Advice Required Please

Hi,

I have been reading your site and find the information supplied very useful indeed, however I am giving serious thought to joining the RN and was wondering if I may ask some questions of my own.

I was thinking of the Warfare Specialist or Seaman Specialist roles and wondered if anyone could expand on these jobs and pros/cons of each as from what I have read they most appeal to me.

Part of the appeal of becoming a Warfare Specialist is that I do not wish to spend months training for a job I will only be doing for five years at best as I will be thirty five soon. What are the reality's of a thirty five year old doing Rating training?

I did go to Canterbury Careers Office, who knew it would be shut on a Saturday! lol.

Thanks.

 

Hi B2B

The Warfare & Seaman Specialist conundrum has been aired quite a few times as you will see at each of these links Hopefully they will assist you in making your choice.

Good Luck

 

Ninja has given all the links for seaman spec and warfare, but the training for whichever branch you pick gives you a slight insight into the amount of CDF you need for the job. nothhing comes easy. If you want to get in quick try the NAAFI :dontknow:

 

Why only for five years?
from my calculations you could serve for 20 if 55 is still the upper age limit.
I imagine that you would still qualify for a pension.

 

Sorry guys for going over old ground and thanks Ninja_Stoker for the links.

@ slim, was not aware that 55 was the limit. Better keep telling the Mrs its only for five years still...

Well more than five years does open up more opportunities, however I still fancy playing with the deck guns. WS(AWW) is it?

 

Going to open myself up for possible incoming here...

Guys, in your opinion would having served in the Army hinder or help in joining the RN?

Plus to knowing some stuff I guess, however the last thing I want to come over as is a "know it all" if you catch my drift...

 

if you don't wanna come across as a know it all, don't tell anyone you're an ex pongo and just get on with it.

I'd imagine it'll help a fair amount for phase1, it's all bullshit bullshit bullshit so you'll be right at home, after that I'm sure you'll have some half decent dits to spin.

 

Well I did a years training when I joined the army (Junior Leaders) at sixteen so I am used to the bull I guess. My unit was however mostly far from bull.

The only things I am thinking about is getting in/not getting in and physical training @ 35!

I do have every intention of keeping my gob shut.

 

How many years mans time did you do?
This counts towards your pension time, so go for it.

 

Just under nine.

 

Then forget the five years and out. just 14 years to go to 22 and your pension. Go for it. :thumright:

 

dont want to be a pain in the a***e Blue. But at 35 do you think its wise to rejoin the forces. Thinking like old dog new tricks? . Best wishes in your quest :thumright:

 

I take your point as its part of the reason of coming on here.

I do think however that I would adapt well. Even if I don't then at least I can say I tried instead of wondering "what if" a couple of years down the line when its to late.

 

B2B: Fair play to you, fella. Good luck... :thumright:

 

You'd actually be on the Pension '05 scheme, so only 10 years to go for pension if you go for it Black2Blue. Good luck.

 

Mate you will be suprised just how many ex squaddies have ended up in the RN, you are by no means the first.

As for the PT, well think about what you did in the Army and half it and dont worry about running in boots (but you will wear them again). Im sure if you passed basic in the army you will be fine.

Go for it, but pick your branch wisely :thumright:

 

Good news re Pension. Something else positive to think on.

Yeah I don't think PT would be that much of a problem, however last thing I want is for the youngsters to get beasted whilst waiting for "grandpa" to finish again! I guess doing any kind of basic again I would have a certain amount of forewarning.

Re trade. I guess thinking that I would have got four/five years tops service then WS(AWW) sounded like my bag. Now thinking for a longer service I am a little up in the air as what to do. I'm thinking more ET(WE) or CT now.

In the Army I served on tanks and I quite liked getting my hands dirty, be it engine or weapons side. I was also a communications specialist so I am well versed in ops rooms and such. I also served as a regimental medic, however I have no real desire to go into the RN medical branch.

I guess I am looking to cover many bases, however things that go bang still have a draw to me!

I know I need to get my arse to the office and have a sit-down with someone. Just wanted a heads up from you guys without the "gloss" of a recruiter.

 

Bit confused at the moment to be honest.

Was thinking Warfare Specialist, now thinking Seaman Specialist due to receiving my Warfare Information Pack. The pack reads to me like WS spend most of the time in an Ops Room and SS operate the close range weapons and crew the boats.

I am more interested in weapons and boarding party duty's than being a operator to be honest.

I am off to Canterbury on Thursday with the intention of popping into the AFCO and hopefully having a chat with someone.

 

I had my presentation last Thursday and I am more keen that ever, however...

Just come back after seeing my Doc who informed me that I 90% have Sciatica and made me an appointment with Physiotherapy. He informed me that its likely to be resolved in four or so weeks.

Reading the Application Form Information and Guidance Booklet it lists Sciatica as a no no for entry.

Am I screwed? Should I wait to see what the Physio says? Am I fussing over nothing?

 

Whilst not a medical expert, the way I read it is "recurrent sciatica" is a bar to entry.

You would obviously need to be able to prove it's not a repeatedly occurring injury and one would suggest you would need to be clear of symptoms & treatment for a set period of time before being passed fit for entry as advised by your Medical Examiner.

Good luck.