What is current Army training like?

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CiderDrinker2@reddit

If you want a better life and to be better treated, consider the Navy or the RAF.

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KnockOneOut178@reddit

Honestly, joining the Navy sounds great but being out at sea on a ship for months and months on end just doesn’t appeal to me regardless of whether you get treated better.

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JaguarWitty9693@reddit

You’re deployed. What difference does it make if you’re on a ship or in a tent?

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LR_FL2@reddit

A ship has comfortable beds, hot showers and poached eggs for breakfast.

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Exactly. This is why the smart ones join the Navy. You might be tossed about in a Force 8 off Portland. You might even be out on the upper deck in the wind and the rain for a few hours. But at least you've got a warm dry bunk, a hot shower, clean clothes, and a cooked breakfast to look forward too. Soldiers just shit in a hole.

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Early_Bicycle6568@reddit

Aye but soldiers will live in field conditions for a week or two maximum before going back to some cushy camp. Sailors live on ships for several years at a time. Additionally, if you're on a Naval unit that's attached to land forces such as 3 Cdo then you're doing all the land shit too. I was Navy but did multiple Afghan and Norway deployments. I think OP needs to know that it doesn't boil down to the branch you join, more the trade and even then it's not set in stone. I know blokes the exact same trade as me who never deployed anywhere in 22 year's and I know blokes who couldn't tell you their kids names, they were away that much. Just im my trade alone three was jobs behind a computer screen or jobs parachuting or fast roping in to secure an area etc. Again, both of these jobs you could do having joined as the same trade. There's scope in any of the branches to do whatever you want. Don't listen to all these stereotypical generalized views your getting on here, especially from dependants or family members of people in the forces.

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KnockOneOut178@reddit

Honestly I’d just rather experience a lifestyle a bit more on the hardcore mode. I’d never complain about being in a tent on land but I would probably complain about being out at sea in the same bunk for the 8th month running. Then again I’m a bit of a lunatic, so I probably wouldn’t be on the same wavelength as most people.

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BoopingBurrito@reddit

Plenty of navy jobs don't involve being at sea. One estimate I read was that for every sailor at sea, 4 are needed on land.

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Distinct-Owl-7678@reddit

They won’t always be at sea but you’d be a fool to join up thinking you can dodge it. A lot of branches need sea time to qualify fully and the career managers have final say on where you go. You can put in preferences but they can just ignore it if they’d like.

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Marsbar3000@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/on7z8r1x5g5g1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63052db91d313e7140ecf438bc038db0a0070794 Still relevant

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Early_Bicycle6568@reddit

I've experienced both the Army and the Navy and they're similar in a lot of ways and different in some but both equally treat you like shit. But food was worse in the Navy and because you're generally living on a ship day to day as opposed to barracks, the living conditions are worse. Army, you got a lot more free time and got to do phys during working hours, Navy you had to do it off watch because there just wasn't the scope to take you out of work for an hour. RAF looked gleaming in comparison. Top scran, top accommodation and 3 blokes to do one job.

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Warriorcatv2@reddit (OP)

Any particular reason why that's the case?

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conrat4567@reddit

Its up to you. I was an Army dependent and I saw a lot of my dad unless he was deployed. He was a Royal Engineer, he was headhunted later in life and now he makes more than most out in Asia, Defusing Vietnam war munitions. The Navy will send you around the world sometimes, and it can be rewarding and rich, but you may not see your mum a lot. RAF has a high bar of entry if you want to be a pilot and a lot of rigorous training. What do you want to do? What can the Army offer you? (Without sounding like a recruiter lol)

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Warriorcatv2@reddit (OP)

Unfortunately, outside of a level 3 BTEC I don't have any additional qualifications. Going around the world is great but yeah, having even less time to see my mother & help out with her care is a deal breaker as I'm the only person she has. I know I'll still be away a fair bit in the regular army but not as much as if I were stationed on a ship or submarine. No chance I'd make RAF. I'm not in bad shape but I'm definitely not in peak fitness. Primarily, I've been looking at joining as an MP Soldier.

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BoopingBurrito@reddit

>having even less time to see my mother & help out with her care is a deal breaker as I'm the only person she has Worth noting that the military isn't going to facilitate this at all. When you join up you'll be 3 months away on basic training with very limited time off. Then onto specialist training for your role. If you join the RMPs thats about 6 months. Again with limited time off from the role. Then once you're done with training you'll be posted...somewhere. RMPs can be posted all over the world, for varying lengths of time. You're not going to be living at home with your mum and commuting to the nearest army base unless you get very lucky be based at the base near your mum.

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Historical_Royal_187@reddit

This. RAF could be be posted to Lossiemouth, or doing 3/6 months in the Falkands/Cyprus/Ascension Island. If you're lucky your mum lives near the A1(M).

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SnooMacarons2598@reddit

As someone who has served in the navy although a long time ago. Starting around 2005. I’ll try to give my honest answers as far as I can. If you join the army, you will be living in a tent in potentially very uncomfortable situations but In The navy you live in a set place on a ship with a bunch of other people, and the conditions have improved somewhat since I served. Basic training is tough, I’m not sure of the current standards but when I joined, you had to swim 100m and tread water for 2 minutes, fully clothed and climb out of the pool without assistance. You had to run 2400m in 11 minutes 13, and carry out more than 30 press-ups and 40 sit ups in 2 minutes. The army battle fitness test is tougher.

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XCinnamonbun@reddit

If you want to be a MP have you thought about just going for the police instead? It will be much more accommodating of your situation with your mum and there’s lots of areas to specialise in. Including firearms if that’s what appeals to you.

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Warriorcatv2@reddit (OP)

Unfortunately, that would require a university degree & that just isn't financially viable as it stands. The amount of budget cuts they are under also leaves very few jobs from what I've seen. They completely shut down the police station in our area leaving the nearest at least an hour's drive & a separate county away. If you ever see a police car it's a rarity worth pointing out. If you see a beat cop then it's worth checking the local news as chances are they found multiple dead bodies in the area.

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Caveman1214@reddit

Not true, they reversed that a few years ago. You just need A levels to join now. Have a look at Join the Police website, there’s so many ways of joining. Ironically I have the degree they’re looking for but because the force I wanted to join doesn’t accept it I had to apply via another way

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TBruff@reddit

I just want to make the point that you don’t need a degree to join the police- most forces have various entry routes including the opportunity to earn a degree through an apprenticeship, and often just require A Levels or equivalent. Some will even take professional experience, so if you don’t have the required courses to join as a PC straight out, you could join in a staff role and then gain experience before using that to apply for a full-time officer role.

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Warriorcatv2@reddit (OP)

Interesting. I'll have to look further into it. From what I could dig up they all wanted a university degree in Crime & Policing.

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XCinnamonbun@reddit

You don’t need a degree in the force I volunteer with. Definitely check with your local police force. If you want to check the job is something you’ll enjoy you could join as a Special Constable (volunteer police officer) for a little while. Doing that for a few months will also give you all the skills to fly through the interview process for the regular police if you’re struggling with having the right experience.

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CiderDrinker2@reddit

I second the post above: joining the police might be a better bet than the armed forces. It's still hard work, but it's a better work-life balance and you will not be deployed abroad. You don't need a degree.

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Code_NY@reddit

There are multiple routes in. Definitely don't require a degree for all. When I was younger I dropped out of college with the intent of joining the Police. You just need a handful of GCSEs for entry level. Maybe you were looking at detective grad scheme or something?

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CiderDrinker2@reddit

RAF doesn't require the same degree of fitness as the Army does. Two types of people join the forces: those who want to go and do warlike things, and those who want a decent job with career progression, stability and a pension. Make sure, as you are in the latter category, you choose wisely. Don't be seduced into roughie-toughie branches. All you'll do is knacker your back and your knees, and there's not much call for snipers or tank drivers in civie-street. If you are going to join, find a technical branch - something with real skills and a trade you can learn, that will keep you going after you leave. Think long term. What are you going to be doing when you are 40? (It seems like a long way away, it's not.) Look at joining as an RAF technician. If you are really set on the Army, look at the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. The more technical your job, the more you will be treated as a human being and not as cannon-fodder. Don't talk to recruiters. They lie. Do your own research.

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Current_Lie4811@reddit

Agreed the Infantry ruined my body.

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Substantial_Elk_2939@reddit

If you think the fitness standards are higher in the RAF than the Army I've some bad news for you...

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Drewski811@reddit

You'll need higher overall fitness for the army than you will the RAF

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External_Violinist94@reddit

My best mate is an MP soldier. You get stationed abroad a fair bit early on in your career. You do get the options for lots of good courses that can help later on in life of you leave the army but most of your jobs would be security based and the good money usually means working abroad. Be aware that it's often a lot of desk work.

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conrat4567@reddit

The Army will be the best for you but I would ensure you let them know your situation. If you get stationed nearby, you could turn down transfers while still having a chance at career progression, but it won't hold them off for long. MP is a good career path, can lead you to security jobs and police jobs outside of the army and push you far. I would talk to a recruiter though, see what they say

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reelmonkey@reddit

The army sleep under the stars, the navy navigate using the stars and the RAF choose which hotel to stay in based on stars. It depends what you want but they all have their different pros and cons

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Dirt_Thin@reddit

The army was a great time on my life. But it’s a vocation rather than a job. With respect to recruit training: You show up, hand over your old life, and get thrown into a routine where someone tells you what to do every minute. The early weeks are all ironing, bed blocks, inspections, marching, cleaning yourself and your kit, and learning not to be late. It feels pointless until you realise it’s teaching discipline and teamwork. Just remember don’t be late! Did I mention about being late? Then the physical side ramps up. Runs, circuits, loaded marches, obstacle courses. At first you’re wrecked. Then you notice you’re getting stronger. Out in the field you learn the grim but fun bits: camouflage/concealment, cover/digging in, living in mud, on stag with the mag half asleep, eating rations, biscuits, brown will bung you up, biscuits fruit you will poop through the eye of a needle. You stink, everything is wet, and you trauma bond with the people around you because everyone is suffering together. Weapons training finally feels like “real soldiering”, and safety is drilled/beaten into you until it becomes instinct. By the time you take your final tests and pass out you’re tougher, sharper, and nothing like the person who arrived. Then you head off phase 2 training: Infantry: fight Engineers: build and blow things to control terrain REME: fix everything Signals: make communication work Medics: keep people alive Donkey wallopers: do questionable things to each other and horses. Basic training is simple at its core: break down the civilian, build up the soldier, and show you what you’re capable of. Phase 2 training makes you useful to your regiment. You are still a Joe but of marginal value, propping open doors,going to get a long weight etc.😂

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Limp-Position6984@reddit

I did RM Recruit Training and this is the most accurate account of basic training.

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Ancient_phallus_@reddit

Depending on what you join, will depend on how often you are away. Some units are very busy, some not so much. People have said Raf and navy but they go away for very long deployments. I am an avionics technician, most of my time is in the uk and you get treated pretty well. Pay is decent as well and I’m home a lot. If you can run a sub 10 min 2 km, you will breeze remf training. If you have any questions pm me

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Possible-Current9349@reddit

Source: 4yrs Army, 28yrs RAF (so far!) Army: this was a long time ago, but in the army > here is a problem > this is how you fix it. In the RAF here is a problem > this is the end result i want > how you get there is up to you. I worked with the RAF and realised they are not to be sneered at or looked down upon, the army is not more superior and the RAF get treated a lot better. I was also sick of living in crap accommodation and holes in the ground. Don't get me wrong, the army taught me admin and discipline, but not much else. RAF: the old ageage, "The Army did in, while RAF check in" is very true. I have gone all over the globe and stayed in 5\* hotels on rates whilst doing so. The RAF is more leniant and compassionate towards its people. Depending on your job and role, but for the past several years, Mon - Fri with 3 personal gym sessions per week and a lunchtime finish on a Friday. I have got my degree and cyber security quals through the RAF as well as lots of Adventure Training and Force Development activities. There is also a lot more to the RAF than being a pilot! There is all the other trades that support keeping the aircraft in the air. Drivers, Engineers, Cyberspace Comms Specialist, Suppliers, Chefs etc etc, the RAF also have RAF Police ie dog handlers, law enforcement, protective security, Information Assurance. One thing i will say, if you're joining to provide stability for your mum, this may not be for you. You will have basic training where you will not be able to go home and then maybe trade training, where you may get weekends, organised leave etc. But certaining in your first few months/years, stability is not guarenetted. Also, you can request a base near your mum, but what if you live in Cornwall and they post you to Scotland, or even overseas? The military is a great life for some, but you have a lot to consider before making that leap.

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Fluffy-Inside-4191@reddit

Stable job and all that but are you prepared to go to war? That's a fairly major part of the Armed Forces.

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Warriorcatv2@reddit (OP)

If it happens it happens. I'm still getting paid. I do find the outbreak of war to be very unlikely though.

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Fluffy-Inside-4191@reddit

There are wars all over the world, currently.

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Warriorcatv2@reddit (OP)

Specifically involving boots on the ground from the UK. I can see joint training & similar but flat out ground war between the UK & another country is incredibly unlikely.

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dodge-thesystem@reddit

Navy or RAF definitely not the army and I'm a old soldier, do what my daughter did join the navy and then go for your dolphins, she's a engineer so officer but for enlisted it is a decent career with education opportunities and training which is recognised and sought after in civiy street. Better money once dolphins are gained and faster progression

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Distinct-Owl-7678@reddit

Horrendous for if he actually wants to be there to care for his mum in any capacity though. Yeah submariners make a lot of money but there’s a reason for it. Mainly not seeing the sun or having any contact with the outside world for half a year at a time.

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dodge-thesystem@reddit

And soldiers are the ones that come home in boxes first, which is a possibility the way this government is going . On top of that the military isn't a 9 to 5 job especially the army so no career in the military gives the home time to care for dependants

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nwindy317@reddit

This government? Not the various bad actors in the world stage. It's all this governments fault?

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dodge-thesystem@reddit

When you've served you realise nothing is black and white and there is bad actors everywhere and especially in the UK political class who have their own agendas which only come to light 50 yrs later. Official secrets act is an amazing process the hides the sins of our politicians

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Scary-Temperature871@reddit

How is she finding it? I've heard that being on a sub can pretty draining mentally

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Efficient-Tension188@reddit

The Army/military is a good place to be at the moment. Pay is relatively okay from day one and gets better every year, your rent and bills are dirt cheap so you’ll have much more disposable income than your peers on civi street. You can get an idea of phase one training from videos on YouTube or recent tv shows they’ve made. If you’re mature, fit and play the game then it’s easy. But make no mistake you’re joining an organisation that’s getting ready to go to war, we’re under equipped and ill prepared but it’s coming and we will go. So make sure you understand the realities of the job, and what you could be asked to do.

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AmpleApple9@reddit

Depends what you want out of it. If you want to get a trade, then join a technical Corps. REME, RE, Sigs, RLC. Most of the training you receive is civilian accredited under the Army Accreditation Offer. Soldier basic training (Phase 1) likely at Pirbright for 14 weeks, or ITC if you join the infantry which is roughly 26 weeks + any specialist training. If you go Combat Support or Combat Service Support your Trade training (Phase 2) varies massively depending on what capbadeg and trade you choose. I joined the Army as a soldier with mediocre GCSEs and left with a Masters Degree, where I was paid to go to Uni for 3 years to do my Bachelors. So much opportunity in the Army, with similar in the RAF and Navy.

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Crafty-Warthog-1493@reddit

But arguably if it all kicks off with Russia, he'll be serving anyway... We all will.

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KnockOneOut178@reddit

Don’t know why you’re getting downvoted because it’s true. Most 18-40 year old men will be going into conscription of some sort if Russia kicks it off with NATO let alone the UK.

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AmpleApple9@reddit

Why do you think that? The Ukrainians are keeping them mostly at bay, why would Russia suddenly become this dominating war machine if they went to war with NATO? As a fighting force they fallen well short of everyone’s expectations. The real threat is the nuclear threat, but if that’s used you still wouldn’t need conscription because we’d all turned to vapour.

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Significant-Oil-8793@reddit

Schodinger Cat. Russia is so stupidly strong to attack the whole of NATO, yet losing massively in their economy and war. Just propaganda that everyone believe in currently to keep public support and war going in Ukraine

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SnooHabits8484@reddit

Poland could handle Russia on its own. It would be quite cathartic for them imo

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Significant-Oil-8793@reddit

If that's the case Poland sent too little to Ukraine. Ukraine is still ranked higher than Poland in the Global Firepower Index despite its recent drop. Poland without NATO would end up worse than Ukraine.

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mh1191@reddit

Conscription comes after you’ve already put all your pros into the meat grinder. It’s a tool of last resort and would fuck the economy

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Warriorcatv2@reddit (OP)

Many thanks for the detailed reply. As it stands I have been looking at an MP role although given my prior experience in IT signals or other more technical/computer based tiles could be another option. This is all early stages currently, nothing concrete. I'm aware it can be a mixed bag for people but I'd like to think I'd have at least a decent time. Even if I didn't, the stable pay & training would be worth biting the bullet.

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Diligent_Sock_9924@reddit

There’s opportunity for IT experience and quals in the sigs, plenty of soldiers leave for jobs paying much more than the army after 4-8 years. I’d imagine it could be similar in other technical trades. Something to keep in mind though - the army will use you as they see fit and your wants/needs come secondary if they’re even considered at all. It’s worth weighing that up given your personal situation.

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Guilty-Movie-3727@reddit

Depending on your level of IT skills, Army Intelligence may be a good shout. Intersting work.

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CoolJetReuben@reddit

Plenty of food. Plenty of exercise. A bed in every field. You'll love every second of it. Take the shilling. Sign your name. Well done. Next.

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SharpAardvark8699@reddit

You forgot the boom. Next

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setokaiba22@reddit

Perhaps it would be worth joining a branch of the TA’s or Navy version first? To get a feel? It’s a lot easier going into the forces especially the Army fresh out of school without experiences elsewhere or living a little and fitting into the order and such. I know the part time versions aren’t exactly the same but you’ll get a good feeling for them and I believe you can be deployed if required and do more if you wish

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notlits@reddit

If caring for your mum is the priority (and well done!) then possibly a career in the forces isn’t suited as you could spend long periods away etc. Others mentioned the police, but have you considered the fire brigade?

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blueblue_electric@reddit

Not a military person, but I have worked with a lot. All the RAF people I knew were not pilots, they had all sorts of other ground role jobs, so t think its for pilots only.

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ScandiWhipper@reddit

Hi, join the RAF. Unfortunately like all the branches of the military you'll spend a lot of time away - sometimes 6-9 months a year. I'm not sure caring for your mother and the military is compatible. The military isn't a day job, it completely engulfs your whole life.

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Background-Factor817@reddit

As the recruiter said to me: - Get in. - Get what you can and enjoy the opportunities. - Get back out. I originally planned on doing 4 years because there was no work around the area I grew up in unless retail is your calling. Ended up doing 9, left last year and now work for a decent IT company, a couple of guys I work with are ex military as well so we do occasionally give each other shit which confuses the regular staff but its a good laugh and easy money. So, get a decent trade, say yes to every opportunity (too many guys I knew would say no and moan because they spent their whole career in barracks.) and enjoy it. You get lots of disposable income in the Army as well, accommodation is cheap, think me and my wife paid 400 a month for our military house? It’s a lot cheaper if you’re living by yourself in the block on camp as well. Feel free to private message any questions or ask me on here, I’ll be totally honest, providing it doesn’t breach anything security related.

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CharlieW74@reddit

I don't think you're primarily joining for the right reasons. You're gonna be away from your mum, pushed a fair bit, physically exhausted, mentally stressed, in unusual surroundings, expected to lot of new things, and constantly told, you're shit at all of it. Are you in the right frame of mind at the moment, with the worry and concerns you have with your mum?

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Warthog-Orgy@reddit

Should be top comment

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Bose82@reddit

Long term the Navy or Air force is the better option, you’re more desirable to employers. I did 5 years as a marine engineer in the Royal Navy and now I have a great civvy career in a job I enjoy. There are a lot of ex-forces in my job and I can only think of two that were in the army. I don’t think the career training is quite as good

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Evening-Okra2737@reddit

Currently in 16 years now, british army, technical trade. honestly, I'd fully recommend something trade like in the RAF, given your welfare issues. Deployments are far less frequent, especially on battlecamps and the likes. There basic training is a gift less RAF Regt, you'll be home most weekends and most units roll a 4 day week now on top of that and potentially (although you'd have to confirm it) as a named carer for your mam, you would probably be entitled to a pad(housing) near whatever barracks, station, boat your posted to. On my patch there's a female soldier who has a house because she looks after her dad, so well in the realms of possible. The armed forces are pretty swept up with welfare business to be fair. That's my two pence anyway.

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Shmikken@reddit

I can tell you with about 75% certainty, if you join the army out of a lack of other options, you will not get through the training. You need to WANT it, they make sure of that.

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Senior_Rutabaga_8462@reddit

If you have to choose one of the 3, RAF any day of the week (Unless you want to do something arduous like joining the marines or the paras). I'm an electrical engineer in the RAF and joined only having GCSE's. For what we do the pay is very competitive and the qualifications you receive set you up for life after the military.

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EmergencyAir2928@reddit

Honestly if you need to care for your mother the army or any armed force ia the wrong choice of career.

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cloud1280@reddit

This, I’m ex army (left 5 years ago) and if you have a dependent I wouldn’t advise any military service for you.

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Helpful-Fennel-7468@reddit

With the current recruitment crisis I’m sure there’s some woke tomfoolery going on.

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No-Discipline-165@reddit

Get your fitness up and training will be easy enough. It’s a progressive course, like most things are in the military, they get harder as you go along, but you get better at it. You may not be around much for your mum during training, 6 weeks. But following phase 2 trade training, you can probably ensure you’re based near enough, or at least go home on weekends. And don’t forget, in war you may be expected to fight. Never forget the risk of the military, but then also consider which roles have a greater or lower risk of very bad stuff happening . Unless you’re one of those guys who loves that, then I would suggest the paras or marines. I did 6 years in the army, no regrets. I had a great laugh but also mindful, I just about survived Afghanistan. Enjoy making new mates, feeling part of something huge and doing something pretty cool with your life. Good luck mate.

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sterlings925@reddit

I finished my time in the army 10 years ago so can't comment on what current training is like specifically, but the principles of basic training don't change that much, the whole process is designed to break down the socialisation you've received so far in life and then build you back into someone that will have the ability to perform arduous, time critical tasks under pressure in often austere environments, and that applies regardless of the trade you choose. So basic training will involve you being shouted at, being sleep deprived and made to physically exert yourself harder than you think possible. it's tough but I found it was worth it, and once you've finished basic training life gets more civilized if you are doing a trade and I gained so much from my military career that I've never regretted any of it. One thing that's worth remembering is that you relinquish a lot of your ability to choose where you are based and what you are doing, the needs of the service do outweigh the needs of the individual and so if you are needed to deploy on operations at short notice, that's where you're going, It's worth going into it being aware tof that. The military has improved the way it looks after its troops, and there was a big difference in support from the chain of command at the start of my career to that available at the end of my career but once you sign the line you lose some of the choices you are free to make now. Happy for you to message me with any specific questions

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blinkML@reddit

I did the better part of a decade through the 2010s, long out now, so can't speak for what training is currently like, but in general you need to want it. You'll be tested, exhausted, cold, battered in ways you didn't know possible, nobody makes it through that unless they want to. The Army gets a rap for something you do as a last resort, which I think is nonsense. It's the greatest engine of social mobility this country has ever seen. Myself and millions of young lads in my position joined with not even GCSEs and left with qualifications, savings, as homeowners, qualified professionals. The Army has boatloads of trades to choose from, and that includes the infantry - combat and leadership are professions in their own right. Also within the infantry you specialise further, signals (communications and information systems), support weapons, recce/snipers, all these require independent thinking, self reliance, applied mathematics. If you serve 6 years or more the Army will fund a degree when you leave, and that's on top of your enhanced learning credits (several thousand £'s for qualifications). I used my ELCs for an Access diploma then went on to study a professional degree apprenticeship, and now I'm a medical professional independently seeing and treating patients. It has its downsides for sure, I suffered, I saw things in my 20's you can't forget, I joined at a time where the culture was... different, but I dont regret a second.

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Substantial_Elk_2939@reddit

By and large it's a good choice, although I am biased. The recruitment process takes so long that you may as well apply now, then if you change your mind you can pull out at any point until you sign your contract on the first day of basic training.

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Embarrassed_Emu7973@reddit

They did a documentary on bbc ‘soldier’ of the phase 1 and 2 training at itc catterick, that’s infantry, it was a few years ago it was acc the group before my partners when he joined

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IndividualCurious322@reddit

Before you consider joining, look at how new recruits are treated and veterans once their service has ended.

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Hambatz@reddit

There’s a lot of join the navy rather than the army on here you’ll be at sea all the bastard time lol definitely better off in the army But yeah probably join the RAF

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goingnowherespecial@reddit

If I was to do it again (ex-army), I'd join the RAF or Navy. Whatever job you're looking at in the Army they likely have it in the Navy or RAF. The reason for either of those two is your quality of life will be a lot better. Maybe it's changed, but the Navy and RAF camps I visited were far beyond any of the Army barracks. You'll be treated like a child in the Army and there's an element of just sucking it up and dealing with all the shit. Also look at the pay scales for the trade you're considering. What the routes to promotion are and how you get there. Some trades you can go in 1 or 2 ranks up after completing your training. Which obviously equates to a higher salary.

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DragonfruitItchy4222@reddit

It will depend what you join, I'm told it's getting easier and easier physically. Training to get into the infantry is 6 months and you won't be able to go home on a lot of the weekends. If you were to join a non-infantry regiment I think they usually have a 12 week phase one of training and after they usually stay with what will become their unit while trade training, meaning they usually will be able to go home. Though you could be based anywhere in the country meaning it'd be a very long drive for you.

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Judge_Dredd-@reddit

Army pay is not high when you start, so not sure if you'd be earning enough to support your mother.

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Warriorcatv2@reddit (OP)

Hey it's more than universal credit, PIP's & carers allowance but we've been scraping by on that just about.

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Speedbird1A@reddit

It’s a stable job that gives you a sense of purpose. Can you earn a lot more in the private sector? Yes. But it’s a higher risk option. So it’s up to you.

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AttitudeSimilar9347@reddit

Your expenditure can be very low however.

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Harvsnova3@reddit

Go for the RAF and stay away from helicopters or you'll be living in a tent all the time. Try and go for a trade that's transferrable. I was aircraft fitter and now on the railway...... Have you looked at a job on the railway?

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KnockOneOut178@reddit

Same here, I’ve got a start date for next year and also like you am wondering… I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited, yet shitting myself so much to start something as much as this in my life haha.

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Sea-Still5427@reddit

If you need to be there for your mum, perhaps a branch of the police would be a better fit?

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Wise-Independence487@reddit

The way it was explained to me. Basically training you just need to get through it, you are going to get picked on at some stage just see the end goal. When you get to second phase it’s much better (I’m not in the army but a close relative was)

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