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Stuck deciding whether or not to join the Royal Navy or the British Army?

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(edited 9 years ago)

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Reply 1
Avatar for McMicheal
McMicheal
Original post by SmithsIsDead
I'm half-decided on joining the Royal Navy as a 'Hydrographic and Meteorology Officer or the British Army as either a Combat Photographer or some sort of Paratrooper role. I am however, fully decided on a career in the Military. Though I'm not eager at the idea of fighting, part of me feels that if I were in the Navy, it could feel quite unfulfilling compared to say, the infantry, where at least I would know that I'm directly helping out with the war effort. My question is, does the Navy see any action? Philip Caputo (in reference to Vietnam) described the Infantry along the lines of "long periods of boredom punctuated by bouts of mortal terror". I'm first planning on going to University first anyway, I'm just undecided on which military path to take.


I think Hydrographic and Meteorology Officer sounds best, you aren't going to get any combat as one, however if you decide to leave military, then having been one it would at least tell me that you are capable of analysing data, are analytical and critical thinker also able to asses risk and depending on what you studied at university, could lead you to a very well paid job at some big companies.

Most exciting is the paratrooper I think, other than paratrooping fun you'd get behind enemy lines and right in to action.

Why do you need combat photographers when there's drones? Cams in helmets, satellites and journalists?
Original post by SmithsIsDead
IThough I'm not eager at the idea of fighting,


You really need to get your head around this first. Wanting some sort of para-related role would put you right at the front line of anything. That's why paratroopers are employed.
Original post by SmithsIsDead
I'm half-decided on joining the Royal Navy as a 'Hydrographic and Meteorology Officer or the British Army as either a Combat Photographer or some sort of Paratrooper role. I am however, fully decided on a career in the Military. Though I'm not eager at the idea of fighting, part of me feels that if I were in the Navy, it could feel quite unfulfilling compared to say, the infantry, where at least I would know that I'm directly helping out with the war effort. My question is, does the Navy see any action? Philip Caputo (in reference to Vietnam) described the Infantry along the lines of "long periods of boredom punctuated by bouts of mortal terror". I'm first planning on going to University first anyway, I'm just undecided on which military path to take.


The navy pays a vital role to keeping the country safe, just not in combat roles (which isn't a bad thing...) the RN presence across the globe helps to keep peace without firing shots, its a projection of power and security so people are deterred from attacking. Even if for example pirates are found there are procedures in place so they are not simply blown to pieces, they will be boarded and taken to the closest country for trial. They play a big part in ensuing trade and fishing industries are safe, trying to minimise the flow of drugs around the world, help with humanitarian aid etc; all vital to the country's security. However you will be away from home more, even when not deployed (which are now 9 months away from home roughly every 18 months), you could be away from homeport for bost, training etc for a month at a time and might be duty weekends and over christmas. Due to manning shortages there are pretty relentless schedules, something to consider. Why not join the URNU at uni and see what you think? The navy is fulfilling just in a different way to being combat troops on the ground.
Reply 4
Avatar for Joe909
Joe909
9
Either a Photographer or a Paratrooper?

Polar opposites. It's like saying I want to be a Judge or a serial killer.


Do you want combat? That should answer your question.
Reply 5
Avatar for Clip
Clip
19
Original post by SmithsIsDead
Philip Caputo (in reference to Vietnam) described the Infantry along the lines of "long periods of boredom punctuated by bouts of mortal terror".


A more accurate description of the British Army would be : "The next good laugh is only a day away, but the next nightmare is two days away"
Not even worth bothering.


Those two jobs could not be more different, and if you think you're unlikely to see action as a HMO then you are very very wrong. They are Warfare Officers first, and weather specialists second. You could be sent anywhere in the world to kill or be killed. If you think the modern RN has no chance of going off and losing men, just look at the Falklands.

If you want to be a Para officer, start preparation yesterday. Everyone and their mum wants to be one before they go to sandhurst, and the truth is that only the very best make it each year. The competition for Officer roles in the Paras is ridiculous.
Reply 7
Avatar for Ducki
Ducki
10
The parachute regiment (or rather 16 AA Bde) has various arms attached to it, such as artillery, engineers, medics etc, so if you really don't fancy combat but still want to do some form parachuting then those are options.

However, you should be aware that aggression and fighting spirit is a quality inherent in everyone who wishes to serve with the airborne forces, and if you don't have it then you are unlikely to pass P company.

Further reading:

http://www.army.mod.uk/training_education/24542.aspx
http://britisharmy.wordpress.com/uk/itcc/westlake/
You really need to research what you want to do and speak to people who do it, rather than ask on an internet forum. I don't want to offend but you come across as slightly naive considering the different jobs you are considering and some of your comments. It comes across as 'Band of Brothers' crossed with 'Platoon'. The modern armed forces are serious and it's a serious business to be involved with.
You won't pass the AOSB/ AIB if you say "I'm not really keen on fighting".

Kind of in the wrong business if you think that mate.
Reply 10
Avatar for MSI_10
MSI_10
15
Original post by SmithsIsDead
I'm half-decided on joining the Royal Navy as a 'Hydrographic and Meteorology Officer or the British Army as either a Combat Photographer or some sort of Paratrooper role. I am however, fully decided on a career in the Military. Though I'm not eager at the idea of fighting, part of me feels that if I were in the Navy, it could feel quite unfulfilling compared to say, the infantry, where at least I would know that I'm directly helping out with the war effort. My question is, does the Navy see any action? Philip Caputo (in reference to Vietnam) described the Infantry along the lines of "long periods of boredom punctuated by bouts of mortal terror". I'm first planning on going to University first anyway, I'm just undecided on which military path to take.




Best advice I can give you is to google the following since you are heading to Uni:

University Royal Navy unit
Officer Training Core

I am a member of the first. Absolutely amazing. Have had the chance to go to Spain and France, get paid, learn skills. Not planning to join military afterwards but Police which has relevant cross-overs in terms of skills.

You can actually opt for both but notmany do this due to the... dumb competition shown by the Units. You know, typical ''X is better than Y'' etc


( http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m32vhxVHRy1qdpn68o1_400.gif )
tumblr_m32vhxVHRy1qdpn68o1_400.jpg20.5KB
There are no posts for officers as "Combat Photographer" and I am not even sure the non commissioned ranks have any such trade. Check out the Army web site. You should not under estimate the resilience and robustness not to mention the training required to be an infantry officer and in particular in The Parachute Regiment.
Original post by MSI_10
Best advice I can give you is to google the following since you are heading to Uni:

University Royal Navy unit
Officer Training Core


He might have more luck if he searches for Officer Training Corps instead...!
Reply 14
Avatar for MSI_10
MSI_10
15
Original post by Drewski
He might have more luck if he searches for Officer Training Corps instead...!


It's a no issue. Automatically corrected when searched with suggested search engine.
Original post by MSI_10
It's a no issue. Automatically corrected when searched with suggested search engine.

Attention to detail.
Reply 16
Avatar for MSI_10
MSI_10
15
Original post by Old_Simon
Attention to detail.


Efficiency and non-over-thinking.
Original post by RachelFiveee
The navy pays a vital role to keeping the country safe, just not in combat roles (which isn't a bad thing...) the RN presence across the globe helps to keep peace without firing shots, its a projection of power and security so people are deterred from attacking. Even if for example pirates are found there are procedures in place so they are not simply blown to pieces, they will be boarded and taken to the closest country for trial. They play a big part in ensuing trade and fishing industries are safe, trying to minimise the flow of drugs around the world, help with humanitarian aid etc; all vital to the country's security. However you will be away from home more, even when not deployed (which are now 9 months away from home roughly every 18 months), you could be away from homeport for bost, training etc for a month at a time and might be duty weekends and over christmas. Due to manning shortages there are pretty relentless schedules, something to consider. Why not join the URNU at uni and see what you think? The navy is fulfilling just in a different way to being combat troops on the ground.


This is what I dont like about the navy they want you to go hunting pirates and drug smugglers with no guns when the pirates and drug smugglers wouldn't think twice about shooting.

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(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by Waka Flocka
This is what I dont like about the navy they want you to go hunting pirates and drug smugglers with no guns when the pirates and drug smugglers wouldn't think twice about shooting.


Do you actually know anything about the RN? Do you not think there's a reason why the ships involved in anti piracy are also known as "warships"?

Are you really naive enough to believe that those ships and their personnel are unarmed?
Original post by MSI_10
Efficiency and non-over-thinking.


It's called research. You find out what it's called at the very least. Especially when the recruitment process is a highly competitive one.

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