So joining UOTC was an absolute dream of mine, but I got rejected after failing the medical exam on the grounds of poor mental health and trauma. Three doctors looked at my case and decided to give me a chance, but the fourth - the military psychiatrist- wouldn’t even look at the specific details and failed me outright.

I was advised that I could potentially appeal the decision, but I’d need to speak to a psychiatrist, preferably a private sector psychiatrist with a military background. The reason for this is so I could prove that I don’t have any trauma and that I’m mentally fit enough to join. The specific psychiatrist that was recommended to me was Dr Asha Pook, however, it would appear she’s hard to track down and this search to contact her has come to a dead end.

Does anybody know a psychiatrist with military background, or have any other advice surrounding this issue?

Hi, Anyone know what the fitness requirements are for UOTC?

I have a strong interest in joining the Manchester/Salford/Bolton UOTC when I return to the UK to undertake a MA degree. I've had long hair for the past decade and I am male. Would I be expected to shave it off in order to join the UOTC?

Hey all, I have unfortunately missed the last enrolment day for UOTC here in Bristol.

I only discovered UOTC before the last open day but I didn't know then that it was the last day, I was super excited to be able to experience it this year when I heard about it. I have sent them an email asking if there was any chance to still join them but I am not sure about my chances. Has anybody here had similar experiences?

I understand this is probably a very niche question, but struggling to find much help on this so some help would be massively apprecitated.

I had a seizure a few weeks ago. All my tests have come back clear (MRI,CT,EEG, Heart Scan). In JSP950, it says that if you've had a single seizure within 5 years, you cannot join. However, my consultant told me: your tests have come back clear, so if you're seizure free for 6 months you have the same risk as the rest of the general population. My 6 months would end in Early December.

My question is this: Firstly, when is the application period (Wales - Aber UOTC) and if it was indeed after 6 months seizure free, do you think I would be allowed in or failing that able to appeal it?

My selection days on Sunday, but due to covid I have no fitness test of the sort. I’ve been told there’s a medical, interviews, ice breakers and kit sizing. But my arrivals at 6am to 5pm. Wanted to know if it would actually take the whole day? If you don’t pass the medical would you be told to leave early? Also do you usually get your uniform on the selection day since there’s a sizing?

Hi everyone, Im going to a selection day next week and am a little nervous on what to expect. Wanted to ask a few questions.

Firstly, for the fitness I wanted to know what it involves and what we’d be doing. I was told to wear smart clothes so was a little confused-will we be given a kit? I’m also not very fit so am a little nervous, especially if we have to run a few miles...

Also for the medical if you are rejected are you told to go straight home or do you still participate in the rest of the activities? I’ve been told arrival is at 6:30am to 5pm so was wondering what the day will involve.

So I am about to start year 13 and apply to university. All 5 unis have a UOTC and I really want to join the army after university. So my question is is UOTC a good experience?

Hey all,

I am a Brit national but studied in Canada for my undergrad (Montreal, QC). I always wanted to do UOTC if I went to uni in the UK but sadly didn't get the chance.

I am hopefully moving back to England for my Postgrad education and was wondering whether UOTCs take postgrad students as well as undergrads?

If not, any of you lads know an alternative that offers the same kind of theoretical, physical, and practical training?

Your absentee overlord mod here.

Yet another year goes by bla bla all that jazz.

Here's to wishing you all had a merry xmas and a Happy New Year!

I am currently in the CUOTC and was wondering if this counted as employment? Personally I would say it was more of a society thing than a job but its the "getting paid/taxed" thing that is throwing me off a bit. Looking around I could not really find a clear answer. Any help would be appreciated!

How competitive is Birmingham? From what I gather it's one of the harder ones. Are there any expectations on entry that differ from usual?

Does anyone know the rules and regs on growing a moustache? In my first year and attending my first drill night in a while, am i gonna have to shave it or can i keep my little friend? Any info is welcome.

Hi r/UOTC,

I'm currently a few months away from finishing my A levels, looking at around AAB and have an offer from my five choices, my first-choice being Swansea.

I have always wanted to join the army but my dad (served for 25+ years and is currently TA) and mum both recommend getting a degree and going in as an officer, my dad recently bringing to light the UOTC which looks amazing.

There's only a few problems basically:

1. My fitness is bad right now, i'm slightly overweight and have been going to the gym 5/6 days a week and dieiting for over a month now, going very well at a steady weightloss of about 1.5 stone right now, should be fighting fit by September I expect (hopefully). Will this effect me wanting to go into UOTC if I am not very fit by then? I realise that they are a bit more serious that normal cadets which I used to do, and so the fitness might be a realistic factor. This is infact the reason why i'm going to uni to join as an officer rather than just joining as a regular, because my fitness isn't ready yet.
2. I feel like at this point i'm so excited to get into the army that it would kill me inside to wait another three years, and that is obviously where UOTC comes in, letting me try the life while I study, but is it enough to settle the excitement?
3. I don't really want to go to university but iv'e found a subject I would enjoy, I believe it would make being independent and more grown-up alot easier for going in the army especially and I have to look out for my future-self rather than where I am now, because a degree + officer experience is extremely good on a CV.

Just a few problems that are in my mind, thanks for anyone who reads or responds!

Cambridge UOTC are having a second recruitment event. We are holding an open day on Tuesday 7th February.

Visit the Cambrigde UOTC Army page or check out the facebook page for details:

http://www.army.mod.uk/UOTC/30757.aspx

https://www.facebook.com/ArmyUOTC/

Hey people,

I just want to make some things clear as this sub grows. We need to talk about rule 2: Maintaining OPSEC/PERSEC.

Up until now I have been following the lead of other official British Army social media accounts in terms of what is allowed and what isn't. With this in mind, I'd like you all to take some time to consider the following:

Keeping information safeguarded is known as OPSEC or Operational Security.

This is an incredibly important task for military members, military families and friends. We never know who may be listening or trying to gain information about our military. For this reason, it is always important to make sure that information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands when posting.

OPSEC generally covers several different scenarios that should never be discussed with those who are not on a need-to-know basis. This includes:

(1) Deployment dates. This includes when troops are deploying overseas and when they are redeploying back home. In addition to leaving and returning from the deployment as a whole, this also includes when soldiers leave and return for R&R leave time.

(2) Training. Information on where, how and why they train should not be shared. Information that appears benign to us may be just what the enemy needs.

(3) Numbers, equipment or other security information. Information about the number who are involved, the type of equipment or weapons systems they use or other sensitive information should never be shared.

(4) Troop movements. In addition to not sharing deployment dates, when they are overseas, it should also not be shared when they are leaving for a mission or changing locations.

PERSEC or Personal Security. This is protecting your personal information. While the military is not as strict on PERSEC as they are on OPSEC, it is still an important aspect of security.

PERSEC focuses on protecting information such as rank, your UOTC, your home address and information about your family. Generally, it is basic common sense that reminds you not to advertise that you are living alone or otherwise giving out personal information to others who you may not know. It's probably not a good idea to advertise which UOTC you are a part of for example.

Now most of you know this and most of it is common sense. Yet your reddit post history can give away details, if you post in your city subreddit etc. Just keep that in mind.

This might be an tad bit overcautious for a soldier/student sub but better safe than sorry, there are people who hate British soldiers and probably won't make the distinction between us and a full time soldier.

A good rule that your UOTC should have made clear to you is never wear your kit in public, anything that can identify you as military. This makes you a target.

The mod team are considering other measures to ensure that the safety of those who post here is kept, including making this a private subreddit. Our main concern is our collective safety.

Over and out.