Joining the regular British Army?

Royal Irish Regiment website.

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From its origins in 1689 right up to the present day the Royal Irish Regiment has been engaged in the front line of British international military engagements. The Royal Irish has played a significant role in world affairs for over 300 years from Waterloo, the Indian Mutiny and the Boer War to the battles of the Somme, Dunkirk, Normandy and Korea. More recently the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment has been on operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. The Regiment has a proud and distinguished record of service in several operational theatres and was recently awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross by the Queen for its commitment to Northern Ireland.

The Royal Irish Regiment is the last remaining Irish Infantry of the line. As such, the Royal Irish has unique character, traditions and heritage. Our soldiers, called Rangers, embody the spirit and professionalism that have long been the hallmarks of the Irish soldier. The Rangers have a worldwide reputation as aggressive war fighters yet compassionate peacekeepers. The Battalion’s operational experience has been established on the foundations of numerous overseas training opportunities; these have taken place in Canada, the USA, Botswana, Jamaica, Norway, the jungles of Belize and Brunei and most recently Kenya.

The 1st Battalion is based in Tern Hill, Shropshire (between Liverpool and Birmingham) and forms part of 16 Air Assault Brigade. 16 Brigade is the UK’s high readiness early entry force and comprises the Royal Irish Regiment, as air assault force, alongside Apache attack helicopters and the Parachute Regiment. At present the Battalion is preparing for an operational deployment to Helmand Province in Afghanistan in 2008.


The Royal Irish Regiment has wide ranging career opportunities for those who seek excitement and responsibility. If you are a fit young man and relish a challenge, travel and adventure as a Ranger in the 1st Battalion give the Battalion Recruiting Team a call on 02890 420 306 or email hq@royalirishregiment.co.uk to start the ball rolling.

bunny shooter wrote: »

RIR mainly Protestants from NI. Most Irish Catholics join Irish Guards, who never serve/d in NI AFAIK. Bet you that info isn't wherever you are looking up

The IG served in north the only from 93. This is common knowledge.


Although those who wanted to could volunteer for the Det or get seconded to other guards regiments for tours.


Those who serve 3 years in the guards have the option of doing P Coy and transferring to 3 Para, now that there is no guards Parachute company, (which historically supported the SAS on ops and whos role is now with 16 AB).

I remember in the first Gulf war, there were quite a few southeners in the Royal Irish Hussars(a tank reg),especially from Limerick.

DILLIGAF wrote: »

out of interest Pathfinder, in to RIR, what is the relationship with the 16th Air Assault? That's their brigade right(sorry im still getting used to the ranking/unit system etc) Does this mean you'll have some airborne their experience in the RIR? Like you'll earn wings or something(static line jumps and all that) It's something that really interests me, and I was actually going to head over to a group who jump in Holland(ironically known as Pathfinder) who jump with the dutch army and you can earn wings that way that can, I've heard, be worn in most armies as an achievement. But obviously if this can be done in the RIR it'd sweeten the deal that much more and perhaps stop me from applying elsewhere. I just don't know if I could manage the para 1 training.

The bottom line is if you want to do Para training in any unit in the BA from the Royal Artillery to REME, you must pass pre-para selection, which is P company.

Remember getting to that level of fitness is progressive, there is no reason why any healthy male of average fitness can't within 6 months.

You can actually go on Parachute regiment pre recruit weekends, to see what you think as you can with the Royal Marines, RAF regiment etc.

The RIR role in 16 AA is in heliborne ops,(which includes rappelling) and a light infantry support role. The RIR are not trained a paratroops. But potentally RIR troops can volunteer for Pathfinder selection, (as can Royal Marines, RAF regiment gunners), any other army would call the Pathfinders a SFs unit, but due to the fact the SAS only historically wanted that recognition in the BA,they dont get that title.

16 Air Assault Brigade's Pathfinder Platoon are specially trained paratroopers tasked with advance force operations : moving in ahead of the main force, reconnoitering and marking the parachute drop zone or helicopter landing zone.
The Pathfinder Platoon is tri-service although it is almost entirely manned by soldiers from 2 and 3 Battalions of The Parachute Regiment, who provide troops to 16 Air Assault Brigade.


Pathfinders may be inserted up to a week ahead of the main force, usually in 4-man teams. The men of the pathfinder platoon are skilled in covert insertion, concealment and intelligence gathering. Pathfinder patrols may be parachuted or helicoptered into position. They may also insert by vehicles, usually heavily armed WMIK Land Rovers.
Although not technically a special forces unit the levels of discipline and skills required of Pathfinders are close to if not entirely comparable to SF. Indeed, a stint in the pathfinders is often a good grounding for those wishing to serve in the Special Air Service.
Pathfinders are highly skilled in insertion by parachute, including HALO and HAHO techniques.


Pathfinder Weapons

For much of the 80s and 90s the Pathfinders were issued with non-standard personal weapons such as:

• M16A1/A2 assault rifles
• M203 grenade launchers
• M72 LAW Rocket Launchers

In more recent times, Pathfinders reverted back to standard UK issue weapons:

• SA80A2
• UGL 40mm grenade launcher (attached to sa80a2)
• LMG (light machine gun)

Browing High Power 9mm pistols were the standard sidearm for the Pathfinders for many years.
Reports surfacing in 2007 suggest that the following weapons have been added to the Pathfinder Platoon arsenal:

• C8 SFW Carbine
• UGL 40mm grenade launcher (attached to C8 SFW)
• Sig Sauer P226 9mm pistol

Pathfinder Operations

If you ever find yourself living in London, this is one of the best TA units to join.




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Honourable Artillery Company

The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) is the oldest regiment within the British Army. It has a long and distinguished history. The HAC is now a renowned regiment within Britain's Territorial Army (TA).
The Honourable Artillery Company's current role is one of Surveillance and Target Acquisition. The HAC train to operate in small teams of 4-6 men, inserting into enemy-held territory in order to gather intelligence and find targets for deep strike systems such as MLRS artillery and strike aircraft. There are 3 of these Patrol Squadrons within the HAC. The HAC's role is identical to 4/73 Battery of the regular army's Royal Artillery. In time of war, 4/73 Bty would in fact form a fourth Patrol Squadron for the HAC.

HAC patrol squadrons are trained in long range communications, navigation and target recognition. At least one member of a given patrol will be a fully trained medic.
Communications support is provided by Signal Squadron.
HAC Selection and Training

Selection for the Honourable Artillery Company is open to civilians aged 18-32 (or older for those with previous military experience).
Those without a military background undergo a HAC Recruits' Course that gets them up to speed with basic soldiering skills. The Recruit's course lasts six months (Tuesday evenings, about one weekend a month and a ten-day final exercise).

The HAC Recruit's course tests candidates levels of fitness and comprises lessons in:

• survival techniques
• weapons drills
• basic communications

Those who pass the Recruit's course join the regiment and go on to a Patrol Selection Course which comprises:

• first aid
• advanced navigation
• close quarter battle skills
• foreign equipment recognition
• observation post construction, operation and routine
• long range communications

The above training is complemented by a series of tests:

• swimming tests
• navigation tests
• long distance marches over arduous terrain carrying heavy loads

These tests conclude with a 10 day final exercise which tests the recruit's proficiency in the skills acquired.
HAC Signalers go through a similar selection path as the Patrol Squadrons, but only doing a portion of the Patrol Selection Course. They then go on to a Basic Communications Course which comprises:

• familiarization with the HAC regiment's communications systems
• long-distance High Frequency radio communications - both theory and practice

A final 10 day exam, run in parallel with the Patrol Selection Course finals, tests the recruits acquired skills.
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Recruitment & Recruit Selection......For the poster who asked :

The Parachute Regiment recruits nationally i.e. from all over the U.K, and accepts nationals from commonwealth countries and Rep of Ireland and elsewhere in the world (subject to eligibility).
First step - Armed Forces Careers Office

At the careers office an applicant will undergo a number of interviews and the BARB test. The BARB test is a very simple aptitude, touch screen test, which you must pass. Potential PARA recruits must achieve a higher score on the BARB tests in order to proceed as a potential PARA. The target score is not so high that it is rendered unobtainable, but you must show that you have the aptitude for the stresses of Parachuting, later in your training. Be confident, determined and ensure you inform you interviewer that you want to join the Parachute Regiment.
Parachute Regiment ‘Insight’ Weekend

This free weekend is for young men who want to join the Regiment but want to see what its like first. It is also ideal for an individual who is still too young to join but still wants to join the regiment. There are two courses held every month at Regimental Headquarters in Colchester. The course is free, we will send you a travel warrant for return tickets to Colchester, food and accommodation are free and it is totally non committal. An introduction to fitness training and the required standards for the course are included in the course programme (which requires a basic level of fitness by the indivdual.) The course also includes presentations on all aspects of the Regiment, simulated parachute training(when available), equipment and weapons demonstrations, and thorough briefings of what to expect in training. Call this number to receive information on course dates and to apply: 01206 782343. The course is open to males aged between 16 and 27 years old. <snip> All refferal links snipped - Hagar <snip>




RSC - Recruit Selection Centre
After having gone through the Army Careers Office and the initial selection that happens there, potential recruits get sent to an RSC at an ATR (Army Training Regiment). RSC is a 24hr event, which all Army applicants must pass to enter the Army.

Full medical by an Army doctor.
Basic physical tests
Interviews with Army officers. Again be positive and confident during your interviews.


PRAC - Parachute Regiment Aptitude Course.
It is predominantly a physical assessment to see whether applicants have the physical potential (aptitude) to start training with the PARAs. There are only three events on PRAC, gym tests, a run and a steeplechase. The standards of the course are as follows:

Gym tests
15 sit-ups on a bench angled at 45 degrees.
10 dips on the parallel bar.
10 underarm heaves to the bar.

Run - Complete a 5 mile run;
3 miles squadded
1 & half miles in best time
Steeplechase Course - Complete the course (2 circuits) in no more than 12 minutes
Summary

The PRAC staff will inform you if you have passed. If you fail, but pass the Army entry test you will be given another chance to pass PRAC. If you should fail a second time you will be offered alternative employment in the Army.

The Pre PRAC Training Programme
Wk no Day Run (in training shoes) Daily Exercise
1 Mon-Fri 20 Minutes Daily 15 Press Ups
Sat Rest Day 15 Sit Ups
Sun 2 Miles in 16 minutes 5 Underarm Heaves

2 Mon-Thus 3-Miles Daily 20 Press Ups
Fri 2 Miles in 15 minutes 20 Sit Ups
Sat Rest Day 7 Underarm Heaves
Sun 3 Miles in 25 minutes

3 Mon-Fri 4-Miles Daily 25 Press Ups
Sat Rest Day 25 Sit Ups
Sun 4 Miles in 35 Minutes 9 Heaves

4 Mon-Fri 5-Miles Daily 30 Press Ups
Sat Rest Day 30 Sit Ups
Sun 5 Miles in 45 minutes 10 Heaves

If this programme is followed you should be capable of passing the PRAC physical assessment. So get training now!

THANKS FOR THAT PATH!,looks very similar to the one they have on the ba website get fit for the army,ive beeen training pretty hard for the last 4 months.and im ready for the test now if they asked me.a couple months training and you should be grand dillagaf. get your run under 10.30 or 9.30 if your going for para.also when i was up their,i was told the taking the piss of the paddy days are over,youll be serving with so many different nationaities that they wont pass notice of you.plus thier are a fair few of us southerners in the RIR I was told

good luck and keep up the training

RickyHatton wrote: »

O.K so I just received an email from the Administrative Officer for Commander Recruiting asking me for my details in order to process my enquiry further.

I wasn't planning on joining the BA till September [after LC and summer] so was wondering if I reply will they set a date for me to start I don't want to reply and have them set a date and then say well actually I wasn't going to join till September

So if I reply will I just receive further info or does this mean they want to set a date

thanks

Inform them of your intentions asking when it would be best to apply if wanting to join as a recruit after Sept. It depends on the unit.

"The Pathfinders who were sent there for a few hours ended up fighting a 52-day war of attrition. The Royal Irish Regiment who eventually replaced them were told they couldn’t leave and let it fall into the hands of the Taliban. Corporal Danny Groves told Bishop he “couldn’t understand. . . As far as I was concerned the town was in the hands of the Taliban. All we had was a 100-metre by 100-metre square dartboard at which they threw darts in the form of RPGs whenever they fancied”.

Footage from the last Royal Irish tour in stan.




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Pathfinder group

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DILLIGAF wrote: »

Ok, I have my BARB test next week in Enniskillen. Any suggestions for what I should wear? The only shoes I have are pure suit shoes to go with my suit. Other than that, it would be black trainers, blue jeans and maybe a black shirt and green jacket!:/ any suggestions?

This is basically a **** or bust situation, you don't want to blow it for the sake of a few quid.

Take a trip to Marks and Spencers (Or even Dunnes)and buy a decent pair of Chinos and a good pair of shoes. If you turn up and feel under dressed you will put yourself under unnecessary stress and cock things up.

It's not a fashion parade, but don't let yourself down.

Good luck.

DILLIGAF wrote: »

I was thinking that alright, just a plain jumper and jeans and jacket type thing. But no suit required just yet right? smart casual basically!

One of the other lads can advise you on that, but as with any sort of job interview etc. clothes maketh the man

DILLIGAF wrote: »

Well, the test went really well and I had really easy time with the lads there. They are so accommodating and answered anything you want with examples and conversation. I was dealing with Davey, I can't remember the other chaps name to be honest. I'm not sure exactly what I got in the BARB test because I didn't ask. But I got offered every job I wanted so I have a lot to pick from.

Oh and if you coming up from the west of Ireland head to the Enniskillen office, east siders go to the Portadown office. :P
They picked me up from the bus stop and even paid for a hotel that night so I didn't have to travel back down straight away!



I'm thinking about RA. Mainly in the UAV,MLRS,Tank Crewman or even the Mounted Household Cavalry Regiment. Anyone have any thoughts or advice? Pathfinder?

The Royal Horse Artillery have a mounted cavalry ceremonial role as well as obviously being an artillery reg. Kings troop RHA takes ceremonial precedence over all other regiments.

But only the Royal Artillery have a UAV, MLRS role.

The Queens Royal Irish Hussars are a Challenger II tank regiment, but there are other tank regiments as well.

The Blues and Royals have an armoured role as well as being mounted cavalry/ceremonial role.

The choice can be confusing.

Before the defence cuts about 10 years ago there were over 100 bands now its cut to 49.

Many regiments have ceremonial mounted cavalry, you need to decide whether you want to join an artillery reg or amoured reg.

Yes, I believe its now 33.

Royal Tank Regiment on exercise.

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They also do an insight weekend.