View Poll Results: Would you encourage your child to join the military?
Yes
124
55.86%
No
90
40.54%
Unsure
8
3.60%
Voters: 222. This poll is closed
Would you encourage your child to join the military?
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: UK
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Le crustacean heureux
I is an happy crab!
And all the crabs I know are happy! I can't believe there are all that many unhappy front-line pilot crabs. OK, front-line fast-jet pilot crabs. They'd have said.
"The best thing you'll ever do is join up. The second best thing you'll ever do is leave."
Can't help feeling there's a lot of contributors post-second-best-thing.
And all the crabs I know are happy! I can't believe there are all that many unhappy front-line pilot crabs. OK, front-line fast-jet pilot crabs. They'd have said.
"The best thing you'll ever do is join up. The second best thing you'll ever do is leave."
Can't help feeling there's a lot of contributors post-second-best-thing.
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
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I will encourage him or her to do whatever he or she wants (maybe a little less enthusiastic for boy or girl band!), but would be more than happy with HMF.
By way of self experience, which is all anyone has to offer, my time so far in the Andrew has been a blast. Any of the forces are a good choice, but I will tell my kids to be wary of those they will encounter who complain constantly about their lot, but will do nothing to change it.
2 bits of advice to the kids -
1. Chase your dreams - no one will do it for you.
2. If you don't enjoy it, then leave and find something you do.
By way of self experience, which is all anyone has to offer, my time so far in the Andrew has been a blast. Any of the forces are a good choice, but I will tell my kids to be wary of those they will encounter who complain constantly about their lot, but will do nothing to change it.
2 bits of advice to the kids -
1. Chase your dreams - no one will do it for you.
2. If you don't enjoy it, then leave and find something you do.
Free Man, Not a Number
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Well here of course.
Age: 58
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Got two ankle snappers now. I would support either one of them in their decisions for future life. After all it is their life, and not yours, just becuase you are frustrated and long for the old days (what old fart doesn't?) doesn't mean that they should sell themselves short...
It's one chance, and as Peter Gunston (sp) said "I joined the RAF, I wanted to fly, and the Queen had more aircraft than I did".
Besides - evan forgeting the whole honour, pride, country thing it's a good trade to enter.
It's one chance, and as Peter Gunston (sp) said "I joined the RAF, I wanted to fly, and the Queen had more aircraft than I did".
Besides - evan forgeting the whole honour, pride, country thing it's a good trade to enter.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Bristol
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Having done 18 years I am one of those who still enjoys what I do. The Service is not what it was but it is still, from anecdotal evidence from colleagues who have moved on, a good employer. The biggest drawback to a military career is the domestic instability and I would point that out to anyone thinking of a military career.
Whilst we have lost sports afternoons and duties come round more often as the Service shrinks there are still many benefits to a Service career. Take a look at our Civil Sevice brethren or even most of the contractors emloyed on Service units today and ask them about pay and benefits for a start. Then add in sports facilities (albeit in your own time nowadays) and socialising - which has also moved on. There is still lots to be gained which most modern employers (although I cant speak for airline pilots) would not even consider providing.
Having done 18 years I am one of those who still enjoys what I do. The Service is not what it was but it is still, from anecdotal evidence from colleagues who have moved on, a good employer. The biggest drawback to a military career is the domestic instability and I would point that out to anyone thinking of a military career.
Whilst we have lost sports afternoons and duties come round more often as the Service shrinks there are still many benefits to a Service career. Take a look at our Civil Sevice brethren or even most of the contractors emloyed on Service units today and ask them about pay and benefits for a start. Then add in sports facilities (albeit in your own time nowadays) and socialising - which has also moved on. There is still lots to be gained which most modern employers (although I cant speak for airline pilots) would not even consider providing.
I have a 15 year old son who has made his own mind up that he wishes to follow me into the Service. I have neither encouraged nor discouraged this but have made sure he is aware of all the pros and cons of doing so. I have also made sure that he doesnt shut any educational doors in the event that he changes his mind later. He is committed to joining the Service and I will encourage him to follow his chosen career becaus it is what HE wants. I would have encouraged any other choice (well most) he made with just as much enthusiasm if a little less inside knowledge.
To the apparent whingers - Life moves on as do working conditions and practices. For everyone who has "made it" happily after leaving the Service I suspect there is another person who hasnt. It' all a matter of personal choice
Whilst we have lost sports afternoons and duties come round more often as the Service shrinks there are still many benefits to a Service career. Take a look at our Civil Sevice brethren or even most of the contractors emloyed on Service units today and ask them about pay and benefits for a start. Then add in sports facilities (albeit in your own time nowadays) and socialising - which has also moved on. There is still lots to be gained which most modern employers (although I cant speak for airline pilots) would not even consider providing.
Having done 18 years I am one of those who still enjoys what I do. The Service is not what it was but it is still, from anecdotal evidence from colleagues who have moved on, a good employer. The biggest drawback to a military career is the domestic instability and I would point that out to anyone thinking of a military career.
Whilst we have lost sports afternoons and duties come round more often as the Service shrinks there are still many benefits to a Service career. Take a look at our Civil Sevice brethren or even most of the contractors emloyed on Service units today and ask them about pay and benefits for a start. Then add in sports facilities (albeit in your own time nowadays) and socialising - which has also moved on. There is still lots to be gained which most modern employers (although I cant speak for airline pilots) would not even consider providing.
I have a 15 year old son who has made his own mind up that he wishes to follow me into the Service. I have neither encouraged nor discouraged this but have made sure he is aware of all the pros and cons of doing so. I have also made sure that he doesnt shut any educational doors in the event that he changes his mind later. He is committed to joining the Service and I will encourage him to follow his chosen career becaus it is what HE wants. I would have encouraged any other choice (well most) he made with just as much enthusiasm if a little less inside knowledge.
To the apparent whingers - Life moves on as do working conditions and practices. For everyone who has "made it" happily after leaving the Service I suspect there is another person who hasnt. It' all a matter of personal choice
There were no 'sports afternoons' in 1985 - or even 1975. Just people having to cover for the jockstrappers who thought that it was OK to pursue their sporting hobbies in the Firm's time......which was possibly OK when the Firm was big enough.
Which now it isn't.
Which now it isn't.
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: NW England
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My son is now fifteen (and a bit).
6 foot 3 and filling out quite nicely.
He can do what he wants – I’m not going to argue with him.
But seriously folks;
He is now in his second year of the Air Training Corps, and has just got back from summer camp, full of himself.
All I get from him is “I want to do what my Dad did”.
This may be a slightly blinkered view, however, I can’t find fault with his choice.
My 22 was up last year, and yes, there have been times that I cursed, swore and wanted to go home. I’ve dug holes, sat in them with ice-cold water up to my chest while people tried to kill me. (It all gets easy after that). I’ve done gate guard, and stood there at 3 in the morning in the pouring rain, orderly bod in the guardroom and all the other hundred and one other onerous tasks, which must be completed.
I’ve moaned and complained about the food, the scribblies, the accommodation, the hours, the glorious leaders and so forth, but the times that I have enjoyed, and the memories that have been accumulated, places seen and things done, far outweigh the bad times.
I guess it all depends on your chosen profession. (And your sense of humour).
However, you would be very hard pushed, in the civilian world, to be paid extra, to fly all over the world, stay in some of the grandest hotels, dine on the finest cuisine and get bladdered with some of the finest people who would give their lives for you.
And no I’m not being melodramatic, I have 27 “deletions” in the back of my diary, I speak from experience.
All in all, if I could turn back the clock and start again with a fresh body, free of injuries and aches and pains, would I do it again?
You betcha.
Where do I sign?
6 foot 3 and filling out quite nicely.
He can do what he wants – I’m not going to argue with him.
But seriously folks;
He is now in his second year of the Air Training Corps, and has just got back from summer camp, full of himself.
All I get from him is “I want to do what my Dad did”.
This may be a slightly blinkered view, however, I can’t find fault with his choice.
My 22 was up last year, and yes, there have been times that I cursed, swore and wanted to go home. I’ve dug holes, sat in them with ice-cold water up to my chest while people tried to kill me. (It all gets easy after that). I’ve done gate guard, and stood there at 3 in the morning in the pouring rain, orderly bod in the guardroom and all the other hundred and one other onerous tasks, which must be completed.
I’ve moaned and complained about the food, the scribblies, the accommodation, the hours, the glorious leaders and so forth, but the times that I have enjoyed, and the memories that have been accumulated, places seen and things done, far outweigh the bad times.
I guess it all depends on your chosen profession. (And your sense of humour).
However, you would be very hard pushed, in the civilian world, to be paid extra, to fly all over the world, stay in some of the grandest hotels, dine on the finest cuisine and get bladdered with some of the finest people who would give their lives for you.
And no I’m not being melodramatic, I have 27 “deletions” in the back of my diary, I speak from experience.
All in all, if I could turn back the clock and start again with a fresh body, free of injuries and aches and pains, would I do it again?
You betcha.
Where do I sign?
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: London & Edinburgh
Age: 38
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Its a shame this sentiment isn't repeated at my place!
I've just done 4 years in the CCF, and loved every moment of it, all 4 Summer Camps (including AC2K - what a time!), and have made my way up the promotions to be no. 2 in the section ... Hoping to join the UAS at Edinburgh, and want to go further.
However, my mum (its always the mum's!), doesn't want me to have a thing to do with the RAF, now I'm off to Uni. She's refused to let me apply for a 6th Form Scholarship and now a Uni Bursary, and is trying to persuade me not to join the UAS.
Well that's parents for you ...
Jordan
I've just done 4 years in the CCF, and loved every moment of it, all 4 Summer Camps (including AC2K - what a time!), and have made my way up the promotions to be no. 2 in the section ... Hoping to join the UAS at Edinburgh, and want to go further.
However, my mum (its always the mum's!), doesn't want me to have a thing to do with the RAF, now I'm off to Uni. She's refused to let me apply for a 6th Form Scholarship and now a Uni Bursary, and is trying to persuade me not to join the UAS.
Well that's parents for you ...
Jordan
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Geriatrica, UK
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I'm strangely touched by what you say about your situation, Jordan D. You sound genuinely disappointed.
I stick to what I said here back in February. I wouldn't encourage any of my four offspring to join the military. But neither would I prevent them if they were set on giving it a go.
We parents should trust our kids. We can't live their lives for them and at your age (18 ish?) it's time to let them follow their instincts.
It sounds as though there may be a bit of financial pressure here. Only you can judge whether to jump ship or not.
I stick to what I said here back in February. I wouldn't encourage any of my four offspring to join the military. But neither would I prevent them if they were set on giving it a go.
We parents should trust our kids. We can't live their lives for them and at your age (18 ish?) it's time to let them follow their instincts.
It sounds as though there may be a bit of financial pressure here. Only you can judge whether to jump ship or not.
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Far too much stuff for me to read it all and I don't have any kids anyway, but I'd just like to add my twopence. As a UAS QFI I encourage all your children all to join up; starting at Hull University tommorrow. So don't worry if you have become disillusioned with your lot, don't dispair. I will simply tell them that they too could become part of the two winged master race, or even a bluntie if their eyesight is not up to scratch, and expect to have upto 300 applicants for our 30-odd places.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: HKG
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another penny for my thoughts
My wife and I owe the AirForce the best times of our lives.
I also owe the AirForce the worst time of my life.
Fortunately that worst time only lasted a year at a base I absolutely hated and the best times lasted 8 so far and counting.
Like someone stated before: Life's what you make it and you reap what you sow.
And all those other good cliche's.
I also owe the AirForce the worst time of my life.
Fortunately that worst time only lasted a year at a base I absolutely hated and the best times lasted 8 so far and counting.
Like someone stated before: Life's what you make it and you reap what you sow.
And all those other good cliche's.
Join Date: Dec 2002
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You sound genuinely disappointed.
It sounds as though there may be a bit of financial pressure here.
Jordan
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: UK
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There are times when the job is great, the only drawback these days is the constant penny pinching in one department and the overspending in the other, needless to say in the wrong departments. The career has become a job no more no less, its just we dont do 9 till 5 and we get drunk all over the world. But if you can put up with working for people who only have their own careers in mind and who dont really give a toss about you, then let you children join up, they will soon find out for themselves.
Jordan D
Of the many qualities that are valued in the services, maturity and the ability to make difficult decisions and to carry them through are highly prized. Time to step up to the plate and make some difficult decisions young man. If you ever make it to Wings day, your mum's heart will be bursting with pride. It is the best job in the world, bar none !
Of the many qualities that are valued in the services, maturity and the ability to make difficult decisions and to carry them through are highly prized. Time to step up to the plate and make some difficult decisions young man. If you ever make it to Wings day, your mum's heart will be bursting with pride. It is the best job in the world, bar none !
Join Date: Apr 2000
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I was a VR(T) Flt Lt until recently, and am still a civvy ATCO at a mil unit. I have actively encouraged youngsters over the last 15 yrs or so to join, and I still would, provided they are joining for the right reasons and with the right expectations. It's not just a job, it's an entire way of life, and for the astonishing amount of opportunities and experiences on offer you have to add to the balance the things you won't like. Believe me, life is not always that rosy on the other side!
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Jordan D; forgive late response to your points.
Remember Arnie (I don't think I can spell Schwarchenegger and I'm not getting up to check!
)? He's a first generation immigrant and look where he's ended up!
The very best of luck to you. It's the best fun you'll ever have with your clothes on. And, who knows where ambition and passion will take you?
Remember Arnie (I don't think I can spell Schwarchenegger and I'm not getting up to check!
)? He's a first generation immigrant and look where he's ended up!The very best of luck to you. It's the best fun you'll ever have with your clothes on. And, who knows where ambition and passion will take you?
Unlike Arnie - who had to borrow "Yor bootz, your clodes und yor modor zykel" in T2 if memory serves!
Seriously though, although old farts like me have left for reasons various, there must shurely shtill be some fun to be had? Or is everyone a grey clone these days? Are 'characters' still allowed? Or is there a GASO against that now?
Seriously though, although old farts like me have left for reasons various, there must shurely shtill be some fun to be had? Or is everyone a grey clone these days? Are 'characters' still allowed? Or is there a GASO against that now?