Hello all,

Just a quick enquiry. I am hoping to join the OTC in Bournemouth. BUT, I am not attending the Bournemouth University, I am going to the Arts University College of Bournemouth. Will this be a problem?

Also, does anyone know what the Bournemouth/Southampton branch of the OTC is like?

(I am calling up tomorrow, but thought I would ask here anyway. I emailed a few days ago but have not got a reply back)

Cheers.

They won't let you join.

Southampton - British Army Website

It took me 10 while seconds to find that with the aid of Google.

If you are incapable of doing that for yourself, I really wouldn't get your hopes up for university or becoming an officer either. That said, you are going to university at some bogus ex-poly (if it's even old enough to be ex-poly) 'arts university' which means your degree will hold less qualificational value than a provisional driving license, because even a complete retard could get a first.

But shit does happen.

I already found that. But it doesn't exactly answer the question whether AUCB is considered. Usually the BU incorporates the AUCB, especially when it comes to the gym.

I went to the Army website and asked online, but the person did not know, so by that I'm assuming it's a possibility. He recommended that I ring up the Southampton branch and ask, which I will intend to do. But I thought maybe, just maybe, someone could give me an answer here.

Thanks for your help.

Originally Posted by sucramdoow

I already found that. But it doesn't exactly answer the question whether AUCB is considered. Usually the BU incorporates the AUCB, especially when it comes to the gym.

I went to the Army website and asked online, but the person did not know, so by that I'm assuming it's a possibility. He recommended that I ring up the Southampton branch and ask, which I will intend to do. But I thought maybe, just maybe, someone could give me an answer here.

Thanks for your help.

No really, the UOTCs only let in people from their university quota, not just any student in the surrounding area.

If AUCB is PART of BU, then you can go. If AUCB is a separate entity that shares it's gym through a separate agreement, then no you can't.

Originally Posted by dinosaur_poo

No really, the UOTCs only let in people from their university quota, not just any student in the surrounding area.

If AUCB is PART of BU, then you can go. If AUCB is a separate entity that shares it's gym through a separate agreement, then no you can't.

That wasn't so hard was it.

Looks like it's the TA then.

Originally Posted by sucramdoow

That wasn't so hard was it.

Looks like it's the TA then.

Out of interest, why didn't you fancy the TA before?

The roles of the TA and OTC are very different, if you want to play in uniform at the weekend the TA isn't ideal anymore as their prime role is to prepare guys for deployments in operational theatres. The OTC is geared towards developing people to later became Army Officers. The TA is geared towards getting guys out to war in the rank and job that they hold whilst training for it.

PS - what are you studying? If you hope to get a career in the Creative arts I would contemplate a last minute reconsideration. It looks like a lovely place but there doesn't seem to be much in the way of 'after university' success stories.

Originally Posted by dinosaur_poo

Out of interest, why didn't you fancy the TA before?

The roles of the TA and OTC are very different, if you want to play in uniform at the weekend the TA isn't ideal anymore as their prime role is to prepare guys for deployments in operational theatres. The OTC is geared towards developing people to later became Army Officers. The TA is geared towards getting guys out to war in the rank and job that they hold whilst training for it.

PS - what are you studying? If you hope to get a career in the Creative arts I would contemplate a last minute reconsideration. It looks like a lovely place but there doesn't seem to be much in the way of 'after university' success stories.

I did want to join the TA first. But then I found out there was a UOTC branch in Bournemouth. After researching it, people have said that it is catered towards students. To be honest, I would prefer the TA. The OTC is always referred to as a drinking club... and I'm not much of a drinker.

I would like to go on tour, but only after Uni. And I don't think they do a summer tour especially for students.

I am studying Film Production. I've done my research, and this is one of the best Universities for film. I have studied there, but only on a Diploma course. It's not the piece of paper saying I got a qualification I want, it's the potential to get contacts that will eventually get my foot in the door. I'm sure you know the saying in the media industry, it's not what you know, it's who you know.

I believe there's a troop of 63(SAS) Sig Sqn in Bournemouth. Might be more interesting than TEWTs.

Originally Posted by sucramdoow

I did want to join the TA first. But then I found out there was a UOTC branch in Bournemouth. After researching it, people have said that it is catered towards students. To be honest, I would prefer the TA. The OTC is always referred to as a drinking club... and I'm not much of a drinker.

I would like to go on tour, but only after Uni. And I don't think they do a summer tour especially for students.

You're correct there's not, but from what you've said I'd go straight to the TA. It's not as easy to fit around your studies as UOTC, but it'll gear you towards going on tour from the start, which is not what the OTC is there for. The opportunities for courses will likely be far better too, since you holding the qualifications is of far more use to the TA than the OTC, (as everyone has to leave the OTC after 3/4 years, they'll be putting you on courses in the hope you'll stay there for a long time).

I am studying Film Production. I've done my research, and this is one of the best Universities for film. I have studied there, but only on a Diploma course. It's not the piece of paper saying I got a qualification I want, it's the potential to get contacts that will eventually get my foot in the door. I'm sure you know the saying in the media industry, it's not what you know, it's who you know.

Your point is exactly what would put me off that place. To work in film you'd be far better studying in London where there are plentiful work experience opportunities on a daily basis.

Originally Posted by roadster280

I believe there's a troop of 63(SAS) Sig Sqn in Bournemouth. Might be more interesting than TEWTs.

Not sure but I was under the impression you had to be ex-non-SAS-TA or ex-regular to join TA SF?