I'm considering joining the army

BaconShelf · September 27, 2015, 05:43:17 PM

[Posted in serious so I an actually have a proper discussion. I'd kind of appreciate if people don't make shitty jokes or whatever as it's something I'm serious about.]

When I say considering, I mean. Like, thinking about it. By no means sold on it, saying 50% certain would be an overstatement. But if I did, it would be September 2016 at earliest.

Basically, I've been looking at IT roles in the Royal Army. Because, I'm really interested in te military in general and computers are my thing. It seems like a perfect fit, really. I don't really know what I want to do after college as the more I see about university, the less I want to go, to be honest.

My only concern would be the health requirements. I do a lot of walking and I can do about a mile in about 16 minutes, so cutting that down a couple of minutes wouldn't be too difficult, I don't think.

So yeah. Has anyone here been/ done something similar? Is there anything I should consider And is it worth it? I want to know that of I decide to do it, I'll be doing it after considering as much as I can.

Spoiler

I turn 18 in march. But it's not really something I've talked to well, anyone about. At all.

I used to want to when I was younger but I decided no when I realise I wouldn't be able to meet the health stuff. But thi guy came into my college the other week and I was talking to him about it and have done aome more research since. and it gave me a more positive outlook, but I'm wary as recruiters wouldn't tell you the down sides because they don't want to put people off.

Oh yeah, I'll reply to any posts in here in the morning.

Turkey · September 27, 2015, 06:07:03 PM

Quote

I can do about a mile in about 16 minutes

Not sure the standards the Brits use but you need to cut that time in half.

As for IT stuff, wouldn't the RAF have more positions for that? Here in the U.S. the Air Force is basically composed of pilots and tech support.

DAS B00T x2 · September 27, 2015, 06:40:14 PM

Quote from: HurtfulTurkey on September 27, 2015, 06:07:03 PM

Quote
I can do about a mile in about 16 minutes
Not sure the standards the Brits use but you need to cut that time in half.

As for IT stuff, wouldn't the RAF have more positions for that? Here in the U.S. the Air Force is basically composed of pilots and tech support.

Yeah... that's like, walking speed.
I've got 16:36 to do my two mile.

Shouldn't there be more mechanics than anything else in the air force?

Luciana · September 27, 2015, 06:42:35 PM

If you're going, go officer so you only have to deal with logistics bullshit and not leadership ones.

gats · September 27, 2015, 06:49:18 PM

Well after 28 days paid duty you have 3 months from the date of enlistment to withdraw (discharge as of right I think) so if you don't like it you aren't bound for years. I'm sure the army has lots of computer related shiz that needs to doing so if you're really sure then go for it man

Mr. Psychologist · September 27, 2015, 06:50:56 PM

Quote from: HurtfulTurkey on September 27, 2015, 06:07:03 PM

Quote
I can do about a mile in about 16 minutes
Not sure the standards the Brits use but you need to cut that time in half.

As for IT stuff, wouldn't the RAF have more positions for that? Here in the U.S. the Air Force is basically composed of pilots and tech support.

It might have changed since my grandpa's days, he said it was something like 10 miles in 45 minutes (I think) or the same in 1:15 with full gear.

Mr. Psychologist · September 27, 2015, 06:52:53 PM

As others have said already, if you want to go with IT then go with the RAF. There is a lot more IT shit going on there than in the regular army <.<

It's probably worth speaking to Connexions about it, unless they've already been axed for your area in which case maybe check the websites for the respective forces and see what it says.

Turkey · September 27, 2015, 07:38:38 PM

Quote from: DAS r00d d00d B00T on September 27, 2015, 06:40:14 PM

Quote from: HurtfulTurkey on September 27, 2015, 06:07:03 PM
Quote
I can do about a mile in about 16 minutes
Not sure the standards the Brits use but you need to cut that time in half.

As for IT stuff, wouldn't the RAF have more positions for that? Here in the U.S. the Air Force is basically composed of pilots and tech support.
Yeah... that's like, walking speed.
I've got 16:36 to do my two mile.

Shouldn't there be more mechanics than anything else in the air force?

A lot of the mechanics stuff, at least on the Navy side, is contracted to civilians. At least ashore, that is. We don't have any sailors maintaining our planes here.

Jocephalopod · September 27, 2015, 09:12:49 PM

Quote from: BaconShelf on September 27, 2015, 05:43:17 PM

I can do about a mile in about 16 minutes

you need to change that pronto

Risay117 · September 27, 2015, 10:27:25 PM

Not sure what to recommend but it could be a good gig to start up with and plus there are alot of benefits. Just be prepared to be put in the line of duty when the time comes.

Otherwise it is a good gig to set yourself up with rather than jumping into school immediately.
You get to travel every now and again and although work can feel shit it can be interesting and fun,

Though about IT i am not so sure.

Korra · September 27, 2015, 10:28:23 PM

Why do you want to join the military? Like for reals. Ask yourself first because that's a pretty big decision.

BaconShelf · September 27, 2015, 11:37:21 PM

Quote from: Mr Psychologist on September 27, 2015, 06:52:53 PM

As others have said already, if you want to go with IT then go with the RAF. There is a lot more IT shit going on there than in the regular army <.<

It's probably worth speaking to Connexions about it, unless they've already been axed for your area in which case maybe check the websites for the respective forces and see what it says.

My understanding of both navy and Air Force is that their selection criteria are a shit ton harder to get in. And that having been in cadets or something is also preferred.

BaconShelf · September 27, 2015, 11:40:07 PM

Quote from: Jocephalopod on September 27, 2015, 09:12:49 PM

Quote from: BaconShelf on September 27, 2015, 05:43:17 PM
I can do about a mile in about 16 minutes

you need to change that pronto

I'm only quoting this one but it applies to anyone else who said it too.

Role I'm looking at is about 14 minutes. Infantry is 11 and paratroopers get 9.

I can cut 16 minutes down to 13 minutes fairly easily, I think. 16's like my standard walking speed.

BaconShelf · September 27, 2015, 11:42:25 PM

Quote from: Avatar on September 27, 2015, 10:28:23 PM

Why do you want to join the military? Like for reals. Ask yourself first because that's a pretty big decision.

-Military is something I'm really interested in in general. Computers is my only really useful skill. Could do both.
-Don't know if I want to go to university. The more I hear about it, the less I want to. This is a pretty large factor for me, too.

Korra · September 27, 2015, 11:46:44 PM

Quote from: BaconShelf on September 27, 2015, 11:42:25 PM

Quote from: Avatar on September 27, 2015, 10:28:23 PM
Why do you want to join the military? Like for reals. Ask yourself first because that's a pretty big decision.

-Military is something I'm really interested in in general. Computers is my only really useful skill. Could do both.
-Don't know if I want to go to university. The more I hear about it, the less I want to. This is a pretty large factor for me, too.

Hm.

Alright, sounds you kinda know what to do.

Jocephalopod · September 27, 2015, 11:49:38 PM

Quote from: BaconShelf on September 27, 2015, 11:40:07 PM

Quote from: Jocephalopod on September 27, 2015, 09:12:49 PM
Quote from: BaconShelf on September 27, 2015, 05:43:17 PM
I can do about a mile in about 16 minutes

you need to change that pronto

I'm only quoting this one but it applies to anyone else who said it too.

Role I'm looking at is about 14 minutes. Infantry is 11 and paratroopers get 9.

I can cut 16 minutes down to 13 minutes fairly easily, I think. 16's like my standard walking speed.

oh, US standards are a bit different then. just for reference the average mile run time is anywhere between 7-9 min.

last time i ran a timed mile I was around 14 and got a bit less than 8.

if you train consistently you'll do fine.

BaconShelf · September 28, 2015, 12:07:30 AM

Quote from: Jocephalopod on September 27, 2015, 11:49:38 PM

Quote from: BaconShelf on September 27, 2015, 11:40:07 PM
Quote from: Jocephalopod on September 27, 2015, 09:12:49 PM
Quote from: BaconShelf on September 27, 2015, 05:43:17 PM
I can do about a mile in about 16 minutes

you need to change that pronto

I'm only quoting this one but it applies to anyone else who said it too.

Role I'm looking at is about 14 minutes. Infantry is 11 and paratroopers get 9.

I can cut 16 minutes down to 13 minutes fairly easily, I think. 16's like my standard walking speed.

oh, US standards are a bit different then. just for reference the average mile run time is anywhere between 7-9 min.

last time i ran a timed mile I was around 14 and got a bit less than 8.

if you train consistently you'll do fine.

Yeah. Plus, I'm not going infantry, so it's a bit more lenient.

Incan · September 28, 2015, 03:01:37 AM

Quote from: HurtfulTurkey on September 27, 2015, 06:07:03 PM

Quote
I can do about a mile in about 16 minutes
Not sure the standards the Brits use but you need to cut that time in half.

Depends on the role.
http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/ADSC_Fitness_Selection_Standards.pdf

Mr. Psychologist · September 28, 2015, 05:56:40 AM

Quote from: BaconShelf on September 27, 2015, 11:37:21 PM

Quote from: Mr Psychologist on September 27, 2015, 06:52:53 PM
As others have said already, if you want to go with IT then go with the RAF. There is a lot more IT shit going on there than in the regular army <.<

It's probably worth speaking to Connexions about it, unless they've already been axed for your area in which case maybe check the websites for the respective forces and see what it says.

My understanding of both navy and Air Force is that their selection criteria are a shit ton harder to get in. And that having been in cadets or something is also preferred.

Hmm well there is something to that I think, one of my classmates wanted to join the RAF but because he was flatfooted they said he couldn't join them (iirc) so he went with the infantry instead.

DAS B00T x2 · September 28, 2015, 07:27:41 AM

Quote from: Incan on September 28, 2015, 03:01:37 AM

Quote from: HurtfulTurkey on September 27, 2015, 06:07:03 PM
Quote
I can do about a mile in about 16 minutes
Not sure the standards the Brits use but you need to cut that time in half.
Depends on the role.
http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/ADSC_Fitness_Selection_Standards.pdf

Jeez... and I make fun of the USAF for their PT standards...

cxfhvxgkcf-56:7 · September 28, 2015, 09:57:50 AM

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BaconShelf · September 28, 2015, 10:55:24 AM

Quote from: SoporificSlash on September 28, 2015, 09:57:50 AM

If I was to join the military I'd want it to be something I have a pretty good chance of dying in. Like EOD

Why? That's an interesting outlook on things.

ΚΑΤΑΝΑΛΩΤΗΣ · September 28, 2015, 11:34:00 AM

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ΚΑΤΑΝΑΛΩΤΗΣ · September 28, 2015, 11:34:58 AM

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cxfhvxgkcf-56:7 · September 28, 2015, 11:39:47 AM

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BaconShelf · September 28, 2015, 12:12:48 PM

Quote from: HEAT SEEKING GHOST OF SEX on September 28, 2015, 11:34:00 AM

Check out /meg/ on /k/, the enlistment general.

Also check /fit/.

You will need to get in much better shape. People joke about AF and Navies having low standards, but you still need to be in good shape.

Afaik (British) navy and Air Force have the higher standards.

But yeah, thanks for that. I'll have a look.

BaconShelf · September 28, 2015, 12:14:28 PM

Quote from: SoporificSlash on September 28, 2015, 11:39:47 AM

Quote from: BaconShelf on September 28, 2015, 10:55:24 AM
Quote from: SoporificSlash on September 28, 2015, 09:57:50 AM
If I was to join the military I'd want it to be something I have a pretty good chance of dying in. Like EOD

Why? That's an interesting outlook on things.
Well for me at least the military would be the last stop for me. It's my back up plan if I flunk out of college or massively fuck up my current plan for life, nothing left to lose at that point. Not to say that I view the military as that. I commend anyone that chooses to enlist and think it's a good life choice with plenty of advanced viable career paths but simply not for me. It's also because I would want to see some action rather just sit on base dicking around.

Fair enough. It's certainly a unique perspective (the last bit) but I get where you're coming from.

DAS B00T x2 · September 28, 2015, 12:42:10 PM

Quote from: HEAT SEEKING GHOST OF SEX on September 28, 2015, 11:34:00 AM

Check out /meg/ on /k/, the enlistment general.

Also check /fit/.

You will need to get in much better shape. People joke about AF and Navies having low standards, but you still need to be in good shape.

You just have to be thin to be in the air force. The PT test is a literal joke.

More Than Mortal · September 28, 2015, 01:13:32 PM

Get a degree, go commissioned officer in the navy.

RubMyBelly69 · September 28, 2015, 04:34:20 PM

I thought you were busy working on a story with your friends >>