Army UK

I'm considering joining the army, I really want to make a difference in people's lives, do something worth doing.

I'm 18, however due to reasons I don't go into too much I failed GCSEs and got mostly Us, 1 D, E and F.

I do have anxiety but I can work on that if I knew there was a chance of joining the army, I did have depression but not anymore and I have low iron but that is getting put under control.

I'm not exactly the fittest or healthiest but I'm working on that, I don't have a job atm though so I can't go to the gym and I'm in college doing functional skills English and maths.

Does anyone on here have knowledge of the army? Things I might be able to do or knowledge on how to get fit for the army and things like that.

I'm considering joining the army, I really want to make a difference in people's lives, do something worth doing.

I'm 18, however due to reasons I don't go into too much I failed GCSEs and got mostly Us, 1 D, E and F.

I do have anxiety but I can work on that if I knew there was a chance of joining the army, I did have depression but not anymore and I have low iron but that is getting put under control.

I'm not exactly the fittest or healthiest but I'm working on that, I don't have a job atm though so I can't go to the gym and I'm in college doing functional skills English and maths.

Does anyone on here have knowledge of the army? Things I might be able to do or knowledge on how to get fit for the army and things like that.

What sort of role are you aiming for?

I'll give you the minimum fitness requirments for an infantry soldier (which I will assume is what you want to do for the time being)

1) Should be able to lift 40kg power bag up to a height of 1.45 metres

2) Should be able to carry two Jerry cans each weighing 20kg (one in each hand) for a distance of 150 metres at walking pace with no rest

3) Run 1?5 miles over level-ish ground no slower than 12 minutes and 45 seconds.

Hope this helps

I'm not sure at the moment just considering options

You should aim to be at least fit enough to do the things I listed out. Infantry is probably the best if you want something exciting.

I'm just worried I'll never be fit enough... I'm interested in weapons

The fitness requirments I listed out are definitely doable even for someone who is unfit if you work on it.

All combat roles in the army get to do weapons training so it really depends what sort of weapons you are interested in?

It's more to do with me getting back pain from heavy bags and anxiety causing me to tense up and cause pain in the upper part and my shoulders

It's more to do with me getting back pain from heavy bags and anxiety causing me to tense up and cause pain in the upper part and my shoulders

There's an entire armed forces careers forum on here that you can read.

But fitness - both physical and mental - is key to the armed forces. As is confidence.

Getting fit enough to pass the selection tests isn't hard. Just takes some effort.

The mental side of things is different. If any of your conditions have been diagnosed and you've received treatment for them, then there are additional hurdles and standards you need to meet.

Where's the forum?

I was diagnosed and on tablets to stop panic attacks but a while back, maybe a year ago I think? I'm hoping that wouldn't cause problems as I haven't been on them for a long time.

Have you got a medical condition with your back? if so you may be barred from entering.

If not you need to start with a light weight say 5% of your body mass and move up to 20%

Also, try and buy a big tub of protein powder as this is the only way you are going to get lots of protein without the fats and carbs contained in natural protein rich foods such as meats.

What sort of role are you aiming for?

I'll give you the minimum fitness requirments for an infantry soldier (which I will assume is what you want to do for the time being)

1) Should be able to lift 40kg power bag up to a height of 1.45 metres

2) Should be able to carry two Jerry cans each weighing 20kg (one in each hand) for a distance of 150 metres at walking pace with no rest

3) Run 1?5 miles over level-ish ground no slower than 12 minutes and 45 seconds.

Hope this helps

Just my thoughts, But i'f you want to make a difference helping people I think you're barking up the wrong tree with the modern Army, Lets face it, any new squaddies are likely to get dumped somewhere in the ME for Russian target practice while the Big Boss, Gavin Williamson sits giggling trying to scare girls with his pet spider in the toilets. (Although if the difference you really make to peoples lives is ENDING them, then, yeah I suppose it's the right place.)

As said, just my opinion, I get why it's an appealing career, but FFS get some sort of skills or qualifications first so you can qualify for a role other than 'Pawn'

No it's not a medical condition, more stress related back pain but it doesn't always cause problems. Where can I get that protein from?

That running time seems horrendous, should it not be around the 9-10 mark?

That running time seems horrendous, should it not be around the 9-10 mark?

Probably because anything can happen, bombs getting dropped and things like that, you'll need to escape pretty quickly