Rejoining the military

[jimnicebutdim]

I left the RAF about two years ago, and for my resettlement I decided to try and join the ambulance service. I did my Technician course, spending £2500 of my resettlement grant and £4000 of my own money on a course that I was told would get me into the Ambulance Service. I got a job within a private ambulance service, and thought that this was it. I was settled for life. Fast forward 18months, and I'm still working for the PAS. My qualification is almost useless for entry into the NHS and I'm stuck working for a company that....major rant edited out for sensible reasons.....
Yesterday I made a decision to look into the choices I have made in the past, and re-evaluate my future. Speaking to some mates has helped me make up my mind. I'm going to join the Navy as a Medic. I'm still young enough to do it, and I'm fking good at being a medic. I miss the camaraderie of the mob, I miss the regularity, the organisation and the team.
fk it, I'm going to try and live my life.

[Snowboy]

Sounds like a good decision.

I have a mate who’s looking at going back into the military.
He’s just not cut out for civilian life.

That’s no criticism of him, he just knows where he’s happy.

[randlemarcus]

Fair enough.

Next time you come out, don't believe everything they say in the brochure That's a bloody expensive first aid course...

[Don1]

I know the RAF aren't recruiting anyone at the moment - have you thought about private medical or security firms?

[RedLeicester]

jimnicebutdim said:

fk it, I'm going to try and live my life.

And that my boy is the best lesson you've learned.

[jimnicebutdim]

Thanks all
I'm actually quite looking forward to it, but I'm gonna have to get myself back into shape. 18 months of civvy street has helped me form a more 'rotund' shape lol

[marcosgt]

jimnicebutdim said:

Thanks all
I'm actually quite looking forward to it, but I'm gonna have to get myself back into shape. 18 months of civvy street has helped me form a more 'rotund' shape lol

If my mate and his colleagues in the Navy are anything to go by, you might not need to try too hard

M.

[Oi U]

Have you already contacted the Navy? It seems like a good first move in order to register your interest.

[jimnicebutdim]

Oi U said:

Have you already contacted the Navy? It seems like a good first move in order to register your interest.

Already done it and got the ball rolling

[chryslerben]

Buggles said:

Well, if you'd never been in I would say don't fking do it, but as you already know what you are getting yourself into, then fair play to you.

If I'm honest, I'd never advise anyone to join the military these days.

Seconded, its certainly a poor shadow of its former self.

[borris morris]

Don1 said:

I know the RAF aren't recruiting anyone at the moment - have you thought about private medical or security firms?

The comments on RAF Careers would suggest the RAF are recruiting at the moment.

[rog007]

Notwithstanding the current round of redundancies, the Forces must continue to recruit, admittedly, not always continuously and not always in all areas. Patience will be the order of the day as you wait for the vacancy to arise, which it will, if it's not there at the moment. Be aware however that the competition is stiff but if you're current and competent then you will be at an advantage as you'll be employable much quicker than a raw recruit. You may also wish to be aware that all 3 Services are now putting their top medics through Paramedic training and allowing them secondments to the NHS when not deployed on ops to maintain their competencies and registration with the HPC. Good luck!

[PaulG40]

Medic will be a good trade, different pay scale to us techies and you shoot up through the ranks quicker.

The Recruiting gates will be wide open again after 12th June, once the redundancies are announced.