Joining the TA as a Soldier at 40?
Discussion
I turned 40 this year and now that my career is well settled (well as settled as it can be in the current climate), my children are getting older, and it appears that the 4 hour daily commute is not going to return anytime soon, I was looking for a new challenge.
Having always had an interest in the forces I was considering joining the TA and taking the officer route. However, my GCSE results from 24 years ago, when I flunked English, have come back to haunt me. The recruitment office will not consider the compensating fact that I have over 15 years of working in middle and senior management roles for a FTSE 250 company which require good written and verbal communication skills.
Whilst this is understandable it is a little frustrating.
This leaves me with the option of joining as a private , so I'm looking for peoples views on how this would work out in reality given my age.
TIA.
Having always had an interest in the forces I was considering joining the TA and taking the officer route. However, my GCSE results from 24 years ago, when I flunked English, have come back to haunt me. The recruitment office will not consider the compensating fact that I have over 15 years of working in middle and senior management roles for a FTSE 250 company which require good written and verbal communication skills.
Whilst this is understandable it is a little frustrating.
This leaves me with the option of joining as a private , so I'm looking for peoples views on how this would work out in reality given my age.
TIA.
Krupp88 said:
I turned 40 this year and now that my career is well settled (well as settled as it can be in the current climate), my children are getting older, and it appears that the 4 hour daily commute is not going to return anytime soon, I was looking for a new challenge.
Having always had an interest in the forces I was considering joining the TA and taking the officer route. However, my GCSE results from 24 years ago, when I flunked English, have come back to haunt me. The recruitment office will not consider the compensating fact that I have over 15 years of working in middle and senior management roles for a FTSE 250 company which require good written and verbal communication skills.
Whilst this is understandable it is a little frustrating.
This leaves me with the option of joining as a private , so I'm looking for peoples views on how this would work out in reality given my age.
TIA.
If they're too shortsighted to consider 15 years of management experience over one English GCSE then I'd be ignoring the muppets - it's hardly like they want a degree!Having always had an interest in the forces I was considering joining the TA and taking the officer route. However, my GCSE results from 24 years ago, when I flunked English, have come back to haunt me. The recruitment office will not consider the compensating fact that I have over 15 years of working in middle and senior management roles for a FTSE 250 company which require good written and verbal communication skills.
Whilst this is understandable it is a little frustrating.
This leaves me with the option of joining as a private , so I'm looking for peoples views on how this would work out in reality given my age.
TIA.
GadgeS3C said:
If they're too shortsighted to consider 15 years of management experience over one English GCSE then I'd be ignoring the muppets - it's hardly like they want a degree!
I have very limited experience in this area. But isn't this an example of "the right way, the wrong way, and the army way". Which if anybody joining doesn't like the idea of, then it's probably not for them.If you need x to do y. You get x. Sure w might be better than x. But the rules and regulations say you need x to do y. So you need x not w.
Krupp88 said:
I turned 40 this year and now that my career is well settled (well as settled as it can be in the current climate), my children are getting older, and it appears that the 4 hour daily commute is not going to return anytime soon, I was looking for a new challenge.
Having always had an interest in the forces I was considering joining the TA and taking the officer route. However, my GCSE results from 24 years ago, when I flunked English, have come back to haunt me. The recruitment office will not consider the compensating fact that I have over 15 years of working in middle and senior management roles for a FTSE 250 company which require good written and verbal communication skills.
Whilst this is understandable it is a little frustrating.
This leaves me with the option of joining as a private , so I'm looking for peoples views on how this would work out in reality given my age.
TIA.
That's the way of HM Forces. You've two (well, three) choices. Having always had an interest in the forces I was considering joining the TA and taking the officer route. However, my GCSE results from 24 years ago, when I flunked English, have come back to haunt me. The recruitment office will not consider the compensating fact that I have over 15 years of working in middle and senior management roles for a FTSE 250 company which require good written and verbal communication skills.
Whilst this is understandable it is a little frustrating.
This leaves me with the option of joining as a private , so I'm looking for peoples views on how this would work out in reality given my age.
TIA.
1. Suck it up and try and join as a private. Going down the Officer route at that age will probably be just as frustrating in all honesty.
2. Just re-sit the GCSE (it's really not difficult) and then try for AOSB but you may fail anyway with or without a GCSE.
3. Just enjoy the extra free time by not commuting.
Go for it. I work in quite a niche area (RAF not Army) and it is quite amusing to see the 40-50 year old SACs walking around when they come in for their reservist days. They are experts in their field and probably work for top companies earning £££. I’ve also encountered reservist IT consultants working as a private on a helpdesk in Afghanistan. Many do it for the experiences you can gain.
I recommend you research exactly what unit you would be joining and see if you can find one which will utilise your skills.
I recommend you research exactly what unit you would be joining and see if you can find one which will utilise your skills.
ben_h100 said:
Go for it. I work in quite a niche area (RAF not Army) and it is quite amusing to see the 40-50 year old SACs walking around when they come in for their reservist days. They are experts in their field and probably work for top companies earning £££. I’ve also encountered reservist IT consultants working as a private on a helpdesk in Afghanistan. Many do it for the experiences you can gain.
I recommend you research exactly what unit you would be joining and see if you can find one which will utilise your skills.
Can 100% echo what Ben_h100 has said above, I’m a regular working on a reserve Sqn at Brize Norton. I oversee all their training, from basic recruit through to trade/professional.I recommend you research exactly what unit you would be joining and see if you can find one which will utilise your skills.
The level of professionalism you see from them during their training is outstanding. 100% commuted all the way through.
In previous roles I have deployed numerous times to Afghanistan etc, with Reservist SACs (RAF Private equivalent). Give me a 40/50 year old Reservist over a 19/20 year old any day.
Have you considered the RAF Reserves?
I should probably add to my above post. You also need GCSEs to join as an Officer in the RAF Reserves. There is also the added barrier that you have to Join the ranks first, then transfer across.
Aside from the OC and 2ic of my Sqn, you wouldn’t want to be an Officer. They add very little value and are only there to write reports and do the jobs the boss doesn’t want to do. Probably why we only have 2 of them.
Aside from the OC and 2ic of my Sqn, you wouldn’t want to be an Officer. They add very little value and are only there to write reports and do the jobs the boss doesn’t want to do. Probably why we only have 2 of them.
I personally don't think the Reserve Officer route is worth it unless you're prepared to go full-time reservist for a period. Once you've done Sandhurst and you've got your pip, you need to do a fair bit more to be useful to anyone. FT that's easily done, but 28 days a year won't get you far...
That said, there's fun to be had in the lower ranks. I'd avoid going light infantry myself but that's a personal opinion. Artillery? Cavalry? Engineers?
Age wise, you either get on with it or not. Most reservist trainees are a bit older and worldly than regular soldier intakes. Your instructors either understand that, or they don't. You are going to get messed about either way, that's the "game" in training establishments, but most 20-something regular training Corporals work out pretty quickly that a 40yr old bloke knows how to Admin himself.
That said, there's fun to be had in the lower ranks. I'd avoid going light infantry myself but that's a personal opinion. Artillery? Cavalry? Engineers?
Age wise, you either get on with it or not. Most reservist trainees are a bit older and worldly than regular soldier intakes. Your instructors either understand that, or they don't. You are going to get messed about either way, that's the "game" in training establishments, but most 20-something regular training Corporals work out pretty quickly that a 40yr old bloke knows how to Admin himself.
It depends what you want out it. With your career, you might be thinking about being able to help make things better. You can throw that idea out of the window - you don't get a voice in the army at entry level ranks, soldier or officer.
Your experience will also vary massively by what trade you go into. What do you have in mind?
Your experience will also vary massively by what trade you go into. What do you have in mind?
Thank you for all of the replies.
I am seeing this as an opportunity to see another side of life and it would be a great way to get fit again whilst perhaps giving something back (in a very small capacity).
The unit I am considering is part of the Royal Artillery.
On reflection maybe wanting to go direct down the officer route was a little arrogant, perhaps it would be better to see how I initially fit in with the army life.
I have sent an email to the unit and the next step appears to be to visit them on a parade night.
The RAF reserves were a consideration, my commute home took me past RAF Northolt.
I am seeing this as an opportunity to see another side of life and it would be a great way to get fit again whilst perhaps giving something back (in a very small capacity).
The unit I am considering is part of the Royal Artillery.
On reflection maybe wanting to go direct down the officer route was a little arrogant, perhaps it would be better to see how I initially fit in with the army life.
I have sent an email to the unit and the next step appears to be to visit them on a parade night.
The RAF reserves were a consideration, my commute home took me past RAF Northolt.
Krupp88 said:
Thank you for all of the replies.
I am seeing this as an opportunity to see another side of life and it would be a great way to get fit again whilst perhaps giving something back (in a very small capacity).
The unit I am considering is part of the Royal Artillery.
On reflection maybe wanting to go direct down the officer route was a little arrogant, perhaps it would be better to see how I initially fit in with the army life.
I have sent an email to the unit and the next step appears to be to visit them on a parade night.
The RAF reserves were a consideration, my commute home took me past RAF Northolt.
hmm. Google says MLRS battery. cool. I would suggest when you get there ask them how many fully qualified crew they have and how long it takes to reach that. Good luck!I am seeing this as an opportunity to see another side of life and it would be a great way to get fit again whilst perhaps giving something back (in a very small capacity).
The unit I am considering is part of the Royal Artillery.
On reflection maybe wanting to go direct down the officer route was a little arrogant, perhaps it would be better to see how I initially fit in with the army life.
I have sent an email to the unit and the next step appears to be to visit them on a parade night.
The RAF reserves were a consideration, my commute home took me past RAF Northolt.
Krupp88 said:
Thank you for all of the replies.
I am seeing this as an opportunity to see another side of life and it would be a great way to get fit again whilst perhaps giving something back (in a very small capacity).
The unit I am considering is part of the Royal Artillery.
On reflection maybe wanting to go direct down the officer route was a little arrogant, perhaps it would be better to see how I initially fit in with the army life.
I have sent an email to the unit and the next step appears to be to visit them on a parade night.
The RAF reserves were a consideration, my commute home took me past RAF Northolt.
Northolt has a reserve Sqn - quite a variety of roles available.I am seeing this as an opportunity to see another side of life and it would be a great way to get fit again whilst perhaps giving something back (in a very small capacity).
The unit I am considering is part of the Royal Artillery.
On reflection maybe wanting to go direct down the officer route was a little arrogant, perhaps it would be better to see how I initially fit in with the army life.
I have sent an email to the unit and the next step appears to be to visit them on a parade night.
The RAF reserves were a consideration, my commute home took me past RAF Northolt.
https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/...
As a veteran, Royal Army Medical Corps and someone who works for a military charity, Mission Motorsport, I would say go for it.
Try something new.
Intelligence Corps would be one. If you join as a soldier you get to do the job itself. Officers manage people more of the time and the Int work is often tasked to the soldiers.
That is not the rule but soldier would be my choice.
Int Corps definitely. You will do some really interesting, and boring stuff, but have a lot of fun.
One other unit I would suggest is the Honourable Artillery Company in London. The HAC is the oldest Reg in the Army and cool. I play cricket for them and love it.
They have a really interesting role and age really makes no difference at all.
Both my sons are regular soldiers and love it. One is getting out in a year or so and will definitely be a reserve.
Go for it.
If you are fit then why not try the SAS Reserves?
I was medically discharged, serious spinal injury, so cannot join. If I could then I'd be off to the Int Corps in a heartbeat.
Really interesting and you get treated like a grown-up.
Navy and RAF? Can't comment but they are not a patch on the Army!
Try something new.
Intelligence Corps would be one. If you join as a soldier you get to do the job itself. Officers manage people more of the time and the Int work is often tasked to the soldiers.
That is not the rule but soldier would be my choice.
Int Corps definitely. You will do some really interesting, and boring stuff, but have a lot of fun.
One other unit I would suggest is the Honourable Artillery Company in London. The HAC is the oldest Reg in the Army and cool. I play cricket for them and love it.
They have a really interesting role and age really makes no difference at all.
Both my sons are regular soldiers and love it. One is getting out in a year or so and will definitely be a reserve.
Go for it.
If you are fit then why not try the SAS Reserves?
I was medically discharged, serious spinal injury, so cannot join. If I could then I'd be off to the Int Corps in a heartbeat.
Really interesting and you get treated like a grown-up.
Navy and RAF? Can't comment but they are not a patch on the Army!
shouldbworking said:
hmm. Google says MLRS battery. cool. I would suggest when you get there ask them how many fully qualified crew they have and how long it takes to reach that. Good luck!
MLRS Regiment at 101RA? Decent bunch.Phase 1 Alpha 1 week (or 4 weekends) (often)
Phase 1 Bravo 2 weeks (often)
Phase 2 training 1 week (run within regiment, 3-12 months between courses available)
Level 2 Strike - 1 week (though likely done at 2 week annual camp)
H-licence 1-2 weeks
Army driving course 1 week
That should get you "fully trained" as a MLRS gunner.
I spent 34 years as a Regular Army Officer and could not encourage you enough to join the Reserves. Whilst I was never posted within the Reserve/TA community myself, I was lucky enough to command many of their soldiers on operations and to be an Honorary Colonel of a Reserve Regiment.
Age really isn't an issue there - many personnel at all of the ranks are older - and experience is absolutely acknowledged and respected, but I'd repeat what others have said about joining as a soldier and seeing how it goes. It isn't for everyone but most people love it, and it's a hugely useful network in addition to your own professional one, as well as actually making a pretty significant contribution to Defence.
Go for it. It's a commendable thing to do and I wish you the best with it, whoever you choose. (Although not the Crabs, obvs!
)
Age really isn't an issue there - many personnel at all of the ranks are older - and experience is absolutely acknowledged and respected, but I'd repeat what others have said about joining as a soldier and seeing how it goes. It isn't for everyone but most people love it, and it's a hugely useful network in addition to your own professional one, as well as actually making a pretty significant contribution to Defence.
Go for it. It's a commendable thing to do and I wish you the best with it, whoever you choose. (Although not the Crabs, obvs!
)Munter said:
I have very limited experience in this area. But isn't this an example of "the right way, the wrong way, and the army way". Which if anybody joining doesn't like the idea of, then it's probably not for them.
If you need x to do y. You get x. Sure w might be better than x. But the rules and regulations say you need x to do y. So you need x not w.
May I put this to bed before it grows legs.If you need x to do y. You get x. Sure w might be better than x. But the rules and regulations say you need x to do y. So you need x not w.
Both this and the other poster offering negative ideas ought to be taken with as much salt as you could carry. Neither are a true reflection of the Army.
The Army trains you to do a job in a certain way and manner. You often need to follow a procedure. There are serious reasons behind this. You do have space to adapt where it can be given.
As a Combat Medic I carried my CTR's (Casualty Treatment Regime) in my inner left hand smock pocket. Just in case, as I knew my stuff. This is packed full of process in dealing with all manner of battlefield injuries. You learn it, and learn it.
Following the procedure saved my life this May. I had a brain haemorrhage and my training took over and I am still alive, more than likely as a result of me following process.
I've mentioned the Int Corps as it is a place where you may have chance to flex your intellect more than an MLRS Battery.
Please do give it serious consideration as the Reserves and Regular Army learn a lot from individuals with your experience but also can add some significant life learning to you. Ignore those who do not know and cast scorn.
One other huge benefit is that you will learn lots. These learnings will transfer into your civvy life and job with, one hopes, great benefit. When employers see Army service it can make a big difference. I work in this space so speak with experience.
The Crabs will just give you the room service menu and the Navy a tot of rum before throwing on a galleon to swab decks. Join the Army, your credibility will be shot if you go Navy or RAF (dark blue, light blue).
I concur with the Officer who also posted.
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