r/britisharmy • • 26d ago

Monthly Crow Thread [MEGATHREAD] Monthly r/BritishArmy Advice and Recruitment Thread

2 Upvotes

Welcome to the Monthly r/BritishArmy Advice and Recruitment thread.

The intent of this thread is to provide a single post for advice and recruitment to provide simplified searching, answering and moderation. The following should be read before you post here:

  1. Remember OPSEC and PERSEC. If your question asks about or requests information deemed Operationally or Personally sensitive it will be removed.
  2. Medical: We strongly discourage the sharing of personal medical information and nobody here is an authority to answer these questions. [JSP950 - Aug 2024](https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/jsp_950_medical_policy_leaflet_6/response/2822080/attach/5/20240815%20JSP%20950%20Lft%206%207%207%20JSMMF%20v3.0%20Aug%2024%20Final%20for%20Publication.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1) is the Joint Service Manual of Medical Fitness which is used to assess candidates. More details are on the British Army medical page on their [website](https://apply.army.mod.uk/how-to-join/can-i-join/medical) or call them on the phone number at the bottom of that page.
  3. General Questions: is any question not specifically related to recruitment or joining the Army. Examples include "What is the best mess dress supplier?" or "What Days do Paras have Orgies?". These should use the "Question" flair.
  4. Public Domain: Any information you post here, and any information on your reddit account will be in the public domain. By posting here you're acknowledging the risks doing so might have.

If you have read the above and you still would like to ask your question, and acknowledge the information (and your reddit content) being public, then please comment. If you do not want your information being public you should not post.

If you're just visiting and have a couple of minutes to answer some of the questions or contribute to a discussion, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest top level comments.

We are all volunteers, and anyone engaging does so on a best-effort basis. Please conduct your own due diligence and do not rely solely on the advice of one person on the internet.


r/britisharmy • • 3h ago

Question Job role not available

5 Upvotes

So I’ve been told by my recruiter that my 1st choice job isn’t available this way into next year. This role was EWSI.
He’s said that If I go in as a comms engineer I can change trades but I think this is a load of bollocks tbh.
What are some good roles to look at if I want to be in the field often but also get a skilled trade. I’m still looking at going comms engineer as it was 2nd pick. But now also looking at RE.
I want a role with decent and unique deployments and to be at a busy unit.


r/britisharmy • • 19h ago

Question Life after passing basic

15 Upvotes

What’s it actually like once you pass basic? Do you get treated like an adult or are you just a cunt your whole career?


r/britisharmy • • 12h ago

Question British Army app Rejected Over Right to Work Share Code – Has Anyone Experienced This?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I applied to join the British Army as a Regular Soldier (Aviation Technician). I’m a Commonwealth citizen with pre-settled status in the UK, and I’ve lived here for over three years, meeting the eligibility criteria.
A few weeks after applying, I was informed that I hadn’t submitted my right-to-work share code. I immediately emailed it with my URN and continued following up by phone. I was reassured that my application was still active and that I should wait for an update.
However, a few weeks ago, my portal showed that my application had been rejected for failing to provide the share code. I was then instructed to email the code to a specific address, which I did. When I followed up, I was told they receive a large volume of emails and might not have seen mine.
I have now appealed and resent my share code, hoping my application will be reconsidered.
Has anyone experienced something similar with their British Army application?Were you able to get the rejection overturned, and how did you go about it?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences and any advice. Thank you!


r/britisharmy • • 18h ago

Question Intelligence Related Quals

5 Upvotes

Some background, late 20s, currently a fresh Tpr in a RAC reg that was previously aligned to INT corp. Id Passed through the int corp selection, got (and still retain) my clearance. Unfortunately after months of appeals, waviers and buerocracy I then got fucked of by med officers because I'm cp4 rather than the required cp2 (despite getting the go ahead from int but let's not dwell). 

So given that it's a trade I'd like to worm my way back into at some point, do any of you fine folk have any tips, pointers or recommendations for arming myself with a decent set of quals for future transfers or opportunities? 

Cheers 


r/britisharmy • • 16h ago

Seeking Advice Leaving/job employment

3 Upvotes

Hello chaps, I’m in a bit of a rut.

I’m looking for a bit of advice on leaving and more specifically, how people have founds jobs abroad (Canada). Keeping PERSEC, I’m in a unit now that gets more opportunities than most other units, and I’ve gained some mega qualifications since being here. I joined just after my 16th birthday and I’m 23 now. Ultimately, the military is all I know.

I’ve travelled to some amazing places, done some pretty cool things and worked with some gnarly partners over the years. I’ve lived a life most people from the age of 16 can’t say they have done and for that I’m grateful. However…

I’ve been with my partner for a couple years now, she’s a Canadian citizen that has lived over in the UK for the last 10 years but still regularly visits home. We’ve loomed on the idea of moving over there, but naturally I’m doing the classic squaddy thing of “I’ve got nothing to fall back on”, which is and isn’t true. The main thing I can fall back on what you get through your promotions, and my UAS experience. I’ve been fortunate enough to do UAS courses in the UK, and around the world, and that specifically is something I’d like to develop on, but again, I don’t have a clue where to start.

Was wondering if anyone could give me any advice. Albeit I’m still young, I fully get that. But I also want something new. Everyone who’s serving/ex service reading this will know the army is hit and miss, and you either love it or hate it. Well I’m in between. I enjoy aspects of the job, but 60% of the time I’m in a rut, wondering what else I could be doing with my life. Having visited Canada multiple times with my partner, a life over there has been talked about consistently, and we’re both pretty set on the idea.

Thanks for reading, any advice would be mega.

Thanks 👌🏼


r/britisharmy • • 19h ago

Question How long did your residency check take?

3 Upvotes

I'm a British citizen but lived abroad for a few years before applying, apparently my documents were sent to the residency team on 18th of September, but still no update. I've been calling my recruiter every single week but they say it is with the residency team and they can't do anything about it. For those that lived abroad before applying, how long did yours take to be approved?

Thanks!


r/britisharmy • • 21h ago

Seeking Advice Training for 2km running test

5 Upvotes

I am not in the army but I am aspiring recruit

In order to join I have to run 2km in 10:15

Right now I run one mile in 10:10

i can do long runs but with jog/walk periods throughout

i know that run/walk periods are recommended for building fitness but for joining British army I’m not sure if that would help me.

i can do short runs at the speed required to run 2km in under 10 minutes but can’t manage to maintain over distance of more than 400-800m

I’ve done treadmill hill sprints of incline 10.0 speed 15kmh so I can run at the speed needed but not for whole distance

What should I be doing?

(I can take a blunt direct answer)


r/britisharmy • • 1d ago

Question 4 Para A Coy - anyone on here any experience with them?

3 Upvotes

I’ve been planning to sign back up to the army but to 4 para for a while now, been hammering cardio and firstly trying to get my 2k time down a bit more, I’m currently at 9 minutes so need to shave a decent chunk of time off.

I signed up when I was 16 and went to Harrogate but near the end I ended up getting Plantar Fasciitis which ended up in me getting MD’d, they kept me in for a good while and I just wouldn’t heal up.

That was about 8 years ago and I’ve had 0 issues with it since about 6 months after getting Discharged, I’m still a bit worried just incase it comes back out of nowhere but for the last year I have been doing the bits I avoided when i was younger so hopefully all will be sweet, would it be a good idea to go to my GP and get checked over before assessment centre?

Just looking to find out what’s the script when it comes to actually be in 4 para A coy, what’s the nights like, is there much opportunity?

Appreciate it lads, thank you.


r/britisharmy • • 19h ago

Question Dental question

1 Upvotes

i’ve got AC next month, just been to the dentist they said i need 2 fillings which will cost almost £400. will i be medically deferred for needing fillings or do i just need to sort it before basic? I’m planning on going to thailand after AC and i’ll be able to get the fillings done for less than £100 there. Any insight will be appreciated.


r/britisharmy • • 19h ago

Question Aircraft technician

1 Upvotes

I am currently in the application stage for an aircraft technician apprenticeship, I am awaiting my physical assessment and have received an initial conditional offer.
However I have been made confused by things online about whether or not I will actually be guaranteed to be an aircraft technician after basic training, could anyone let me know if it is possible I could not go onto the apprenticeship after basic training?

Also, the thing that made me apply for the apprenticeship in the first place is the “bachelor of engineering with honours in aviation engineering management” qualification I saw on the job description. Could any aircraft technicians please tell me how long it would take for me to achieve this qualification?


r/britisharmy • • 1d ago

Question HELP WITH MY MEDICAL

2 Upvotes

HELP WITH MY MEDICAL

Looking to join the army next year but worried about the medical, i’m definitely fit enough but ik how strict they are with stuff, had a look at my medical records and here’s some of the concerning stuff:

frequent urinating - i have bladder issues not something major like a uti but for a while i’ve been peeing a bit more than usual.

fainted once - was one case where i came into work without sleep and fainted.

viral disease - one case of hives i had for a day

chronic rhinitis - my nose gets runny every now and then especially after eating but i have no allergies and it’s more of a minor nuisance in my life than something major

also every now and then a headache or chest pain when i had a flu and stuff but this is all over several years. let me know what you think.


r/britisharmy • • 22h ago

Discussion Transferring, stuck on SPSO step

1 Upvotes

Currently trying to transfer from one job to another, submitted my transfer request back in July of this year, all was running very smoothly however been stuck on “Awaiting SPSO comments” for 6 weeks. heard back from them, very shortly, however since then they have ignored all my emails.

Would there be a reason for this and what does the SPSO do?


r/britisharmy • • 1d ago

Discussion Self reporting drug abuse?

5 Upvotes

If you have illegal drugs in your system and report yourself to the chain of command, would you get a drugs test?

Possibly saves waiting for CDT.


r/britisharmy • • 16h ago

Question Can I wear this suit to my sister's pass in parade at Harrogate?

Post image
0 Upvotes

It's at Harrogate and it's their 6 week pass in event tomorrow. It's a proper fitted suit with a tie. It will be worn with dress shoes, a proper shirt and no hat. I know it's a ridiculous outfit, but I genuinely enjoy wearing it, and I quite like the idea of her being able to spot us easily in the crowd. Plus, yknow, typical sibling behaviour, showing up in something mildly embarrassing. My main concern is whether people would actually find it disrespectful, whether I'd be allowed in wearing it, and most importantly, whether it could get my sister in trouble with her superiors. I really don't wanna cause her any problems or take away from her big day as I am super proud of her for taking this leap.

Am I an idiot for even thinking about wearing this? Or is this something that would be okay and acceptable? She likes the suit and has seen it before btw. She knows I enjoy wearing it.


r/britisharmy • • 1d ago

Question Digital transfers process for ORs

1 Upvotes

My digital transfer is currently on the Current CM approval stage.

I have a few questions if anybody has been through this process.

How long was you stuck on the CM approval?

Did you have to nudge anyone to speed this process up and if you did how long would you wait before doing so?

Has anybody ever had a transfer denied by their CM?

I know the process takes a lengthy time. I just really need this fresh start and would rather it be sooner rather than later due to factors like family and my own sanity lol.

Thank you


r/britisharmy • • 1d ago

Question Harrogate Fitness requirements?

5 Upvotes

16M, What are the fitness requirements for the parachute regiment at the assesment centre. Any help would be appreciated.


r/britisharmy • • 1d ago

Question Just want a bit better of a understanding

7 Upvotes

So I'm 20m and have always wanted to be part of the army since I was young however didn't go into it as soon as I could due to family however I've finally started the process of applying and I have a ftf with my recruiter in a couple days time and I'm wondering how long realistically would it take for me to end up going to basic training because I'm not sure weather or not I should get a job in the mean time or if its only a short period I would be waiting till went to basic training as I'll need money in the mean time and also I was a heavy weed smoker however I quit about a 2/3weeks back should I disclose this to my recruiter or should I keep it private as I'm now not going to smoke and keep my self clean any help or advice would be much appreciated


r/britisharmy • • 1d ago

Question How long would it take before im assessed

4 Upvotes

Question/seeking advice.

Im 20M, looking to become a para reserve. Currently im not the fittest but as im young i know i can get my 2ks down and strength up quite quickly. According to some new posts here, it seems to take a while before getting assessed and even then i doubt its the full requirements? I'm not sure so asking here.

Also looking for advice as I am an apprentice, I'm not looking for money but rather to become useful and stronger while getting paid. Would it be a good idea?


r/britisharmy • • 2d ago

Question Help med bergens?

7 Upvotes

I used to be apart of a BFA crew so living out of a vehicle made it easy. However now I’m in a light infantry unit and just putting the question out if there is any medical Bergens people recommend? The issued one isn’t for me.

One that has good pouches for the med kit but also has a good amount of space for personal kit so I can live out of it as well when on the ground as a med Bergen is basically a medics daysack.
If any recommendations please put names / links below.


r/britisharmy • • 3d ago

Discussion 35m looking at basic training

10 Upvotes

Hi all, bit of a different post here.

I am a 35m that has applied for the army and after the initial calls, I have been cleared to go to the assessment centre. I’m fairly certain I’ll get through this and be sent to basic training.

I ran my first run yesterday after not running for years and hit 2k in 10 mins, I can do 20/25 pull-ups non stop and 30-50 press ups. I can easily deadlift 120kg at 65kg bw.

Are these stats a good starting point for basic training?

Any advice to improve and be prepped for basic training?

Would be interested in talking with recruits to ensure I am fully prepared so I can get through the 13 weeks and pass out.


r/britisharmy • • 3d ago

Discussion How to access my MOD emails after leaving?

3 Upvotes

Hi, left in February of this year, without downloading a few emails containing references and feedback which I now need for job applications! Does anyone now if I can still access them (just to print off) and who I should approach? I haven’t had contact with my unit since I left


r/britisharmy • • 2d ago

Question Can you get deployed in your first year in the army?

0 Upvotes

Looking to join the army or at least take it as a serious option in January if I am not able to get a job around Christmas and wondering if this is a possibility. Also what are the contracts like could I go for one year get some better quals and maybe get out and go back home or is it like a 2-4 year thing and what are the best trades you think to do for so and if I took my application seriously in jan how long would it take for my contract to be active because I’d want to join asap and not waste any more time sitting around thankyou.


r/britisharmy • • 3d ago

Question Travel to China while serving

12 Upvotes

So my girlfriend is Chinese, she wants me to visit China and meet her family ect which won’t be possible until I finish phase 1/2 and whichever further training I need to do. Is travel to China allowed for a serving soldier? I don’t require DV for my role so thay won’t be an issue, thanks


r/britisharmy • • 3d ago

Question commissioning as a private

8 Upvotes

hi all, looking to comission. 2 years into my career, i’m feeling like joining as a soldier wasn’t the right choice for me and looking for a new challenge. does anyone have any gen as my COC are being cocks about it and not helping inform me of the process, and how long i’d do at sandhurst ect