Rejected from Army

janibrown

facingthefuture wrote: »

Er do you want your daughter to join? Have you heard there is a war going on?

No I don't its all her idea I have spoken to her in depth about my fears and she is adament this is something she needs and want to do so I cant change her mind

spamalot

Hate to agree but really her chances of getting in are virtually nil. From the military's perspective its a matter of weighing up the risk, if there are any red flags in her history that point to mental health issues she will not be accepted. They simply cannot afford to take the chance, especially when loaded weapons are involved. The MoD has a duty of care to other recruits and soldiers. When you start piling on the stress or she is unhappy in her working environment, whose to say she won't revert to her previous behaviour. I've worked in the military training environment making selections and tbh my verdict would be even though it was some time ago, 2 attempted overdoses does suggest a pattern of behaviour. If there was another candidate with no history of mental health issues I would pick them every time, lower risk. Whilst you can appeal, she will probably get exactly the same response. I don't say all this to be mean, I appreciate you are her mum and want what will make her happy, but tbh the military may not be the best environment for her given her history. Better to face disappointment now in a safe supportive environment where she can move forward than put it to the test.

spadoosh

Do the raf and army have the same medicals? The raf is alot more civvy based and few are required to use guns although i do think they have to be combat trained, could be worth looking into?!

spamalot

Spadoosh,

I'm in the RAF and the criteria is still the same. The RAF would not accept anyone with mental health issues either, especially given that we are a lot smaller (and shrinking it would seem) and have fewer recruitment places. Talking to a friend of mine in the AFCO it seems competition is absolutely fierce at the moment, any red flags and you've no chance. I understand the Army take exactly the same view.

mountainofdebt

If your daughter can't get into the regular army is there a chance she could go into the TA ?

Not the same I know.

Esoog

spamalot wrote: »

Spadoosh,

I'm in the RAF and the criteria is still the same. The RAF would not accept anyone with mental health issues either, especially given that we are a lot smaller (and shrinking it would seem) and have fewer recruitment places. Talking to a friend of mine in the AFCO it seems competition is absolutely fierce at the moment, any red flags and you've no chance. I understand the Army take exactly the same view.

I think that was a wah

As for the TA - medical standards are about the one aspect where the One Army concept actually exists I'm afraid

Savvy_Spender_South

It can very often depend on the role applied for too as some trades (known as OPP) is very desperate to increase numbers, even in the current climate.

I work a lot with people ina similar situation to the OP daughter. MH issues in the past including depression when dealt with do not need to be a barrier to a future life but i am afraid with 1 place for every 15 foot fall at present, recruiters can play safe.

An option might be to try joining the TA for 12 months, establish a military track and try to move in from the side door as it were.

Esoog

Savvy_Spender_South wrote: »

It can very often depend on the role applied for too as some trades (known as OPP) is very desperate to increase numbers, even in the current climate.

I work a lot with people ina similar situation to the OP daughter. MH issues in the past including depression when dealt with do not need to be a barrier to a future life but i am afraid with 1 place for every 15 foot fall at present, recruiters can play safe.

An option might be to try joining the TA for 12 months, establish a military track and try to move in from the side door as it were.

I'm not trying to be negative here, but as I said previously - medical standards/examinations are about the only place where the "one Army" concept actually exists and is applied. The AFCO5 gives the basic details, which disqualifies the daughter in this case

ghanagirl

She will find the T.A more demanding and more stressful than the regular army.
My hubby an ex soldier and my brother who is serving both agree you get good and bad stabs (nickname Stupid T A bastads) but they have to do more to fit in and be accepted.
My OH had this conversation with our daughter when she wanted to join the T.A.
my OH said "you are too feminine, you are a great athlete but you are not mentally strong enough to take the abuse and banter to last",
but she went off everything was fine "see dad i told you i could do it".
"we will see, wait until you have week camp instead of prancing around the drill hall"
she never went back after her first week of training.
She admitted they broke her down and that it was better in a camp with a cuddle and hot tea they gave her, than her or her friends laying dead in a field.
Just back your daughter all the way and agree with everything she says and that she will make a great soldier, taking solace there is no-way she will be accepted by the Forces, then she will be looking for someone to blame and she cant say its all your fault mum because you never wanted me to join.
(As a mother of four and a mother to 50 - 60 more (agony aunt...its an african thing, i'm the eldest family female in uk) they come to me saying my mum and dad dont understand me.)

On a side note i hope Savvy Spender South in your work with people with MH Issues you are not recommending people to join the British Army via the side door this way. have you not heard of DEEPCUT etc.
2010.... U.S military personnel killed in comabt 462. U.S military personnel commiting suicide 468.

Savvy_Spender_South

Just try to remember everyone, When someone does attempt suicide or DSH, often it is the life anchors (family, work etc) that stabilises and turns a situation around.

Progressive MH issues are diagnosed and treatable (extremely dependent on the issue) but in no way would it and should it be a long term life barrier to suggest incidents 2 years ago should be un recoverable now.

If it were, the Recruiter would not have offered an appeal. Ultimatly, DMA gets the final say on any contested case and if it were so desired, the OPs daughter could take an appeal all the way to them.

Should they? i dont know i have never met this person of sat in on a session with them but i trust those involved to make the right decision.