Mixed Emotions part 2

Thanks to everyone who responded to the first post about my son going for an Army Officer interview today.

Well he got through that and now has to do a 3 day final selection board once he has his A level results and has a confirmed place at University. That will be July/August.

If he gets through that (and being a single-minded little b***** I'm sure he will) then worse case he is guaranteed a place at Sandhurst after his degree. Best case they may actually bung him some cash towards the Uni fees as well.

And the Colonel who interviews him today reinforced his desire to be a Para. Mainly cos he will get £35k on starting with them as opposed to £30k in a normal infantry unit. I guess they pay them more as they don't have to pay them for so long...

I'm really proud of him and at the same time I just keep thinking of Wootton Bassett. I just pray for an outbreak of Peace for the next 30 years or so.

Dont assume that just cos he's joining the para's his life expectancy will be shortened mate, he's got to get there first and by the time he does combat ops on the ground in Afghan will be all but over, he may well join the para's and have no one to fight, saying that the Falklands is brewing up nicely...

I symathise with you (I can't say I understand as I don't have any children), but as I understand it, the soldiers who do this work love everything which makes up life in the army, they wouldn't have it any other way, even if they are injured.
And if you think about the %age of soldiers who are injured in some way, it's really very small.

Impressed with the wages tho!

What is his motivation to join the Infantry branch? (Just curious)

I wish I'd been able to have to opportunity, unfortunately my eyesight is rubbish so it ruled me out. My brother is navy though it I'm really proud of him and he has passion for what he does that I certainly don't see in anyone I work with!

Yes there's a risk but he'll be well trained and if he's a good leader he'll do everything to mitigate the risks. If we worried about everything that 'could' go wrong we'd never cross a road. Obviously what's easy for me to say though as he's not my son.

Originally Posted by stewie

Dont assume that just cos he's joining the para's his life expectancy will be shortened mate, he's got to get there first and by the time he does combat ops on the ground in Afghan will be all but over, he may well join the para's and have no one to fight, saying that the Falklands is brewing up nicely...

Yep, kick off early 2013 i believe

Originally Posted by carpet monster

What is his motivation to join the Infantry branch? (Just curious)

I think it probably comes from watching Band of Brothers which he pretty much knows off by heart.

My Dad survived 27 years in the army... he is still breathing. He is making a career for himself not signing his own death sentence.

I'm confused is he going para or infantry ?

relax ruperts (endearing term for officers) dont do the fighting their to busy having tea and scones while thinking up stupid ways to change something that works perfectly well so it takes twice as long with twice the work