[ShazXXX]

I've officially done my last year of school meaning that I'll hopefully be of to University in September. However, It's been 2 years now that I've desperately wanted to join the Army but never really done anything about it. I really want to go to University and do my degree in International Relations and Politics but a career in the army is what I really want to aim for. What I'm trying to say is that would a degree be pointless if I'm joining the army?

Also, if I do go to university and join the army what job prospects will be opened to me as a woman. Will I be able to become an officer with my age? (of course I know that as well as qualifications the right qualities are also needed to be successful in that field which I've already looked into)

Most information on the internet is really generic.

Lastly, telling my parents or family about joining the army is not an option and I figure as I'm leaving home in a couple of months I wont tell them anyway. Would I have to stay in contact with them if I join e.g. phone calls etc.

[00raiser]

Sign up for cadetship, do it for a couple of years, and then decide whether army is right for you.


00raiser

[threeportdrift]

(Original post by ShazXXX)
..........

If you've got the A levels to go to university, then go to university and get a degree. A degree will accelerate your early promotion (well it does in the RAF, not 100% about the Army), it will give you time to mature which is often useful, and it will give you other career options if you lose your medical cat or decide the Army isn't for you. You can also join the OTC at uni and get a taste for Army life.

You don't need to stay in contact with your parents. Someone will have to be given as your next of kin, but otherwise you are an adult, you can deal with your family as you wish.

[CJM13]

(Original post by ShazXXX)
I've officially done my last year of school meaning that I'll hopefully be of to University in September. However, It's been 2 years now that I've desperately wanted to join the Army but never really done anything about it. I really want to go to University and do my degree in International Relations and Politics but a career in the army is what I really want to aim for. What I'm trying to say is that would a degree be pointless if I'm joining the army?

Also, if I do go to university and join the army what job prospects will be opened to me as a woman. Will I be able to become an officer with my age? (of course I know that as well as qualifications the right qualities are also needed to be successful in that field which I've already looked into)

Most information on the internet is really generic.

Lastly, telling my parents or family about joining the army is not an option and I figure as I'm leaving home in a couple of months I wont tell them anyway. Would I have to stay in contact with them if I join e.g. phone calls etc.

As a female you'll be precluded from serving in the Infantry, Royal Armoured Corps and the Household Cavalry. Everything else should be open to you. The minimum age for an officer was 17 years and 9 months the last time I checked. A degree would certainly not be pointless; you don't know whether you'll enjoy the armed forces and so a degree is all but necessary in civilian life.

[JackGoMad]

As a graduate you're on an accelerated scale for promotion and pay. You get about £9000 extra while in training and will probably be promoted quicker afterwards (subject to performance).

Doing a degree will probably also help you through the application process. I believe most officer candidates are graduates or students now and your degree in particular would be useful in the assessment of current affairs knowledge that is a part of applying.

Plus, having just finished the first year of my university course, I'd say it's a worthwhile experience - 'broadens the mind' to use a cliche. It also buys you some time in which to consider whether you are certain about your career choice. Like others have said, it will also be useful if and when you should choose to leave the army.


As a disclaimer - I don't speak from experience, I've just been reading up about this process online as I'm also considering it.

[ShazXXX]

Thank you so much! Your advice really helped. I'm actually leading towards doing my degree and then joining instead of doing it straight away. Thanks again for the advice.

[aq923]

(Original post by ShazXXX)
I've officially done my last year of school meaning that I'll hopefully be of to University in September. However, It's been 2 years now that I've desperately wanted to join the Army but never really done anything about it. I really want to go to University and do my degree in International Relations and Politics but a career in the army is what I really want to aim for. What I'm trying to say is that would a degree be pointless if I'm joining the army?

Also, if I do go to university and join the army what job prospects will be opened to me as a woman. Will I be able to become an officer with my age? (of course I know that as well as qualifications the right qualities are also needed to be successful in that field which I've already looked into)

Most information on the internet is really generic.

Lastly, telling my parents or family about joining the army is not an option and I figure as I'm leaving home in a couple of months I wont tell them anyway. Would I have to stay in contact with them if I join e.g. phone calls etc.

Google the official army website. I'm in the similar position.

I think the minimums age of intake is 14 but depends on with section you want to do.

And for certain positions u actually need a degree. They can even offer u a bursary if u want to. Plus they have both full time and part time training you can attend. So you can actually do it with ur degree together.

Just go to the web, u will find a lot of interesting stuff. Good luck!


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[Harpoon]

University. I was in a similar situation to you but with the Royal Navy. I decided to go to Uni and, having just finished my first year, I'm not regretting it one bit. University is a fantastic life experience and, with the Armed Forces being cut back, it would serve as a useful fall back!

[CJM13]

(Original post by aq923)

I think the minimums age of intake is 14 but depends on with section you want to do.

The British Army does NOT allow fourteen year olds to join in any capacity.

(Original post by aq923)

And for certain positions u actually need a degree.

Only really for the REME.

(Original post by aq923)
Plus they have both full time and part time training you can attend. So you can actually do it with ur degree together.

You're thinking of the Officer Training Corps. Unless you plan on becoming a Territorial Army officer, the training you receive in the OTC doesn't count towards your time at the "regular" Sandhurst.

[Wild Horses]

(Original post by threeportdrift)
If you've got the A levels to go to university, then go to university and get a degree. A degree will accelerate your early promotion (well it does in the RAF, not 100% about the Army), it will give you time to mature which is often useful, and it will give you other career options if you lose your medical cat or decide the Army isn't for you. You can also join the OTC at uni and get a taste for Army life.

You don't need to stay in contact with your parents. Someone will have to be given as your next of kin, but otherwise you are an adult, you can deal with your family as you wish.

well said, can't agree more

I'm currently serving in the army and i will tell you this, it's better to go uni and get you're degree for many reasons as it will benefit you alot. Just to name a few, you can join as an officer and be on a higher pay than most soldiers and eventually almost once you progress up the ranks. You will certainly have more respect and a slightly easier life if you join up. And if you do decide to leave the service, you will still have your degree which you can use to find a job in your field of study unlike if u joined straight, do some time, then you leave, you will still have A levels and will regret you didn't get that degree.


I'm planning on leaving in a year or 2 to go to uni to get my degree.

yes, you will have a degree of contact with your immediate family as they are normally your next of kin incase of an emergency which could arise if you're deployed etc. unless you put someone else such as your partner.

hope i was of some help.