Ask a military guy...

[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?

 

[Dectomax]

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?

Our ration packs are...an acquired taste, some are Ok, some are downright horrible. You learn to live with it and to be fair, after you've finished an exercise you normally don't care what you're eating. ( Or maybe that's just me? ) Though when on base we are treated to a cooked meal.

 

[Lord Penney]

Take your poncy Maroon beret somewhere else

Leave the cherry berets out of this bootneck!

 

[Dectomax]

Take your poncy Maroon beret somewhere else

Leave the cherry berets out of this bootneck!

Haha, never! You can keep your P-company. The commando course is where real men live!

 

[KaiRai]

Are you using the new ration packs? I used to swap the majority of mine in the old ones for endless supplies of corned beef hash, black treacle pudding and pate

Just in cadets, considering the army though. Somewhere between Infantry and intelligence corps. Do you know a lot about the intel guys?

EDIT: Was in cadets, nearly 20 now and not in them anymore, just wondering how long they'll take to change over. I seriously love that corned beef hash.

 

[Lokithrsourcerer]

do they still condition you to hate civvies?

that's why i left as soon as my i could. I seemed to be working for a bunch of evil, hypocritical fascist, nut jobs.

don't get me wrong my squad mates we're amazing guys and I trust them with my life but there was a lot of over-heard and "off the record" shit from the higher ups that for my money should at least land them in a court-martial hearing.

I hope i was just unlucky and if anyone is in or planing to join the armed forces i hope you have a better experience than me.

 

[Lokithrsourcerer]

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?

Our ration packs are...an acquired taste, some are Ok, some are downright horrible. You learn to live with it and to be fair, after you've finished an exercise you normally don't care what you're eating. ( Or maybe that's just me? ) Though when on base we are treated to a cooked meal.

I hear that... so exhausted you cant actually taste anything any more

 

[Dectomax]

Are you using the new ration packs? I used to swap the majority of mine in the old ones for endless supplies of corned beef hash, black treacle pudding and pate

Just in cadets, considering the army though. Somewhere between Infantry and intelligence corps. Do you know a lot about the intel guys?

Yes, Trust me they are much better! We swapped part way through RT. I was happy at never having to cringe my way through the chicken curry again.

I know a few lads yeah, it's good work and if your lucky you'll get a decent trade for when you leave the military too. Almost all jobs will pay better than The Infantry. I believe my pay check is around £19K a year. for most specialised trades it's of £25K and up.

 

[Dectomax]

do they still condition you to hate civvies?

that's why i left as soon as my i could. I seemed to be working for a bunch of evil, hypocritical fascist, nut jobs.

don't get me wrong my squad mates we're amazing guys and I trust them with my life but there was a lot of over-heard and "off the record" shit from the higher ups that for my money should at least land them in a court-martial hearing.

I hope i was just unlucky and if anyone is in or planing to join the armed forces i hope you have a better experience than me.

As always, there's the odd joke chucked about at their expense but for the most part the guys really don't get to offensive over it all.

 

[Lokithrsourcerer]

do they still condition you to hate civvies?

that's why i left as soon as my i could. I seemed to be working for a bunch of evil, hypocritical fascist, nut jobs.

don't get me wrong my squad mates we're amazing guys and I trust them with my life but there was a lot of over-heard and "off the record" shit from the higher ups that for my money should at least land them in a court-martial hearing.

I hope i was just unlucky and if anyone is in or planing to join the armed forces i hope you have a better experience than me.

As always, there's the odd joke chucked about at their expense but for the most part the guys really don't get to offensive over it all.

glad to hear it's got better then i transferred to the airforce in 2001 and left in 2005 was still on standby till last year glad thats over now though kiddies on the way

 

[JasonBurnout16]

I'm thinking of joining the army as soon as I finish college, having just turned 18 in March. After consulting the British Army Jobs website, I was thinking of going into an enginnering or intelligence course. However I'm a bit worried and haven't really got many people to talk to about this.

Does everybody have to go on patrol? Or do certain professions get to stay out of the firefight? And whats the worst situation you've been in?

Whats it like being away from your family and home for so long? Whats the accomodation usually like?

Whats training like also? I'm not a particularly unhealthy or healthy person. Does everybody go through the same tests, physically and mentally?

And most importantly, are you enjoying it? And may I PM you if I think of any more questions, if it's not too much hassle?

 

[Dectomax]

I'm thinking of joining the army as soon as I finish college, having just turned 18 in March. After consulting the British Army Jobs website, I was thinking of going into an enginnering or intelligence course. However I'm a bit worried and haven't really got many people to talk to about this.

Does everybody have to go on patrol? Or do certain professions get to stay out of the firefight? And whats the worst situation you've been in?

Whats it like being away from your family and home for so long? Whats the accomodation usually like?

Whats training like also? I'm not a particularly unhealthy or healthy person. Does everybody go through the same tests, physically and mentally?

And most importantly, are you enjoying it? And may I PM you if I think of any more questions, if it's not too much hassle?

Depending on what regiment you join, you may or may not have to go on patrol. Though you will be stationed on the front-line. Engineering especially. You will have your mates with you though and they will look after you.

All trades go through Phase 1 training. which will prepare you for combat. Trust me when I say, by the time you're on patrol you'll be ready for it. you'll be nervous for your first time, but that's to be expected. every one is.

Worst situation? My last patrol. We were hit by mortar fire and I caught a bit in the lower leg.

The training is, hard. It's got to be. Though there are ways you can make it easier(ish) You can train now, a general level of fitness helps. Everybody is in the same boat and they will all help you out if needs be.

Am I enjoying it? Yes. It's a great lifestyle if you can handle it. Being away from family and friends is hard at first, but you get used to it.

Feel free to PM any questions you have!

 

[Dectomax]

Are most military guys/generals/ etc. fascistic in any way? (i.e nationalism punctuated by collectivism and a loss of individualist rights.)

The highest ranking officer I've had a prolonged conversation with was a Major. I can say their all decent guys. they have families and children, there not these evil dictators. Training is where you lose alot of your "Self", it has to be that way to get you into the mindset. Afterwards life is great. You can have a laugh and the mates you'll have are all decent blokes.

 

[AK47Marine]

Are most military guys/generals/ etc. fascistic in any way? (i.e nationalism punctuated by collectivism and a loss of individualist rights.)

I was a crew chief and moved a lot of VIP aircraft and worked with a lot of senior officers, I've also been to a ton of bases and shot the shit with a lot of enlisted personnel. It's pretty rare for any one to show up with that kind of view point. I can't think of one person who was for that. At least not in the US military, most of us are conservatives with a smattering of libertarian/constitutionalists and the very, very rare liberal but a legit fascist? Never seen that. Heck a lot of us are for smaller government and more individual freedoms not the other way around. We're not robots, discipline and rewiring someone in to a different lifestyle and mind set is not brain washing designed to make us murder machines with no value for human life, we're just guys and girls with a rough job or a frustrating job that requires us to pick up a weapon.

To answer the gays in the service question from a US perspective we get the occasional homophobe but in general no one really gives a shit what you do on your off time so long as you do your job. I've served with at least a couple gays and lesbians and with one exception they were squared away Marines so I didn't have a problem with them. They didn't hit on me and kept their hands to themselves so I was fine.

Back to the chow question the food at military chow halls varies greatly from base to base, I hear it's just awful out aboard ship thought. As to field rations, the famous MREs I honestly like MREs except for the Cold Weather MREs which are dehydrated toenail clippings in powdered eggs (near as I can tell) and the cheese omlette MRE which I can honestly say is the most disgusting thing I've ever had to eat, I'd happily eat tree bark first.

do they still condition you to hate civvies?

No idea what your talking about there mano, cept for reporters and people who call us blood drinking murdering baby killers, most Marines are pretty relaxed dudes with everyone.

My qualifications:
Just got out of the American Marine Corps in Sept 2010, No I never deployed, yes I got an honorable discharge, I was a crew chief for C-12 aircraft and a Training NCO for my squadron.

 

[DRSH1989]

Do you get to blow shit up?