kicked out any chance of getting back in army?

Sallys_Savings

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had any info that would help me.
I will try to be as brief as possible
My son was in the Paras for 5 years.
A week back from Afghanistan he had too much to drink and was "mouthy" towards some bouncers. He was pushed to the floor and he struggled, the bouncers were unable to control him and called the police saying he was on drugs. He was not on drugs at all and this was proven. He was just obviously on "high alert" from just coming back from afghan. He didnt hit/thump/kick anyone it was all just verbal apart from struggling. He went to court was fined and was given a warning back at barracks.
A year later he found himself in a bit of bother again. He was again being "mouthy" to bouncers. Didnt lay a finger on anyone eventhough he did threaten and called someone a "racist" name. My son is not racist at all...has many mixed race friends and one of his closest friends is as black as could be. It was just a "word" that came out when he was angry. He did shout and swear (he'd been kicked out of the club after someone had started on him (the bouncers agreed that it wasnt his fault). My son wouldnt let it lie and kept shouting that they should let him back in. Police happened to be walking by and arrested him. He went to court etc and then nothing was said at barracks until 4 months later when he was dismissed. He went to appeal and he didnt win (does anyone ever?)
He has never been in any trouble before or after these incidents.
He is absolutely devastated, the army was his life and the committment and comradeship he had in the paras was something he lived for. He had intended staying in for his working life.
He is really struggling to live on civie street, eventhough he has a new job, girlfriend etc.
I just wanted to know, is there any chance of ever getting back into the forces?
Does anyone know who he would be able to talk to now he is out of the Paras?
I'd appreciate any replies...thank you

tinkerbell28

In a word no.

scubaangel

Honestly highly unlikely.

He was discharged in a period where recruitment and manning is almost at 'full'. If he had skills or a trade which meant the Army would have seen value in keeping him then they would have done. I find it quite unlikely that nothing was said at the Barracks too, to be discharged there is a process to be followed quite strictly and he would have been kept informed though out - same as an civilian firm wanting to fire someone. I also find it quite unlikely that he was in no other trouble before or after, I'm aware of several people serving with the paras who have had similar run ins with the civilian police in the last couple of years who have not been subject to discharge proceedings.

Sallys_Savings

I didnt think there would be a chance

He has been in NO trouble whatsoever apart from these two incidents.

He was kept informed once he saw the officer (sorry havent a clue which rank it would be) but it was four months after the event.

Unfortunately the things that were pointed out were the "racist comments" and also that it got in the newspapers saying he was in the Paras. Bringing disrepute to the army and they cant have racists in the forces etc. (again which he isnt and officers at Colchester would of known that he has mixed race and black friends)

He has known others that have had trouble with fights etc and yet they are still in.

He was stationed away from Colchester when the incident took place and was dealt with the officers there and not the officers that knew him at Colchester Barracks, which some fellow paras have commented on may of made a differrence.

scubaangel

I doubt that the officers who knew him would have been totally unaware, the process of discharge is very vigorous and they tend to give people a chance to speak up in a soldiers defense from what I've been told.
But I am surprised that the first he knew of any action being taken was 4 months after the incident.

msmyth18

Being two incidents it they will look at it as he has history of being violent before.

With the recession as it is there is no shortage of lads wanting to join (just have a look at the afco's) so it wouldnt be like they are desperate for him back.

msmyth18

Forgot to say have a look on rumration forums or arrse forums, they may be better suited to advising you.

Theres definitely a serving armed forces careers advisor on there his user is ninja_stoker

Sallys_Savings

Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply.

Alias_Omega

Sally,

The only real advice i can offer, is to visit the AFCO and re-apply.


Its a case-by-case basis, and wont actually know until he applies again.


Alias

Bigun28

The problem he will have is that there is a history of violence, coupled with some racist abuse (albeit verbally). From the Army point of view they have their ‘image’ to consider and how such issues will look in the public eye if they were to let him back in, thereby being seen to possibly condone such behaviour at a time when they are actively trying to stamp it all out.

In addition, they will also consider his conduct reports whilst he was serving. If he was an excellent soldier (and reported on as such), that would go in his favour. If not and he was a little ‘troublesome’, it would go against him.

Also remember that in the current Defence cuts, the military will be a little more ‘choosy’ as to who they now let in.

Fergie76

What exactly was his discharge for?

Also, as others have pointed out, he would have known months in advance that there was a possibility of being sacked.

A Superior Officer would (should) have attended court with him, to report the outcome, so he should have had his consequentials a lot sooner.