Break after Phase 1 training

kingascona

Dear All,
I come from Ghana in Africa. I have been offered employment in the British Army as a Commonwealth soldier in Royal Regiment of Artillery; and my chosen trade is Artillery Logistics. I will start the phase 1 army training (basic training) very soon at Pirbright in Surrey. I am looking forward to it.
On completion of my basic training, there be a break before Phase 2 training at Larkhill on Salisbury Plain.
I would like to know if the army will allow me to visit my country after the phase 1 training (if I get two weeks break) and then come for my phase 2 training after my visit.
I would be most grateful if you could kindly advise me on that and also if you could brief me more. Thanks.

sammie383

Hi,

My Husband completed his basic training at Pirbright this time last year.

I have asked him and he said that yes you will be allowed to go back to Ghana on your break. He also said that if yuo speak to your "troop staff" once you are on phase 1 training they will help you sort everything out. He is not sure whether the army will pay for your tickets or not, as they DO pay for rail tickets, but he doesnt know for certain regarding Flights. Again, you should be able to get this information once on Pahse 1.

Hope this helps.

Sparky29

They won't pay to get you home.

little-lou-pink

they might my son is having to fly home and he is having his flights paid for.

Sparky29

Your sons flight isn't international is it? I knew someone who lived in the Shetlands who used to get flights.
The OP won't get a flight to Ghana after phase 1 training.

kingascona

Deal all,
I am not asking whether the Army will pay for my travel to Ghana in Africa. I can afford for my own air ticket; but I would like to know if the Army will allow me to visit my country after the phase 1 training and then come back for the phase 2 training.
Also, do the Army allow new recruits under training, to wear winter gloves? I would like know so as to buy one before leaving for my phase 1 training.
Also, can I take my steam iron with me? thanks.

mikeandtango

Simple answer is to apply for permission to go home to Ghana and see what the chain of command says. Once you are a British Solider there are certain restrictions on travel to certain countries that you need to be aware of (though, don't worry Ghana is not one of them). To be honest it is unlikely you will be given permission due to the risk of you missing the start of Phase 2 training by being late back. My suggestion is to offer to work during this period and save up the leave and request a longer break later. Would you be happier with 2 weeks home or 4 weeks home but later? I had a South African in my unit and we granted her 4 weeks leave in SA for this very reason.