Re: Sumone tell me the pro's and con's of joining
I totally understand where your coming from London. I was set to join Royal at 21 when my girlfriend (now wife) told me she was expecting. I didn’t join (big mistake) and although had a few great jobs (Security Operations Manager, Professional Investigator) Im now stuck behind a desk working for a Bank. Great money, career prospects, pension blah de fekin blah, but Im still stuck behind a desk!!!
Personally I think the Royal Marines is a fantastic career. I would say this however:
A. Don’t do this just because you don’t want to work behind a desk. You need more reason than that to push yourself enough to become a Royal Marine
B. 17 is very young. Its been done before and will be done again, but why rush? Go and get your degree first, then join the Royal Marines - you have time on your side!! That way you have your degree to fall back on when you leave the Corps or if you opt out of training.
C. Remember, joining doesn’t mean your going to pass. Its one of the longest and toughest courses any Military Force can throw at you. The drop out rate is high (volunteers, hopeless and injury) and it would be shame to be back on civvy street with no Corps and no degree!!
D. As advised, go and speak to your local Royal Marines Reserve Unit. You will learn the same trade with the same Commando Tests and the same prize at the end of it all. You get the best of both worlds as you can do this at the same time as your degree and you get a feel for what Royal is all about.
There are some good lads from the Regs and Reserve that frequent this site (Old Sea Dog & Nutty-Bag are ex-Regular Bootnecks and Scottish Kiwi has recently passed the Reserve Forces Commando Course). They are good blokes, so speak to them and see what they think. Also book an appointment with AFCO (Armed Forces Careers Office) and speak to the Marine there for advice.
Good luck mate - let us know what you decide.
Spenny