Joining the army with a masters degree
Discussion
Has anyone done this?
I'm at a bit of a dead end work wise and the prospect of joining some sort of specialist regiment has been playing on my mind a lot.
I have a bachelors in computer science and a masters in "Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management" which I studied for in Sweden. I've 18 months programming experience at IBM, but that was around 3 years ago and I have absolutely no desire to get back into programming.
To be honest, I'm at a bit of a loss. The past 3 years have been a bit of a depressive period. I've just been bumming around going travelling/hitch hiking and working random jobs abroad, which sounds great, but my state of mind was pretty negative throughout. Same when completing the masters degree - it was almost a case of doing it just for the sake of doing it.
I'm finally getting back into a good frame of mind, but just can't think what to do. Ideally I'd get into engineering, or some sort of physical hands on job (I was always pushed academically and in hindsight I think I went too far - I just can't stand the thought of working behind a PC anymore).
Part of me really wants to apply to be a sniper or special forces or something specialist like that. I've always been really good with my hand eye coordination (always come first in clay pigeon shooting, air rifle shooting etc etc) as well as in general body ability (could just climb up the side of a house without thinking about it in no time) and I'm really attracted to the idea of something that requires the use of my physical skills, rather than just my brain, which is what computing was.
I'm not too bad mechanically speaking either and am quite capable of figuring out how to fix my motorbike or sort out a bit of wiring or whatever.
I'm at a loss. I don't even know where to turn. I'm in Berlin at the moment considering getting into the startup tech scene, but I've been for a couple of interviews already and my heart just sinks at the prospect of doing anything businessey/ITey long term.
I should add, I'm 26.
What would you do in the same position?
I'm at a bit of a dead end work wise and the prospect of joining some sort of specialist regiment has been playing on my mind a lot.
I have a bachelors in computer science and a masters in "Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management" which I studied for in Sweden. I've 18 months programming experience at IBM, but that was around 3 years ago and I have absolutely no desire to get back into programming.
To be honest, I'm at a bit of a loss. The past 3 years have been a bit of a depressive period. I've just been bumming around going travelling/hitch hiking and working random jobs abroad, which sounds great, but my state of mind was pretty negative throughout. Same when completing the masters degree - it was almost a case of doing it just for the sake of doing it.
I'm finally getting back into a good frame of mind, but just can't think what to do. Ideally I'd get into engineering, or some sort of physical hands on job (I was always pushed academically and in hindsight I think I went too far - I just can't stand the thought of working behind a PC anymore).
Part of me really wants to apply to be a sniper or special forces or something specialist like that. I've always been really good with my hand eye coordination (always come first in clay pigeon shooting, air rifle shooting etc etc) as well as in general body ability (could just climb up the side of a house without thinking about it in no time) and I'm really attracted to the idea of something that requires the use of my physical skills, rather than just my brain, which is what computing was.
I'm not too bad mechanically speaking either and am quite capable of figuring out how to fix my motorbike or sort out a bit of wiring or whatever.
I'm at a loss. I don't even know where to turn. I'm in Berlin at the moment considering getting into the startup tech scene, but I've been for a couple of interviews already and my heart just sinks at the prospect of doing anything businessey/ITey long term.
I should add, I'm 26.
What would you do in the same position?
Edited by Shay HTFC on Wednesday 31st July 17:51
Thanks for the replies.
My heart wouldn't really be set for being an officer or whatnot, I would much rather be doing the specialist operations stuff to start off with at least.
Alternatively, has anyone got any suggestions for other jobs that use a similar skillset. I've looked into piloting, but its a bit of a dream and I also applied for Air Traffic Control, but unfortunately cocked up the assessment day. Those sorts of things seemed interesting, requiring quick thinking and alertness etc - there must be more jobs along those lines out there in the world.
It was really interesting - people from all over the world were on it and the tuition fees were free too. (Plus lots of hot Swedish uni students walking around everywhere which is nice)
My heart wouldn't really be set for being an officer or whatnot, I would much rather be doing the specialist operations stuff to start off with at least.
Alternatively, has anyone got any suggestions for other jobs that use a similar skillset. I've looked into piloting, but its a bit of a dream and I also applied for Air Traffic Control, but unfortunately cocked up the assessment day. Those sorts of things seemed interesting, requiring quick thinking and alertness etc - there must be more jobs along those lines out there in the world.
GadgeS3C said:
Can't help with the army stuff but that Masters sounds interesting - can you tell me more about it?
I can't PM you for some reason, but here's a link for the course: http://www.entrepreneur.lu.se/en/masterIt was really interesting - people from all over the world were on it and the tuition fees were free too. (Plus lots of hot Swedish uni students walking around everywhere which is nice)
Shay HTFC said:
I would much rather be doing the specialist operations stuff to start off with at least.
I think you may need to look into how much time it would take you to actually get anywhere near to getting into SF, it would hardly be something you'd be starting off with.Probably the closest you'd get to it for a 'start' would be as a Special OP Operator in the Royal Artillery- however since I'm not a drop short I couldn't really tell you how difficult it is to get onto the STA Patrols course...
You'd need a better idea of what you wanted to do. Get to your careers office, if you're not sure, there are look at life courses where you visit units and see what they are like. Your masters may help, it may not, it all depends on the job. I'm an reservist - infantry, and my Software Engineering degree is no use whatsoever to me in that job.
An obvious thing to point out that in something like an infantry regiment, the average bloke is not your degree educated guy, and some look no further than the next night out. It might bother you, it might not.
An obvious thing to point out that in something like an infantry regiment, the average bloke is not your degree educated guy, and some look no further than the next night out. It might bother you, it might not.
Special Forces (SF) is a route that you would need to take once you have actually joined the army, you cannot go straight into one of the Special Forces units until you have served 3 years at least (used to be may have changed). If that appeals to you then I'd suggest an infantry regiment and from what i hear from still serving friends is more than exciting enough at the moment. Do not discount officer training, this would not stop you from serving with SF but would also be more involved with the planning etc.
I was like you, bored with a desk job, walked into the recruiting office, joined for 3 years and left 11 years later.
Another option is direct entry is one of the TA SF units. Although only part time, bloody hard work and a load of commitment but still deployable.
I was like you, bored with a desk job, walked into the recruiting office, joined for 3 years and left 11 years later.
Another option is direct entry is one of the TA SF units. Although only part time, bloody hard work and a load of commitment but still deployable.
Edited by Frenchda on Thursday 1st August 12:58
Also check the residency requirements - although the application process is long and drawn out, many trades/branches insist that you must have been resident in the UK for a period of time. Can affect gap year students/travelling types.
Apart from that, get down to the careers office. I'd go easy on the whole 'Special Ops' side of things, at least for now
Apart from that, get down to the careers office. I'd go easy on the whole 'Special Ops' side of things, at least for now
A good friend of mine joined the army with a load of qualifications. I'd risk saying he is one of the most academically successful friends I have.
He did a degree in history, followed by a masters in medieval history.
Went to Sandhurst, realised he wasn't sure if he wanted to do it just yet.
Went back to education, did a law conversion course, and then trained to be a barrister.
Decided he didn't want to do that, and went back to Sandhurst as he realised he'd made a mistake
I believe he is now an officer in an Artillery regiment. He wanted to do Paras with a view to getting into SF, but the view of his recruiter was that he was probably too old to do this (28).
He seems absolutely delighted with what he is doing, so I'd see no reason why you shouldn't join the army with a masters...
He did a degree in history, followed by a masters in medieval history.
Went to Sandhurst, realised he wasn't sure if he wanted to do it just yet.
Went back to education, did a law conversion course, and then trained to be a barrister.
Decided he didn't want to do that, and went back to Sandhurst as he realised he'd made a mistake
I believe he is now an officer in an Artillery regiment. He wanted to do Paras with a view to getting into SF, but the view of his recruiter was that he was probably too old to do this (28).
He seems absolutely delighted with what he is doing, so I'd see no reason why you shouldn't join the army with a masters...
Have you thought about the intelligence corps in the army? They take on a lot of graduates in uncomissioned roles and you can work with high-tech equipment or develop language skills, you also get the chance to run about and do normal soldierly things
They accept people up to 32, I think. Have a look the intelligence corps website/army website
They accept people up to 32, I think. Have a look the intelligence corps website/army website
thebigm said:
Have you thought about the intelligence corps in the army? They take on a lot of graduates in uncomissioned roles and you can work with high-tech equipment or develop language skills, you also get the chance to run about and do normal soldierly things
They accept people up to 32, I think. Have a look the intelligence corps website/army website
This sounds pretty much exactly what I'm looking for. Just had a look on the website too which has definitely got me considering a trip to the careers office. Thanks.They accept people up to 32, I think. Have a look the intelligence corps website/army website
Shay HTFC said:
thebigm said:
Have you thought about the intelligence corps in the army? They take on a lot of graduates in uncomissioned roles and you can work with high-tech equipment or develop language skills, you also get the chance to run about and do normal soldierly things
They accept people up to 32, I think. Have a look the intelligence corps website/army website
This sounds pretty much exactly what I'm looking for. Just had a look on the website too which has definitely got me considering a trip to the careers office. Thanks.They accept people up to 32, I think. Have a look the intelligence corps website/army website
Yarders91 said:
Just dont beleive everything a recruiter tells you
In fact don't believe anything a recruiter tells you!!!!!!! I went into an East London recruiting office that happened to have two salty Green Jacket Colour Serjeants inside - guess where I ended up having gone to inquire about a trade. If they were car salesman the pair would be very wealthy individuals by now!! 
Great times doing some very interesting stuff but as an earlier poster said - time to get a move on at your age!
The Intelligence Corp have some very very interesting posts at at a relatively low Rank Grade and as mentioned if you want to be on the ground a lot the opportunity is there for that.
First off....don't go into the careers office saying you want to join the SAS as you'll look a right 
^^^^^ That aside, if you've got the qualifications then it makes sense to use them and go for a commission. I know a handfull of guys who went in as a guardsman/private/airman and after a few years decided to go for a commission and got it and then joined a different unit. But tbh most just decide against it and work up the ranks. You get a mixture of backgrounds, some very educated...some thick as pig st, all doing the same job.
If you are set on the SF route and really want the Army then the obvious choice is the Parachute Regiment. But you'll need to be very fit, (even more so as an officer) so get yourself down the army surplus store, pick up a bergan (Army rucksack), some decent boots and start running up steep hills with weight. You'll need to be very fit for this as the drop out rate is big.
I guarantee you there'll be a Guards recruiting Sgt in the careers office, he'll try his very best to get you in....don't do it. I did 8 years in the Guards and for the amount of crap we had to go through we may as well have joined the Paras from the off!
As suggested the Int core is a great choice, a bit different to the norm and definitely interesting!
Personally I'd avoid the Army and look at the RAF or Navy. If you do want to go for SF later on, they recruit from all three services so don't get hung up on joining an infantry regiment although its widely accepted they do take mostly from Para reg as the guys are.
The RAF Regiment is the RAF's own infantry unit (basically a miniature army inside the RAF) Same kit, same training, they also have a role in the SFSG supporting the SF on operations. Better pay, food, accommodation, better chance of travel...and better class of birds!
Navy, they've got the Marines. Again same as the Para reg very tough course to pass and get in, so you'll need to be fit. Probably out of the lot I'd give these a shot, but the POC is very hard. They've also got a part to play in SFSG as do the Para's. RM snipers are also regarded as the best in the world, and the course is one of the hardest to pass...
One thing though, if you decide to become an officer I'm pretty sure you won't be a sniper as you said in the first post...I've never met one anyway. Mainly l/cpl's and above.
Your age is against you a little...you need to get to the careers office and see what's available. Don't forget the Army's cutting back on the regular side and adding more TA.....
^^^^^ That aside, if you've got the qualifications then it makes sense to use them and go for a commission. I know a handfull of guys who went in as a guardsman/private/airman and after a few years decided to go for a commission and got it and then joined a different unit. But tbh most just decide against it and work up the ranks. You get a mixture of backgrounds, some very educated...some thick as pig s
t, all doing the same job. If you are set on the SF route and really want the Army then the obvious choice is the Parachute Regiment. But you'll need to be very fit, (even more so as an officer) so get yourself down the army surplus store, pick up a bergan (Army rucksack), some decent boots and start running up steep hills with weight. You'll need to be very fit for this as the drop out rate is big.
I guarantee you there'll be a Guards recruiting Sgt in the careers office, he'll try his very best to get you in....don't do it. I did 8 years in the Guards and for the amount of crap we had to go through we may as well have joined the Paras from the off!
As suggested the Int core is a great choice, a bit different to the norm and definitely interesting!
Personally I'd avoid the Army and look at the RAF or Navy. If you do want to go for SF later on, they recruit from all three services so don't get hung up on joining an infantry regiment although its widely accepted they do take mostly from Para reg as the guys are.
The RAF Regiment is the RAF's own infantry unit (basically a miniature army inside the RAF) Same kit, same training, they also have a role in the SFSG supporting the SF on operations. Better pay, food, accommodation, better chance of travel...and better class of birds!
Navy, they've got the Marines. Again same as the Para reg very tough course to pass and get in, so you'll need to be fit. Probably out of the lot I'd give these a shot, but the POC is very hard. They've also got a part to play in SFSG as do the Para's. RM snipers are also regarded as the best in the world, and the course is one of the hardest to pass...
One thing though, if you decide to become an officer I'm pretty sure you won't be a sniper as you said in the first post...I've never met one anyway. Mainly l/cpl's and above.
Your age is against you a little...you need to get to the careers office and see what's available. Don't forget the Army's cutting back on the regular side and adding more TA.....
griffin dai said:
Navy, they've got the Marines. Again same as the Para reg very tough course to pass and get in, so you'll need to be fit. Probably out of the lot I'd give these a shot, but the POC is very hard. They've also got a part to play in SFSG as do the Para's. RM snipers are also regarded as the best in the world, and the course is one of the hardest to pass .
RM have SBS also, POC / AIB is pretty tough, my bro below slacking in third place. He passed POC twice and passed AIB second time.
He trained every day for 3 years for it, barely drinks and marches 50 miles for fun, I would say for Paras and RM unless your ultra fit already I don't think you could train your mind to enjoy that level of training
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