Beo, I AM joining the army as an officer. Once i finish college (a few weeks) i am going to take a gap year, get fit and then apply for sandhurst; which as you may know is the British Royal Military Academy.
I have always wanted to join, and tbh it fits my personality. (Maybe i have been brainwashed who knows
)
Anyway:
Pros (the way in which i look at it)
The army (British Army) offers so much, you gain so many skills, qualifications and the experience is amazing. Live ops using tactics, rushing in against an enemy with a plan and executing it is such an adrenaline rush. Since a kid i have always been facinated with the army (and not because of guns and shooting "badguys", but because of the prestige that comes with it. The sense of pride, meaning and respect. It is like no other.
Cons:
Well, you may die. But i would happily give up my life for others. The way you look at it is that the benefits outweight the risks. You are risking your life so that others don't have to.
Killing another man is another question people ask. Although it is taking another's life, the way you must look at it is that you are potentially saving more. Don't be discouraged if you feel it is a path you want to join, since the british army wont select you unless you are what they are looking for.
I have a card that was given to me on a course that states the main principles a soldier must hold: Selfless commitment, Respect for others, Loyalty, Integrity, Discipline and Courage.
The military covenant states:
"Soldiers will be called upon to make personal sacrafices - including the ultimate sacrafice - in the service of the nation. In putting the needs of the nation and the army before their own, they forego some of the rights enjoyed by those outside of the armed forces. In return, British Soldiers must be able to always expect fair treatment, to be values and respected as individuals, and that they (and their families) will be sustained and rewarded by commensurate terms and conditions of service."
I would go and see an Army career advisor and see what is best for you..
HOWEVER:
You have a kid now man, and i understand that your risk is greater than any other. I have always let my girlfriends know that i intend to join the armed forces and no matter what it is the path i will follow. They have come to accept it, but my brother is also a father now and he is ex army. He said everything has changed for him now, and although he wanted to join the French Foreign Legion, he just can't face that the risk of him dying will put his son without a dad. So i would schedule a meeting with an advisor and tell him your situation.
It all depends on the corps you intend to join; Intellegence, artillery, rifles, air assault, reconnicence(or w,e).
Hell, maybe if you join i will be your commanding officer haha.
And look into the TA also.
And if you look into officership, you need A-levels at passes (E+) LOL
And then you goto sandhurst and train doing a 44 week officer training course, split into 3 terms and you get to do riot training (which is awesome throwing fire bombs at eachother LOLOLOL)
You then commission (if you pass) as a 2nd LT. and if you are a graduate, you recieve guarenteed promotion and slight pay rise. After 5 years of service you are guarenteed to be a captain; something a regular soldier may take 25 Years to become.
