Well I have quite a journey ahead of me if I'm to join up. I am ex army having served 5 years. I left in June 2009 and I have decided to join the navy. (I did try joining when I was 15 but failed the literacy section on my test and I have worked with the navy while in the army. I was on a ship called the Dumbarton castle). I went into my nearest careers office the other day to enquire and see what my options where. I had to watch the 30min DVD glorifying the Royal Navy before sitting down with 'the chief' as the very attractive civvy receptionist referred to him as. (Turned out it was the same guy that dealt with me when I was 15). I have submitted my application and I have to wait for the navy to obtain my medical records from Glasgow (the army). When that comes back they have to review that before granting me permission to apply. I then have to go through the normal application process. If I pass everything, I'll get offered a job and if I accept I will get reviewed again before being a member of the Royal Navy and going to training. My waiting time is about 18months (seaman specialist) but I'm hoping that will go down with people leaving the navy and people dropping out of waiting to join. My age comes into play too , I'm 26, so would the RN want someone that age joining or would they prefer a 18/19 year old? Right now, it seems a hell of a long shot on joining. But I'm determined and older and wiser now and I'm going for it. All they can say is no at the end of the day. As stupid as it sounds, the day I'm on the train down to HMS Raleigh will be the day of achievement for me. Good luck to everyone in training and wanting to join. I maybe serving with you one day 
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