Afternoon all,
I'm currently applying for RMAS and the corps has caught my eye. I've had a read of a load of the material on here, but I've still got a few questions, and I'd appreciate it if anyone can volunteer some answers.
First off, what's the average officer like in the RE in terms of their education - I'm 19 and am not a graduate, so I'm a bit concerned that I might be putting myself at a bit of a disadvantage compared to other applicants, who are likely older and with a Degree in a technical discipline. Would this be the case?
Next up, how much would I potentially get to 'shape' my career in the RE - I've noticed that officers in the RM and other Army units seem to move around between staff jobs a lot after their initial troop command, with limited scope to actually stay in a green (ish) role. I'm not overly interested in a staff job and would probably like to minimise my time sat behind a desk in an office away from a unit - how realistic is it that I'd be able to steer my career in this direction?
Also, does the corps encourage people (who are up to standard) to do things like the Commando Course, Divers Course or a Jumps Course? Or is it one of them things that exists on paper, but is like hens teeth to come by in reality, even if you are up to the standard required to do them?
I've also heard that, back in the day, some units would offer Young Officers the opportunity to do their first troop command with an Infantry/RM unit, in order to gain experience of how they operate and some skills outside of what they would otherwise get. Can anyone confirm if this is still 'a thing'?
I've been fingering some issues of that 'sapper' magazine - I noticed that EOD&S is becoming a trade in the RE. Does anyone have any gen on if the role of an ATO might move from the RLC to RE? This is an area in the RLC that has really caught my eye after I spent some time with 45 Cdo RM and saw a bit of what 821 EOD&S Sqn get up to.
And last but not least, and also not entirely related, anyone know the gen on facial hair at Sandhurst? I've spent the last few months working on a ranch down under, and have managed to acquire some form of hairy caterpillar under my nose - anyone know if I can keep him?
I realise that this is a bombardment of questions but I'd be grateful to anyone who could shed some light on any of them (or any others for that matter).Cheers!!