Joining as a rating after AIB fail. Advice needed

[Ninja_Stoker]

No I have had no response from my ACLO after AIB. And I was told I was poor overall mainly my general knowledge

You can give your ACLO a call for the full debrief if you wish but it's only of use if you are intending to re-apply as a direct entry officer.

If you already know your flaws, it doesn't do much for the ego having it re-iterated, to be honest.

 

[Pontius]

It sounds like you are determined to join the RN and that's a good thing. It also sounds as if you aspire to achieve your best and, that too, is a good thing. Finally, it sounds as though you've done some soul searching and have managed to be honest with yourself and realise direct entry as an officer is not really in your grasp. From your report of 'poor' from the AIB and the fact that they said 24 months, instead of 12, I would share your realisation that it's not for you....just as it is not for many.

What is important now is to use your determination to join the RN as a catalyst for your entry as a rating and strive to do the best you can from that standpoint. There are many who have done the same before and there will be many behind you. What's more, it would be very interesting to see how many of those who originally aspired to join as an officer but joined as a rating instead actually found they enjoyed it so much that they decided to bin the idea of gold braid but achieve more on the Lower Deck. Something about fish size versus pond size springs to mind :icon_smile:

 

[Boab1994]

Thank you. I forgot to add I am 19(18at the time of AIB) and we'd initially going for warfare officer SM

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[Ninja_Stoker]

Thank you. I forgot to add I am 19(18at the time of AIB) and we'd initially going for warfare officer SM

To give you a bit of inspiration - in the Engineering Officer disciplines, about 40% joined initially as a Rating.

A bit of hands-on experience and practical leadership training can very much improve the prospects of securing a Commission at a later date.

One thing that always amuses me is the young Engineering Officer graduate's look of dismay when he/she gets told to: "put that bloody spanner down."

Joining as a rating ain't that bad, as an Engineering Technician you do the job itself rather than manage those that do the job. When it comes to managing those that do the "hands-on", nothing beats a bit of practical first hand knowledge.

 

[soleil]

Thank you. I forgot to add I am 19(18at the time of AIB) and we'd initially going for warfare officer SM

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Are you working at the moment or at college, B?

 

[Boab1994]

I am currently working full time (the same hours as the AFCO)

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[soleil]

I am currently working full time (the same hours as the AFCO)

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Navy Net - Rum Ration mobile app

In that case, I would suggest ringing the AFCO and asking whether one of the CAs there might be available for an appointment at the end of the day, given that it's difficult for you to go there during normal AFCO hours. Once you have arranged to go in, pick up a copy of Navy News and refresh your knowledge of current deployments.

Browse through the job description too:

http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/af63b3c6b30540219f1c109aecc5ca67-0x0.pdf

What appeals to you about that particular job?

 

[sgtpepperband]

I am currently working full time (the same hours as the AFCO)

Lunch break? Book a "doctor's appointment"..? :?

 

[Boab1994]

I am prepared to take holidays to do everything I need to do.i was just wondering how many I will need Thank you for your help and suggestions.


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[Rachelthree]

Alright with the service perspective, i was merely suggesting that its not worth rushing in to something if what you really want is obtainable albeit with a wait involved. Being 19 you have plenty of time to decide what you want to do, fair enough if you genuinely want to join as a rating then those with a SERVICE PERSPECTIVE can assist you and advise you. From a human perspective which applies to any career someone chooses, dont jump in to the option which at first appears easier to do so, do what you actually want even if it is more of a pain in the arse.

 

[Dredd]

I found both approaches to be perfectly valid.

In the end, the OP will decide what is best for themselves, having taken all things into consideration. Whatever they decide, life skills add a level of maturity if you want to be a leader so the second option may be the better way to go, as many have already trod that path with success.

 

[Rachelthree]

Don't get your knickers in a twist FFS, have you considered that it may not have been aimed at you? (another me, me, me merchent is it?)

I am a bit me, me, me in honesty but sorry i am just frustrated with being unable to leave my bed at the moment and shouldn't take it out on people on the internet. Sorry i have indeed made an ass of myself by making assumptions, although as a woman it is one of the things we do best!