This is the weekly thread for advice and recruitment questions.

The intent is to keep them all in one place each week to stop quality content getting buried in questions about how many socks you should take to basic training or if you can join the Royal Engineers if your cat has asthma.

If you're just visiting and have a couple of minutes to answer some of the questions or contribute to a discussion, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest top level comments.

Remember, nobody is obliged to give you an answer in your best interest and every comment is somebody's opinion. Don't act solely on advice from one person on the internet.

Hi everyone,

I recently applied for the RAF and am fighting an appeal with them based off past mental health concerns, the appeal has been sent off to the RAF as of current.

I recently switched my thinking and think the army would be a better suit for myself,

Does anyone know whether a medically UNFIT decision carries from force to force?

If so then does foghting my appeal with the RAF clear me in the army?

Thank you,

So i was told my original posting would be 23 para however this morning was told i’m going elsewhere. Am i able to request a move once i’m at unit or do i just have to suck it up for 3-5 years.

Cheers.

Please let me know what you all think, and if I have done enough on my part.

Appeal against documented medical history of ADHD and Anxiety/panic attacks.

To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally appeal against the rejection of my army application under to pretence of documented ADHD and documented anxiety/panic attacks.

Allow me to provide context regarding myself, I am a 27-year-old male currently serving in HMP Liverpool, a cat B prison, I have served for close to 2.5 years now, I am mentally robust and physically fit often participating in mixed martial arts.

During my time in the prison service, I have witnessed 4 deaths in custody, many incidents in self-harm, violent assault, cell fires and even dirty protests, I mention this to highlight what I deal with on a daily basis, as this is not something someone with anxiety would be able to cope with.

With regards to my documented history of anxiety/panic attacks, I have only suffered one short episode of a panic attack, this was due to family matters. I have suffered through an abusive childhood and abusive parents, during the time of my panic attack I had recently moved in with my partner, escaping that traumatic situation. The reason for the panic attack was due to my mother and father then harassing me upon moving out of the household. Since this incident I have not once suffered from Panic attacks, this was an isolated incident of which I never required any form of medication or therapy.

With regards to the second incident of anxiety/panic attacks, I believe this to be false, I have never once sought the attention of any medical professional for anxiety, nor have I ever been diagnosed with anxiety nor taken any medication. (Insert original reason for seeking medical attention)

4.L.18. Generalised anxiety disorder 6B00, Panic disorder 6B01, and Social anxiety disorder 6B04. These disorders are characterised by excessive fear, anxiety and related behavioural disturbances, with symptoms that are severe enough to result in significant distress or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Individuals who develop these disorders early in life have a worse prognosis, which if left untreated may persist for many years. Candidates who experience symptoms for two years or less and are fully recovered without relapse following the completion of all treatment (including medication) for at least one year are FIT.8 Candidates presenting with a history of two or more episodes are UNFIT, because anxiety disorders have a high risk of relapse and significantly impair military employability.

I believe I do not fit these criteria as I have only had one isolated incident, therefor I should still be qualified as FIT. I would like to bring your attention to my previous mentioned employment, I do not believe that a candidate who meets the conditions of UNFIT would be able to function in my job role, however I am perfectly capable of performing these duties and have done for an extended period further proving that I am FIT to serve in the British army.

With regards to documented history of ADHD, I was previously diagnosed with ADHD in my younger years for which I was medicated for most of that time, I have been off my medication for over 10 years now. In regard to my GP appointment, I believe there was some form of miscommunication, I was seeking clarity of my past history with ADHD as I have recently become a father (D.O.B. 06/10/2023) and wanted to know my previous history in case my daughter finds herself in a similar situation. I was under no circumstance seeking to re start my medication, I have been able to successfully operate in high stress situations without the use of medication. In my medical notes, it is also clear to see that I have not followed up regarding medication, further proving I do not have an interest in pursuing medication.

4.L.10. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 6A05. ADHD symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity which can negatively impact function in the military environment, including ability to perform safety critical tasks. Candidates with ADHD who meet all the following criteria are FIT: a. No evidence of past psychiatric co-morbidities, including substance abuse. b. Not used medication for the preceding 12 months without adverse impact on function. c. Demonstrate evidence of function compatible with military employment for at least 12 months.

I believe my-self to be deemed FIT, I do not have any history of substance abuse, not taken any medication for over 10 years, and my current job role demonstrates how I am able to function within an environment like military employment for almost 30 months. In conclusion, I hope that this letter fully demonstrates that I comfortably fit the criteria outlined, and I hope to have provided clarity regarding these prior indications of unsuitability for the role. I can confidently work within a high-stress environment, and have clear and reasonable explanations for my previously highlighted medical history.

can you transfer to another section in the army such as rmp from infantry if your already in phase 2 training?

Hi as title says I’m going up to glencorse this Friday what can I expect when I get up there and has anyone got any tips on anything so I can prepare for it. Thanks

Hello, I want to go to afc Harrogate right now I’m 14 I have been aware that you can’t join with Tourette’s but I have seen over the past 2 years my tics have gone done to extremely mild to points were I thought I fully have outgrown it the only time I have tic’ed is at school which I don’t much anymore it is one we’re I make a bubble with my mouth and I repeat some words but the thing is I do this and I then say wait I can stop this and i stoped doing it I have never took medication besides one time where I got it and I never used it and just chucked it away I can suppress my tics and the urge goes away as well as ignoreing the urge and I can focus on other things while doing this I sort of do it automatically basically and I hardly get the urge to tic hopefully I will fully outgrow it and be able to join if I outgrow it I want to get it coded ended on my medical records now I’m just wondering if I fully outgrow it what will they see on my medical once I have it coded ended and also I was diagnosed when I was 10 or 11

If you complete P-Company or AACC as a reservist and then join the regulars does it carry through or would you lose the right to wear the green lid/wings?

Was wondering if someone can help me in the right direction?

25, currently looking for a career change, had a passion for aviation since little and wondered if it was late entry as a Helicopter pilot? Didn't do well in GCSE's (2 C's Maths & English & 1 A* in German), improved in college with A*A*A* (Equivalent from Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport Science) & 2:1 Degree in BSc Sports & Exercise Sciences - was wondering if my degree would maybe be an exception for the underachieving school grades. If that doesn't work, also looking at other roles, maybe Mechanized or Technician in electronics - Any help appreciated -

TIA,

JP

Is anyone currently or has served as a vehicle mechanic, if so would you be able to give some insight in to what you do day in day out? I’m in an engineering role as a civvie but the military has always been a dream. Cheers

I’ve been trying to join the Reserve as a rejoiner - I did 18 years and wanted to get back into it in some way. I meet all the requirements, but keep getting directed to the website which only gives me the option to sign up as a regular soldier. I’ve spoken to my local unit recruiter and they steer me towards the website as well as saying the adjt will call (I haven’t heard anything further from them). I’ve emailed some ‘national’ units but haven’t heard anything. Seems ridiculous that there’s so much hype about dwindling numbers at the same time as having such an inefficient recruitment system. Anyone here know a back door since the front door seems firmly shut?

Is this typical during the winter months or are the Household regiments busy overseas?

I know that the Welsh Guards are preparing for a deployment, but what about the rest?

Ill start by saying ive seen mostly online that you need a bmi over 18 to be able to join. I turn 18 very soon and plan on joining the second i can to get away from home but right now 192cm and weigh 60kg so my bmi is 16.3 so according to most sources id be too skinny. But i meet basically every other requirement and im very physically fit, i have a 70kg bench press, i can deadlift 120kg, i can do 70 push ups in 2 minutes, i can do 14 pull ups with perfect form and can run 2 miles in 14 minutes.

Im sure there must be some form of special allowance since im already more than fit enough.

Hi all, I’m looking to transfer as a screw to 32RA to get into the world of RPAS and was wondering if anyone here had any experience with 32

Any help would be appreciated, I have just been rejected for medical reasons on my army application, regarding 2 bouts of anxiety, one of which was a panic attack, this was my only actual instance, the other was when I had a chest infection and struggled to breathe and the out of hours doctors labeled me for anxiety ( I have only just found this out).

I currently serve in HM Prison service and I have done for 2.5 years in a cat B prison, I have dealt with violence, self harm, been in many altercation and dealth with 4 deaths in custody and never once suffered mentally. I am physically fit and incredibly robust.

I am due a GP appointment on 16th January to recieve a cover letter for my appeal, but I suppose what I want to know is how likely am I to get this overturned? Can my GP ammend an incorrect doctors note? And does my current occupation help with my appeal?

I was wondering if any of you guys knew who/what the youngest muslim para/sas member was. I’m 19 and a muslim and looking to join the paras in a year or 2 just because my businesses are making money at the moment so just sticking to getting fit and making a decent amount before I go to basic. Was just wondering what is the youngest known age for para/sas being 19 and muslim myself I wouldn’t mind trying to push for the elite of the elites.

Thank you!

Right so basically my dream in the army is to become a sniper at some point, I understand that most if not all infantry regiments have a sniper platoon or whatever.

I know that to be a sniper it’s a long process and you have to have been in a regiment for at least 2 years I’m pretty sure to actually put in a request to be one.

They’re probably all the same but if there’s anyone who’s currently in the infantry or even a sniper who could help me out that would be gratefully appreciated.

I’ve also narrowed it down to Welsh Guards, Coldstream Guards, Fusiliers, Royal Welsh.

(Had to put enlist because the subreddit didn’t allow the word apply in the question)

I haven’t applied yet one due to my age (17) so I have to convince my parents and two I’m really stuck on what to apply for.

I’ve narrowed it down to 4 roles Infantry(Parachute Regiment would be my pick) Royal Engineers Tank Crew Light Cavalry

If someone from either of these could give me any advice on what life is like in these roles it would really help and how long is the waiting list for these roles if anyone know because I’ve heard the paras waiting list in 1.5 to 2 years.

Also (this apply for the infantry and armoured roles) What regiments would be the closest to me as I’ve heard that infantry and armoured regiments recruit from local areas. (I’m from Dudley near Wolverhampton)

Good cheap watches for basic training

Question in the title, Cheers in advance

43 HQ AND SP SQN NOTTINGHAM

Anyone got any gen on this place being posted in April full time. Not sure if it’s a reserve unit or what. COC being pain not giving much information.

My son is training to join the Parachute Regiment next year. As a typical uk teenager he wears trainers pretty much all the time and will have baby soft feet. I remember my time in basic and feeling lucky to have been a metal kid who always wore boots as I watched other recruits really suffer with their feet in the first few weeks. I want to buy him a pair of boots, preferably the exact ones he’ll be issued on day 1. He can start to train in them and get used to running and strengthen his feet up. Maybe even take them with him to basic and have a pair of issued boots, broken-in and good to go. Searches online are bringing back a list of responses; are there now a variety of issued boots or just one and what is it? Thanks.

So I know that the medical part of the application is a mystery to most people on this sub.

I wanted to ask if when you guys applied to the Army or any other branch did your GP require an invoice from the army to receive your medical records?

I ask this because its been 5-6 weeks since I have been waiting for the Army to pay for this invoice. But nothing has happened and so my medical hasn't even started yet. I have called up my GP every week for 5 weeks straight and made triple sure they sent the invoice to the correct place.

Is there anything else I can do?

Hi. I applied for Surplus SFA housing and was offered a property 3 months ago - my move in date was postponed as I was on exercise. I was called by the Housing Officer this week, one week before the move in date, and told the property allocated is being taken offline due to an ongoing dispute with the previous occupant for an unpaid gas bill, and that we are being reassigned to a different house. We had a look at said house today and are not happy with it, but I checked the system and there are genuinely no other 3-bed houses available at present.

My question to anyone who has dealt with SFA or Pinnacle Services - do you think we have a leg to stand on if we query whether this is a valid reason that our assigned property has been made unavailable? Or has anyone ever requested a higher spec house (e.g. more bedrooms) if willing to pay the difference?

Hi, currently in the process of joining the army. I have all my GCSE’s but no further education. I’ve been doing some research but all the talk I heard pointed towards the REME. My question is, what are some of the best roles in the army that after I leave I can make some decent money, maybe start a business in? It would be ideal that I can continue training boxing and start martial arts training whilst in such role. Are there any jobs in the army where I can’t train boxing and keep up my fitness? Any help at all is much appreciated (and any additional advice)👍👍👊

https://preview.redd.it/k01et39nmf5e1.png?width=281&format=png&auto=webp&s=076bd719f7d1a367aef9001aa3a2ac0f921c7909

The support said this when I asked how to become an officer in the Guards. Is he right? Only posting because I am pretty sure he isnt.

Hi I’m 19 years old and currently work at British Gas, I’ve been looking into joining the army for a while to better my qualifications, i like the look of electronics technician but I’d happily take any advice given. Can anyone shed some light on the role or others? Thankyou

I’ve not long just passed everything at the assessment centre for my chosen role, though I’ve been deferred at medical because they need more info from a presumed UTI back in 2008.

I’m just wondering how long a pass at the assessment centre stays valid for? Just I’ve no idea how long it could take to resolve this issue and my careers advisor is on holiday at the moment.

Person is still alive and says they served for 20 years through the 80’s & 90’s. Feel I’ve exhausted all avenues trying to find out if this is true but wondering if anyone here can shed some light please? I suspect this person to not be entirely truth about this aspect of their life.

when you first told your parents you wanted to enlist how did they react what did they say to you. i’ve been thinking about joining but when i told my mum she freaked out and started crying.