The Future..

[Ben R]

Well, after weeks of looking into and researching the kind of jobs i am interested in I have found the one that seems right for me..

Over the past 2 weeks, ive been in much though about what i wish to be upon completion of my A-levels and after much searching, looking into, researching, asking etc. i think i have found the right job for me..

It came down to 2 jobs, both in the British Army.

The First one was a Tank Commander.

The second was an Infantryman.

I decided to go with the latter, due to reasons of my personal likes and dislikes etc.

So..

Upon completion of college and sixthform I will apply to become an Officer in the British Army eventually  joining the Infantry. I chose this option because it seemed to open many doors, and had pretty good career opportunities when i decide to retire. I couldnt see myself in a tank every day, and wanted a job in which every day is different. I am looking forward to what the future will hold for me.

Thanks for looking!

Ben

[ozzy72]

Have you considered which regiment you'd like to join? Just each has its own ups and downs. If you love BS then I'd recommend the Guards, if you love exercise the Paras are for you

[Ben R]

Aye, im thinking about the Para's, but alson thinking about the Armoured Infantry

[spitfire boy]

Aye, im thinking about the Para's, but alson thinking about the Armoured Infantry

Good for you that you know what you want and are setting out with determination and prowess to get it.

I haven't much of a clue what I want to be yet...

[waspiflab]

Good luck to you

[Ben R]

Thanks guys!

Ive always wanted to join the military for a long time now and when i looked into it a lot further, i found what i wanted to be

[Romulus111VADT]

Just make sure your MOS (Military Occupation Specialties) will translate into a civilian job. Not much call for tank commanders, gunners, loaders or drivers in the civilian sector.

Here's a list of the MOS's available in the US Army- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Army_MOS. There should be similar jobs in the British Military.

[expat]

I would recommend squadron life. Send the Rodney off to war, put your feet up, have a cup of tea and wait for his return. It also translates well into civi-street. 737's and A320's, not a much fun as fighters, but they pay the bills

Matt

[Fozzer]

I became an Apprentice Electrician immediately I left School at the age of 16, so when I was called up for (Compulsory) Military Service at the age of 21, (normally 18, but I got deferred to finish my 5-year Apprenticeship), I joined the Army as an Electrician in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).
I spent my time in the REME Vehicle Workshops in Germany, and the various engineering experience I gained there served me well for the rest of my working life after I was De-mobbed!

So my tip would be to join a branch of the Services which gives you experience for a Civvy job when you get out...which you eventually will do!

F.... 8-)...!

P.S. (...actually...I HATED the Military life!)... ....!

[C]

Just make sure your MOS (Military Occupation Specialties) will translate into a civilian job. Not much call for tank commanders, gunners, loaders or drivers in the civilian sector.

As Ben says, if he's joining as an Officer, the leadership and management skills he develops over the period in the Army would stand him in good stead for many jobs in civilian life.

[Romulus111VADT]

Just make sure your MOS (Military Occupation Specialties) will translate into a civilian job. Not much call for tank commanders, gunners, loaders or drivers in the civilian sector.

As Ben says, if he's joining as an Officer, the leadership and management skills he develops over the period in the Army would stand him in good stead for many jobs in civilian life.

It's one thing to be a-

Company Commander (Captain) - 62 to 190 soldiers

Battalion Commander (Lieutenant Colonel) - 300 to 1,000 soldiers

Brigade Commander (Colonel) - 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers

Division Commander (Major General) - 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers

Corps Commander (Lieutenant General) - 20,000 to 45,000 soldiers

Army Commander (General) - 50,000 + soliders

I was under the- Platoon (Lieutenant) - 16 to 44 soldiers. A platoon is led by a Lieutenant with an NCO as second in command. I was the NCO and it helped me secure management positions, yes. But I was no where near the top.

To be in command of a 3 man crew doesn't look as impressive as  one of the above.

[Ben R]

Thanks guys! Well, its all about working your way up! im planning on a maximum term career..22 years i think!

[Romulus111VADT]

Thanks guys! Well, its all about working your way up! im planning on a maximum term career..22 years i think!

My grandfather was a Colonel in the US Army when he retired in 1964 after serving for a bit less than 25 years. We where in his garage one day and he was telling me that if he'd stayed in the Army for 5 more years, he would have left the Army as a Brigadier General (one star).

As we listened to my grandmother fussing in the kitchen, he looked at me and said, "I should have stayed in the Army, it was allot less stressful!"

[Ben R]

Haha..if i get that high up in the army i will stay on

But anyone whos ever served in the army here on simv, comments about what life in the army is like and what life on operations are like would be greatly appreciated!

[Romulus111VADT]

Haha..if i get that high up in the army i will stay on

But anyone whos ever served in the army here on simv, comments about what life in the army is like and what life on operations are like would be greatly appreciated!

I loved the Army, but hated Vietnam. If not for injuries forcing me out, I would have retired from the Army.

The benefits are without equal in most of the job market in the US. You get signing bonus's, reenlistment bonus's, pay increases with each pay grade and cost of living raises. You also have ongoing education during your service. You can get the government to pay for college. You get a clothing allowance and a housing allowance. You get free medical for life as well as your wife and children (theirs ends when they turn 18) also get free medical. You also get very low interest loans for purchasing a home through the VA after you retire or leave the service (as long as it's an honorable discharge).

This is just what I can remember, Andrew can probably give you a much more up to date list of benefits in the US Army. I'm sure the British Army must have an equivalent type of benefit structure.