Originally Posted by brink404

Just finished RA visit for anyone who reads this and is curious - a quick rundown:

I went to the RA to see what it was about, I knew next to nothing about the organisation except that being a in control of a fire support team would be cool. I have to say I had a great time and learnt a hell of a lot. First of all, I didn't know until I had arrived - women are allowed to serve in the RA. Secondly, my host was FIT! Which was awesome obviously.

Immaturity aside Larkhill is massive, a lot of trekking around by bus, you're well fed, well looked after, the officers are incredibly blunt about life in the army and about their job - but it is clear and overwhelming that they absolutely love it. The job is clearly incredibly varied as well which is a massive attraction.

So after a day of lectures, an easy gym session (ended up doing a spin class as it was cold outside and the gym was busy - we got off lightly!) it was a late night with the YO's that were due to head to exercise the next day.

The assault course was cheeky, lots of little injuries, cuts and bruises, picked up due to the cold and the various metal wires on the course. It was a bit harder than usual due to the PTI being attached to the paras and perhaps keen to show it - but a really good session anyway. We even got to play on a training simulator and get to talk to all of the soldiers who had been serving for ages.

A great question was asked "What annoys you in an officer?" We had some fantastically funny responses, but definitely worth hearing.

I completely recommend going to the RA visit even if you're not really interested in them, it'll open up your eyes to a hell of career path and just overall get you an understanding of the level of involvement they have logistically on the battlefield. Furthermore the foods great and its a fantastic time - and you may even end up with a fit host. Nice. :P

Id love to know who you are Brink.... I was on that visit.... I think Captain ***** mentioned they occasionally look on here so Im sure they'll appreciate your "fit host" comments haha

Originally Posted by tom_rmas

Id love to know who you are Brink.... I was on that visit.... I think ***** mentioned she occassionally looks on here so Im sure she'll appreciate your "fit host" comments haha

I'm sure they would just as much appreciate you breaching their PERSEC and posting their name online. Don't do it.

Originally Posted by Switchback

I'm sure they would just as much appreciate you breaching their PERSEC and posting their name online. Don't do it.

"Pull your keyboard over, this is the Internet Police"

Originally Posted by Switchback

I'm sure they would just as much appreciate you breaching their PERSEC and posting their name online. Don't do it.

Edited for you...

Did they mention anything about how competitive it is to join the RA when at Sandhurst? My first two option now seem to take 3-5 a year, so been told by my ACA to ditch one of them, and am leaning towards the RA over any of the other CS arms.

RA is huge mate, one of the larger takers annually. Them and the rifles. That said you still need to be over the quality standard. But you're looking at roughly 22 places per intake a year.

Cheers. Just looked through the last few Course Completion lists and does indeed seem to be high. Look forward to the Fam Visit now.

I recieved my intro pack from the RA today.

The latest FAM visit on my letter was mid April but I cant do that due to exams, So I dont know when my visit will be.

Originally Posted by DMan

I recieved my intro pack from the RA today.

The latest FAM visit on my letter was mid April but I cant do that due to exams, So I dont know when my visit will be.

I got my RA pack in yesterday's post and the dates for me were 28/02-1/03 16-19/03 and then one in april. I'm hoping for the 16-19/03 one.

I had the exact dates but can't do any of them due to uni work. I was looking at something in June. Will probably give them a call in a couple of weeks.


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