advice on joining the army/raf???

Hi Yabeanie, as always with these sort of queries, it’s often difficult to drill into what the poster actually wants to achieve in life and what their ambitions are? You talk about joining the Army in your post, but your subject header is about joining the Army / RAF. My immediate thought is that you could combine medicine and the military eg this or any other medical related role in the Army / RAF where you could even get sponsorship through Uni. But is that what you’re talking about? Or do you want to join the military in some role not related to medicine?

Hi, thanks for the response. I'm not entirely sure what my ambitions for the future is yet but I have always wanted to be part of the military, but my parents are quite strongly against this, as they want me to do medicine. I am definitely open to a medical role in the military but I would much rather have a combat or an aircraft related role. I'm a bit conflicted as I want my parents to be content, yet I know it wouldn't make myself happy if I chose to do medicine

Hi, really feel for you and I do understand your predicament. However, this is Great Britain in the 21st century and it’s your life. Why don’t you do some research on military roles which appeal to you and see if you can speak / visit the people who perform those roles. That will give you a feel for the lifestyle and enable you to decide if it’s for you. You may also join the military even for just a few years. If you don’t like it, you still have plenty of time to change direction as many young people do nowadays.
But you probably need to have an honest, informed and respectful conversation with your parents to explain what makes you happy and that you need the space to make your own decisions. They also need to understand that their stereotypical attitude about various occupations is unhelpful to you. While some entry level roles in the Army for example may appear to be last chance saloon for the candidates, many other roles are highly professional and well respected, especially in the Commissioned branches. Anyone succeeding in these roles would be considered very well rounded and a great catch for many employers in civilian life. That’s what you need to explain, clearly and without emotion.
But I don’t underestimate the task ahead of you and the challenges you face. My two kids did not follow me into the military but have made their own choices in life, which I fully support and respect. That’s what’s really important to me as a parent, to ensure my kids are happy with whatever they do.
But very best of luck to you. I’m sure you’ll succeed in whatever path you choose.
Ikky.

i'm a grade 9 student in most subjects and is preparing to do medicine in uni but i've always wanted to join the army. my parents say that the army is for people who dont do well in school etc but it has been my dream. I think there is a high chance of me getting into medicine so will it be a waste if i choose to join the army??

Hi,
Have you thought about joining the Army Reserves ?
You could join and infantry unit.
By doing this, you could carry on with medicine at university and get a great insight on the Army, and if you do want to join the regulars, you’ll already be a fully trained solider and would look great on your application.
You also get paid and receive a tax free bounty if you complete the minimum required days per year.

It might be a waste but you have to be happy with what you do

I think your parents are just worried about you they are just scared they might lose you👨*👩*👦👻

i'm a grade 9 student in most subjects and is preparing to do medicine in uni but i've always wanted to join the army. my parents say that the army is for people who dont do well in school etc but it has been my dream. I think there is a high chance of me getting into medicine so will it be a waste if i choose to join the army??

I'm just going to say make sure you're 100% that this is what you want.

Hi, I hadn't thought about that but I'll definitely look into it now!! Thank you for your advice

Hi, thanks for the response. I'm not entirely sure what my ambitions for the future is yet but I have always wanted to be part of the military, but my parents are quite strongly against this, as they want me to do medicine. I am definitely open to a medical role in the military but I would much rather have a combat or an aircraft related role. I'm a bit conflicted as I want my parents to be content, yet I know it wouldn't make myself happy if I chose to do medicine

Reserves isn't necessarily the best option whilst at uni. There may not be a unit close by, requiring you to drive, and it carries a deployment commitment.
University Air Squadron or University Officer Training Corps are designed for students and to fit around your studies.

Technically, all roles are combat as every role is 'Warfighter first, job second'. Though if you're thinking infantry would you be happy mostly training if there is no involvement in any conflicts or support roles? And define 'aircraft related' as that's the point of the RAF; keeping the aircraft flying, even indirectly if you're in admin or catering. Do you want to be an airman or an officer?
As already suggested, you need to do a lot more research into jobs you are interested in.

i'm a grade 9 student in most subjects and is preparing to do medicine in uni but i've always wanted to join the army. my parents say that the army is for people who dont do well in school etc but it has been my dream. I think there is a high chance of me getting into medicine so will it be a waste if i choose to join the army??

I for sure would go to university and do medicine. While there you can do ROTC (Royal Officer Training Cores) that means you’ll join as an officer at the higher pay grade.

I for sure would go to university and do medicine. While there you can do ROTC (Royal Officer Training Cores) that means you’ll join as an officer at the higher pay grade.