Peripheryan
Crow
Do I still need to pass AACC even though I've passed Pcoy can't imagine they'll give me the green lid without passing aacc? I'm 39 the age limit for RLC reserves is 42 but is there an age limit for the Reserves Commando Course?
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Former Para Reg to 3CB reserves (383 Commando)
- Thread starter Peripheryan
- Start date
Intheshed
Clanker
Apologies for being slightly late to the table for this one.
You would be more welcome to join us in 383 but, as NuggetBks correctly states, you would definitely have to pass the AACC to get the lid. Think back to your old days in Para Reg, and imagine me rocking up and asking for one of your nice maroon berets without passing P Company....oh, hang on, I've just remembered that actually you DO give those out for free!
OK, pi55-taking aside, the age limit for the RLC (and for most Reserve units?) was extended to 50 about 6 years ago; I know because I crept back into the fold just in time. There is no upper age limit for the AACC however your body might argue differently! I'm not casting any doubts on your level of phys, but it is a sad fact of life that your ability to recover gets hit hard as the years creep on...just ask my knees!
Although we are in lock down, Commando training has been given the green light by the grown-ups (CDO 1 is actually 6th/7th Feb).
Not sure if you took this any further, but if not then give Mr Cook a call on 01752 705238 and he can brief you where we stand with covid vs recruitment....unless you are still serving in which case it might be a lot easier?
Good luck!
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WolvoExPunk
LE
131 Commando Squadron RE started off as an Airborne unit. When they disbanded in 1978, they reformed as part of 3 Commando Brigade, and those without a Dettol badge wishing to stay had to do the Commando Course. That would be everyone from the OC, to the newest sapper just got his Maroon beret and wings.
I don't know what the pass rate was, but I'm guessing it would be way higher than average.
I don't know what the pass rate was, but I'm guessing it would be way higher than average.
Intheshed
Clanker
I started life in 131 in 1988 and remember a lot of the old and bold wearing para smocks.
skymacuk
Old-Salt
Has that just changed recently ?, as i'm 46 and i looked at it a couple of years ago and was told that i was too old.
If the rules have changed i might have to have a look at this, as i'm still serving and i'm relatively fit'ish
Intheshed
Clanker
From the Gov.UK site:
"You can apply to join the Army until the day before your 50th birthday (for Reserve Soldier) and 48 years and 9 months for Officer Roles. There are higher age limits for some specialist roles, and ex-Regular Rejoiners."
Being turned down a couple of years ago might have been down to who you were considering joining (I've a feeling Paras take up to 40yrs old - The_Duke will answer that one - and SF will certainly be younger still)....or just someone's ignorance!
There were some VERY attractive financial incentives for 'rejoining' the Reserves as an ex-Regular a few years back, so I would definitely consider it for the money, and of course the general craic you'll get in most units.
I suspect this is an AR v RMR issue.
skymacuk
Old-Salt
I under
I understand you can join the reserves up to 50 ( i think it might be 55 now ) I've been told by 131 that 35/36 is the max cut off age for attempting the AACC.( so i assumed that was across the board with all Commando units )
I'm surprised that it is the case considering that UKSF has removed all gender and age caps for UKSF ( regular and reserve )
QRK2
LE
131 had a 42 year old go through as recently as 2019.
skymacuk
Old-Salt
I just messaged 131 again and they are adamant 35 is the cut off for AACC
QRK2
LE
It does keep changing, in the past at least one officer, an LE gunner IIRC, did it at over 50. That was not long after Chris Terrill did his doco.
Sometimes, of course, it can be a case of who you know.
ETA: On reflection, it is possible that said bloke wasn't 131 but from one of the other AR Cdo units.
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I wonder if that is a RE thing?
Intheshed
Clanker
Without wishing to get into a d1ck measuring contest (and please remember I 'came' from 131), they do have some attitudes towards age and injury that I disagree with. We inherited a very experienced stripey from them because they decided he was 'too old'. Likewise, we have two guys in their mid-20s who came to us with injuries having been told by 131 that if they didn't put themselves through the AACC then they were out. Don't want to come across as a retirement home, but the stripey (who admittedly had to drop to full-screw) is a valued (and lidded) member of 383, and the two younger lads have used the past 12-18 months to recuperate and train hard; they are on the next Commando beat up.
As for selection, I refer you back to my previous remark about the body's ability to recover as you get older!
I got my application in three weeks before my 50th birthday, and was attested a month before my 51st. I did my Ph1 A and B, and Ph2, completing my Ph2 a month before my 52nd. I turned 56 two weeks ago, having just commenced my second Over Age Extention. Without an OAE you must retire at 55 (if you’re an OR).
55 is retirement age unless you get an Over Age Extention.
Didn’t somebody, an ex Reg, do it in the AR at 55 not so long back?
Heartbreaklane
War Hero
**** that, I wouldn't want to be doing the Endurance at my age. Still reckon I'd nail the 30 ft ropes and regain though, all in the technique see. Tazran / Assault and firemans would be touch and go.
I don't think they actualy disbanded. They just re-roled. on the 31 March 1978 they were 131 Para Sqn RE, 44 Para Bde (V). On the the 1 April 1978 they became 131 Cdo Sqn RE (V) part of 3 Cdo Bde RM. The same thing happened with 289 Battery RA. They held special AACC reserve for both units. Quite a few 40 year and over blokes passed.
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