With any luck I am joining the British Army soon; how can I get to the rank of R.S.M like my grandfather was?

Question

Hi, I have a link here to my last question explaining that my grandfather was an RSM during WW2.

I have my interview on Monday at my local Army careers office, so they can size me up and I can ask any questions (but I thought I'd try here first!).

I know that the rank of RSM is a long, long way away for a recruit such as myself, but please tolerate my dream here for a moment.

What sort of qualities do you need to get to RSM? How can I give myself the best chance of getting there in many years, are there any jobs I should/ should not do to give myself a better chance?

I know it's a long way off but I'd just like to hear what you think. Do you have to join a particular sort of Regiment to stand the best chance of becoming RSM?

Many thanks.

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvxLPqtHgl8pqAhulKVmejQgBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20071006120708AAjf1gT

I am prepared to work very hard to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather, even though I admit I don't have much of a clue at the moment.

My local Guards Regiment is the Coldstream Guards, would this be a good choice considering my motives? I don't have any technical qualifications and I can't weld or lay bricks or cook, and I like the ceremonial duties mixed wit hthe action.

Skin: maybe, maybe not, each to their own. All I know is that those I hold dear are worth it.

Answer 1

To get anywhere near Regimental Sargent Major you will need a lot of luck, and to put in a lot of hard work, considering it is one of the most prestigious Non-Commissioned Officer Posts in the British Army, and the relative small amount of places available as there is only one RSM per Regiment and the spot is filled by a long-tern proffesional soldier.

Just because your Grandfather made the grade dosent automatically mean you will.

Answer 2

x-mia mixed up the officer ranks a little. A Brigadier is between a Colonel and a Major-General. As far as responsibilities go, as you advance through the ranks, your duties and responsibilities increase. For enlisted ranks, a Private generally is in the 'learning' phase of his career. His job is to learn and do as he's told. Lance Corporals have completed initial training and are considered to be competent to provide direction and lead small numbers of soldiers. Corporals, along the same lines with slightly more responsibility. Sergeants/Staff Sergeants are the 'mentors' of the younger troops, leading and ensuring their development continues. A WO2 is a "Company Sergeant Major" The senior enlisted within a company. He's the right hand man to the Company Commander. A WO1 is the Regimental Sergeant Major. He generally only answers to the CO. He provides the CO advice on enlisted issues and oversees development of all subordinate ranks. Officers path generally follows the same pattern. 2Lts are in the learning phase and while they 'outrank' even the RSM, if they value their existence will never question his decisions nor attempt to give him direction. The smart 2Lt keeps his mouth closed and his eyes and ears open. Lts will lead small groups of soldiers, usually with the able assistance of Sergeants. Captains are Platoon Commanders and rely on the Staff Sergeants. Majors command Companies (this is the British system, I know in the US Army Captains command Companies) and rely on their Company Sergeant Majors for advice and assistance. LCol will command a Battalion. Next to the Company Commanders and Adjutant the RSM is probably a COs most important resource. Once you make Colonel your command duties are generally "Higher-Formation" duties, leaving the hands on Command to the LCols and below. Brigadiers and Generals are so high up they are seldom seen by the troops. Hope this gives you a bit of an idea about duties and responsibilites.

Answer 3

oh you have to be the best and be the very best crawly **** bum lick there ever was. Seriously make sure everything you do you give 110%, make sure you kit is immaculate and your military skills are better then everyone elses. Good luck mate and make sure you have some fun on the way!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

a lot of hard work about 20 years and these days

Answer 5

Along long long long long time of working very hard. Good luck as you need it.

Answer 6

Leadership qualities, hard work and proving yourself!

Good luck!

Answer 7

Simple - Be a good soldier like your grandad was,

Answer 8

Son, it takes time, lots of it, and patience, and hard bloody work.
Have a good life, be safe. :-)

Answer 9

I respect your choice for joining ....But why ? Is the country worth fighting for anymore?

Answer 10

BE THE FIRST TO COME ON THE DIGESTIVE,SO U AIN'T THE ONE THAT EATS IT.