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

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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.

What sort of stuff are you good at? If you join either Army or Navy you WILL see combat. If you're good at science and maths you could stay in base and be an engineer in the RAF

Reply 21

Andy98

Original post by Old_Simon

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.

I can confirm that there is no such thing as a "Combat Photographer" in terms of military careers. However, he could go into journalism and be a war reporter.

Reply 22

Clip

Original post by Andy98

I can confirm that there is no such thing as a "Combat Photographer" in terms of military careers. However, he could go into journalism and be a war reporter.

I can confirm that there is.

Reply 23

moonkatt

Original post by Andy98

I can confirm that there is no such thing as a "Combat Photographer" in terms of military careers. However, he could go into journalism and be a war reporter.

There are roles within the military as a photographer:

https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/roles/communications-and-intelligence/photographer/

https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/158/logistic-support-photographer

Reply 24

Andy98

Original post by Clip

I can confirm that there is.

Really? Everyone I know on the inside says there isn't :s-smilie:

Reply 25

Andy98

Original post by moonkatt

See below - people gotta stop lying to me

Original post by Andy98

Really? Everyone I know on the inside says there isn't :s-smilie:

Reply 26

Clip

Original post by Andy98

Really? Everyone I know on the inside says there isn't :s-smilie:

Photographers are part of the RLC. You can't join as one, though and I don't think there are very many of them.

Reply 27

moonkatt

Original post by Andy98

Really? Everyone I know on the inside says there isn't :s-smilie:

Original post by Andy98

See below - people gotta stop lying to me

Your sources on the inside are wrong :wink:

If you look on the MOD website a lot of the pictures have the name of the military photographer in the corner of them or in the text of the article.

Reply 28

Andy98

Original post by Clip

Photographers are part of the RLC. You can't join as one, though and I don't think there are very many of them.

Original post by moonkatt

Your sources on the inside are wrong :wink:

If you look on the MOD website a lot of the pictures have the name of the military photographer in the corner of them or in the text of the article.

Ahhh fair enough.....Time to deal with my sources :colone:

Reply 29

georgeheal

Original post by Clip

Photographers are part of the RLC. You can't join as one, though and I don't think there are very many of them.

There are about 40 I think, all nco or below no offices. And u need to be before u can be one.

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Reply 30

Clip

Original post by georgeheal

There are about 40 I think, all nco or below no offices. And u need to be before u can be one.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Seriously? 40? I would have thought 10 would have been a lot.

Reply 31

RachelFiveee

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.

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Haha, well no its not a case of blowing them out of the water- for one that goes against all sorts of conventions, but also taking them to the nearest country for questioning and things is much more effective for trying to cut down on the trade. However all of the ships are fully equipped to effectively deal with these cases, worry not. If a pirate begins mindlessly shooting a firearm at a destroyer or even a boarding party of marines they are not going to get all that far.

Reply 32

ProStacker

Photographer in the RAF is a Trade in it's own right. Small, but everywhere and very busy all the time. Full rank structure up to WO as well.

Reply 33

SnoochToTheBooch

The navy seems safer to me somehow.

Reply 34

Schleigg

Original post by Drewski

The point is you seem to have little or no understanding of something that is really quite serious. Whether or not you take my points on board doesn't matter to me at all, I know what I'm talking about, I've been in the Forces and I have an appreciation of the life.

You're asking about details towards something that is a big and serious commitment and don't appear to know the basics.

It makes it difficult for us to help you because we can't tell what you need to know.

So, wind your neck in, go away and actually do some research.

Also worth noting that if you did make it in, the attitude you're showing will win you no prizes, no awards and only make your life harder.

He's a chimp. Now an ex-Chimp.

Reply 35

RachelFiveee

Royal Navy photographer also exists, however you can not join as a direct entrant- it is sideways branch you apply for once in service.

Reply 36

username402722

In your shoes I might consider if there is any family tradition of being in the services, and if so, which one.

Reply 37

Andy98

Original post by Schleigg

He's a chimp. Now an ex-Chimp.

Great terminology!

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Reply 38

stephenwenn

Just done almost 5 years in the Army and I am leaving due to hating the job, however that's a different story.

OP, if I were you I'd really think hard about either the Army or RN. My Dad done 23 years in the RN and absolutely loved it, went travelling all over the world and enjoyed it. I've done 5 years in the Army and haven't really done that. You mentioned paras, but said you don't like the idea of fighting, then this really wouldn't be for you at all! If I were to do my time again I would go RN as they are certainly treated a lot better than I have been and seem to actually have a lot more enjoyment. The RN see action, although not quite in Afghan as it is land-locked, but not all wars are fought on land, plus there is the element of anti-piracy.

Have a long think, do your own research and best of luck with whatever you do. Feel free to message me if you wanna speak more in privae.

Reply 39

"Maturestudent"

'Combat photographer' is not a commissioned job role. It is a specialist job within the royal logistics corps. Combat photographers usually hold the rank of sergeant and have had a trade in the army before they become photographers.