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: Aug 2002
Location: Not on a boat, thankfully.
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I don't think I'd stop my kids from joining the Armed Forces. I would certainly expect them research any job they were interested in be it Mil or not.
What I would advise them though is to realise when it's not going to work for them. There is an element of 'face fitting' and also a string of poor postings can have a detrimental effect on the best person’s promotion.
I see too many folk in my trade (ATC) put all their eggs in one basket and then leave bitter and twisted. But then I see many of my civvie mates getting made redundant at a similar point.
A short Commission I would recommend to anyone with a lean towards the military but not wanting the commitment.
What I would advise them though is to realise when it's not going to work for them. There is an element of 'face fitting' and also a string of poor postings can have a detrimental effect on the best person’s promotion.
I see too many folk in my trade (ATC) put all their eggs in one basket and then leave bitter and twisted. But then I see many of my civvie mates getting made redundant at a similar point.
A short Commission I would recommend to anyone with a lean towards the military but not wanting the commitment.
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Up North
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Only for a short-term engagement, to save some money for university fees/mortgage deposit etc, and to gain a transferable skill.
There will be no point in anyone who joins post-2005 staying for a full career, if the pensions bill passes its third reading or gets through the Lords. Immediate Pension will be replaced by an Early Departure Payment of half the value.
Get in, get a transferable skill and some money, and get out. This administration has no interest in looking after its people, they have to look out for themselves first.
There will be no point in anyone who joins post-2005 staying for a full career, if the pensions bill passes its third reading or gets through the Lords. Immediate Pension will be replaced by an Early Departure Payment of half the value.
Get in, get a transferable skill and some money, and get out. This administration has no interest in looking after its people, they have to look out for themselves first.
Good point about joining before the new pension rules kick in. Those joining before Apr 05 can get onto the "old" scheme. This might not seem important in the flushes of youth, but if you end up getting out at age 40 at, say, wg cdr rank, then the annual payment under the old system is currently £16,070 per year but under the new scheme will be only £7,952. Up to the age of 55, the difference will add up to tens of thousands of pounds.
Worth thinking about if you're on the verge of applying but are considering taking 6 or 12 months out before joining up!!
Figures taken from:
http://www.mod.uk/issues/pensions/new_afps/edps.htm
Worth thinking about if you're on the verge of applying but are considering taking 6 or 12 months out before joining up!!
Figures taken from:
http://www.mod.uk/issues/pensions/new_afps/edps.htm
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: UK
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Both my kids expressed an interest in joining up and while I have not tried to stop them, I have asked them to think very hard why they want to take that route. On the positive side they have seen me over the years travel around the World at the Queen's expense (34 countries, at last count) having a great time, going on the odd exped and generally doing a job that I loved. On the downside they also saw me only at weekends for many years and not at all when on 4 month dets while they were growing up, with all the accompanying stresses and strains on family life. They also questioned what the role of the Services is now that our Cold War enemies are our friends and why expeditionary warfare is such a 'good thing'. I tried very hard not to show my growing dissatisfaction with being overstretched, undervalued and poorly lead, both by our airships and politicians, and the way the Treasury and accountants now rule our lives more than ever before. Also, the cost-cutting move to contractorisation and replacing Servicemen with civil servants in staff posts.
My daughter went for selection with the Navy and RAF. She thoroughly enjoyed the Navy's process which was all positive, but came away totally disillusioned by the RAF's "what makes you think you're good enough to join us" attitude. After a great deal of thought she dropped the Navy, became a teacher and now gets much job satisfaction putting enthusiasm into young kids. My son is off to university in September to study engineering and hopes to join the UAS - but if he takes up a flying career after graduation, it will probably not be with the RAF.
As for me, I have PVR'd after 30+ years. No bitterness, no regrets but much sadness.
My daughter went for selection with the Navy and RAF. She thoroughly enjoyed the Navy's process which was all positive, but came away totally disillusioned by the RAF's "what makes you think you're good enough to join us" attitude. After a great deal of thought she dropped the Navy, became a teacher and now gets much job satisfaction putting enthusiasm into young kids. My son is off to university in September to study engineering and hopes to join the UAS - but if he takes up a flying career after graduation, it will probably not be with the RAF.
As for me, I have PVR'd after 30+ years. No bitterness, no regrets but much sadness.
1000 times yes. (or I'd have to admit to the smart alec little that I'd made a mistake). Who me, SHURELY SHOME MISHTAKE!
Oh...and I almost forgot not only is it THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD (and too good for Bliar, Buff and Gordon the pick pocket et al) it's one in the eye for all the lesbo, gay, equal opp, outreach etc !
If I get him in do I get a recruiting bonus?
that I'd made a mistake). Who me, SHURELY SHOME MISHTAKE!Oh...and I almost forgot not only is it THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD (and too good for Bliar, Buff and Gordon the pick pocket et al) it's one in the eye for all the lesbo, gay, equal opp, outreach etc
!If I get him in do I get a recruiting bonus?
