Dear all,

I posted on this forum a few years ago concerning my initial AOSB. Although my selection was unsuccessful, deemed "risky", I am seriously thinking of reapplying.

Whilst I enjoy my current job, the benefits, life, pay and prospects are nothing compared to that available in the forces. The trip to get here has been somewhat long-winded. Following my initial AOSB, I've taken a conversion course in Law, and received my LPC - adding a 2:1 LLB to my CV. Nevertheless, the law market is dead on its feet. Whilst I considered Law in the Army, it requires full qualification - something which is hard enough to get anyhow, even without joining the ALS.

As such, I'm at a crossroads. I could continue in my current job, but that will likely lead no-where, or make one final determined effort to join the forces. However, as mentioned in the title, there's a catch. I've just turned 26. Yes, I realise I'm leaving this late, but I believe it's only now that I can give the best account of myself mentally, and with a fair degree of work, physically.

I'm more mentally astute that I was in 2009, and am 1/2 stone lighter and able to complete a 3 mile run without too many issues (something I was incapable of doing at the first AOSB). I'm following the "get fit" course available on the Army/ RAF webiste currently, aiming to complete it before I even apply - then push my fitness further in preparation.

So, that's the history, now - to the point. Whilst I realise it's a risky venture, my attention is drawn to the intelligence corps. The acceptance age is higher than combat forces, and I believe my mental ability is somewhat stronger than my physical side (not blowing my own trumpet mind). Whilst the Army is my first choice, I am also considering the RAF (in which my Father is currently serving).

How would I best go about joining? Do I follow the same route as I did intially - careers office then AOSB? Or is there something different someone could recommend?

Thanks in advance,

No.16

In all honesty (and I'm sure you'll get some constructive info from fellow arrsers) you're only going to know what your actual options are by getting down to your local ACIO and chatting with them.

But, given that you're 26 you've only got a short timescale, especially as intakes at RMAS seem to be being more and more restricted.

And work on your fitness - failing on fitness the first time and now saying that you can complete a 3 miler "without too many issues" does not inspire confidence.

If you're serious, and this is your last shot, spend all the time you can tabbing around the hills and dales of wherever you live. And then tab som more...

Best of luck, hope you manage to get in there.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, that's the idea, hammer fitness as much as possible. Major issue is the job - it involves travelling all over the country, setting up a stand for 3-5 days, and then trading. So time for fitness is limited, and my living base isn't assured.

May join the gym, but I can't scrape the finances together. However, fitness is my number one priority. As for the 3 mile run, whilst it seems a low amount, it was more an indicator that I feel in a better phyisical position now, then I did when I attended my first AOSB. Still not a great standard, but getting there!

I'm not completely certain regarding the age limitations for Sandhurst, however I believe you are too old to join the majority of regiments now without having already passed your AOSB. When I was at my briefing there were two guys who were 27 and both were applying for a certain regiment (which one escapes me) and said it wasn't their preference but was the only one which would take them at their age. Perhaps someone a bit more in the know will come along and give some more accurate details on this though.

Having done my research, I believe this is indeed the case. This is a reason for chosing the Intelligence Corps, and looking at the RAF too. My age is a limiting factor, but I hope it's not a crippling factor.

Originally Posted by Number16

Having done my research, I believe this is indeed the case. This is a reason for chosing the Intelligence Corps, and looking at the RAF too. My age is a limiting factor, but I hope it's not a crippling factor.

If the regiments are willing to accept you at a certain age then I can't see it being a crippling factor at all. Being older should in theory give you far more life experience and matury, I say in theory because we all know that some people are complete idiots and won't develop themselves throughout life.

Get straight to your careers office who will put you in contact with an ACA1 and then you can progress things through there.

Will get onto the Careers office and check with them. Any more information from people would be great!

Additionally, I live 1 mile from an RAF base. Is it possible to use any resources there to improve my fitness? I realise this is a bit of a numpty Question, but I feel it's better to ask than not

If they have a RAF Auxillary Unit there, there is nothing to stop you joining them whilst your app goes through.

Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to commit the time to them due to my job. Best described as "travelling retail", I will have, at best, 2 days back at base camp before taking off again. The main show season begins in 2weeks, then continues till October. I did consider joining the TA, but the same issues presents itself - I wouldn't be there enough to fulfill my commitment

Originally Posted by Number16

Dear all,

I posted on this forum a few years ago concerning my initial AOSB. Although my selection was unsuccessful, deemed "risky", I am seriously thinking of reapplying.

Whilst I enjoy my current job, the benefits, life, pay and prospects are nothing compared to that available in the forces. The trip to get here has been somewhat long-winded. Following my initial AOSB, I've taken a conversion course in Law, and received my LPC - adding a 2:1 LLB to my CV. Nevertheless, the law market is dead on its feet. Whilst I considered Law in the Army, it requires full qualification - something which is hard enough to get anyhow, even without joining the ALS.

As such, I'm at a crossroads. I could continue in my current job, but that will likely lead no-where, or make one final determined effort to join the forces. However, as mentioned in the title, there's a catch. I've just turned 26. Yes, I realise I'm leaving this late, but I believe it's only now that I can give the best account of myself mentally, and with a fair degree of work, physically.

I'm more mentally astute that I was in 2009, and am 1/2 stone lighter and able to complete a 3 mile run without too many issues (something I was incapable of doing at the first AOSB). I'm following the "get fit" course available on the Army/ RAF webiste currently, aiming to complete it before I even apply - then push my fitness further in preparation.

So, that's the history, now - to the point. Whilst I realise it's a risky venture, my attention is drawn to the intelligence corps. The acceptance age is higher than combat forces, and I believe my mental ability is somewhat stronger than my physical side (not blowing my own trumpet mind). Whilst the Army is my first choice, I am also considering the RAF (in which my Father is currently serving).

How would I best go about joining? Do I follow the same route as I did intially - careers office then AOSB? Or is there something different someone could recommend?

Thanks in advance,

No.16

Give it a go, nothing to lose.