UGAS or University?

[kran]

Hello,

Essentially I had been made PMU prior to even having an in person medical. I read up on everything, but figured that a lot of medical appeals regarding eczema (especially on hands, which is where I had it a few years ago) are usually denied but I submitted my appeal anyway.

In the month and a half or so it took to process it, I applied for University as a back up. The thing is, I did not think I'd get past the medical appeal and I'd become really set on this University course I was looking at. But then I got the call saying my appeal was upheld, and now I'm just extremely confused and torn right now as this feels like a massive decision and I'm not sure what to do. Just looking for some people to help lay out the facts for me, with regards to social life, time off to visit home, training, prospects post uni, life on board submarines etc.

For some more background, in the Navy I'd be doing the UGAS scheme and starting in about a month. At Uni I'd be studying Aerospace Engineering in Bristol with a year in industry. I'm honestly not too concerned about the money side of things, obviously I'd be in debt after Uni but realistically you don't pay much notice to it as its more of an extra tax that comes out of future wages. Honestly I'm just not sure I'm fully prepared to enter full time work and be so far from family; I know RN life can be intense, especially at first, whereas Bristol isn't so far from home and I feel I'd have so much more freedom, as well as the feeling that I'd be missing out a lot if I don't live Uni in my younger years. Obviously UGAS would be fsr superior financially, job security wise and with regards to experience. I'm also thinking it isn't so easy to leave the Navy if I don't enjoy it and I can't help but thinking I'd feel trapped.

Any guidance towards a decision would be greatly appreciated.

 

[fishhead]

I have no knowledge of the UGAS scheme other than what I have read on this forum. I gather it is very intense and requires full commitment to get through it which is why they are offering the impressive wages. I sense from your post you are concerned about getting homesick and missing your mates. Make no bones about it that will happen unless your current home is hell and you're without friends.
Others may be able to tell you the options if the course proves too much but my feeling is that unless you are 100% committed don't do it.

 

[kran]

I have no knowledge of the UGAS scheme other than what I have read on this forum. I gather it is very intense and requires full commitment to get through it which is why they are offering the impressive wages. I sense from your post you are concerned about getting homesick and missing your mates. Make no bones about it that will happen unless your current home is hell and you're without friends.
Others may be able to tell you the options if the course proves too much but my feeling is that unless you are 100% committed don't

I suppose thats true; some circumstances have changed a bit at home with sick relatives and I guess I'm not as ready to leave as I thought, especially with such an intense course. I can always go for it post-grad if its still in my interests at that point.

 

[Chris P]

I suppose thats true; some circumstances have changed a bit at home with sick relatives and I guess I'm not as ready to leave as I thought, especially with such an intense course. I can always go for it post-grad if its still in my interests at that point.

Sensible logical choice at this stage, given home circs and your reservations, providing you do well in Uni your options are much wider and the mob should still be interested I would've thought if that's your bent, good luck.

 

[missjessie]

Just to add that the UGAS scheme last entry will be September 2021. After this date it will close and no further entries will be taken.
there are pros and cons to both uni and UGAS.
Earning (a substantial) salary while you learn a trade far out weighs Univeristy.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[kran]

Sensible logical choice at this stage, given home circs and your reservations, providing you do well in Uni your options are much wider and the mob should still be interested I would've thought if that's your bent, good luck.

Yes, if its still in my interest to join the armed forces by the time I've finished Uni I imagine I'll be able to reapply again for the FAA or RAF.

 

[Alfacharlie]

Yes, if its still in my interest to join the armed forces by the time I've finished Uni I imagine I'll be able to reapply again for the FAA or RAF.

My bold:
Now take yourself off to the naughty step and have a serious word with yourself.

 

[kran]

My bold:
Now take yourself off to the naughty step and have a serious word with yourself.

Haha, care to enlighten me?

 

[Chris P]

RAF this is a SENIOR SERVICE forum after all .....and wash your mouth out too!

 

[Dredd]

Haha, care to enlighten me?

The RN have traditions. The RAF have habits.

The RAF take off and land on solid ground. FAA take off and land on platforms that are moving - and not always just moving forward but up, down and sideways.

There is an old Pongo joke that starts with a briefing - "Right folks. Four days on the Brecon Beacons, tab up, harbour and patrol. Endex Friday afternoon at 1600 hours, uplift by RAF helicopters. Unless it is raining. At which point it will be the Royal Navy."

 

[kran]

RAF this is a SENIOR SERVICE forum after all .....and wash your mouth out too!

Understandable, I'll go find some soap