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Death · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 6:27 pm Post subject: Careers in the Armed Forces?

Hail All!

I've got a bit of a job-related quandry that I'd like people's opinions on, given how many of ye know me well in real life as well as over this forum. Smile

Last night whilst travelling on a bus to Aldershot, I found an MOD pamphlet that outlined a few bits and pieces about soldiering and other roles within the Armed Forces, and read as much as I could before the bus arrived at my stop. Over the last 30 minutes or so, I've also been taking a look at the MOD Army Careers site and have managed to gain a small insight into Army life and careers.

Now - As many of ye know - My life is currently "in the pits" in a manner of speaking, as I've been unemployed for a very long time, have got virtually no motivation to complete the numerous projects that I have started over the past five years, and - To tell the honest to Gods truth - Over the past two years I've observed that I've been paying gradually less and less attention to certain personal matters, which isn't a good thing in the slightest. Sad

Now...It's obvious to me that my life needs a serious kick up the backside to get it moving in a fufilling, constructive direction...And I'm now wondering if a career in the services might be a suitable solution. Shocked

On the other hand however, aside from the fact that I have the learning disability Asperger's Syndrome - Which in itself could be a barring factor to service life - I should also point out that because of my very strong Asatrú (Norse/Viking Pagan) religious beliefs, I'm not 100% certain how my Gods would view my use of modern weaponry...Which in itself would be an obvious necessity, given that I'd most likely be interested in joining an Infantry regiment - And the weapons that I'm more accustomed to and skilled in using (Swords/Axes/Longbows etc.) havn't been used on the field of War for a good 200 years or so! Shocked

As an aside; There is another personal issue of mine - That I will not mention here - That could also cause problems in such a career, so I'd need to seek further advice about that also...Though that would be a matter of strict confidentiality between myself and the person(s) who'd advise me on that particular point. Smile

So...Given what ye all know of me as a person and what I've outlined above, does anyone think that considering a career in the Armed Forces could be a wise idea, or would it be something best avoided even given my current circumstances? Shocked

I'd be especially interested to hear from any Club members who are former or current service personnel, especially as the MOD careers site has a blatant bias all over it, and I'd rather get an unbiased and realistic view on following such a path if possible. Cool

Note: I'm fully aware of the downsides to a life in the Army already (A free trip home in a wooden box being one of them)...But at the same time I cannot help but feel that the Gods placed me upon this Earth for some reason or another, and - Even if I wound up doing something other than my true destiny, whatever that may be - I'd rather have lived my life doing something useful to society, as opposed to just sitting around on my fat ass and doing sod-all worthwhile...And what could be more worthwhile than defending and protecting my homeland; The ancient and sacred Kingdom of Albion? Twisted Evil

Given that I adhere to a Warrior's religion anyway, I suppose military service might be a logical step forward for me to take. However, any unbiased help or advice that people can offer on this subject would be very much appreciated. Cool

Farewell... Twisted Evil

>> Death <<

Bunnie · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject:

Hi Death

My brother-in-laws are both in a military environment. One serves in the RAF as a medic and the other is in the Army.

I will only comment on the Army one as that is the route you are interested in following, however if you want any information about the RAF please feel free to ask.

I know you mentioned the infantry regiment but how would you feel about other careers within the army such as engineering?

I would say that the army environment has done wonders for my brother-in-law in terms of hard work and discipline. He is very well travelled around the UK and other countries and has learned many valuable skills and experienced many life changing things.

I am not sure how you're aspergers would affect your application, I can ask my brother-in-law if you like?

Also an old school friend of mine serves in the Royal Coldstream Guards, I would say this has also done wonders for him however he lost a good friend of his when he served in Iraq so there are down sides. He also mentioned that at times he can feel very isolated.

I know this information is probably not very helpful but just wanted to add my point of view.
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Nimmykins · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 9:54 pm Post subject:

Could you follow orders and wear a uniform?
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Sarah
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Plus four travelling coasters including Olympia Looping and Eurostar.

Death · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:57 pm Post subject:

Hail All!

c anderson · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:58 am Post subject:

Having been in the Army (a long time ago) I would say that only sign up for the minimum period, give yourself a year and if you enjoy it sign on for longer (higher rates of pay).
Do not sign up for infantry or tanks, consider Logistics. I was a driver and got to go all over europe (not stuck in barracks most of the time) you get to supply the forward units etc and you come out with a skill you can use in civilian life unlike the infantry. Logistics covers all sorts of trades also so good luck in your choice
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Regards
C Anderson

Death · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:53 pm Post subject:

Hail, Chris/Colin/C Twisted Evil

(Sorry mate, I can't remember thy first name! Rolling Eyes

)

adey · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:59 pm Post subject:

good luck death.
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its got to be done
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