Career's and Nationality

[SFH]

Hello there, I need to ask upon a touchy subject. I hope you can all be completely honest with me. I am hoping to join the Raf or Navy (primarily as a pilot) and have one parent who is from an Arab Nation but another who is a British Citizen by birth and who has generations of British family.
I’m also a British citizen by birth and have no traits of a potential threat, my question is (in these cautious times towards terrorism) would it aid my career to try and learn Arabic?
Would I be considered an asset to have or would I be looked at with greater caution ?

Thank you in advance

* I realise the armed forces in general have a policy for equality and I'm sure they stick to it, But in selection for the top jobs would this be a factor?
Any insight into this subject will be a great help.

[Spanish Waltzer]

I am sorry that you feel you need to ask the question. As far as your background is concerned there is NO need to be concerned. During your application & interview process the British Military will treat as you as identical to any other applicant. You will be asked a number of security related questions - as would every other applicant - and your background might be security checked - again as might any other applicants. The only reason that you might end up being treated differently is if you make an issue of it.

Perhaps more importantly your question of learning Arabic is valid for a number of reasons. Firstly it would show your potential employer that you have the ability and drive to further your educational skills. Secondly you don't need that much nouse to appreciate that much of present British military efforts are concentrated in Arabic countries. Therefore if you were to be successful in your application you could well find yourself eventually detached to such a country. Knowing the local language is a real bonus and one that the military will recognise and even pay you an extra sum on your monthly pay as a reward. Thirdly, in time, should you wish to become more involved in that part of the world there are plenty of openings for people who can speak the language.

I hope that helps. Good luck with your application. As I 'm sure you are aware there is a lot more to becoming a mil pilot than speaking a few languages and there is plenty of good advice to be found on this forum to help you prepare.

[airborne_artist]

SFH - so long as you meet the criteria set out in the MoD recruiting reg. you will be viewed on your merits against everybody else, from your first trip to the recruiting office to your last day in the service.

A very good mate had a white English dad, a black West Indian mum, and looked physically as if he came from the Indian Sub Continent.

He made WO1 in the Hereford mob - you don't do much better than that.

Get fit, do your best in any remaining exams you have to take, and you will be fine. Language skills will be a bonus, but on day 1 they are looking for your aptitude and suitability for your chosen specialisation, and not much more, I suggest.

[BenThere]

Attaining fluency in Arabic can only help you and your career.

I'd warn you against a politicized study of Arabic, though, where you might risk Jihad indoctrination.

[SmilingKnifed]

BenThere,

I think you're talking to a bright lad who wants to get stuck into a good career, not some weak-willed, unemployed half-wit who buys into a radical agenda. Believe it or not, not everyone in an Arabic class (and I did engage in political study whilst learning the language) will suddenly feel compelled to strap on a belt full of C4, no matter what Fox News keeps telling you.:ugh:

[BenThere]

Easy, Smiling Knifed, I'm sure he is. My caution was merely to avoid a program like this one: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2006/08/arab_nationalism_run_rampant_a.html

BTW, what do you know about me and Fox News that I don't?

[SmilingKnifed]

I couldn't agree more about the avoidance of a programme such as the one you mentioned. I'm still of the opinion that they are the exception as opposed to the rule. Certainly the two programmes in which I've been involved have presented a very balanced view of some extremely complicated politics.