Son has decided he wants to join up

miamoo

After speaking to him last night he said he would like to join the REME but I think it will depend on his exam results.
He did consider the RAF but he thought that there are more opportunities to play sports in the Army which he loves, is this right?

(I appologise if this sounds like a stupid reason to choose the Army over the RAF but he is only 15, I am trying to help make sure he makes the right choice)

cazanwood

As a forces wife and also the mother of a 16 year old with a son considering a forces career I would say go for it, let him look into it and see if it would suit him. ood career oppotunities and great character building. Would shoul all be really proud and grateful to our armed forces.

MrsTinks

My maid of honur is in the RAF (officer) and has done one tour of Afghanistan on the front lines - it was scary for everyone at home and really tough out there. She's now back and in an office job due to her legal skills but will probably rotate back out there in a couple of years time. she has no problem with that and whilst she doesn't relish it she accepts it as part of her job and a fact of life.
I was a Navy brat myself... so I've seen a lot of that side of it too and my step brother did a stint as a grunt (as a navy family he had the mickey taken for joining the wrong side )
It's a worthy job and a good career. As for sports... I'd say RAF and Army have at least the same amount of sports available - Navy slightly less if you're onboard ship for obvious reasons. My maid of honour is VERY keen on sports and is super fit still - I don't think she does much team sports but she runs and does at least an hour in the gym each day.

gt568

miamoo wrote: »

He did consider the RAF but he thought that there are more opportunities to play sports in the Army which he loves, is this right?

Utter garbage. Just as much opportunity to play sport in the RAF.

sazzybum

Hi, both my sons are in the Army. One in Logistics-Courier, and one in Royal Signals-IT and Comms system engineer. The Signals have a great history of sports...got their own rugby team etc etc.

Being a mother of a soldier (even one under training) is what I describe as 'happy sad' Happy that they're getting a career and going to see the world, and sad that we don't see as much of them as we'd like. PLEASE just be proud that your son feels secure enough in your love that he knows he can do this, and you'll still be there to love him-no matter what. When people asked me how I felt when my sons joined up, I just said' it doesn't matter how I feel-as long as they're happy' -cue brave smile and sob in private...lol.

Whatever your son decides, I hope he's happy. As for us mothers-we'll just get on with it and support them no matter what.

minirolo2004

miamoo wrote: »

After speaking to him last night he said he would like to join the REME but I think it will depend on his exam results.
He did consider the RAF but he thought that there are more opportunities to play sports in the Army which he loves, is this right?

(I appologise if this sounds like a stupid reason to choose the Army over the RAF but he is only 15, I am trying to help make sure he makes the right choice)

I felt the need to comment on this too

I'm in the RAF and I play cricket - I represent the RAF cricket team and have been all sorts of places inc Australia! I get plenty of time off work as I am representing the RAF and it's looked upon favourably. Also, things like Adventure training etc (parachute jumping, Scuba Diving etc) are very easy to get involved in if he talks to the Physical Training guys.

Also, to address your main post - I decided randomly one day that I wanted to join (I was 17) and I was in Basic Training 6 months later. 10 years in now and I'm very happy.

Mini

plebeian

If he's really into sports, have him look into a PT (physical torture/training) instructor role perhaps - sounds rather suited to him.
Also, if you're worried about having to pay back any forces scholarship, certain roles will pay out golden hellos to those with certain degrees - for example, an EO (engineering officer) in the Navy gets an extra £12k during training if they have a technical degree.
I'd encourage him to go to university beforehand, if you think it suits him, whether he decides to seek commission or otherwise.

russellanne

My son also suddenly decide he wanted to join the forces at a careers evening - up to then, although he was in the school cadet force, he had never thought of it as a career. As languages were his strength he was leaning more towards a career which would involve these. After deciding he wanted to 'join up' he never looked back, gaining a sponsorship deal with the Artillery which paid him a lump sum each year whilst he was at sixth form college and then at university. He also joined the local TA unit whilst at uni, all of which helped keep his student debts to a minimum. He is now 28 and a captain and he has used his language skills in his job. I would say give your son all the support he needs to join the forces - the opportunities he will get he will never receive any where else. My son really has travelled the world and has met some fantastic people that he remains in touch with. Good luck to him whatever service he decides on.

tina536

I spent a few years in the RAF and had a great time. Loads of sporting opportunities - Played Squash and Badminton all over the uk and when posted there all over Germany. Its a great life and I was always proud to say what I did for a living.

13Kent

Just in reply to the post which says "encourage him to go to university" - it's not for everyone if their heart isn't in it - my OH was persuaded by his parents to go to college after A levels even though he was keen to join up. He did a couple of years and it wasn't for him, and he ended up joining up anyway after he was thrown out of college! 21 years later and he is still in the forces having worked his way up from the lowest rank to an Officer.

I think you are doing the right thing, supporting him and helping him make informed choices about his career. Hope it all turns out well.