Useful

**Macks** · 20-02-2008, 00:58

Well, no mate it's because 80% of them go to Uni.

**Athena** · 20-02-2008, 01:53

I am not sure anyone person can answer that question, as it could be very different reasons for each of the 80%:

Faster promotion
More money
Technical position (REME, INT Corps, etc)
Thats when they decided thats what they wanted to do
Parents told them they had too
Its safier in case one gets hurt, they have a degree to fall back on.

anything is possible

**Major_Clanger** · 10-03-2008, 16:58

Originally Posted by Rhur

First off a thanks, as I've been reading this thread as well as the other associate careers threads with interest.

Also I have a question hopefully someone will be able to answer. For the AAC I understand you go to OASC Cranwell for aptitudes and medicals. If you subsequently pass this, you attend flying grading at Middle Wallop, then the Pilot Selection Board.

My first question is this; at what point does the pre RCB and main board come into this?

I am currently looking into the Army as a career, but I am yet to step into an AFCO. I have however gone through RAF selection, passed the medical and achieved 120 on my aptitude scores. Will my aptitude score suffice, or will I have to retake the tests? Another more broad, and hard to answer question...will a score of 120 initially see me in good stead? I understand that selection is much more than tests, but was more wondering if this score was the average, or even a good score.

Thanks.

Good post Rhur - I was wondering about the whole AAC process as well and would be interested to hear some of the replies you received (I presume over PM as they aren't on here?)

**Mikergs** · 10-03-2008, 19:36

Took me a while to find this website but glad I did and hoping I can get some useful advice and/or information.

I am currently 16 years old in my second year of college and am awaiting my entrance into University in September. Some people may be wondering why I am 16 and this is mainly due to to the fact that I skipped Year 8 and essentially went from Year 7 to Year 9 with my peers all now being much older than me.

I have recently been considering signing up for the Army after I gain my degree and hopefully be selected as an officer. My problems kind of lay with wondering if I have the right reasons for wanting to join and whether at any point I'll want to change my mind.

Many of you may just say that it'd be best not to sign up before I'm completely sure but it seems if I sign up within the near future then I will be heavily supported while in University. Along with financial support, I'll be able to join the University Officer Training Corps and hopefully get into the routine of regular army training and duties while making a lot of friends.

My knowledge on the armed forces is fairly limited to be honest but I am sure with enough research this can be amended. At the minute I'm probably lacking in physical fitness but believe myself to be very able to motivate myself in progressing to accomodate this alongside my academic skills for application.

I do not, however, plan on pursuing the Army for a career. People may think badly of me for this but my main motivation is to simply "Do my service" as it were. Many family members have been within the military and it seems as though I'd like the privilege of saying I've done my part to work alongside some of the countries finest men and women in and out of combat.

I don't know many of the Officer routes but I believe an Infantry officer position would be my top choice. But who's to say what I'll want in a few years time I guess. When would that decision have to be made?

Does anyone think there might be a problem with my age? It means that I'll have a degree at age 19 and begin my training fairly early (From what I can tell) in relation to other Officers. Would I be looked down upon for being so young? Acting as a leader is hard when you are instantly at a disadvantage in terms of respect.

Thanks in advance.

**django_strikes** · 11-03-2008, 09:53

Mikergs - quite a post.

Firstly, you are obviously a bright bloke, to be advanced in the school system. Your age wont be a problem, as you will have non-grads in your Sandhurst intake that have arrived direct from A-levels, or after a year out (so they will be 18 or 19).

Secondly, not making a career of the Army is nothing to be ashamed of. Many people join to complete their 4 years (the Short Service Commission everyone - with a few exceptions - gets as standard from Sandhurst) and then pursue another career. In fact, this is eactly why the SSC is given to every Officer to begin with - too many were being given IRCs (16 years) or even RegC (to retirement) and then leaving early. So, If/When you commission, the 4 years of SSC will be your first "contract". This can be extended in 1 year increments (or more) to a max of 8 years and after 2 (or maybe 3) reports you can opt to change to the IRC.

Thirdly, financial support from the Army during university is not a given. I don't know much about the bursary system, but I do know that it has changed recently (I don't think they do cadetships any more). It is almost a separate process, with applicants doing pre-AOSB and AOSB with that in mind. I think you can apply, not be successful and still get a place at Sandhurst, but as you sort of allude to in your post, is it early to apply? what if you change your mind? that was my thinking, I did AOSB (RCB in those days) in my 3rd year of Uni, when I was sure that the Army was for me.

Finally, UOTC I would heartily recommend. Often berated on ARRSE as nothing but a social club, IMHO it gives you some insight to the military, fits around studies more than TA and lets you socialise with other students who have some (but not necessarily much) interest in the military. It is also pretty much free money, but you can increase your OTC commitment to incorporate more military stuff if you want.

Phew!

**Mikergs** · 11-03-2008, 11:30

Thank you for the informative post.

Just had a look at the financial support that I thought was a given to almost all candidates but it seems that it is only for 250 Uni students per year and is only a single payment followed by a lump sum on commissioning from Sandhurst. Means I have a lot more time and don't need to be in such a hurry. I'll give it more thought till then.

**bionicghost** · 11-03-2008, 22:20

I've been a bit of a lurker but have been reading the information on these boards which has been quite useful so 'thanks'! I had an advisory/initial meeting the other day so the ball is rolling for me.

Best of luck to others on the path!

**ben_robinson** · 12-03-2008, 10:20

Morning Guys,

New to the forum, I thought I would seek out your wisdom.

I want to join as an officer in the future, the problem is, I did not do well in my A levels, I didn’t work hard and ended up getting a D in one A level subject and an E at AS in one subject, this means I only have 80 ucas points.
Now my plan was to do another A level and get a B so that I will have 180 ucas points, the minimum to join as an officer.
My main query is, if I hit the minimum entry requirements are they going to look down on me? Will I still have a decent chance at getting in?

Thanks

Ben

**django_strikes** · 12-03-2008, 11:01

I doubt they'll look down on you mate - you'll meet the academic requirement, plus show that you are dedicated by studying for that extra A-level in your own time in order to reach that level.

I got 2 D's and an E at A-level (damn modular courses don't encourage hard work), but went to uni with that score and knuckled dwon - but only because I wanted to.

If Your current and planned quals get you in the door, the rest is down to yourself - how you come across, how bright you are (not necessarily highlighted by academic quals) etc.

good luck