Ask a military guy...

[Crudler]

Ireland [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland#Partition], is not part [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Irish_Treaty] of the United Kingdom [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom], as of December 6, 1922 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_War_of_Independence#Treaty.2C_December_1921_.E2.80.93_March_1922] (though some [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_republicanism] would argue it never was)

Unless you meant the island of Ireland, in which case only a rather small North-eastern section [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_ireland] of Ireland is part of the UK.

I just use the term Ireland loosely. It's easier than typing Northern Ireland. Sorry.

It's still kind of a sensitive issue. There are people alive today who remember a time when British soldiers walked the streets of Dublin (occasionally indiscriminately killing innocent civilians [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Sunday_(1920)]).
Generally, when you're talking to people outside the UK, Ireland = the Republic of Ireland.

Look, it is still entirely possible for people from the Republic of Ireland to join the British Army. So when he said that the person couldn't join the Irish Defense Force, the military in the Republic but instead joined the British Army, that was perfectly valid. I understand the sensitivity of the matter but I thought the original was fairly clear and our good Royal Marine was correct.

 

[Dectomax]

Is it true that shit flys up?

Nah man, shit flies diagonally.

OT: How long is British post-basic training? I know the basic is much longer, but in the US basic training is usually shorter than Tech School(MOS, AIT, whatever that branch calls it) which can last anywhere from a few extra weeks to two years. Is the British military like this?

Phase 1 training lasts 14 weeks, for regular infantry. Phase 2 ( your trade, if you pick Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers etc ) Can take between 20/29weeks depending.

 

[Chaza]

I'm thinking of joining the army when I'm older but I'm not big on killing.

Are there any jobs which involve the front line yet no killing?

If you're interested in a technical side of the army, try joining the Signal Corps (military communications). I can only speak from my experience in the Canadian Forces but the Signallers can do anything from programming tactical networks to humping radios on their backs on the frontlines.

I think I'm interested in being right where the action is, so I guess on the frontline. I haven't really decided what yet.

I still have a long time till I'm actually able to join the army so I still have a long time to think about it.

 

[Dectomax]

I'm thinking of joining the army when I'm older but I'm not big on killing.

Are there any jobs which involve the front line yet no killing?

If you're interested in a technical side of the army, try joining the Signal Corps (military communications). I can only speak from my experience in the Canadian Forces but the Signallers can do anything from programming tactical networks to humping radios on their backs on the frontlines.

I think I'm interested in being right where the action is, so I guess on the frontline. I haven't really decided what yet.

I still have a long time till I'm actually able to join the army so I still have a long time to think about it.

I'm with you on the first part. When I decided to join my first thought was frontline. I want to be where the work is and I want to be doing something useful. I promise you, it is one of the best lifestyles you'll experience.

 

[Kathinka]

Is it true that shit flys up?

Nah man, shit flies diagonally.

OT: How long is British post-basic training? I know the basic is much longer, but in the US basic training is usually shorter than Tech School(MOS, AIT, whatever that branch calls it) which can last anywhere from a few extra weeks to two years. Is the British military like this?

Phase 1 training lasts 14 weeks, for regular infantry. Phase 2 ( your trade, if you pick Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers etc ) Can take between 20/29weeks depending.

can you actually pick what you'll do? i just know of the german and the czech army that they have the following procedure:
1: they ask you on recruitement what you would like to do
2: they write your wishes carefully down in a document
3: they hand said document to a blind ape on a unicycle
4: the partially digested document will be found years later under a pile of banana peels
5: it then gets stored in a box labeled "pie"
6: they slap you in anywhere where they need dudes at the moment, completely ignoring your wishes^^

 

[Dectomax]

Is it true that shit flys up?

Nah man, shit flies diagonally.

OT: How long is British post-basic training? I know the basic is much longer, but in the US basic training is usually shorter than Tech School(MOS, AIT, whatever that branch calls it) which can last anywhere from a few extra weeks to two years. Is the British military like this?

Phase 1 training lasts 14 weeks, for regular infantry. Phase 2 ( your trade, if you pick Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers etc ) Can take between 20/29weeks depending.

can you actually pick what you'll do? i just know of the german and the czech army that they have the following procedure:
1: they ask you on recruitement what you would like to do
2: they write your wishes carefully down in a document
3: they hand said document to a blind ape on a unicycle
4: the partially digested document will be found years later under a pile of banana peels
5: it then gets stored in a box labeled "pie"
6: they slap you in anywhere where they need dudes at the moment, completely ignoring your wishes^^

If you apply for The Royal Engineers. You will be a Royal Engineer. If you wish to specialise, you will choose your trade. Your preference is taken into account for "Trade-specific" jobs. With the infantry however, you may find yourself put where you're needed. Though they will still take your preference into account.

 

[Dante54]

quoted for reference

I'm not sure how much sense this will make, but I'll ask anyway. How centralized or de-centralized is authority and responsibility in the British ranks? I'm asking from the perspective of someone in the US military and I've always heard that subordinates have less leeway in the British military than in the US military.
)

Our officers are the most respected part of our military. Orders come from them and those orders are followed. Though they value our opinion, what they say goes.

That's very interesting, in my experience, to be completely honest, it's the NCOs(sergeants and such) that are most respected(this would be unofficially, of course). They are the ones that actually get things done.

Unlike most units, The Royal Marine officer recruits train with them. They are all stationed at the same Recruit training centre. so, there is a great deal of respect amongst the men.

While I understand that I'm coming from the view of being an officer but I do actully work for a living!

Alot of the work consist of paper work boring that it maybe it needs doing often for the careers of the ratings.

If the system didn't work it would have been changed by now.

 

[Chaza]

I'm thinking of joining the army when I'm older but I'm not big on killing.

Are there any jobs which involve the front line yet no killing?

If you're interested in a technical side of the army, try joining the Signal Corps (military communications). I can only speak from my experience in the Canadian Forces but the Signallers can do anything from programming tactical networks to humping radios on their backs on the frontlines.

I think I'm interested in being right where the action is, so I guess on the frontline. I haven't really decided what yet.

I still have a long time till I'm actually able to join the army so I still have a long time to think about it.

I'm with you on the first part. When I decided to join my first thought was frontline. I want to be where the work is and I want to be doing something useful. I promise you, it is one of the best lifestyles you'll experience.

Thats pretty much how I feel but I'm still not sure if the army's for me.

I really want to travel but not sure how being in the army fits in with all my other plans.

But if I do join the army I'm pretty sure that the frontlines for me.

 

[Dectomax]

I'm thinking of joining the army when I'm older but I'm not big on killing.

Are there any jobs which involve the front line yet no killing?

If you're interested in a technical side of the army, try joining the Signal Corps (military communications). I can only speak from my experience in the Canadian Forces but the Signallers can do anything from programming tactical networks to humping radios on their backs on the frontlines.

I think I'm interested in being right where the action is, so I guess on the frontline. I haven't really decided what yet.

I still have a long time till I'm actually able to join the army so I still have a long time to think about it.

I'm with you on the first part. When I decided to join my first thought was frontline. I want to be where the work is and I want to be doing something useful. I promise you, it is one of the best lifestyles you'll experience.

Thats pretty much how I feel but I'm still not sure if the army's for me.

I really want to travel but not sure how being in the army fits in with all my other plans.

But if I do join the army I'm pretty sure that the frontlines for me.

You can fit the army around your other plans. The minimum term you have to serve is 4 years, even then after 2 years you can give 12 months notification of leave. It really is something worth doing, even if it's only for a short time. Hell, within the regular army you could be posted in Cyprus, Jamaica, Gibraltar, Brunei, Belize and Kenya. there really is no better way to see the world and EARN money and QUALIFICATIONS at the same time.

( Sorry for the JOIN JOIN JOIN ) Feeling there, I just wanted to point out you can see a lot of places within your job.

 

[Shoqiyqa]

I'm thinking of joining the army when I'm older but I'm not big on killing.

Are there any jobs which involve the front line yet no killing?

If you're interested in a technical side of the army, try joining the Signal Corps (military communications). I can only speak from my experience in the Canadian Forces but the Signallers can do anything from programming tactical networks to humping radios on their backs on the frontlines.

I think I'm interested in being right where the action is, so I guess on the frontline. I haven't really decided what yet.

I still have a long time till I'm actually able to join the army so I still have a long time to think about it.

Combat medic? There's a lot of need for medically-trained personnel, and not much wins hearts and minds quite like saving lives.

 

[Dectomax]

I'm thinking of joining the army when I'm older but I'm not big on killing.

Are there any jobs which involve the front line yet no killing?

If you're interested in a technical side of the army, try joining the Signal Corps (military communications). I can only speak from my experience in the Canadian Forces but the Signallers can do anything from programming tactical networks to humping radios on their backs on the frontlines.

I think I'm interested in being right where the action is, so I guess on the frontline. I haven't really decided what yet.

I still have a long time till I'm actually able to join the army so I still have a long time to think about it.

Combat medic? There's a lot of need for medically-trained personnel, and not much wins hearts and minds quite like saving lives.

I agree. Even amongst the troops, medics are one of the most respected units on the field. It's a good trade too.

 

[Dectomax]

Bump -This thread has provided useful information for a few users.

 

[Shoqiyqa]

Bump -This thread has provided useful information for a few users.

So did this one, I think. [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.215495-What-have-you-always-wante-to-ask-someone-in-the-Army?page=1]

 

[Dectomax]

Bump -This thread has provided useful information for a few users.

So did this one, I think. [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.215495-What-have-you-always-wante-to-ask-someone-in-the-Army?page=1]

Indeed, it looks like it has.

 

[James Joseph Emerald]

Look, it is still entirely possible for people from the Republic of Ireland to join the British Army. So when he said that the person couldn't join the Irish Defense Force, the military in the Republic but instead joined the British Army, that was perfectly valid. I understand the sensitivity of the matter but I thought the original was fairly clear and our good Royal Marine was correct.

Actually, I was the one who said that. My friend IS from the Republic, and he DID join the British army. But was neither from the UK or Commonwealth (as Dectormax stated was a requirement).

Dectormax's response was that "Ireland is part of the UK", which is patently false.

It may seem I'm being pedantic, but hey, after 800+ years of oppression under British rule we're allowed to be pedantic, right? Like how black people in America object to virtually every descriptive term applied to them, simply because they're invented by white people.

 

[Dectomax]

Look, it is still entirely possible for people from the Republic of Ireland to join the British Army. So when he said that the person couldn't join the Irish Defense Force, the military in the Republic but instead joined the British Army, that was perfectly valid. I understand the sensitivity of the matter but I thought the original was fairly clear and our good Royal Marine was correct.

Actually, I was the one who said that. My friend IS from the Republic, and he DID join the British army. But was neither from the UK or Commonwealth (as Dectormax stated was a requirement).

Dectormax's response was that "Ireland is part of the UK", which is patently false.

It may seem I'm being pedantic, but hey, after 800+ years of oppression under British rule we're allowed to be pedantic, right? Like how black people in America object to virtually every descriptive term applied to them, simply because they're invented by white people.

You have to be a British Citizen, from a commonwealth state or have lived with-in the United Kingdom for 5 Years to Join.

I've already apologized for my words earlier. This thread isn't about Irish oppression. Please, let this be.

Thank you.

 

[James Joseph Emerald]

Look, it is still entirely possible for people from the Republic of Ireland to join the British Army. So when he said that the person couldn't join the Irish Defense Force, the military in the Republic but instead joined the British Army, that was perfectly valid. I understand the sensitivity of the matter but I thought the original was fairly clear and our good Royal Marine was correct.

Actually, I was the one who said that. My friend IS from the Republic, and he DID join the British army. But was neither from the UK or Commonwealth (as Dectormax stated was a requirement).

Dectormax's response was that "Ireland is part of the UK", which is patently false.

It may seem I'm being pedantic, but hey, after 800+ years of oppression under British rule we're allowed to be pedantic, right? Like how black people in America object to virtually every descriptive term applied to them, simply because they're invented by white people.

You have to be a British Citizen, from a commonwealth state or have lived with-in the United Kingdom for 5 Years to Join.

I've already apologized for my words earlier. This thread isn't about Irish oppression. Please, let this be.

Thank you.

I'm not making the thread about Irish oppression. I'm just saying you're wrong. You can join the British army if you're from the Republic of Ireland, which is neither within the United Kingdom, nor one of the Commonwealth states.

 

[Dectomax]

Look, it is still entirely possible for people from the Republic of Ireland to join the British Army. So when he said that the person couldn't join the Irish Defense Force, the military in the Republic but instead joined the British Army, that was perfectly valid. I understand the sensitivity of the matter but I thought the original was fairly clear and our good Royal Marine was correct.

Actually, I was the one who said that. My friend IS from the Republic, and he DID join the British army. But was neither from the UK or Commonwealth (as Dectormax stated was a requirement).

Dectormax's response was that "Ireland is part of the UK", which is patently false.

It may seem I'm being pedantic, but hey, after 800+ years of oppression under British rule we're allowed to be pedantic, right? Like how black people in America object to virtually every descriptive term applied to them, simply because they're invented by white people.

You have to be a British Citizen, from a commonwealth state or have lived with-in the United Kingdom for 5 Years to Join.

I've already apologized for my words earlier. This thread isn't about Irish oppression. Please, let this be.

Thank you.

I'm not making the thread about Irish oppression. I'm just saying you're wrong. You can join the British army if you're from the Republic of Ireland, which is neither within the United Kingdom, nor one of the Commonwealth states.

The Royal Irish Regiment, Accepts recruits who are Irish by nationality.

Dual Nationality counts as Citizenship within the UK. Aslong as you can hold a UK Passport, you are eligible to join the British Army. Does that clear matters.

 

[James Joseph Emerald]

The Royal Irish Regiment, Accepts recruits who are Irish by nationality.

Dual Nationality counts as Citizenship within the UK. Aslong as you can hold a UK Passport, you are eligible to join the British Army. Does that clear matters.

That's not quite true, either. A citizen of Ireland can join any part of the British army, regardless of whether they've even set foot in the UK. Most try to join the Royal Irish Regiment, but competition to get into that particular unit is really tough, I hear, because they get a LOT of combat experience. Thus not all Irishmen get in.

So no, you don't have to hold a UK passport, as long as you're from the Republic of Ireland.

For more information, see here [http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/howdoijoin/canijoin/Pages/EntryRequirements.aspx].


Edit: Ireland is not the only exception to this rule, either. BPP (British Protected Persons) are eligible to join the army (except they cannot be officers in the territorial army). This could include virtually anyone born in a former protectorate state [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protectorate#British_and_Commonwealth_protectorates] (Brunei, Qatar, the Maldives, etc.).

 

[Dectomax]

The Royal Irish Regiment, Accepts recruits who are Irish by nationality.

Dual Nationality counts as Citizenship within the UK. Aslong as you can hold a UK Passport, you are eligible to join the British Army. Does that clear matters.

That's not quite true, either. A citizen of Ireland can join any part of the British army. Most try to join the Royal Irish Regiment, but competition to get into that particular unit is really tough, I hear, because they get a LOT of combat experience. Thus not all Irishmen get in.

So no, you don't have to hold a UK passport, as long as you're from the Republic of Ireland.

For more information, see here [http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/howdoijoin/canijoin/Pages/EntryRequirements.aspx].

Then fair play to you. I stand corrected. I was simply expecting it to be the same requirements as were laid out for The Royal Marines ( Royal Navy ).