Kaikohe 76 just in short answer to your question above, I think on recent evidence a military career offers a short and very dangerous path if you pick the wrong branch at the wrong time i.e. front line infantry.
Things quickly slide out of control. Politicians think they can control most things-but they cant.
I wouldn't join again. I would recommend anyone lurking here reading and thinking of committing themselves to a "career" in the UK military to really think again - avoid it like the plague.