Army views please

Conor_3

Unless things have improved with the Navy, I'd not personally. From the time I did a gunnery course with them, it was obvious how underfunded they were and you'd see seamen going around in working uniforms in poor state, from basically being worn out, that non of the other two services would allow. The impression the Navy gave me was that it was "tired".

RAF might be an idea though. I doubt Timmy Taliban will be carrying out airstrikes any time soon.

sturgeon62

He does not want the Navy, at over six foot he thought he might have problems?
He considered the RAF but on going to the presentation today is sticking with the Army, he has now completed his application form and is ringing tomorrow to book the Barb Test.

Sue-UU

Good to hear sturgeon62. You have a great way of viewing it. Whatever happens I hope he's happy with his life and keeps as safe as he possibly can. It's never easy for us parents, we just have to hope and pray they'll be alright, whatever their decisions in life.

All the best.

Sue

Batty_3

I joined the RAF in 1984 after being in and out of work for years since leaving school in 1979.
It was the best thing I ever did, as it got me away from my sleepy village and out into the world.
Since leaving I was headhunted by my company as they like to employ ex-forces as they have the Security Clearance needed and I've been with this firm 17 years, the longest I ever been in a job.
Sadly it's possibly ending, but I would have still been sat on a till at the Co-Op if I hadn't left home. All the people who had Apprenticeships, never got took on after 3 years and when I go back to visit my Mum, they are stuck in dead-end jobs while I've done quite well for myself.
The only drawback to the RAF was meeting the 'ex' and marrying him, but I can't blame the RAF for that!

Good luck to him!

Sagaris

My (6 foot!) nephew joined the Navy last year - he wanted to train as a chef but the local college course would have taken over twice as long for him to qualify - and he wanted to join one of the forces. His mum figured that he was probably safer in the Navy than the Army, so he applied and got a place. He loved it from day 1 and was made leader of his group of trainees, and at home he's quite a shy lad, the training has really brought him out of his shell.
He's not said anything about them being underfunded, quite the opposite if anything! He starts his first proper tour of duty next month, sailing to America and the Bahamas, he's really looking forward to it - even the 4am starts to cook 800 breakfasts! :rotfl:
Good luck to your son, OP.

UK007BullDog

Hubby was in the Army for 26 years. He loved it most of the times. He was Artillery and has not learned a trade as such, but is now in a Civvy job earning very well.

I would ensure he learns a trade. The Army will most likely try to push him into an infantry regiment. That is not ideal as they are the underdogs in the army and get sent to all hot spots first.

As for the comment made about trades not going to war zones, that is incorrect. Even soldiers in their last 2 years to 6 months are going to war zones. This was not possible 12 -15 years ago.

Our son was also thinking of joining the Army. He went to some presentations with his dad. As his dad was asking the questions as he is in the "know", my son decided that it is not for him and continued with his apprenticeship. Also with the war as it is now and those pencil pushers with no war or combat experience sending out troops willy nilly and then not paying adequate compensation we were dead set against him joining up.

As mentioned before due to age he can sign up on his own, but I would suggest the TA for him first of all to get a feel of the boring stuff. Its not like the videos they show that is only 2% of what happens. The rest can be quite boring and tough. He is lucky to have his trade apprenticeship and should not just throw it away. Why is he pushing so hard? Also the guys they put at the recruitment office are trained in Sales and NLP and know how to dress it up all very nicely.

My hubbies regret is that he stayed in too long and should have come out after 12 years. It has taken a toll on his health. But some of the stuff the guys had to go through will not affect the new recruits now. But he got too settled into the lifestyle and his mates.

minimoneysaver

What about the merchant navy as it is growing all of the time and is very well paid.

little-lou-pink

My 16 year old son joined last year (now 17) I was worried sick about him joining but knew I would never stop him as he would hate me for that in later years. I am now so glad he joined most of his friends from school have no jobs.
My son has had lots of opportunities since being there.He has lots of certificates to prove this computer driving licences and the such like.
He is 650 miles away from home, i miss him so much but he is loving every minute
. He has completed his basic training. The army have put him through his driving test and by the end of the year he will be out in cyprus for 2-3 years and I am so proud.
He will have a trade to fall back on if he decides to leave later on.
I would say life is too short to not take opportunities that come to us. Let him go for it but reasure him you will be there for him if he decides to return home. You will be suprised how good the army are I was. They really look after the younger ones.
Be proud I am.:D

andygb

In the present climate, I would never advise any youngster to join the armed forces. We are involved in two wars thousands of miles away, which have nothing to do with the defence of our country. Why are we in Iraq and Afghanistan? Why are our troops being sacrificed thousands of miles from home, in places where we are not wanted, and where hundreds of thousands of people have been killed because of our politicians.
Our wars have resulted in acts of terrorism in the UK, but the government will not admit it. Our troops are sent away with inadequate equipment, and with no end plan.
What will happen to the thousands of troops in years to come, when we see the all too apparent effects of exposure to depleted uranium, and the psychological disorders resulting from the horrors of battle.
We are not under threat from an invading country, but anyone joining up now, will probably be asked to take part in armed conflict, and possibly kill other people - and for what?

Sue-UU

It was so good to read that little-lou-pink! You're so right to be proud as he and all those like him are doing a terrific job!

To andy: I'd rather our lads be out there, helping the locals where possible, and keeping it all from coming over here instead, and I'm sure that if asked, they would agree with that. We are not under threat from an invading country, but by golly we'd be at threat of so much IF our lads came home.

Whatever you say or think, no one forced our lads to do what they're doing, they're there of their own volition and proud of all they do and I'm sure that we as a nation are just as proud of each and everyone of them!

Sue