Ask a military guy...

[Black Watch]

I'm not sure how many of us there are on this forum ( I think seven? ) but whenever a military/Related thread has come up a few people have asked questions to see no answers.

I know when I was applying, I was trying to find out everything I could - even when I was considering joining ( Just natural right? ) I wanted to know everything I could. So i will try and give you my opinion and advice.

Just to state, being a member of the British Armed Forces, I can not give detailed answers on other Countries Military but I can give generalised answers that may apply. Another point is PERSEC. Some questions, I may be unable to answer DIRECTLY but I will try my best. Hopefully, any other serving or retired personnel can add their knowledge in too!

So, good people of The escapist what do you wish to know?

In this day and age, anyone can go on the internet and claim to be a solider or a marine. Could you please show some proof that you are actually in the British Armed Forces? A couple of pictures of you on base or at your station with a few of your peers and a piece of paper saying something about The Escapist would be enough.

This isn't be coming out and saying you aren't, because I don't know for a fact. Its just that I come from a military family and people like me are very protective of the armed forces.

 

[Reincarnatedwolfgod]

how many people with PTSD do you know? i know one of my cousins who went to iraq has it.

 

[similar.squirrel]

How do you feel about the unquestioning obedience aspect of the whole thing? My father spent over a year as a cadet, and walked away with a lifelong hatred for any kind of intrinsic authority. Granted, this was in the USSR, and he was general-purpose infantry [read: meat-shield], but the idea that somebody can treat you like dirt 'just because' disturbs me. I understand the necessity of discipline, but doesn't it feel strange sometimes? And since we're talking about the British Armed Forces, how do you feel about the fact that a sizeable portion of the Officers got their job due to their ancestry as opposed to their abilities?

The only people we care about, are our fellow soldiers. Desk jockeys aren't appreciated. The Corporals and Sergeants ask us not to call them Sir because: "They work." We really don't get treated like dirt. They may have a joke about you, but it happens to everyone. Your all in the same boat. At the end of the day, they're just trying to get you through the training. they want you to succeed.

A lot of people think it's all shouting. It's not. We're treated like adults. If you fuck up, you're in the shit pit but other than that the training team are decent guys.

Thanks for clearing that up. Another thing: I have a really quiet voice. Not the best in social situations and so forth. Is this something one would need to fix? Strange question, but there you go.

I was the same before I joined. Being a gamer and all. Though trust me, they will get you talking. Even if it's just amongst your mates. In the first two weeks you do Foundation. You live in a single room with all 40/60 of the recruits, so you open up and talk. After that you move into 4/6 person rooms. so you'll make mates.

another aspect is the Buddy system. You will have one mate, your best mate. And he will watch your back, in training, on operation and on nights out. It's a good system. gets you out of your shell and talking to people.

Thanks again. I think I'll join the Irish Reserve Forces to begin with, get a degree in the meantime and see where it goes from there.

 

[The Funslinger]

I'm not sure how many of us there are on this forum ( I think seven? ) but whenever a military/Related thread has come up a few people have asked questions to see no answers.

I know when I was applying, I was trying to find out everything I could - even when I was considering joining ( Just natural right? ) I wanted to know everything I could. So i will try and give you my opinion and advice.

Just to state, being a member of the British Armed Forces, I can not give detailed answers on other Countries Military but I can give generalised answers that may apply. Another point is PERSEC. Some questions, I may be unable to answer DIRECTLY but I will try my best. Hopefully, any other serving or retired personnel can add their knowledge in too!

So, good people of The escapist what do you wish to know?

Fantastic! I'm planning on joining post-university! I researched the minimum tour of duty, which was 3 years plus training. (Is that right?)

What sort of basic training is required if you're just going in as a soldier, not an officer?

How far would you say a decent soldier should be able to walk without a break?

 

[Count Igor]

Just how awesome is the S.A.S?
Now, I know you mentioned that they prefer the Para's, so you don't know that much (And wouldn't anyway), but you have a better idea than me. So I thought I may as well ask.

 

[Dectomax]

I'm not sure how many of us there are on this forum ( I think seven? ) but whenever a military/Related thread has come up a few people have asked questions to see no answers.

I know when I was applying, I was trying to find out everything I could - even when I was considering joining ( Just natural right? ) I wanted to know everything I could. So i will try and give you my opinion and advice.

Just to state, being a member of the British Armed Forces, I can not give detailed answers on other Countries Military but I can give generalised answers that may apply. Another point is PERSEC. Some questions, I may be unable to answer DIRECTLY but I will try my best. Hopefully, any other serving or retired personnel can add their knowledge in too!

So, good people of The escapist what do you wish to know?

In this day and age, anyone can go on the internet and claim to be a solider or a marine. Could you please show some proof that you are actually in the British Armed Forces? A couple of pictures of you on base or at your station with a few of your peers and a piece of paper saying something about The Escapist would be enough.

This isn't be coming out and saying you aren't, because I don't know for a fact. Its just that I come from a military family and people like me are very protective of the armed forces.

Please view the profile picture.

 

[Dectomax]

I'm not sure how many of us there are on this forum ( I think seven? ) but whenever a military/Related thread has come up a few people have asked questions to see no answers.

I know when I was applying, I was trying to find out everything I could - even when I was considering joining ( Just natural right? ) I wanted to know everything I could. So i will try and give you my opinion and advice.

Just to state, being a member of the British Armed Forces, I can not give detailed answers on other Countries Military but I can give generalised answers that may apply. Another point is PERSEC. Some questions, I may be unable to answer DIRECTLY but I will try my best. Hopefully, any other serving or retired personnel can add their knowledge in too!

So, good people of The escapist what do you wish to know?

Fantastic! I'm planning on joining post-university! I researched the minimum tour of duty, which was 3 years plus training. (Is that right?)

What sort of basic training is required if you're just going in as a soldier, not an officer?

How far would you say a decent soldier should be able to walk without a break?

A 3 year minimum term is correct.

As a solider in the ARMY, you undertake a 14 week Phase 1 training course. If you wish to specialise, you then undertake Job specific training, that can take up to 20/29 weeks depending on the trade.

You must be able to keep going. That's about as much as I can say. Though you will be doing 3, 5, 8 and possible 12 mile runs. With weight. So aim to be able to run atleast those distances in good time.

 

[Dectomax]

Just how awesome is the S.A.S?
Now, I know you mentioned that they prefer the Para's, so you don't know that much (And wouldn't anyway), but you have a better idea than me. So I thought I may as well ask.

I have never seen or worked with anyone from UKSF. Though the few people that I have encountered who have all say that it is an elite club. If your not one of them, you're not welcome. there a tough bunch of lads. You have to have done 2 years service within a Branch of the armed forces before you can apply and even then, their training is brutal.

 

[Dectomax]

how many people with PTSD do you know? i know one of my cousins who went to iraq has it.

None.

 

[AmrasCalmacil]

How's the Sheep Dip?
That thing terrifies me and pretty much rules out me being a Royal Marine.

I am considering joining the Army if things don't work out at University and I have my eye on the Rifles.

 

[Dectomax]

How's the Sheep Dip?
That thing terrifies me and pretty much rules out me being a Royal Marine.

I am considering joining the Army if things don't work out at University and I have my eye on the Rifles.

It's horrible. Keep your mouth closed! Otherwise you can taste the mud for days. It's really just requires you trusting your mates to pull you through.

The rifles are a good choice.

 

[StBishop]

how many people with PTSD do you know? i know one of my cousins who went to iraq has it.

Show some respect.

See this post for more.

have you ever killed a man, or even just seen a man die?

I'll give that another go, sorry about the harshness of my original response, it's a habitual reply to people when they ask in a pub/club after they find out you're military, so I'll put it a bit more politely because, you may be ignorant towards the gravity of the question you're asking.

You don't ever ask a soldier this, it is seen (in my country at least) as incredibly disrespectful and I know of a few guys who will end a conversation with someone as soon as it's asked.

Again, sorry my for initial reply.

 

[TheGuiggleMonster]

If someone from Britain tried to criticise you for fighting an immoral war that shouldn't exist, what would you say to them to justify what you're doing?

(I support the war in Afghanistan)

 

[Dectomax]

If someone from Britain tried to criticise you for fighting an immoral war that shouldn't exist, what would you say to them to justify what you're doing?

(I support the war in Afghanistan)

That the local populace want us there and need our help. Is it fair to let them suffer when we can do something about it?

If you look at the progress we have made, the ANA are carrying out their own patrol's and are slowly becoming independent. The local populace are returning to their markets and having a better life. Because we are there.

 

[eidolonstorm]

Hey, thanks for taking the time to answer everyone's questions

I wanted to ask, what do you think about gay people serving in the Army/British Armed Forces? Do you view them as brothers in the same way as the rest of you fellow servicemen?

Are gay people generally treated the same as others in the Armed Forces?

 

[Dectomax]

Hey, thanks for taking the time to answer everyone's questions

I wanted to ask, what do you think about gay people serving in the Army/British Armed Forces? Do you view them as brothers in the same way as the rest of you fellow servicemen?

Are gay people generally treated the same as others in the Armed Forces?

They are no different. Some lads feel a bit, uneasy around them...mainly in the showers. But as long as they can do their job, they're one of us. I only know of one who serves, with the Royal Logistics regiment and he's a laugh and a good lad.

 

[Black Watch]

I'm not sure how many of us there are on this forum ( I think seven? ) but whenever a military/Related thread has come up a few people have asked questions to see no answers.

I know when I was applying, I was trying to find out everything I could - even when I was considering joining ( Just natural right? ) I wanted to know everything I could. So i will try and give you my opinion and advice.

Just to state, being a member of the British Armed Forces, I can not give detailed answers on other Countries Military but I can give generalised answers that may apply. Another point is PERSEC. Some questions, I may be unable to answer DIRECTLY but I will try my best. Hopefully, any other serving or retired personnel can add their knowledge in too!

So, good people of The escapist what do you wish to know?

In this day and age, anyone can go on the internet and claim to be a solider or a marine. Could you please show some proof that you are actually in the British Armed Forces? A couple of pictures of you on base or at your station with a few of your peers and a piece of paper saying something about The Escapist would be enough.

This isn't be coming out and saying you aren't, because I don't know for a fact. Its just that I come from a military family and people like me are very protective of the armed forces.

Please view the profile picture.

All I needed.

 

[The Funslinger]

You must be able to keep going. That's about as much as I can say. Though you will be doing 3, 5, 8 and possible 12 mile runs. With weight. So aim to be able to run atleast those distances in good time.

Righto, I'm a good walker, but I run best over short distance, so I'll work on my stamina. Fortunately there's some hilly moors round here, so that'll be a good workout.

So you said you started out as a gamer like most of us, what did you learn in terms of combat training? (because in the event I do need that stuff, I'd like to be able to acquit myself. Adolescent fist fights only take a guy so far!)

 

[Dectomax]

You must be able to keep going. That's about as much as I can say. Though you will be doing 3, 5, 8 and possible 12 mile runs. With weight. So aim to be able to run atleast those distances in good time.

Righto, I'm a good walker, but I run best over short distance, so I'll work on my stamina. Fortunately there's some hilly moors round here, so that'll be a good workout.

So you said you started out as a gamer like most of us, what did you learn in terms of combat training? (because in the event I do need that stuff, I'd like to be able to acquit myself. Adolescent fist fights only take a guy so far!)

3 mile runs are a good start, aim for under 20minutes. as that's par time for any infantry regiment.

Hilly moors would be ideal. A lot of the training exercises are carried out in places like Wales and Dartmoor.

By combat training do you mean, hand to hand or weapons?

Hand to hand combat was painful, to say the least. they teach you everything you need to know, from the ground up. They make you a clean slate and train you how they want you to be.

 

[Food Critic]

How's the food?

my best friend's in the US navy, and all through training he never stopped complaining. Do you Brits have it any better? Was there a difference between the food in training camp and on duty? I've generally found that the freeze dried stuff (MRE's in the US, dunno what you guys call 'em) are far superior to any cafeteria-grade slop, is it the same way for you all in the British service?