ARmy Rumour SErvice

Thanks both for the really useful info, will have a thorough read-through of those docs. Appreciate the responses...

Originally Posted by Shandy123

Sorry - I did a lengthy reply yesterday on my phone, which then lost the connection and my reply - I couldn't be arsed to do it all again, so I waited until now when I'm on the laptop.
No probs re the comment I made - I was feeling a bit oversensitive - probably because your post reminded me of the disappointment I felt when I realised I was too old for a direct entry commission too! I spent a decade in the ranks as a TA soldier and loved it, but wanted to try the challenge of being an officer - I am going to go back in as a private again, but trying a different trade ( I was Infantry - gonna try RLC).
Anyway, I found my employer to be very supportive, even though I am now supposedly a professional person (a teacher). Basically I did it like this:
I booked an appointment to see the Head, and in the interim, sent him any relevant documents from SABRE, plus the FR2020 report, which someone has posted a link to on the 'replace regulars with STABs' thread.
I read through everything carfefully, especially the bit in the report about future plans to gain employer support (the kitemark, etc...)
I found out the likelyhood and length of deployments with the unit I am interested in joining.
I went to he meeting with all the correct facts and figures re time off, and costs to the school.
I also had a list of benefits to the school (kudos of supporting the forces, my improved fitness, which gives better attendance, more focus and drive, etc...)
I Hope this helps.

Hi - i have found this thread really interesting and very relevant to my situation. I am a teacher (assistant head) and i have just enlisted with 4 Yorks as a private. I am currently just into my phase 1 training but at 40 i appear to be way too old to become an officer. Im going to speak to my unit anyway as i believe my experience of being a school leader could well be a valuable asset? It's worth an ask i reckon.

On a different note - how do you find the TA/teaching combo works for you?

Cheers

40 as a Inf PO? Way too old. The Army wants some return out of its investment and you wouldnt be much use as a YO (no offence ment, but when your knees are crying with pain and the young whippersnappers in your platoon are bearly breaking a sweat you will know what I meant)

The oldest I have ever known was a 39year old RMP Cpl who then commissioned. He already had a tour under his belt as well. Sandhurst will have a lot to say in you waiver as well, and trust me, they will say no.

Sorry.

Ideal thread for me to find. I've been down to my unit of choice this evening to find out the age limit for officer entry is 26 in line with the regs, so seems to change on a unit to unit basis.

Originally Posted by Carlos_Hathcock_II

40 as a Inf PO? Way too old. The Army wants some return out of its investment and you wouldnt be much use as a YO (no offence ment, but when your knees are crying with pain and the young whippersnappers in your platoon are bearly breaking a sweat you will know what I meant)

The oldest I have ever known was a 39year old RMP Cpl who then commissioned. He already had a tour under his belt as well. Sandhurst will have a lot to say in you waiver as well, and trust me, they will say no.

Sorry.

No offence taken and is make you dead right. I am too old - ill crack in as an OR and enjoy it. However, as for young uns mullering me fitness wise..... no effin chance. Got my 1.5 run time well below 9 mins and they don't get anywhere near in the press ups and sit ups etc. Good times.