life in the army?

hi all, this is a bit of a random subject but i thought there might be people with views and or experiences of life in the army.
the reason i ask is because i am thinking im going to join up but want more info than just the sugar coated versions from the recruiters!
im 23, a qualified mechanic and mot tester so i would like to join as a mechanic in the REME. apparently this is a well respected job but wanna know about stuff like what id be doing if and when i get sent to afganistan. would i be a mechanic 6 days of the week and on patrol for or visa versa? i dont mind if i have to do patrols, and to be honest thats part of the reason i want to join, but i would join as infantry if thats all i wanted to do.
anyways, if anyone has any views or experience id like to hear from you.
cheers
jon

there are some people on here that could give you insiders feedback.....I've never been to the army and don't intend to.

I've had 2 friends that joined full time (not TA). both a few years ago.....both despatched to middle east places and also before that in europe......they are now both off duty permanently and government is paying them their last full salary........as they have become permanently ill due to certain medication they were given

you hear many stories.....what is true, what is not nobody knows. All I know is they are not able to get a full time job and they go through weeks of medication in "hospitals"

they might be the exception, but personally I don't think it's worth it

best of luck with whatever you choose

PM Richie, aka 'Old Man REME'.

He's away at a wedding but he'll tell you all you need to know. He's forgotten more about life in the army than most of us will ever know.

[Stingo]

Try this forum...you'll have some fun there...be prepared to take some flack tho - newbies are their play things!!!

http://www.arrse.co.uk/

[Bibio]

thought about it when i was younger, came to my senses, couple of my mates never though....

a few of my old mates dads were in the army and seemed to enjoy it.. suppose if its what you want then go for it...

I have a mate in Para and he had a really tough time at the start. Been in since school and now only a few years to go. Once he got to grips with it he has since travelled the world and done some amazing things. But also some horrible hard and quite nasty things too. I reckon unless you go from school or college you may have a hard time people telling what where how all the time at 23. But what have you to lose, if all fails come back out go back on the spanners dude. With a trade like mechanics in any form you could travel and pay your way at leisure if you really wanted to.

Ride on.

Join the RM mate...

[the_lone_wolf]

is it anything like being in the navy?

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

is it anything like being in the navy?

Ha, ha.... thats Army guys dressed up in Navy uniform.

Awww you've just missed Neio, shame!