Serving in the British Army

Craigsy

Just looking for some info from people who have or are serving in the British Army. Always wanted to join the Irish defence forces army cadets but recently the thoughts of joining the BA, Royal Irish etc., so i'd see more "active" service have crept into my mind. Any info appreciated

iceage

Oh Jebus Crust!.....Craigsy your either very brave, or something else!














There is no insult intended by above.....but Iceage takes cover

Local-womanizer

iceage wrote: »

Oh Jebus Crust!.....Craigsy your either very brave, or something else!














There is no insult intended by above.....but Iceage takes cover

Awaiting all the you know whos to appear:pac:

minidazzler

Alot of lads here are having the same thought's. Myself I am working towards the Royal Marines myself but keep having to push my own fitness deadlines back because I have been very lazy the last few weeks.

Are your thinking Soldier or Officer?

Hartyk87

Hi Ive sent an email to the Belfast headquarters but no reply yet........

I would love to join the British forces but still awaiting information from them.

let me know how you get on please.

minidazzler

Oh ya, May I ask. All you lads who are totally against this. Will ye please not comment here about how bad it is for anyone to go? Please? It is really none of ye're business, and a nice civil discussion is always better. History or no people make the discision and if their own friends don't or can't stop them, neither can some internet person. Thanks.

Hartyk87

minidazzler wrote: »

Oh ya, May I ask. All you lads who are totally against this. Will ye please not comment here about how bad it is for anyone to go? Please? It is really none of ye're business, and a nice civil discussion is always better. History or no people make the discision and if their own friends don't or can't stop them, neither can some internet person. Thanks.

+1 well said!

Koloman

minidazzler wrote: »

Oh ya, May I ask. All you lads who are totally against this. Will ye please not comment here about how bad it is for anyone to go? Please? It is really none of ye're business, and a nice civil discussion is always better. History or no people make the discision and if their own friends don't or can't stop them, neither can some internet person. Thanks.

But surely by posting on this forum it becomes our business! You want opinions and views on the subject.

Obviously no-one can change someone's mind if they are determined to join but if I think it is wrong, then I am perfectly entitled to say so. I can do this in a civil manner as well!

I understand the history in all this but (against my better judgement maybe) I think there is something not quite right about wanting to join the British army and I'm no raving loony Republican, believe me!

When this subject comes up with friends the response is not usually anger but more bewilderment. A lot of people just can't get their heads around this.

You sign up to serve Queen and Country don't you? How does that sit with your sense of Irishness. Do you leave it at the door? If God forbid something happened to you your coffin would be draped in the Union flag. Would your friends and family be okay with this?

Just a few questions there from someone who finds it weird for a citizen(not a subject) of the Republic of Ireland who wants to join a foreign army.

Hartyk87

Koloman wrote: »

But surely by posting on this forum it becomes our business! You want opinions and views on the subject.

Obviously no-one can change someone's mind if they are determined to join but if I think it is wrong, then I am perfectly entitled to say so. I can do this in a civil manner as well!

I understand the history in all this but (against my better judgement maybe) I think there is something not quite right about wanting to join the British army and I'm no raving loony Republican, believe me!

When this subject comes up with friends the response is not usually anger but more bewilderment. A lot of people just can't get their heads around this.

You sign up to serve Queen and Country don't you? How does that sit with your sense of Irishness. Do you leave it at the door? If God forbid something happened to you your coffin would be draped in the Union flag. Would your friends and family be okay with this?

Just a few questions there from someone who finds it weird for a citizen(not a subject) of the Republic of Ireland who wants to join a foreign army.

Who said I was an Irish Citizen also are we all not part of the EU??

Koloman

Hartyk87 wrote: »

Who said I was an Irish Citizen also are we all not part of the EU??

Where did I say that you Hartyk87, where an Irish citizen? I was just asking a general question that if you where an Irish citizen then what would you're motivation be for joining? Simple question (well maybe not actually!)

I have no hidden agenda. I'm just curious!

As for us being in the EU, you're right, but I would ask the same question if people wanted to join any foreign army. It's just that with the British army with all the history that entails, I want to know peoples motivation for doing so.

minidazzler

Koloman wrote: »

But surely by posting on this forum it becomes our business! You want opinions and views on the subject.

Obviously no-one can change someone's mind if they are determined to join but if I think it is wrong, then I am perfectly entitled to say so. I can do this in a civil manner as well!

I understand the history in all this but (against my better judgement maybe) I think there is something not quite right about wanting to join the British army and I'm no raving loony Republican, believe me!

When this subject comes up with friends the response is not usually anger but more bewilderment. A lot of people just can't get their heads around this.

You sign up to serve Queen and Country don't you? How does that sit with your sense of Irishness. Do you leave it at the door? If God forbid something happened to you your coffin would be draped in the Union flag. Would your friends and family be okay with this?

Just a few questions there from someone who finds it weird for a citizen(not a subject) of the Republic of Ireland who wants to join a foreign army.

The Thread asks for info not opinions.

Being a soldier is something I have wanted to do all my life, the Irish Army won't take me, so the next best thing is our nearest Neighbours.

I wouldn't have my Coffin Draped with the Union Jack. I would have it draped with the Colours of the Regiment I join. If the second worst were to happen that is.

I am proud to be Irish, and there is a huge history of Irish men taking the Queens Shilling in the Past. It's the way it always has been and how it always will be.

I am quite apolitical, except for my bitter Hatred of the Sinn Fein and the IRA.

My Family and friends have no say in how I lead my life in this respect. I have done what my family and friends have asked me my whole life. I have never refused to do something for any of them. However, If and when I choose to go, it will be my final decision, and my own decision.

Besides, given that Ireland has never truly been one complete Island Nation totally united and at peace under one government or Monarchy on it's own, The Current Republic is technically manufactured and only in existance for the first time since the 1920's.

The concept is strange I know to people who don't feel the same as me but it is impossible to explain how I feel. I just know I wanna go and noone can stop me.


Sorry for taking it off track, but anyway, the OP want's Information, not opinions, views, criticism, or attacks on his character(Which all will likely come anyway.)


OP have you checked out the BA website? How are your Run time's? Do you want to go Officer or Soldier? How old are you? Have you checked out arrse.co.uk?

There was a lad who actually was posting on here about becoming a British Army Officer, I think he passed and got in. But then after the Anti-Brit Brigade came and started fecking about Hagar was forced to close the thread. Which I why I am asking people not to be stupid on this one please.

Koloman

minidazzler wrote: »

The Thread asks for info not opinions.

Surely you can do both, no?

minidazzler

Koloman wrote: »

Surely you can do both, no?

Since the OP's Question was Info, I wouldn't go about shoving my opinions down his throat. Information will help get him where he want's to go. Opinions will not.

think of it like the Leaving Cert. Answer the Question asked and then move onto the next question.

Koloman

minidazzler wrote: »

Besides, given that Ireland has never truly been one complete Island Nation totally united and at peace under one government or Monarchy on it's own, The Current Republic is technically manufactured and only in existance for the first time since the 1920's.

All countries are technically manufactured. Just because we are a much younger state does not make us any less relevant. Your comment almost belittles our state.

Anyway since we are going off the main topic I will leave it there.

Thanks for your reply.

PS; I am not as you call it "shoving" my opinions down anyone's throat! I just wanted some info on a thorny issue. It still makes no sense to me by the way!

minidazzler

Koloman wrote: »

All countries are technically manufactured. Just because we are a much younger state does not make us any less relevant. Your comment almost belittles our state.

Anyway since we are going off the main topic I will leave it there.

Thanks for your reply.



PS; I am not as you call it "shoving" my opinions down anyone's throat!

In fairness, our government belittle our Country. I consider the Government to be the state, so I don't mind belittling them criminals. I do however Love this country, but the state doesn't love me!!!:D

I wasn't actually referring to you there :pac:

seanybiker

I think if people want to give their opinions why dont just start and opinion thread.
To the original poster I have no idea how to go about it. There was a good few lads on here a while back talking about it. Im not into the army but I did find it interesting. Thought they might be bullied but anyways that didnt seem to be the case.
At least if ya join up you will have more to do than escorting money to banks.
Is there much in the differance of pay? Best of luck anyways.

minidazzler

seanybiker wrote: »

I think if people want to give their opinions why dont just start and opinion thread.
To the original poster I have no idea how to go about it. There was a good few lads on here a while back talking about it. Im not into the army but I did find it interesting. Thought they might be bullied but anyways that didnt seem to be the case.
At least if ya join up you will have more to do than escorting money to banks.
Is there much in the differance of pay? Best of luck anyways.

At todays economic Rates the Brits pay much less.

seanybiker

minidazzler wrote: »

At todays economic Rates the Brits pay much less.

Jaysus I thought they would pay alot more. Sorry original kinda scabbed your thread for a second.

minidazzler

seanybiker wrote: »

Jaysus I thought they would pay alot more. Sorry original kinda scabbed your thread for a second.

Not my Thread:D. Pay is roughly £13000 p.a. in Basic Training. After basic it's ~£16000. I don't remember off the top of my head what the Irish army pay Annually but it's around €450 a week when a 3* in the RDF. With some Duty Allowances.

seanybiker

minidazzler wrote: »

Not my Thread:D.

i know yeah but dont wanna be getting original posters hopes up when he sees all the replies lol

minidazzler

seanybiker wrote: »

i know yeah but dont wanna be getting original posters hopes up when he sees all the replies lol

Pay is info isn't it!!!!

TBH, he hasn't asked specific enough questions or told us what he want's, when he does people will be able to provide more useful information.

seanybiker

minidazzler wrote: »

Pay is info isn't it!!!!

ha tis and all oops. Sure i dont be thinking.

Frelance

territorial or regular?
What level are you looking to enter at?
Regardless if your looking to go in as a squaddie your probably better becoming an engineer and gaining some qualifications useful for civvie street, that is unless your planning on making a career out of it.

lazybhoy

Craigsy wrote: »

Just looking for some info from people who have or are serving in the British Army. Always wanted to join the Irish defence forces army cadets but recently the thoughts of joining the BA, Royal Irish etc., so i'd see more "active" service have crept into my mind. Any info appreciated

Why dont you google British army and get some info sent out, the next step is to go on a pre recruitment weekend to check out what its about, they pay for your travel....Simple as. If you do join up remember during basic training if its not for you, you can simply leave.

lazybhoy

minidazzler wrote: »

At todays economic Rates the Brits pay much less.

No one becomes a squaddie for the pay, its for the action.

Hagar

Look lads I think it has been fairly well established that the only opinion allowed to be given or the only advice that has any value for the OP is the Gosple according to Minidazzler. So why don't the rest of you un-important posters take a day off?

IIMII

minidazzler wrote: »

Being a soldier is something I have wanted to do all my life, the Irish Army won't take me

Why won't they take you?

minidazzler wrote: »

there is a huge history of Irish men taking the Queens Shilling in the Past. It's the way it always has been and how it always will be.

Very true

minidazzler wrote: »

Besides, given that Ireland has never truly been one complete Island Nation totally united and at peace under one government or Monarchy on it's own, The Current Republic is technically manufactured and only in existance for the first time since the 1920's.

England + Scotland + Wales = Britain. There's manufacturing for you

minidazzler wrote: »

Which I why I am asking people not to be stupid on this one please.

I agree. Don't do it OP. D12 has a proud tradition of supplying soldiers to the French Foreign Legion - think about giving them a go if you need to go abroad.

lazybhoy

Hagar wrote: »

Look lads I think it has been fairly well established that the only opinion allowed to be given or the only advice that has any value for the OP is the Gosple according to Minidazzler. So why don't they rest of you un-important posters take a day off?

And there was me thinking this was a military forum not a political one.

IIMII

lazybhoy wrote: »

And there was me thinking this was a military forum not a political one.

'War is a continuation of politics by other means' - Carl von Clausewitz

Leadership

I spent 15 years in the BA as a Irish citizen as a Sapper. Went in to ranks with zero school qualifications and ended up an officer. I had a great time in the forces but the tours were getting harder and more frequent by the time I resigned my commission.

Its a good career, the training is the best there is and the pay is ok. I did enough to get a half pension and add that to my war pension I will be very comfortable when I retire.

If you have any specific questions let me know.

diverdriver

Why won't they take you?

They're not taking anyone at the moment. I remember a similar thing, I think in the early nineties. The average private's age was in the late twenties. Promotions only came along to, quote: 'To fill dead men's shoes'. I think we'll see the same again soon enough. Worse still we can anticipate reductions in strength.

Thus if you're Irish and want to be a soldier then or any form of military career. You have two choices. The Legion or the British forces. The Legion is out for most as it's tough, limited in it's choice of career paths and you have to learn French.

So it's off to Britain they go. Some people still have a problem with that, what with nursing obsolete resentments against the British. Well tough because you are a minority. Times have changed. Most of us don't have a problem with people serving in the British forces. I'd say it was true of most Irish people. Even during the troubles it was more common than many realise. I even remember a lad from my school in Dublin, looking forward to the day when he hit 16 and could join the Royal Navy. None of my class thought for a moment to tackle him on his 'treachery'. Not even our resident Republican firebrand.

If you want to be an officer then all too often you only have the British Army to choose from given the difficulty in getting a cadetship. Excellent candidates are rejected all the time.

So I say to the OP, good luck to you. Don't let the 'armchair patriots' put you off.

getz

diverdriver wrote: »

They're not taking anyone at the moment. I remember a similar thing, I think in the early nineties. The average private's age was in the late twenties. Promotions only came along to, quote: 'To fill dead men's shoes'. I think we'll see the same again soon enough. Worse still we can anticipate reductions in strength.

Thus if you're Irish and want to be a soldier then or any form of military career. You have two choices. The Legion or the British forces. The Legion is out for most as it's tough, limited in it's choice of career paths and you have to learn French.

So it's off to Britain they go. Some people still have a problem with that, what with nursing obsolete resentments against the British. Well tough because you are a minority. Times have changed. Most of us don't have a problem with people serving in the British forces. I'd say it was true of most Irish people. Even during the troubles it was more common than many realise. I even remember a lad from my school in Dublin, looking forward to the day when he hit 16 and could join the Royal Navy. None of my class thought for a moment to tackle him on his 'treachery'. Not even our resident Republican firebrand.

If you want to be an officer then all too often you only have the British Army to choose from given the difficulty in getting a cadetship. Excellent candidates are rejected all the time.

So I say to the OP, good luck to you. Don't let the 'armchair patriots' put you off.

many people from many countrys join he british forces the irish regiments are fantastic -best of luck

Poccington

I'll be keeping a very close eye on this thread. Keep it civil or people will be going on holidays.

quietsailor

Craigsy wrote: »

Just looking for some info from people who have or are serving in the British Army. Always wanted to join the Irish defence forces army cadets but recently the thoughts of joining the BA, Royal Irish etc., so i'd see more "active" service have crept into my mind. Any info appreciated

Craigsy; I know I'm going to get given out to for going (slightly) off topic but have you considered joining another arm of the British Armed Forces;

First - Are you planning to be inthe armed forces for life?
The likes of the Navy would qualify you to work in the Merchany Navy when your finished and then onto the oil/gas/petroleom industries
The airforce might give you a pilots licence which you could use after you finish serving.

I hope it works out for you whatever you decide.

getz

quietsailor wrote: »

Craigsy; I know I'm going to get given out to for going (slightly) off topic but have you considered joining another arm of the British Armed Forces;

First - Are you planning to be inthe armed forces for life?
The likes of the Navy would qualify you to work in the Merchany Navy when your finished and then onto the oil/gas/petroleom industries
The airforce might give you a pilots licence which you could use after you finish serving.

I hope it works out for you whatever you decide.

very little of the merchant navy is left -i was in it for 10 years now what ships are still going are crewing third world seamen

neilled

getz wrote: »

very little of the merchant navy is left -i was in it for 10 years now what ships are still going are crewing third world seamen

Serious shortage of Officers across the fleet though. The thing is the course is a b1tch to get through with a high drop out rate. The financial rewards are quite good though.

getz

neilled wrote: »

Serious shortage of Officers across the fleet though. The thing is the course is a b1tch to get through with a high drop out rate. The financial rewards are quite good though.

less than two miles from where i live is a merchant navy officers school [fleetwood] most who pass end up on panama/south american tankers

twinytwo

Craigsy wrote: »

Just looking for some info from people who have or are serving in the British Army. Always wanted to join the Irish defence forces army cadets but recently the thoughts of joining the BA, Royal Irish etc., so i'd see more "active" service have crept into my mind. Any info appreciated

Mate at the end of the day its your choice.. personally i would agree with you as no one knows how long the recruitment ban will go on for in the PDF and even when it is lifted things wont be right for a long time after. Because the PDF is so small the chance for promotion is limited beyond a certian rank at it can come down to who you know and not what you know.

For example if you wanted the be a fighter pilot or be part of a tank crew ones only option is the BA. The pay may not be the greatest but you would be amazed how far it will stretch when not all spent on drink.

Have you decided what regiment etc you would like to join?

Craigsy

jaysus, thats a record for me i make a post and less than 24 hours later i've already got 3 pages of replies, i feel so wanted:D

Anyway, I was thinking of trying to go in as an infantry officer or possible the engineers. This is for after uni so i'll have a degree in engineering by then.

As for the whole "dont join the Brits" arguement, i think every single soldier will tell you when the s**t hits the fan and bullets start flying, queen and country aren't beside you with a rifle, you're fighting for the blokes around you. Also, all those who say dont do, Do you support football teams in the english premier league

I've things went t**s up and i was to snuff it, i wouldn't have a union jack, only regiment colours.

And as far as loving your country goes, i absolutely love my country with every cell in my body, i even give out to my mates for letting the flag touch the ground so don't call me unpatriotic for wanting to join the BA

minidazzler

You only have 3 pages because your a Newb. 40 posts per page is the way to go!!!


When do you finish Uni?

Craigsy

won't be finished for another 4 years

getz

Craigsy wrote: »

jaysus, thats a record for me i make a post and less than 24 hours later i've already got 3 pages of replies, i feel so wanted:D

Anyway, I was thinking of trying to go in as an infantry officer or possible the engineers. This is for after uni so i'll have a degree in engineering by then.

As for the whole "dont join the Brits" arguement, i think every single soldier will tell you when the s**t hits the fan and bullets start flying, queen and country aren't beside you with a rifle, you're fighting for the blokes around you. Also, all those who say dont do, Do you support football teams in the english premier league

I've things went t**s up and i was to snuff it, i wouldn't have a union jack, only regiment colours.

And as far as loving your country goes, i absolutely love my country with every cell in my body, i even give out to my mates for letting the flag touch the ground so don't call me unpatriotic for wanting to join the BA

good lad if you join the BA i can be sure of seeing action of some sort-as the uk is expected to do most of the UN and NATO policing ,

-boris

minidazzler wrote: »

At todays economic Rates the Brits pay much less.

I though the British army had the best rate of pay for soldiers in the world?at least superior to the Irish rate anyway?While we're on the subject i know of 2 guys who intend to join the B.A..These 2 particular characters,hold no allegiance to any state but the army in general.Both are also undesirables.

tribulus

http://www.military.ie/careers/pay/index.htm

http://www.army.mod.uk/join/terms/1136.aspx

Just for the sake of clarity. While I have no experience of the matter I'd be surprised if most soldiers in any army joined for the pay rather than what they wanted from the job.

iceage

Craigsy wrote: »

Anyway, I was thinking of trying to go in as an infantry officer or possible the engineers. This is for after uni so i'll have a degree in engineering by then.

Give Leadership a shout. Engineers are right up his street.

Frelance

Craigsy wrote: »

Anyway, I was thinking of trying to go in as an infantry officer or possible the engineers. This is for after uni so i'll have a degree in engineering by then.

During uni you have the option of joining the Officer Training Corp. They subsidise travel but if you are far away it mightn't be feasible. If you are serous about joining you should look into getting sponsorship from the army for your degree. That way you are guaranteed a place at Sandhurst.

Koloman

Just for a bit of fun I will post this clip although most of you may have seen it before. Watch it through till the very end.

This is for you minidazzler!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcAqR-Hs9II

marco murphy

minidazzler wrote: »

The Thread asks for info not opinions.

Being a soldier is something I have wanted to do all my life, the Irish Army won't take me, so the next best thing is our nearest Neighbours.

I wouldn't have my Coffin Draped with the Union Jack. I would have it draped with the Colours of the Regiment I join. If the second worst were to happen that is.

I am proud to be Irish, and there is a huge history of Irish men taking the Queens Shilling in the Past. It's the way it always has been and how it always will be.

I am quite apolitical, except for my bitter Hatred of the Sinn Fein and the IRA.

My Family and friends have no say in how I lead my life in this respect. I have done what my family and friends have asked me my whole life. I have never refused to do something for any of them. However, If and when I choose to go, it will be my final decision, and my own decision.

Besides, given that Ireland has never truly been one complete Island Nation totally united and at peace under one government or Monarchy on it's own, The Current Republic is technically manufactured and only in existance for the first time since the 1920's.

The concept is strange I know to people who don't feel the same as me but it is impossible to explain how I feel. I just know I wanna go and noone can stop me.


Sorry for taking it off track, but anyway, the OP want's Information, not opinions, views, criticism, or attacks on his character(Which all will likely come anyway.)


OP have you checked out the BA website? How are your Run time's? Do you want to go Officer or Soldier? How old are you? Have you checked out arrse.co.uk?

There was a lad who actually was posting on here about becoming a British Army Officer, I think he passed and got in. But then after the Anti-Brit Brigade came and started fecking about Hagar was forced to close the thread. Which I why I am asking people not to be stupid on this one please.

So you're a unionist with an anti-Sinn Fein agenda.

Hagar

minidazzler wrote: »

I am quite apolitical, except for my bitter Hatred of the Sinn Fein and the IRA.

Bitter hatred is a good thing then?
How would you control this bitter hatred if you were posted to N.I.?
Or would you even try?

Poccington

Perestroika wrote: »

So you're a unionist with an anti-Sinn Fein agenda.

No, he's not and I'd appreciate if you didn't wander in here making false accusations.

minidazzler

Sorry fior the last few days of post lads, got back from a funeral Wednesday of someone I used to know so decided to hit the bottle, Scotch for 2 days does not make for smart posting. While I basically meant everything I said, I didn't say it quite as eloquently as I would have liked therefore it has been taken up the wrong way. Sorry for my ambiguous posting, but ye read it different than how I read it.:(