Am I being up-partiotic for joining the royal marine commandos?

ps3man

After failing a medical for the PDF here I decided in my mind to join the royal marine commandos,am I doing the right thing? Am I being un-patriotic or have Irish people gotten over their dislike of the British army?

neilled

ps3man wrote: »

After failing a medical for the PDF here I decided in my mind to join the royal marine commandos,am I doing the right thing? Am I being un-patriotic or have Irish people gotten over their dislike of the British army?

The RM are part of the navy :pac:! You will get some barstool provo types who will never shut up about it or you may have friends or relatives from the north who are a bit upset as some did have serious and genuine grievances with British forces during the troubles. For the most part, its over and done with. You won't be the first or the last to go down that route. Just take into consideration that the RM have higher physical fitness requirements than the defence forces and that these lads are on constant deployment in hotspots. I'd advise you to think seriously about the potential consequences of joining. Ring the AFCO in belfast and get them to send you an info pack. Read the small print. I say this because your comments on the other thread sounded a tad flippant about the RDF. Whilst the likelyhood of death isn't as high, many of the tools of a soldiers trade are designed for one thing - killing and when they malfunction the results can be fatal. Tim Collins book notes of a training accident where a guy fell in a tunnel, the rifle hit the ground and went off and put five bullets into one of his comrades who survived but i think may have lost limbs because of the incident. Thankfully I haven't heard anything like that about the RDF but to say they simply march around carparks..........

Patriotism isn't an issue. You tried so soldier for your country and couldn't. There's nothing specifically unpatriotic about serving the brits. The war is over. For the most part we have good economic and political links between our two countries.

Tristram

If its what you want to do, do it. Tough gig. Good luck dude.

Ardscoil Ris

What do you care about what other people think? Your life, don't worry what others think.

Now if Britain invades Ireland again then we might have a problem with you

Ryanzo

If you are the playstation generation of ineffectual dreaming and are romanticising wild ideas about being a skilled sniper commando highly trained in the art of survival then you definitely have another thing coming.

bunny shooter

Failed medical for Irish Defence Forces what makes you think you'll pass Royal Marines one :rolleyes:

As for your attitude the instructors would love you I worked with ex Marines and Paras in London, them boys were hard b'tards:eek:

Reckon you should stick to watching war films and playing your computer games

Hagar

Can posters restrict themselves to on-topic helpful posts please? Thank you.

twinytwo

ps3man wrote: »

After failing a medical for the PDF here I decided in my mind to join the royal marine commandos,am I doing the right thing? Am I being un-patriotic or have Irish people gotten over their dislike of the British army?

Wanting to join and gettimg in are two different things... The medical would be the least of your problems. As they say you had better enjoy being tired cold wet and hungry


Take a look at commando on the front line and the likes and ask yourself have you the mentality.

BigDuffman

Hardy bunch of lads alright, I've trained with a few and their fitness levels are outstanding. If you think you've got the stones for it go ahead, but its no cake walk from what I hear.

Sign up for the commando march (the one this year is on the 7th over in Scotland) the training wont hurt and you rub shoulders and a have a few pints with all the lads who are serving/ex that are competing in the race.

No shame in joining the Brits. Don't mind those scumbag wannabe provo's. They are the most professional army in the world. Have a look at the Irish Guards or the Royal Irish regiments if you don't get the RMC.

arybvtcw0eolkf

ps3man wrote: »

After failing a medical for the PDF here I decided in my mind to join the royal marine commandos,am I doing the right thing? Am I being un-patriotic or have Irish people gotten over their dislike of the British army?

Yes your doing the right thing.

No, your not being unpatriotic.

I hope you in get and wish you a very successful career in it if you do.

Hagar

Keep the name calling to yourself please. It adds nothing to the topic and is at best devisive. Not everyone who has reservations about Irishmen joining foreign armies is either a scumbag or a wannabe provo.

r3nu4l

If you haven't already, find out if your reason for failing the PDF medical will also stop you joining the RM.

Unpatriotic etc? Well, that's all subjective, some will say it's not unpatriotic, others will say, they couldn't care less, others again, will say you're a traitor and yet more will say that nobody should ever join any army because we should all make love and not war etc

the_syco

ps3man wrote: »

After failing a medical for the PDF here I decided in my mind to join the royal marine commandos,am I doing the right thing? Am I being un-patriotic or have Irish people gotten over their dislike of the British army?

Only thing that I can think of that will fail you in the PDF but not int the RM is laser treatment for your eye sight (they have done a report into it, the PDF hasn't). Look at the websites, as they list what you'll be put through on your first day, and how to prepare for it.

As for being un-partiotic, some f**kers moan that it's un-partiotic to go shopping in another part of Ireland :eek: Go figure. Ignore them. Don't let some whinge bag get in the way of enjoying life.

Hard Larry

ps3man wrote: »

After failing a medical for the PDF here I decided in my mind to join the royal marine commandos,am I doing the right thing? Am I being un-patriotic or have Irish people gotten over their dislike of the British army?

You won't be the first and certainly won't be the last Irishman to join the BA/RMC/Navy.

TBH the only advice I can give you is seriously consider what other options are open to you in civvie street...eg would you prefer to bugger off to Australia for a year before you sign your arse over to the RMC.

All I know about Afghanistan is what I see on TV or hear through the grapevine from a bloke who knows a bloke etc. but you don't have to be a genius to see its a kip.

One thing you should consider is this...

In real life there is no respawn.

road_2_damascus

would you not consider the PSNI? At least you know you wont be sent to Afghanistan, Iraq etc etc. Plus you may encounter anti Irish sentiment amongst the ranks of teh British army...in fact, you will

Hard Larry

DublinDes wrote: »

Well, one thing I can say, no relations of mine ever joined the British army thank God.

Yeah, I hear the food is muck.

ArphaRima

Not in my opinion. But you'll find Irish people would be split on this issue, and probably always will be. The Irish have a long and well regarded history within the British armed forces. Just make sure you represent us well.

Good luck with it if you go ahead. One thing I would say is that though the RMC are a great fighting force, wouldnt you rather be an officer? You get similar training, the same physical tasks and challenges on the job, better sense of achievement, recognition etc. but you have an actual career out of it too.
Join an arm of the military as a cadet. Far better.

Hagar

Despite my earlier request people are still posting off topic.
This time I have removed the posts next time I'll remove the posters.

andrewh5

ps3man wrote: »

After failing a medical for the PDF here I decided in my mind to join the royal marine commandos,am I doing the right thing? Am I being un-patriotic or have Irish people gotten over their dislike of the British army?

If you failed the medical for the Irish defence Forces you haven't a chance of passing the medical for the Royal Marines, Parachute Regiment or any Line Infantry Regiment in the British Army. Go to a recruiting office in Belfast and talk to them.

minidazzler

andrewh5 wrote: »

If you failed the medical for the Irish defence Forces you haven't a chance of passing the medical for the Royal Marines, Parachute Regiment or any Line Infantry Regiment in the British Army. Go to a recruiting office in Belfast and talk to them.

He failed on Colour-deficiency, so he has a huge chance of Passing, as long as he passes the Lantern test.

He cannot However join the Royal Engineers or REME.

Hagar, since he is asking is it unpatriotic, would this fall under Politic's? I don't know just asking.

But anyway, No It is not Unpatriotic, you are going I assume for adventure or whatever.

As I said last night, THINK long and hard about this decision it is NOT to be taken LIGHTLY.

That's all I have to really say on this, I am going to try for it myself, so I will never criticise someone for it, however, I also will never tell someone to go for it. Basically because I don't want that on my Conscience if the worst happens to them.

ps3man

people have asked why I wish to Join and its simple, all my life I have wanted to be a professional soilder, the rmc is probably one of the most well trained units in the world, if I was to be sent to afghanistan why not go with the best,

Paddy Samurai

If you failed the medical here,you will not get into the marines.
If the reason you failed the medical is something you can work on and improve,then do so and try again later.A lot of marines are recruited from within the existing british army and most of these fail the selection process.
As for been unpatriotic by joining the british army,lots of irish men both present and past have joined them.In the past it was a problem,but with the changed circumstances not so much now.
Also now that we are all european and that they are trying to setup an all europe force,its all the one which you join irish army,british army,french foreign legion.
As its highly unlikely countries in the EU would go to war with each other,the chances of you fighting against your own country is virtually nill so i would'nt call it unpatriotic.

andrewh5

minidazzler wrote: »

He failed on Colour-deficiency, so he has a huge chance of Passing, as long as he passes the Lantern test.

He cannot However join the Royal Engineers or REME.

Hagar, since he is asking is it unpatriotic, would this fall under Politic's? I don't know just asking.

But anyway, No It is not Unpatriotic, you are going I assume for adventure or whatever.

As I said last night, THINK long and hard about this decision it is NOT to be taken LIGHTLY.

That's all I have to really say on this, I am going to try for it myself, so I will never criticise someone for it, however, I also will never tell someone to go for it. Basically because I don't want that on my Conscience if the worst happens to them.

I would question whether he would pass an RMC or Para medical as they have higher restrictions on colour deficiencies due to parachute training. Hee needs to check with a careers office as they will have access to all the latest rules and regs on it - or can check for him.

Latchy

ps3man wrote: »

After failing a medical for the PDF here I decided in my mind to join the royal marine commandos,am I doing the right thing? Am I being un-patriotic or have Irish people gotten over their dislike of the British army?

Patriotisim doesn't come into it .Apart from your family and the few close friends you have ,the Irish goverment and population at large wont give a second thought about you, your life or your decision to join a foreign military, so why should you worry about being unpatriotic ? .It's your life , we only have one so live it as you see fit.

minidazzler

andrewh5 wrote: »

I would question whether he would pass an RMC or Para medical as they have higher restrictions on colour deficiencies due to parachute training. Hee needs to check with a careers office as they will have access to all the latest rules and regs on it - or can check for him.

Not with the Marines, he should be grand, Not all Marines do Parachute training, AFAIK, you have to ask for it.

Not sure about the Para's, only looked at them briefly as an option myself.



Paddy Samurai, Most marines are recruited straight from Civvie Street, there are a few I have heard of from the RN and other Unit's who went for the Marine's but from what I have read and heard from a few people I know, most people who go for PRMC are Civvies.


Anyway, OP, If you are going for it, Make sure you train hard for PRMC, I hear it is a bit tough:P

Dub13

I am not sure why most Irish lads try to join the Paras/Royal Marian's once they have decided to join the BA.IMO you would be better of joining a infantry/light infantry regiment and see if been a front line solider suits you.

If you are near the top of your recruit platoon then conceder transferring to one of the more 'elite' units.If you are not near the top of your recruit platoon but still pass out all is not lost make the army work for you and do good courses that will be useful to you when you leave.

Local-womanizer

Would you rather be patriotic and have no money in your pocket or no sense of acheivement?

or

Have a job you enjoy,has good security with great support around you in terms of friends etc?

Thats my answer to people who find it a problem with the Irish in the BA etc

Most people who feel this way that I have encounter are the ones who sit in a pub drinking all day ranting about the brits and how they want them out for a better country yet they themselves drink away all their dole money and give out about England playing in Croke park.

Yet you get the older generation who have real reason to hate the brits yet they have the cop on to realise not every brit is the same.

Thats just my experiance on the matter.

minidazzler

Dub13 wrote: »

I am not sure why most Irish lads try to join the Paras/Royal Marian's once they have decided to join the BA.IMO you would be better of joining a infantry/light infantry regiment and see if been a front line solider suits you.

If you are near the top of your recruit platoon then conceder transferring to one of the more 'elite' units.If you are not near the top of your recruit platoon but still pass out all is not lost make the army work for you and do good courses that will be useful to you when you leave.

I think it may be something to do with being the best, and showing everyone that the Irish are the best at everything.

That is my reason for wanting the RM, basically because, if I can't be in the one I want, I may as well be the best in the world. I have a very competitive mentallity too, even if I really dislike sports!!!

Thats what I think the reason is anyway!!!

Dyr

Paddy Samurai wrote: »

As its highly unlikely countries in the EU would go to war with each other,the chances of you fighting against your own country is virtually nill so i would'nt call it unpatriotic.

nah that just mean's your chances of actually winding up a traitor are less.:pac:

Unless the OP has some great love for the United Kindom or The Queen then joining the BA is not a patriotic act, whether thats the same as unpatriotic is up to yourself really. I'd say it is.

Something to bear in mind is that i know a few old lads who joined the british army in the 60's when they thought the past was firmly in the past and we were all friends now...then look what happened a few years later...:eek:

arybvtcw0eolkf

Dub13 wrote: »

make the army work for you and do good courses that will be useful to you when you leave.

Probably one of the best pieces of advice passed around in this entire military forum.

Dub13

minidazzler wrote: »

I think it may be something to do with being the best, and showing everyone that the Irish are the best at everything.

That is my reason for wanting the RM, basically because, if I can't be in the one I want, I may as well be the best in the world. I have a very competitive mentallity too, even if I really dislike sports!!!

Thats what I think the reason is anyway!!!

My post was not meant to have a go at you,I wish you the best and hope you get a lot out of your time.The Irish Army for one reason or another loses out on some fine solders.

I was making a general point about alot of lads I know who go over to the BA,they nearly all head for the Paras/RM.Now if you have a military family who have served in the BA and have filled you in all your life on these regiments then maybe you would be aware of how tough the training in these regiments will be.What you have to understand about any big Army (and the BA with over 100k troops is a big army) is there is a spot/role for most people.

I fear some of these lads go over and aim right for the top from the off,this may shock them and they may give up on a military career if they are not fully papered.And if you are going to one of these front line regiments you will have to do a lot of preparation work if you are to make it.

The way I see it is there is nothing wrong with going into a line infantry regiment and learning the ropes,then if soldering is for you do selection for one of the front line regiments.You will be a lot more papered this way and if its not for you the worst that can happen is you would be RTU.This may not be the most glamorous way to do things but its the best way to go and would be the advice I would give anybody thinking about heading to the British Army.

minidazzler

Dub13 wrote: »

My post was not meant to have a go at you,I wish you the best and hope you get a lot out of your time.The Irish Army for one reason or another loses out on some fine solders.

I didn't take it as a go at all, don't worry. I was just offering my reason for trying there.

Excellent post BTW, It really hits the nail...

Poccington

Hard Larry wrote: »

Yeah, I hear the food is muck.

Can't be much worse than some of the **** dished out by some of our lot

iceage

Spot on Dub 13. To the OP, some sound advice in here, make sure your sure about your decision and then best of luck which ever you decide.

(Don't mind Hard Harry, the foods not that bad, really....:P)

Hard Larry

iceage wrote: »

Spot on Dub 13. To the OP, some sound advice in here, make sure your sure about your decision and then best of luck which ever you decide.

(Don't mind Hard Harry, the foods not that bad, really....:P)

Ah that post kind of lost its thunder as the post it was in response to got deleted.

Duffers

Dub13 wrote: »

I was making a general point about alot of lads I know who go over to the BA,they nearly all head for the Paras/RM.Now if you have a military family who have served in the BA and have filled you in all your life on these regiments then maybe you would be aware of how tough the training in these regiments will be.What you have to understand about any big Army (and the BA with over 100k troops is a big army) is there is a spot/role for most people.

I fear some of these lads go over and aim right for the top from the off,this may shock them and they may give up on a military career if they are not fully papered.And if you are going to one of these front line regiments you will have to do a lot of preparation work if you are to make it.

The way I see it is there is nothing wrong with going into a line infantry regiment and learning the ropes,then if soldering is for you do selection for one of the front line regiments.You will be a lot more papered this way and if its not for you the worst that can happen is you would be RTU.This may not be the most glamorous way to do things but its the best way to go and would be the advice I would give anybody thinking about heading to the British Army.

For starters all the infantry reg's are front line, just look at the deployment of the Anglians, the Mercians, etc etc.

The RM are not part of the Army as has been pointed out. Which means you can't rock up at Catterick or anywhere else, 'learn the ropes' do Phase 1 and then transfer to CTC, you would have to go back to day one week one. A good example is a bloke who is Para Reg and joined the RM in a Rct Troop day 1 week 1, likewise there were Guardsmen and various Soldiers and matelots who all did the same, they were all trained ranks who started from day one, interestingly a fair few of them opted out.

Ref the preparation...you are fit enough if you can pass a PRMC, from zero fitness you can be fit enough for that within 2 months easy.
However, training is not easy and you will spend a lot of time in the field, particularly in Phase two, when you will be carrying a lot of weight.

But as to the main issue, you will have to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen, and your rig will be issued with the Union Jack on it(although you are told to remove it as it is not 'tactical').

minidazzler

Duffers wrote: »

But as to the main issue, you will have to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen, and your rig will be issued with the Union Jack on it(although you are told to remove it as it is not 'tactical').

In fairness that doesn't make someone unpatriotic. well, not exactly, it just means you have loyalty to a country that isn't your's, It doesn't mean you can't be Loyal to your own country.

And remember an Oath is just words, and a flag is just cloth.

Unpatriotic, would be to still fight on the opposite side if they went to war with us, or if you welcome them in if you are not part of the Armed Forces of either side.

In my opinion anyway, this holds true.

Duffers

minidazzler wrote: »

In fairness that doesn't make someone unpatriotic. well, not exactly, it just means you have loyalty to a country that isn't your's, It doesn't mean you can't be Loyal to your own country.

And remember an Oath is just words, and a flag is just cloth.

Unpatriotic, would be to still fight on the opposite side if they went to war with us, or if you welcome them in if you are not part of the Armed Forces of either side.

In my opinion anyway, this holds true.

Good point well made, thats what I was trying to say - I did not feel it was in un patriotic. Good luck and if you need any advice give me a shout, I will hopefully be returning to CTCRM soon.:(

Leadership

RMC is certainly tough but you can ease the pain slightly and become a commando through a back door that you may find interesting.

The Royal Marines are supported by Army Units who all pass the Commando course and these are 59 Commando and 29 Commando. 59 is Engineers but with your eyesight there is little chance of entry due to the explosives element of combat engineering but 29 is an artillery unit. Both units the entry is through the "Normal" recruit intake process and you join a regular unit on completion of basic training and further role training. You can then apply for the Commando course and you will do the All Arms Commando course and if you pass you will serve with a Commando unit.

The step up is easier this way and will give you a good introduction to regular Army life as they are very different. Most Army units have a special PT sessions for commando / para wanabees that will build you up for the course.

Just a second option for you....Good Luck

BTW - Irish in the BA is nothing new, since the late 80's there is little or no discrimination. You will get called Mick, Paddy, Bogger etc etc but no different to the Welsh, Scots, Goerdies

Dub13

Duffers wrote: »

For starters all the infantry reg's are front line, just look at the deployment of the Anglians, the Mercians, etc etc.

I am aware all the infantry reg's are front line,I just used that term as apposed to saying the Paras are a elite unit as thats a argument I have heared hundreds of times.I would call the Paras elite as they have a stand alone selection process,but others dont agree.

Duffers wrote: »

The RM are not part of the Army as has been pointed out. Which means you can't rock up at Catterick or anywhere else, 'learn the ropes' do Phase 1 and then transfer to CTC, you would have to go back to day one week one. A good example is a bloke who is Para Reg and joined the RM in a Rct Troop day 1 week 1, likewise there were Guardsmen and various Soldiers and matelots who all did the same, they were all trained ranks who started from day one, interestingly a fair few of them opted out.

I am aware the RM are part of the Navy,my point still stands there is nothing wrong with say serving in the Royal Irish for a year or so and then starting with the RM on day one.Some lads have a bit of a complexion after they have done recruit training and think its below them to go through it again.If thats there attitude they have no place in a Unit such as the Royal Marians IMO.

Duffers

Fair one I think I misunderstood you there, apologies :rolleyes:

But why get fooked about times2 when you can just do it once? The Guardsman was constantly pinged by the DS and I remember I was in his block one night, he had about 30 pairs of boots outside his room, he was bulling them for a fiver a pop.

That said, the OP asked if it is un-patriotic to join...do people ask this question when they become citizens of say Australia or America or any other country? Our biggest export is people! It's not like he's getting a different passport.

r3nu4l

Duffers wrote: »

...he had about 30 pairs of boots outside his room, he was bulling them for a fiver a pop.

Didn't think bulling went on any more!? I recall seeing two Royal Household Cavalry being interviewed on TV recently and they said that bulling was a thing of the past and that they were allowed to use liquid shine products!! That was a bit of a shock!!

Poccington

r3nu4l wrote: »

Didn't think bulling went on any more!? I recall seeing two Royal Household Cavalry being interviewed on TV recently and they said that bulling was a thing of the past and that they were allowed to use liquid shine products!! That was a bit of a shock!!

I'd assume they were finished training though?

I can't imagine lads that are still in training not having to bull boots. Especially since bulling boots is such an enjoyable activity :pac:

twinytwo

Dub13 wrote: »

I am aware all the infantry reg's are front line,I just used that term as apposed to saying the Paras are a elite unit as thats a argument I have heared hundreds of times.I would call the Paras elite as they have a stand alone selection process,but others dont agree.



I am aware the RM are part of the Navy,my point still stands there is nothing wrong with say serving in the Royal Irish for a year or so and then starting with the RM on day one.Some lads have a bit of a complexion after they have done recruit training and think its below them to go through it again.If thats there attitude they have no place in a Unit such as the Royal Marians IMO.

you would be right.. the RM's and the Para's are elite units they are the ones britian calls on first.. take seirra leone paras and the RM's were the ones sent in.

ps3man

We are going a little off topic here with discussions over who's the best

minidazzler

ps3man wrote: »

We are going a little off topic here with discussions over who's the best

Welcome to the Military forum.

This happens a bit. You basically have your answer anyway, most people seem to think it's not Unpatriotic, some do.

Almost everyone is in agreement that It is not Patriotic, but as I said, this is not the same thing as unPatriotic.


Remember, Man should only serve one master, himself, other peoples opinion should not matter!!!

Hagar

minidazzler wrote: »

Almost everyone is in agreement that It is not Patriotic, but as I said, this is not the same thing as Patriotic.

The spirit of George Bush lives on amongst us.

minidazzler

Hagar wrote: »

The spirit of George Bush lives on amongst us.

Ah feck off, you know what I meant!!! ya bollix ya.

Fishtits

Sorry if I've missed something here but:

OP, you've failed the medical for the PDF...

So now you're going to join the Royal Marines... :rolleyes:

... What makes you think their medical will pass you?

btw, if you do get in and make it, hats off. Serious bunch of operators - with a wicked sense of humour to boot... excuse the pun

minidazzler

Fishtits wrote: »

Sorry if I've missed something here but:

OP, you've failed the medical for the PDF...

So now you're going to join the Royal Marines... :rolleyes:

... What makes you think their medical will pass you?

btw, if you do get in and make it, hats off. Serious bunch of operators - with a wicked sense of humour to boot... excuse the pun

He failed on Colour perception, basically he is colour-deficient, or what some uninformed people might call Colour Blindness.

As long as you can tell the difference between the vivid shades of colours the RM will accept you.

marco murphy

ps3man wrote: »

After failing a medical for the PDF here I decided in my mind to join the royal marine commandos,am I doing the right thing? Am I being un-patriotic or have Irish people gotten over their dislike of the British army?

Yes, you are.