.
Good luck my friend
Always an honour speak to someone brave enough to defend our country.
Please take care.
Baz