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Career in the Army? -- some questions

  • 28-08-2006 5:30pm
    #1
    Dave!
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27,857 ✭✭✭✭


    Hey folks,

    I'm still intrigued by the idea of joining the military, but I'm wondering what exactly a life in the army might entail!

    A few questions!

    1. How long at a time would you be living in barracks or abroad? I mean, do you get a break from serving at all? If so, how long, and is it paid (perhaps this varies with rank, etc.)? If not, then how exactly is it possible to have a family, kids, wife, etc., if you don't get a chance to MEET someone? :confused:

    2. Following on from #1... is it hard to maintain a family while you're a member of the military? Surely if you're abroad for months at a time and living in barracks other times, then it would take its toll! And from what I gather the pay isn't great, which would make it even harder.

    3. How easy is it to be promoted? I mean you could hardly have a career as the lowest rank (not sure what that is)! And I would think that there's an age-limit after which if you're not going up, you're going down.

    4. How does it fare up against civilian life? I suppose this is mainly applicable to those who have done both. I would think the lack of freedom in the army would be frustrating, but at the same time travelling to different places and not having to worry about costs, etc., would be one benefit. I dunno, what are the pros and cons?

    5. What do you do during the day? If you're not overseas on peacekeeping missions, and you're not escorting cash, etc., then what other duties do you do during the day? Do you just continue training?


    Thanks for any feedback, I'll try and think of more questions tomorrow


Comments

  • #2
    muletide
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,506 ✭✭✭muletide


    1. Once you finish training i.e you are a fully qualified 3 star. The job becomes a normal 9 to 5 job. The exceptions to this are:
    a. When you are on duty (5 times approx a month) where you spend 24 hrs in Bks
    b. On a course you will work alot of after hours stuff - you can expect to do about one month long course a year. Some are alot longer some shorter
    c. On an exercise you could be on the ground for up to 7-10 days and wont see home. There will be many 2-3 day exercises and single overnight exercises.
    All this can differ depending on how active the army/unit is (more duties/courses) or if you are preparing for overseas(more exercises)

    2. You do not live in barracks unless the above conditions prevail so a family should not be a problem if your partner understands your job when you meet her.

    3. It is very easy to get promoted if you are enthusiastic/motivated/sensible/hard working/disciplined. But remember you will have to do your time at the bottom like every other job, if you accept that and dont get ideas above your station then you will progress steadily.It is impossible to get promoted if you are a lazy walloper.

    4. How does it fare up against civilian life ??? The two are incomparable. Talk to more soldiers, visit barracks and get a taste for it yourself. It is a very personal thing but most guys love it.

    5. During the day if not on ops you are training - everything from weapons/first aid/computers/driving/promotion courses/fitness/sport/CBRN/ Language courses/ mechanic courses. The list is endless, if you are bored on a daily basis it is your fault do something about it - apply for a course, offer assistance to your superiors, go to the gym


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