Hi,
Just got bad news that I didn't pass AOSB, am still awaiting feedback. Panicking a bit, and eager to press on with my career, which was preferably going to be military, can anyone advise as to whether someone in my position would be suited to life as a soldier. I've a 2:1 in Business Studies, am now 24, and crave some sort of challenge and responsibility. Are the Int Corps and RMP a viable option for joining up in the ranks? Can anyone's experience advise as to what life might be like?

Many thanks.

Originally Posted by James1

Hi,
Just got bad news that I didn't pass AOSB, am still awaiting feedback. Panicking a bit, and eager to press on with my career, which was preferably going to be military, can anyone advise as to whether someone in my position would be suited to life as a soldier. I've a 2:1 in Business Studies, am now 24, and crave some sort of challenge and responsibility. Are the Int Corps and RMP a viable option for joining up in the ranks? Can anyone's experience advise as to what life might be like?

Many thanks.

Have you got a decent job at the moment?

Go smash a shop window, they'll give you a ASBO, if you plead with the judge they even may force you into the military

Recenly left job so no not at the mo

Before all these nice people play with you any further get yourself down to the ACIO and have a chat with a Recruiter who can explain the type of jobs you are able to do, obviously your ACA1 will of told you if its worth while having another attempt if allowed to but your age is going against you. Just remember the extra career structures within the REME (Artificer), RE (Clerks of works) Signals (Yeomanry) that could give you extra benefits and also as you said INT Corp/RMP.......theres a lot of good hand on jobs out there that could benefit you in the future with maybe an option later on down the line a LE commission. As said chat to your ACA1 who will give you there input then have a chat with a Recruiter. Just remember though having a degree doesn't automatically get you the job...OK carry on playing.

Get down to your ACA and ask them. Is this your seconded failed attempt? You are only 24 you could always get a second go at AOSB if you wanted it badly enough. Was it briefing? If it was briefing and you got a cat 4 I think it’s a straight ‘no thanks’.

The only thing that goes through my mind when reading your post is that it sounds a little like "I didn't make it as an officer, I guess being a soldier will have to do?".

I am not saying you don't respect the life of a soldier or anything like that, I am just trying to point out that to join as a soldier you still need the same determination and motivation as joining as an officer. It will not be an easy career and will give you the career you desire, however similar to the position I am in, it would mean sacrificing the much larger salary you could gain in civvie world. For me, I am not a money orientated person and so long as I have enough to get by on I prefer the prospects of being challenged physically and mentally rather than brown nosing for a promotion in an office.

Good luck if you apply as a soldier, but please don't apply without thinking it through and seeing what kind of roles you would wish to aim for. Hopefully you ACO will give you some good information.

Thanks, good advice. Was Main Board in fact so awaiting the verdict and bearing in mind what is said, I may give it a second shot. I was passionate about going to Sandhurst mainly because I wanted to experience soldiering and taking charge of men, so I guess in joining the ranks I would at least have half the deal! I don't want to take a step back however, and want as informed a choice as possible... maybe TA is the way to go to achieve this. And spending time away from it all to see if its something I still want to come back to.

Originally Posted by James1

Thanks, good advice. Was Main Board in fact so awaiting the verdict and bearing in mind what is said, I may give it a second shot. I was passionate about going to Sandhurst mainly because I wanted to experience soldiering and taking charge of men, so I guess in joining the ranks I would at least have half the deal! I don't want to take a step back however, and want as informed a choice as possible... maybe TA is the way to go to achieve this. And spending time away from it all to see if its something I still want to come back to.

As a soldier you still get the full deal, just with less pay. You start off as a grunt but you will gain promotion and will still get to lead men and hopefully rank up as an NCO. You get your hands dirtier than an officer and get to be 'one of the lads'. Personally I hope I make it as an officer, however the only thing I anticipated hating about dropping my application from officer to soldier is knowing that it will mean a few of the more luxurious treats in life are unlikely i.e. nicer car, house etc. Not much of a price to pay for the rewarding lifestyle you get in the army though.


Hopefully your feedback isn't too bad, mind if I ask what didn't go too well?

Originally Posted by James1

Recenly left job so no not at the mo

Give it a go then, you are much better off in the Army than the dole. As suggested, go for one of the trades where you need a few brain cells.