Bankruptcy and joining the forces

rthornton01

If i were to go bankrupt would i be barred from joining up? are certain roles not allowed or is it all of them? I would have no debts so surely less of a risk? and would also be a discharged bankrupt

intranicity

rthornton01 wrote: »

If i were to go bankrupt would i be barred from joining up? are certain roles not allowed or is it all of them? I would have no debts so surely less of a risk? and would also be a discharged bankrupt

I don't know sorry, I'm sure if you could though you would have some problems, as I would expect you to have problems getting security clearance. I guess if you wanted to join up as a steward or a chef it would be easier than getting a commission or or a trade that needed clearance,

I know that financial problems used to cause you real problems and could stop promotions and postings etc, and I expect that if they have 5 potential recruits that are all equally qualified, that bankruptcy wouldn't put you at the top of the list.

Have you asked at the careers office?

samm1551

Speak to the AFCO. I should imagine it would affect certain trades (Clerks etc) and if you were going for a commission then I expect it would too. However only the AFCO can answer for sure.

Sparky29

rthornton01 wrote: »

If i were to go bankrupt would i be barred from joining up? are certain roles not allowed or is it all of them? I would have no debts so surely less of a risk? and would also be a discharged bankrupt

When you apply they look at your outgoings/ debts. The Army don't want you if you are already an admin case and can't support yourself on their salary. They look to see if your outgoings are greater than 30% of your take home which is currently about £315 a month.

You could have a loan of £10,000 paying back over a certain period at £350 a month which would make you ineligible. If you took it out over a longer period at £300 a month you would be eligible. Its not the size of the debt its your total monthly commitments including phone contracts.

Back to your original question - you don't fall into the greater than £315 a month category so you are eligible. To be honest you are asked to disclose your debts but there are no checks carried out on your finances. However, as a bankrupt if you can't get a current account you can't get paid so you might come unstuck that way.

ScarletPimpernel

Bankruptcy is likely to be a problem for applicants intending to join any trade that requires SC or DV security clearance.

It may be better to wait until the bankruptcy is discharged.

andy208833

Security would definately be the issue making you a risk to being influenced.

In these times of the defence review and the armed forces reducing numbers the careers people are going to be very picky over who they choose especially with waiting lists being up to 2 years just to join up.

You could ask a question on http://www.navy-net.co.uk/forum.php (the navy forum), i believe there are a couple of recruiters who post on there who could advise you?

nbinblack

It is a 'may be ineligible' to join. Your AFCO will have to put a case up to APC (in the case of the Army) for them to make the decision, it would depend upon what job you were applying for because of the security checks but it isn't a definite no. As advised by someone else you would be better talking to the Careers office who will be able to check it out for you. It is done on a case by case basis.
Yes the forces are making cuts but they are still recruiting and it may be that even though you are bankrupt you have the qualities that they are looking for.