Joining UK Armed Forces

[Jascar]

I got my application forms a couple of weeks ago and I'm almost ready to send them off. I'm guessing officer applications take longer than NCM. The NCM application is 7 pages, easily filled out in an hour, then there's a medical questionnaire to be filled out by your doctor, 2 reference letters, police record check....can't remember what I'm missing.

From what I've heard from other Canadians who've joined the British army, the application process takes about a year to a year and a half between sending in the application and starting training. That's quicker than here in Canada.

 

[Jascar]

If you are talking about joining the British Army for 5 years to get a trade, stay in Canada and do it here.   Serve your country.   You will have some difficulty not going into Combat Arms in the UK.

I've heard anyone who shows any intelligence whatsoever is steered away from the combat arms, particularly infantry.

 

[ReadyAyeReady]

Jascar:

"From what I've heard from other Canadians who've joined the British army, the application process takes about a year to a year and a half between sending in the application and starting training. That's quicker than here in Canada."

That may be so...but I'm assuming they joined when the 2-5 year residency requirement was not enforced as you said that they are already serving...as of Jan 2005 they have changed that...or so I ws told by the Overseas Application Office...they are now enforcing the residency requirement...just ask pieman, he squeaked by cause he was already over there...I was told that my 2 years wasn't enough...etc etc

That's just my experience anyway...

 

[Jascar]

I know the 2 year residency requirement is now being enforced, but is that for NCM's too or just officers? Nobody seems to know for sure. It sounds like the residency requirement is looked at on a case by case basis, so I'm just going to take my chances. I'd imagine I won't have as much trouble with it as you and Pieman did since I'm only going for NCM.

 

[ReadyAyeReady]

I agree.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade...or discourage you...I think they will probably take NCM's more readily...I'm just warning you...don't be surprised if they tell you that yoiu have to live there for 2 years...it sucks, but things have changed since 9-11 I think...they are more concerned about the security issue...

 

[Towards_the_gap]

I personally have no idea about this 2 year residency requirement, however I can see it being more applicable to those applying to sandhurst then us common scum!

As to how long it took to process my application, I made it clear when I first walked in to the careers office in Wembley, London that I was on 'borrowed time' financially (quite literally, I was living off savings, credit cards and whatever cash-in-hand work I could find) and needed to start earning a decent wage as soon as possible. They really helped me out, after first contact at the careers office in february, I was on the train to bassingbourne for basic training in may. The longest part of the application was the letter from the canadian embassy stating I had no 'military commitments' ie was awol from the CF, in canada.

However, I joined in 2001 so the residency rules may indeed have changed.

This is the official line at the moment:

www.army.mod.uk

I am a Commonwealth citizen but have never lived in the UK. Can I join?

Citizens of Commonwealth countries and the Republic of Ireland can apply to join, but certain jobs may not be available.   If you would like more info, we suggest you email the Overseas Cell at aa.overseasrecruiting@recruitinggroup.mod.uk

If you have not found the answer you are looking for why not log into the Online Office?   This is the Army Online Careers Office.   You can log in to the chat room and talk with a serving British Army Soldier.   The office is open Mon to Fri 1200-2200hrs and Sun 1200-2000hrs.   Click on the link below.


When I joined, the 'certain jobs' were in sensitive posts such as the Intelligence Corps.

 

[big bad john]

I've heard anyone who shows any intelligence whatsoever is steered away from the combat arms, particularly infantry.

Not if you are not from the UK.  They are not hard up for recruits over there.  Remember, they are not mandated to accept you.

 

[Towards_the_gap]

I dare say you're not steered in any particular direction. Having said that, if you score very high on the BARB test (british army recruit battery, a basic test of cognizance and verbal acuity) yet are adamant you want to join as an RLC Pioneer, they may try and dissuade you, but at the end of the day the choice is yours (unless this nasty residence requirement pops its head up of course).

 

[winchable]

Got another big fat package from the AFCO today.

Complete with "The Globe and Laurel"
"An Insight into operational capability" of 3 Commando
A copy of the rehabilitation of offenders act.
A very comprehensive practice book for the navy selection process.
Potential recruit fitness schedule (about 3 different copies of this)
And what I think is referred to as "The Green bible"...it's like a study guide.



I need to get a confirmation of non-liability for military service with the CF, does anyone know the procedure for doing this?
Starting over again is not easy.

 

[big bad john]

Be prepared an the history of the Corps, all the VCs and Hannah Snell, ect..  BTW I'll be in Halifax on my honeymoon I found out last night, lol.  I'll buy you a beer or three.

 

[putz]

I looked into the british army awhile ago.  The 2 year residence is now MANIDTORY for NCM.  Sorry guys.....  I don't understand why people are trying to get into the brits without the 2 year residence (because CF seem to take to long for some people) plus the extra waiting time for application processing, cause when its all said and done you could be in the CF for a year before you even START training for the brits.  Also, if you are over 25 forget anything in the combat arms trades.

 

[Sh0rtbUs]

From what I've heard from other Canadians who've joined the British army, the application process takes about a year to a year and a half between sending in the application and starting training. That's quicker than here in Canada.

I believe it took me roughly 5-6 months from turning in my application, to the day I showed up for basic. I know people who have spent years applying, and others months before they were on BMQ. That, just as the British Residency requiement is a case by case situation as well...

I've got news for you, no matter which Country, Army, Trade or even unit you choose, you're going to get rained BS at some time or another.

 

[big bad john]

The only exemption on the residency requirement that I know of is the RMR.

 

[Pieman]

I know the 2 year residency requirement is now being enforced, but is that for NCM's too or just officers? Nobody seems to know for sure. It sounds like the residency requirement is looked at on a case by case basis, so I'm just going to take my chances. I'd imagine I won't have as much trouble with it as you and Pieman did since I'm only going for NCM.

Jascar, go for it! The worst thing that can happen is they will say 'no', and that is really not the end of the world even if they do. I know that from experience. Just study the situation, and have a good idea what  your chances are before you make the jump across the pond. You have to make a calculated risk so you can recover from any bad situation that arises.

They are sticking to the 2 year requirement for Officers for sure, my understanding is that it is the same for NCM positions. I am not the official word of course. So when you do get the official word on it, please post it here.

How old are you? Your age is a very serious factor if you are over 25.

I looked into joining as a NCM, but they said they would not take my application for NCM until my sandhurst application was complete. I probably could have gotten them to take it if I pressed the issue, but things were looking good for the Officer position at that time. Sadly they tossed this two year requirement in the mix while I was applying, and that made things very difficult. On top of that, I was in the very upper limit for NCM age, and that was also a serious problem. For the better anyway, I guess, I don't think I could have afforded the pay cut even if I went as a NCM.

If you have any questions about getting yourself over to the UK, or want some advice on cheap places to stay and eat, PM me as I got some experience living in London. If you want to earn some money while you are going through the system, apply for a UK tourist visa. It costs about $80, and I got mine in 3 days. It is good for 2 years and gives you the right to a 'working holiday' and you can get a part time job legally when you are there.

ReadyAyeReady,
It is too bad you had to come to the conclusion to terminate your application. But like I said, it is a calculated risk, and the odds do not appear to be in favour for old buggers like us I think you made a wise choice, and you will save yourself lots of time by not persuing something that is simply not going to pan out. I hope your security clearance comes through soon so you can join the CF!  

Pieman

 

[winchable]

I'll relay the exact words I got from the RM recruiter.
When I brought up my nationality (British) and residence situation (Canada) he goes:
"Doesn't matter because you're from Canada anyway and this is the Marines"
This was 5 weeks ago and it was from the mouth of, as far as I can tell, the overseas recruiter for the Royal Navy/Marines.

In any case, for those of you really interested in the British Army, it's worth the call to their overseas recruiter don't take anyones word for it on here....they wouldn't have an overseas recruiting office...if they didn't recruit...overseas.

It is a huge step for anyone especially a younger person to make the move, but the Brit population on this board is growing everyday so I'm sure we can pool some advice for you.

One thing I will say though is if you are a commonwealth citizen you're extremely limited in what specialisations you can do.
For the navy you're limited to the marines, marines bandsman, chef, steward etc. I don't know about the army.



And John, why in Gods name would you come to Halifax for a honeymoon?  ;D

 

[Towards_the_gap]

Che-

Regarding the non-liability for military service in canada, when I joined, the ACIO basically produced a proforma letter which I believe I signed and sent off to the canadian embassy in london, with the return adress as the ACIO in wembley. Ask at the AFCO for this, if they've not got something similar (depends I suppose on which office you've been in touch with, the offices in london seem to get the most overseas applicants) I'd be surprised. Failing that, contact the AFCO on the strand, london and I'm sure they'll help ya.

 

[winchable]

Alright thanks for that, that's good to hear it doesn't sound too complicated.
Sounds like something they'll set me up with, just wanted to make sure I didn't need any complex procedure (you ever try getting a frigging passport in this country? 'Please prove your lineage back to at least 1066') or the permission of her majesty in order to get the forms.

I think the AFCO in London is the only office that deals with overseas applicants because I always get put through to the same desk at the London office whenever I call the wrong number.

 

[putz]

Not to doubt you Che, but, I'm a dual citizenship with Britian but I was told by the overseas recruiter that I still was required 2 years of residence in the UK for my clearance(this was about three months ago).  Maybe I misunderstood him sometimes I get a little thick headed...

Sounds like something they'll set me up with, just wanted to make sure I didn't need any complex procedure (you ever try getting a frigging passport in this country? 'Please prove your lineage back to at least 1066') or the permission of her majesty in order to get the forms.

  hehehe I didn't have a problem at all and I was born in Canada.

 

[Towards_the_gap]

No worries, glad to help.

Back to thread regarding the residence requirement, I just remembered something. When I was first looking into joining, about 1997, I remember looking at the website and reading that all commonwealth applicants were accepted provided that they had resided in the UK for 5 years, but some exceptions were provided. I then called the defense attache in ottawa, and he told me that although it'd be all on my own back, expense wise, if I got myself over to the UK and tipped up at a careers office, the residency wouldn't be a problem. Lo and behold, when I tipped up at the careers office in 2001, it wasn't even an issue. Once I had passed the barb test, gotten all the letters back that I need etc, and passed RSC, I was sworn in at St Christophers house in london on friday, my passport was sent off to the immigration and naturalisation department, and I was on the train monday for basic training. Got my passport back about 4 weeks later with this bizarre stamp stating I was exempt from all UK immigration laws under section blah blah blah of the immigration act.

the upshot of that long rant is I think there is a loophole that the recruiters use (but don't advertise). If those of you thinking about the army are really serious, the best bet (I think) is plan a vacation to london, then ruck up at a careers office and see what they say. Worst they can say is no, then you've got a nice vacation in london!

Remember, some bint in an MOD call centre is not going to be over-inclined to help you, however, a Sgt in a careers office faced with a motivated enthusiastic applicant will probably bend over backwards to help you. Most commonwealth applicants are well regarded in the forces, the view being that we've come a hell of a lot further to join the army than most blokes who just popped into the local office on their break from working at McDonalds, and as such have more to lose if we just droog it during our time in the forces.

However, this was 4 years ago, so I may be out of date.

 

[Pieman]

  remember looking at the website and reading that all commonwealth applicants were accepted provided that they had resided in the UK for 5 years, but some exceptions were provided.

Yes, while I was over there, they said that this rule had been in place for years but it was not enforced. While I was in London applying new orders came down that they now had to enforce this rule rigorously. Post 9/11 era, it is not the good old days anymore.

Towards_the_gap, are you still in the BA? Are   you going to be required to take a British Citizenship? That is also one of the changes that is supposed to come into effect, being that all foreigners serving in the British forces will be required to take on a British citizenship. People were up in arms about what while I was over there too.