Ex-military guys, come hither!

[MementoMori]

My life's going nowhere at the minute, so I'm reconsidering an old desire to join the Air Force. My dreams of becoming a sodding Eurofighter pilot have finally been squashed, so I have been thinking about applying to become a Medic.

I will be taking a trip down to the local recruitment office to hear their sales pitch, but I am also interesting in hearing first hand experiences from the people who are in it, or have been.

Not necessarily as a medic, or even in the AF, I'd just like an idea of what military life has to offer... whether it was worth it, whether you regretted it, or it was the best thing you ever did, etc.

I'm especially interested in the initial 12 week recruit training and what this involves, as I've heard nothing but stories about how this is the hardest, toughest part where they try and break you down and build you back up again how they want you to be.

I had a short spell in the Air Cadets and whilst I did well, I did find it just a little bit naff. I intend on gaining some medical experience by joining St. John for a while and learning as much as I can there, if I am to go ahead with this idea. I wouldn't join for a year or so yet, as it's such a big decision and I want to be sure I still feel the same way about it in time. Though considering I've been thinking about it for a fair few years now, I think this may be likely.

I also need an understanding and open-minded person with knowledge of the military, or connections with someone who does to give me a PM as I have something to ask, and due to the nature of it, a public forum is not a wise place to talk about it.

Wow, I've written a lot. Sorry to have rambled on. In short, I'd like to hear your experiences and whether you would recommend that lifestyle.

Thanks a lot!

[Colapop]

Join the Army it's better

[Biff]

The best advice I could offer you, is specialize. Get some experience/training/quafilications in a discipline that will help you earn a decent living if/when you ever return to civvie street.

Good luck.

[Colapop]

Yep definitely . Get a trade or qualified. The armed forces will pay for it...

[Street Gerbil]

specialize

Amen to that. Serving for the sake of service is a waste of time. I served as a software engineer and enjoyed every moment of it.

[doc]

Do a ROSBe.

[Sniper]

The best advice I could offer you, is specialize. Get some experience/training/quafilications in a discipline that will help you earn a decent living if/when you ever return to civvie street.

Good luck.

Couldnt have said it better myself

[Storm]

As an army sparky with advanced trade all paid for, I'll echo these other chaps. Its what you make of it. With regards to the 12 weeks, its getting softer and easier all the time(too many whinging crybabies and namby pambies complaining), and to be honest I've heard the Air Force version is even easier than the army these days. PM Bonez as I think he did his 20 years in there

[Sniper]

As an army sparky with advanced trade all paid for, I'll echo these other chaps. Its what you make of it. With regards to the 12 weeks, its getting softer and easier all the time(too many whinging crybabies and namby pambies complaining), and to be honest I've heard the Air Force version is even easier than the army these days. PM Bonez as I think he did his 20 years in there

Gone are the days you could take the crybabies out the back and give them something to cry for. My Sarge used to say that all the time (as well as copious quotes from Full metal jacket

[Dave Lobster]

Do it. Its a great life when you're young. Not so great as you get older though. The money isn't half as good, relative to everyone else.

[jimbo600]

Join the Army it's better

pisht whatever. Army stands for "Air Force Rejected Me Yesterday"

Seriously though any of the services are good. With the RNZAF however you can acquire a trade, and later remuster to aircrew and be a chopper crewman, a loadmaster, or air electronics operator for example. That way you'll still have a trade and gain aircrew experience. AF have a pretty extensive list of trades too including photographer, who also look after the Navy and Army.

I would definitely do it all again if I had the chance. Great lifestyle and some of the guys I joined up with in 1987 are still close friends today. (No not Navy close!)

A communicator or signals is a good thing to get into as it sets you up well afterwards. GCSB employ a few of those if thats your thing.

[u4ea]

I was a recruit traing with the territorials for a while when my son was 7(hes now 16)I was hoping to use that experience and then work in the prison as a warden but blood clots saw an end to that.
I can only encourage you to do your training.The armed forces are a way of life and a carreer as well.If youve done the ATC then you know how it works!!You obviously have a compassion for others if you are considering a job which could put you in a humanitarian role .

[Holy Roller]

If you can survive basic training then the rest is a breeze. To survive do what you are told when you are told, treat them like your mum and you will be OK. Life is so much {better, Easier} these days as the political correctness factor has permiated the establishment. No more rolling around in a mud puddle making "love" to your rifle, early morning swims (ex navy) and running in plastic sandles. A great life for a single guy or one needs a very understanding Mrs.

All the best.
Gordon
Leading Radio Fitter RNZN

[Sniper]

pisht whatever. Army stands for "Air Force Rejected Me Yesterday"

Funny, most airforce chaps I have met have said that. None of them have ever won a friendly boxing match or shoot either

Mind you, the airforce did throw me out of planes over some nice country, so I am thankful for that. Although, I have still never met an airforce squaddie I didnt like....

[Sparky Bills]

From what ive heard as of late, they are laking personale. So to fail basic, you would have to be a real retard! (which your not!)

Neil is down doing the whole training thing at the moment. Hense why he wasnt at the 1st round.
Then hes off to be a pilot. Even if the Air Force doesnt really have any force in the Air , id still recomend going for them.