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About LinkBacks+1. I know people serving out there, and from chatting to them I am quite certain it is NOT a breeze by any stretch of the imagination. See earlier posts of mine - the one about jaws and lack thereof etc.Originally Posted by Blitzen
+1. I know people serving out there, and from chatting to them I am quite certain it is NOT a breeze by any stretch of the imagination. See earlier posts of mine - the one about jaws and lack thereof etc.
OK, I thought I would another of my 2 cents.
I assume you are getting this info from someone in the RAF, or at the very least, someone who spends their time behind the wire? I wouldn't say it's a breeze, but it ceratainly is easier for someone like that than the Army as general. But it's only because of people in the Army, RAF Regiment and others who sacrifice their life and limb to keep the "core" areas like the airbases safe that most people I serve with don't expect to die, or even be injured whilst out of area, and oddly enough, are actually trying to volenteer to go OOA to get away from the monotony of their daily work.
Healthcare and Dental is free in the UK anyway, so I'm bit puzzled why you think the lower pay justifies that? Having said that, the on-base Med Centre can sometimes be a bit hit and miss (phone up Monday for an appointment, and get Friday as the earliest...). As for the RoE, you have to remember that the UK has had a lot of experience in NI with regards to... "opposition" (sorry, might be the wrong word; vocab isn't my strong point). So, as you say, the British will try to get the local population on our side rather than a more "aggressive" policy. Having said that, I recently watched a video of what to expect when exploring compounds, and all I can say is that it's extremely tedious but necessary when looking at the bigger picture.
Also, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be a chopper pilot! I think being an Apache pilot would be a dream job for me and have already expressed my love of them before.You don't actually need a degree to join up as a pilot, but because of supply and demand, recruiters can be very picky. Having said that, the two Apache pilots I met recently joked about being the main maritime strike aircraft since the retirement of the Harriers and not having an O-level between them! The fact they refer to O-levels states how long ago that was when they joined up. Even so, the gunner in one can be a SNCO (cheaper than an officer (cynicism)
Finally, I don't think anyone is condemning you for joining up, just that the way you've come across of the forums does question the reason behind it. To be honest, I'm still not entirely sure why I joined up (I didn't get lost on the way to the pub!): I wasn't looking to fight, but was prepared to go OOA if necessary. It wasn't financial either as it took 5 years to get to the wage I was on before (which puzzled the recruiter no end!), and would no doubt be on better money now if I hadn't joined up. Having said that, the pension and retiring by 44 did sound good (although I've learnt a bit more about how that works now).
I still stand by my advise earlier though if you're desperate to join; go with the UK and get a trade.
Don't think that comes anywhere near banning material! A straightforward (and justified IMNSHO) on a comment by someone who has never experienced life on the front line (or any miltary service at all)
To address the OP,military life has its fun moments, with opportunities for adventure. Like all things the more you put into it, the more you get out. BUT, the bottom line is that you may be called upon to kill and be killed in the line of duty. It isn't 'a laugh', it requires dedication, because once you get into a position of responsibility (and that can come early if you show leadership potential) you are responsible for the lives and welfare of the people you are commanding. And if you don't aspire to promotion, your career in the armed forces is unlikely to be satisfying.
If you are considering a career as either a pilot or navigator/observer, you have to be a commissioned officer in the RAF and RN. That is not the case in the army, but (iirc), you have to be an NCO. Selection procedures are tough. Apart from academic ability, hand to eye coordination is essential, and competition for flying school is fierce, and the training is intensive.
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Blitzen (02-02-2012)
There was a BBC fly-on-the-wall documentary about the Army Air Corps a few years back. Why not see if you can hunt it down. It gave a good feel for the intensity of training involved in becoming a pilot.
Just sent all my info, as in. ALL my info to Germany, as well as all my GCSE's and Diplomas to see if i am eligible, Once all that is over i have to fly to Germany, and then to the US for basic
Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
Reckon its worth getting a Toughbook? or sticking to a Thinkpad?
Will my laptop REALLY get knocked around that much if pack it good?
I'm sure you already know this, but just in case, and at the risk of being a bit fecitious, the real army isn't undertaken on notebooks.
For clarity: BF3 is a game, MoH is a game. CoD? Also a game.
The real army, by contrast, is like real life, no computer required. And they'll give you (most) of the kit you need there.
Blitzen (02-02-2012)
Indeed, but id like to take my laptop, as most people do. And i can stick 2 x 1TB drives in there filled with movies
Germany?
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Pancake... this thread has detiorated into make-believe now, I'm sorry to say.
What on EARTH has your laptop got to do with you joining the army? Who on earth plans to join up and starts worrying about buying a toughbook?
By the time you get anywhere close to being in training you'll hardly have time to be skimming through 2 tb of ripped movies.
What you'll probably want is everything you've ever spent, being refunded... so you can buy proper kit, decent boots, beer and fags.
Crack on kidder.... crack on.
Yeah, if only i asked loads of people and they said they often watched DVD's on laptops in spare time....
OH NO WAIT. That happened. And as for getting a toughbook, its an awesome escuse to get one. I have always wanted one. But i cant really get one as it doesn't get banged around as much. And the hard drives i already have, so why not use them?
"GRRR SOMEONE STILL CARES ABOUT A LAPTOP IN AN ARMY THREAD ON A TECH FORUM, MADNESS"
Why do you care so much? kidder?
Rightly or wrongly it is (well this is how I'm reading it) that you're more concerned about what items you will still be able to purchase, and what will keep you occupied in any spare time. Instead of joining up for the love of your Country, and all the citizens of.
It does appear to be that your priorities seem somewhat in the wrong order.
Also from a few of the responses you don't take kindly to people disagreeing or pointing out a few things. If this is what your like on an internet forum, I'm not sure any of the Forces are the way to go.
Last edited by Guy; 22-01-2012 at 09:44 PM. Reason: Better? ;)
If they are the same, how can they be in the wrong order?
An Officer or Warrant Officer in the US Army must be a US citizen alone, and renounce all other citizenship, per US law.
Yeah, i will probably start out as infantry, i dont mind living in the US though. So its all good!
Just gotta choose a state
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