ARmy Rumour SErvice

Haven't heard that expression since 1970 Don!

Originally Posted by DonK_BonK

Hi all, I am hoping to join the army as an officer in a few years after I go through university, and hope to join the Grenadier Guards or the Parachute regiment (providing all goes well at RMAS). I am just wondering what the regiments look for, other than outstanding performance of course! I have been researching each regiment for a deeper insight and have seen on various forums/documentaries that the Grenadiers (whom of which are my first option) seem to delve into ones background more than other Regiments, i.e. social class, whether the candidate has gone through private education etc.. Whereas the Para's seem not to care as much about their class or social stature, which would aid me well seeing as I have never been privately educated, nor do I consider myself as being 'posh'.

I know that predominantly it will come down to regimental visits and which one you feel most comfortable with, as well as the fact that it is primarily up to them to decide whether they want you in their regiment or not.

Many Thanks!

FYI. When I say that I am not 'posh' it doesn't mean I am a scabby chav.

I'm led to believe all that class distinction died out in the 90's.

Originally Posted by brokerboy

I'm led to believe all that class distinction died out in the 90's.

I am hoping that it did! All my knowledge on the matter is based on a few documentaries by the BBC, and all the officers they have interviewed have obviously been privately educated. I am sure though that once I become more involved with it all (after Uni) I will, hopefully, find out that it isn't the case for all of them and that in fact the selection is much more liberal than my current understanding.

Originally Posted by sirbhp

no no no , what you want to do is opt for a Corps like the wunnerful corps of Engineers. Once in you can fly , jump or fight with a knife between yer teeth to your hearts content. If you are especially lucky you might even get into Armoured engineers where you get to be covered in oil as well.

I concur, but not with the Armoured bit!

Originally Posted by donmac

Can't disagree with that mate but anyone who tells you the Guards do nothing but Public Duties is talking bollocks. In my 23 yrs in the Scots Guards I enjoyed the "warry" bits but took great pride in carrying out Public Duties as well. Nothing to stop you joining the Grenadier Guards then moving on to the Parachute Regiment later should you wish.
Good luck in whatever you decide.

Haven't they brought back the guards para? Join the grens and do P coy.

Originally Posted by DonK_BonK

I am hoping that it did! All my knowledge on the matter is based on a few documentaries by the BBC, and all the officers they have interviewed have obviously been privately educated. I am sure though that once I become more involved with it all (after Uni) I will, hopefully, find out that it isn't the case for all of them and that in fact the selection is much more liberal than my current understanding.

This issue has been discussed with nauseating regularity. The bottom line that people tend to agree on is this: yes you can join any part of the army regardless of which type of school you went to. There are both ex-state school and ex-private school officers in ever regiment and corps in the Army. However, regimental selection is a two way process and potential officers naturally tend to choose regiments where they feel most at home, commonly due to the mess being already populated by likeminded souls. Therefore, the whole educational background becomes somewhat self perpetuating. The same thing might be said of other factors, for instance if you have a strong interest in playing rugby you will probably be drawn to a regiment full of rugby playing officers; that does not mean you have to play rugby to join, just that you are unlikely to choose that regiment if you do not play. In short, birds of a feather, flock together. Likeminded individuals will just tend to apply to join the same regents and this is why our regiments have distinct characters; it is not some underhanded class discrimination conspiracy. You go along to any of these regiments and provided that you are of the right quality (in terms of your potential as an army officer), they like you and as importantly you like them, then you will have no problems joining.

Originally Posted by Gobbly wobbly

Haven't they brought back the guards para? Join the grens and do P coy.

Guards Para exists as a single Platoon, therefore 30is soldiers and 1 officer drawn from across 5 Foot Guard Battalions. Therefore if you do the maths you will see that the odds of you being the one are extremely low, however good you are. If you want to be a Para then join PARA Regt, do not join the Foot Guards because of Guards Para, because you will probably be disappointed. Incidentally, I know officers from other parts of the army who have worked on attachment/exchange at one or other of the PARA Bns and likewise HQ 16 Air Assault Brigade has plenty of non-PARA Regt officers in it.

Stuff that lot, Go for 23 Pioneer Regiment RLC. fast promotion and you can do any job you fancy in the British Army! However if you are going to be a Rupert or Rodney, just remember ONE vital rule, A good officer looks after his men.