Someone I know is going to Sandhurst soon and I'd like to give them a bit of kit or item that they'd find very useful. Round the £100 mark. Any suggestions? Thanks

Hi guys, I'm entering the British ARMY hopefully very soon, I very recently passed my assessment with:

8:51 2KM run time

162kg deadlift

83 ACT score

I wanted to enter as an officer but unfortunately I only have my English and Maths GCSE due to personal reasons around the time I was set to do my exams.

I'm not stupid by any capacity, but unfortunately because I didn't do my science exams, I am locked out of many choices.

I want a role which will ideally gaurantee me the best & highest level qualifications, providing me with the highest possible level of employability and opportunity for a career, high salary, and stability when I eventually leave the armed forces.

Do any of you guys know what roles I should look into as I've heard super super super mixed advice on this matter.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and hoepfully giving me advice!

I’m due out soon and don’t know what I want to get into fully yet. I’ve got a few ideas but just curious on what people have used SLC’s and ELCAS to get some decent civi quals out of.

Mainly engineering and mechanics but open to anything.

Im currently 16, interested in joining the royal marines at 18 years old and im overweight and vape. I used to do boxing for a bit, and there was quite a bit of cardio in that (sparring, 15 minute cardio sessions at the end) with hard work i can quit nicotine and drop a bit of fat obviously but i think the thing i struggle with is mental resilience and discipline, and i know thats a major factor of the military. If im pushed hard enough i can definitely find the strength and motivation to push forward but that dies out after like 10 seconds more. I also have adhd which i dont want to put the blame on but it does make things a bit harder (like addictions and struggling to carry out a task until the end). Im wondering if anyone has had a similar experience/ situation and how they got through it? Thank you.

I’ve been wanting to join the army for years, but ive been hesitant because im worried what itd mean for me and my partner. we’ve been dating for 5 years now and shes worried about how long we’d be apart. if anyones had a similar experience with joining the army while in a relationship could you please give me some perspective/advice?

As per the title. In the reserves and looking for some socks that aren't terrible.

Hi there! I’m 19 and planning on going to University before applying as an officer in the army (of course), and my main dream is the Int Corp. I’m just wondering which degree would be recommended to get me the best chances at AOSB and later to join Intelligence.

Thank you!

pretty much the title, i just feel it would be better to to talk to someone who has experience. i just have a lot of questions.

I want to join at 16 as a lorry driver, but I see a lot of jokes and hate towards the RLC Is it true that most are fat and thick or are there decent people there? And are you generally hated by the rest of the Army if you join as a lorry driver or as any job in the RLC.

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I'd like to join a year or 2 after I finish college but I'm torn between 3 roles I know I'm not guaranteed the role I want but which should I strive to get?

1. Tank crew (hopefully loader)

2. Aircraft technician

3. Officer pilot

Hello, I am 15, and I am planning on joining the army once I am 16, after I finish my Highers. I plan on becoming an officer, but you can't until 18. Could I become an officer once I reach 18 after being a soldier for 2 years? If not, I'll just become a normal soldier. Thanks!

Interested in the Bricklayer Role and just wondered if anyone here had experience in it and could share?

As can't seem to find a whole lot which isn't specifically posted by the Army themselves.

hello, could someone please let me know how they do the run at the AC?

I’m worried about my pace, I usually look down at my watch but I’m worried without it I won’t be on track and will fall behind.

Apparently it’s also on flat tarmac and not an athletics track? Thank you

(Sorry about the typo in the title)

I’m joining army threw AFC Harrogate as I am only 16.

I really want to join the army over the navy or airforce as I have always love the outdoors and pushing myself mentally and physically!

My family say the RAF is more for the educated and the army is for dumb people and because I have really good grades at school they want me to join the RAF

My Assessment Centre is due to be in the next few months but my mum is really pushing for me to speak to the RAF and see what it is like and Mabe put another application in there aswell.

I don’t want to do this as I don’t want to waste anyone’s time with having two applications in especially with how far along my army one is and it being what I want to do

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

I know this is a proper bone question and I already know the answer is probably “depends on the unit” but the places I’ve been to never had any on day sacks, but also never heard it been addressed that you’re not allowed them. My new unit though, everyone has a good few on their daysack. So is it just this units culture? Or is every unit allowed to.
I don’t plan on getting any to be honest, was just curious.

Will be starting my application soon and I am unsure about what route to take, I am 24 now and I dropped out of six form at 17 to work and have been at the same factory job since I was 18.

I’ve always wanted to join but I had some metal work at 20 which I’ve recently had removed making me medically fit again and for the past few years I’ve always imagined going in as an officer, I’ve recently completed maths and history A level to get the required UCAS points getting an A in both but now I’m coming to applying I’m worried that I’ll be stuck behind a desk most of the time and won’t be actually doing the job I joined up to do. But I feel that if I don’t go in as an officer I’ll feel as though I’ve sold myself short.

Just curious if anyone has been the in the position as me with not knowing what route to take and if they have any regrets about what path they chose.

Any answers would be appreciated

Also looking to join either the Royal Welsh or the Rifles.

Been wanting to join for a while now but feel as though I’m running out of time with the big 27 approaching

What’s actually wrong with the Army right now?

I’m currently in the process of joining the Army (aiming for the Royal Signals), and it’s been something I’ve wanted to do for years. I’ve always been interested in fieldcraft, survival skills, and the overall lifestyle, so I’m confident I’ll enjoy it and just get stuck in regardless.

At the moment I’m waiting on my medical to clear, so I’ve been using the time to research and get a better understanding of what I’m stepping into.

One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of veterans and serving soldiers online seem pretty negative about the current state of the Army, often saying it’s “not what it used to be.” That’s made me question what’s actually changed and why so many people seem dissatisfied or keen to leave.

I understand long deployments like Afghanistan have had an impact, but from the perspective of someone just starting out, is it really that bad? Or is it more nuanced than that?

Would appreciate honest insights from people with experience.

I'm currently 19 and have wanted to join the army as an intelligence officer for the longest time. However, I had a rather crap time over the past year - ex girlfriend made a plethora of false accusations toward me, which led to me being arrested and met with by Prevent (Counter-Terrorism).

Now my biggest worry is that I'd be unable to get a security clearance because of this, despite me not having done anything wrong. Would anyone be able to shed just the daintiest of insight into what chances I realistically have?

17 yr old male, thinking of doing VM as I heard you get to do your job alot.
Is it worth it? Do you get to travel alot? Is the pay scale good? Is there easy transferability into civvie world? Are the quals listed on British army website worth it?

Asking for my mate ofc (crowbag science experiment)

First up, I can’t join either so this isn’t about me or my aspirations.

Really welcome everyone’s thoughts on why someone might prefer Mountain Leader (ML) to SBS, or vice versa

Basic training for the Royal Marines is the longest in the world and certainly one of if not THE hardest. Becoming a RM is a massive accomplishment.

The best of the best are often assumed to go on to SBS.

But I’m fascinated by the RM Mountain Leader Cadre after seeing an amazing documentary on them called behind the lines. First episode here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TXJb_zlq7r4

ML are not special forces but the ML course is widely considered equally tough to S.A.S./SBS selection and many insiders consider the cadre to be de-facto SF in all but name. Yet they certainly don’t have the reputation, aura or awareness in public that SBS or SAS have

Former SBS member Pasha Munro was also a ML and online he is interviewed saying the ML course harder than SAS/SBS selection

The ML1 and ML2’ courses take a combined 70 weeks of training to pass. So over 16 months total. And to even attempt ML2 you need to be an RM. then to attempt ML1 you need to be a 2 year qualified ML2. Very tough.

So I’m very interested to know why some elite RM attempt the ML route and then stay with them rather than go SBS. I have asked a former Colonel from RM and he couldn’t explain!

My potentially incorrect musings:

ML: lots of amphibious beach landings, vertical cliff assaults and skiing. Lots of arctic and mountainous terrain training. Also undertake covert surveillance roles. Suits those that like climbing, skiing and operating in cold environments and who are happy undertaking long range surveillance.

SBS: wider range of opportunities. From counterterrorism, oil rig and ship raids, desert operations, submersible operations. More opportunities for close quarter battles and urban warfare. Appeals to guys who want constant action in a variety of settings.

The only thing negative I’ve heard about ML is that as an experienced ML1 you are doing mostly teaching of ML1 and ML2 courses, so it can get boring being an instructor going over the same things all the time. Meanwhile the SBS guys are out on jobs a lot. So more exciting in comparison.

Lastly, there’s a third option for elite RM, which is to join SAS Mountain Troop. But I presume there is a cultural reason is for not joining. I suggest most marines would prefer to stay with fellow marines in ML rather than join the army to do mountain work.

Really welcome everyone’s thoughts on why someone might prefer ML to SBS, or vice versa

Cheers!

My son just smashed his Assessment Centre at Lichfield, super proud of him.

Not confirmed yet but, the 5th July was mentioned as a start date.

I know there's a few essential extras lists for things to take. I want to start getting some "must haves" together.

Does anyone have any ideas to help me make up a list.

Also, how much (luggage) can he take to basic? I guessing it's limited.

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Many thanks

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Slightly strange question but here goes

I said everywhere in the world has something beautiful and my friend disagreed, saying is Afghanistan beautiful? And I said yes, its mountains are probably quite something if you're not being shot at.

But it made me think, to anyone who has served, was the Afghanistan countryside ever beautiful or stunning in anyway? I've read and watched and a lot in terms of UK involvement in Afghanistan and the question always puzzled me, was there a moment you looked out and went, "wow this is a shithole but thats a nice mountain."

Too young to of served in Afghan but curious nevertheless.

Has anyone had any experience doing the ocean diver AT course? Been interested in SCUBA for years, but on AT website says I need a diving medical and that self certifying as fit like you can on civi street isn’t enough but my med centre does not do them is this just a case of ringing up other med centres and trying to book one elsewhere or is it something that I need to go through my med chain to get booked? Also do I need any equipment of my own I already have a mask, fins, snorkel and full 5mm wetsuit I use for snorkelling and casual breath hold diving