Marine Or Officer?

[The Stig]

Right my aim in life is to become a Marine and until today was set on being an officer, but today i am told that because of some stupid test i am allowed to be a non commisioned Marine but not an officer as i got a few questions wrong on section 2 and 3, right the situation i am in is that there are monthly recruits as a standard Marine, but only yearly in as an officer. The test can be taken exactly a day after a year to the last one but that would really push the joining process as an officer (if i pass) I am pretty certain i can do it, i am not dumb at all. But the problem i have is with acamdemic tests as i am no good at them i am more physically able with coursework and stuff like that. Anywho the question is finish college soon (the first year of BTEC national diploma in public services) and go in as a Marine i am not really liking college much anyway or wait and go in as an officer?? I am certain i can do both and am determined to but whats the best route??

I am a lil confused??

help?

Edited March 31, 2008 by Boss

[Token]

Ask the careers office?

I'm in the last stage of joining the RAF, an the careers office have been more than helpful with any questions. It is their job to know so just give them a call.

[Fishy]

Yeah, asking a forum in which 98% will have no idea about the armed forces isn't the best answer. Like Scopse said, get yourself down the careers office.

Edit: And how can you expect a forum to answer a question will be possibly affect you for the rest of your life... It's your decision not the forums.

Edited March 31, 2008 by Mr Fish

[Revolver]

Could you be a marine and then work your way up from there?

[The Stig]

I understand that not everyone is going to know about the armed forces, but it is more of a life factor really as people are older they would of sdone stuff they wish they had chosen a different route. I am asking for advice not a decision made for me i understand that in the end i will do what i wanna do but just would like to hear a few more points of view.

This is not a question that the carrer office can exactly answer i have been there already today (hence the test) and the bloke gave pros and cons on how to go about theings and i understand that just need sort of a life lesson, is education always the best route?? I know a few Marines and they don't regret ever not staying in at college. + i can always work to that level later on. ??

So advice rather than anything guys

Disasterboy* Yes i can

Edited March 31, 2008 by Boss

[Revolver]

Disasterboy* Yes i can

do that, then!

More experience, isn't it?

[The Stig]

Yeah i guess so and thats what i was thinking today as there is not alot of difference between officer and marine apart from pay really. But then the next question would be stick out college? Cus i reckon if i stuck out college i would give and officer a whack again for shits and gigles as i am now eligable to go ahead as a marine after a medical and PRMC.

[Token]

Okay personally I'd join as a Marine with the BTEC in public services, if your cut out to be an Officer, then you can apply for NCO after a few years.

[Fishy]

Yeah i guess so and thats what i was thinking today as there is not alot of difference between officer and marine apart from pay really. But then the next question would be stick out college? Cus i reckon if i stuck out college i would give and officer a whack again for shits and gigles as i am now eligable to go ahead as a marine after a medical and PRMC.

It's not just extra pay, it's the responsibility. The training you do is a lot harder and you have to do it in the same amount of time. You do more training after what the marines do. Get Biff's addy, he's training at the moment.

[Gavyn.]

There is a huge difference between officer and marine and if you don't no what the differences are then you shouldn't be trying to get in.

you've got to remember if you go in as an officer you aren't just looking after yourself your looking after 20+ men it's your fault if they get killed and your responsibility, it's a lot to carry on your shoulders and if you aren't tough enough for it then you'll be out, no questions asked. If you are then you'll go far as an officer but everyone will hate you.

[The Stig]

It's not just extra pay, it's the responsibility. The training you do is a lot harder and you have to do it in the same amount of time. You do more training after what the marines do. Get Biff's addy, he's training at the moment.

Right ok, i understand that this threadd may not look like that i do not know alot about the Marines but ok heres a lil bit of the difference between the officer and marine

Age: Marine is 16 and 9 months on the day of training starts up to the age of 33 Officer is 17 - 33

Education: Marine, no qualifaications needed officer: 5 A-C in GCSE's + 180 UCAS points from the previous month of 140

Training: Marine 32 week basic commando training after the PRMC officer same as Marine plus an additional Young officer course which brings us up to 52 weeks

I could bore you with alot more, this isn't just some kid and i know things can be mis understood over the internet but i completely understand the difference between a Marine and an officer, while the Commandos have finished there 4-6 mile run or w/e the officer steam on past to do an extra 2.

I have Biffs addy we have had a few chats thanks anyway

There is a huge difference between officer and marine and if you don't no what the differences are then you shouldn't be trying to get in.

you've got to remember if you go in as an officer you aren't just looking after yourself your looking after 20+ men it's your fault if they get killed and your responsibility, it's a lot to carry on your shoulders and if you aren't tough enough for it then you'll be out, no questions asked. If you are then you'll go far as an officer but everyone will hate you.

Right obviously YOU do not know much about the Royal Marines Go onto their website and check out their ethos (way of living) Officer are by far not hated (granted in some armed forces yes) but not in the Marines. And it isn't "if you're not tough enough" you get thrown out, you will be put back and given three chances to succeed where you failed..... They need troops so they will not throw people away, they want you to succeed.

So yeah any ADVICE on how to go about this?? I already know this ^^^^^

[Gavyn.]

yeah, you don't have to be tough to get in the marines. . you might think they're not hated but actually every marine apart from the odd suck up thinks they're wankers.

I would check out their ethos but I think I might have covered that when I stayed with them for 8 weeks while I was a cadet .

[The Stig]

Right ok so the reason there hated is because they go through the longest and hardest basic infantry training in the world and people are jealous that they are not them, as for officers being hated that is bollocks. And of course you have to be tough but it isn't like one strike and you out, no would get through if so. Anyway don't post this shit about "how tough they are" and "i know i was in the cadets" I don't care i was looking for some advice on what path to pursuit, i know pros and cons but i need some life advice like a few people have said to me i can always go for officer training afterwards so there is always that blaa blaa.

help? Not information.

[Fishy]

Lol, their website is obviously going to be bias towards the positives, saying the officers aren't hated etc etc. You can't really quote from the website on everything. I'm not going to get into an arguement, because I know I'm right and its your decision in the end.

Although you should already know what you want to do and not really need to post a poll? Thats not meant to be having a go at you, but if you don't know what you want to do then you really need to consider it.

EDIT: If I was in your position I would go for just the marines.

1) you're more likely to get in

2) i don't know if they would give you another chance at the test would they?

What did you fail at?

Edited March 31, 2008 by Mr Fish

[The Stig]

Lol, their website is obviously going to be bias towards the positives, saying the officers aren't hated etc etc. You can't really quote from the website on everything. I'm not going to get into an arguement, because I know I'm right and its your decision in the end.

Although you should already know what you want to do and not really need to post a poll? Thats not meant to be having a go at you, but if you don't know what you want to do then you really need to consider it.

That is the best post ever I understand and i know i have to consider it and it is my decision and TBF i don't care what the forum thinks i should do, i will do whats right for me, but i was wondering if anyone else had had any situation like this and regretted something or turned out alright??

know what i meaen

EDIT: Yes they would in exactly a years time but i would be pushed for that years entry

and i failed on numeracy as i ain't done any in about ohhh a year and a half :$

Edited March 31, 2008 by Boss

[Peperami]

Lol, you know what id do

Just go for grunt mate, can always go the non-comissioned route and not end up a rupert, or do your commission later down the line.

[heli_flyer]

Yo, unluck man!

Try again, you can apply again within 6 months, just cant go for the apptitude tests - well thats how it works in the RAF.

Stick at it, being an Officer would be much more rewarding and interesteing in my opinoion.

I applied for a commision in the RAF, past all the interviews and tests to be a pilot and was looking like I was going to be offered a place at IOT.........

THEN, today, got a letter in saying I have been declared "Permanetly Unfit". f**king gutted! RAF is the only thing I have wanted to do since a kid. Wasted 13 months and a whole lot of cash! Off to Uni next year then apply to the FAA in the Navy as they are a bit less stringent on medical standards.

Practice all the question in the test again an again - there are loads of sites and books out their full of practice questions!

Read the papers every day and take notes of all key events - great help when you go to AIB. Get involved in your community - they love that sort if thing! Any work you do now will be of great help if you apply again.

Anyways, good luck, dont give up and if you dont get it, join as a marine, gain some expericance.....then get your commision!!!

Again, good luck - with what ever you do!

Gordy!

PS. Scopes, what you going for in the RAF, how far in are you? Been to OASC? One piece of advice..... ask to see your Medical Attendance Report before your GP sends it. You can then appeal or comment on any issues it has! Good luck!

Edited March 31, 2008 by Sgianach

[Gavyn.]

Right ok so the reason there hated is because they go through the longest and hardest basic infantry training in the world and people are jealous that they are not them.

help? Not information.

Jelousy, your exactly right that is why they are hated. but it is difficult to work with a bunch of people who just think your a tosser, can you trust them to save your ass if you get in a bad situation? Can you trust them to listen to your every word and obey it, and if they don't what are the consequences, death?

The training is some of the best in the world, you have to be beyond tough for it, I watched a group of 10 big guys be reduced to tears in a matter of hours. you have to be prepared for it and even if you are they will still snap you like a twig. If you think you will just 'steam on past' you are very mistaken.

I guess what I'm trying to say is it's not about your decision or your qualifications it's about what your made of. it's about weather your the best, or better than the best, and if you have the slightest doubt then chances are you won't make it.

best of luck.

Gav

back on topic

[heli_flyer]

Jelousy, your exactly right that is why they are hated. but it is difficult to work with a bunch of people who just think your a tosser, can you trust them to save your ass if you get in a bad situation? Can you trust them to listen to your every word and obey it, and if they don't what are the consequences, death?

The training is some of the best in the world, you have to be beyond tough for it, I watched a group of 10 big guys be reduced to tears in a matter of hours. you have to be prepared for it and even if you are they will still snap you like a twig. If you think you will just 'steam on past' you are very mistaken.

I guess what I'm trying to say is it's not about your decision or your qualifications it's about what your made of. it's about weather your the best, or better than the best, and if you have the slightest doubt then chances are you won't make it.

best of luck.

Gav

back on topic

Officers are respected - it all comes down to being a team. The officer leads by example - first in last out and so on! The officer risks his life for the team, they risk theirs for the officer! Through basic training the chain of command is drilled into you, they change the way you think! Civi life and mil life are very different - in every way! Of course it all depends on the officer and how stuck up he is!

[The Stig]

Cheers Sgianach really cleared thing up although i knew it, strange when you listen to it differently aye. And Dan thats what i was thinking, i love being beasted so meh grunt may be the way forward.

I just have to think do i want to continue college

if i continue college i will go for officer after the course if i decide to stop i will go in as a grunt as Dan would say (need some beasting over the hills )

[Andy P]

I read most of this thread but not all of it so these points might have already been covered.

I used to be in the Marines when I was younger - joined as a Marine with the intention of becoming an Officer later (even though I had all the qualifications to go straight to officer)

The reason for this is the PRMC for an officer is muchos harder - getting through the standard test is too hard for most. Additionally as a standard recruit there is SO much to learn in a short space of time - again, even more so for an Officer.

Going in as a Marine and working up I felt was the best idea because you'll learn more progressively and if you're cut out to be an officer they'll know it before you do. During basic traning as a normal recruit you'll experiance what its like to be an officer from time to time when you get chosen to become "Duty booty" and have full control of your troop. If they cock up, you get the rap.

If they can see your a potential Officer, it won't matter about qualifications (to an extent).

Good luck.

Andy P

And before anyone asks, 17, a few months, medical discharge, shin splints, no.

[Peperami]

Cheers Sgianach really cleared thing up although i knew it, strange when you listen to it differently aye. And Dan thats what i was thinking, i love being beasted so meh grunt may be the way forward.

I just have to think do i want to continue college

if i continue college i will go for officer after the course if i decide to stop i will go in as a grunt as Dan would say (need some beasting over the hills )

Beasting you're gonna get mate, either way. Im free thursdays and sundays until new job kicks off, and then weekends after that, so let me know when you want to go out.

[The Stig]

Beasting you're gonna get mate, either way. Im free thursdays and sundays until new job kicks off, and then weekends after that, so let me know when you want to go out.

What about this sunday?? I could ride but need to start getting ready, i have thought and i might continue this year and get my distinctions (get all the merits and passes i have missed) then continue if it gets better or do as levels then maybe continue to a-levels dunno and then join up w/e i do either way i am going in and thanks for you comment Andy P really helped Thanks all

Tom

[trials rules]

Ive passed all the Marines selection tests and start proper training at lympstone on the 21st april so I have a fair bit of knowledge of the corps. The officers are respected, no doubt about it. The only officers that aren't respected are the useless ones as the men under their command feel un safe and hard done by.

Officers training is incredibly hard, if you think of the average pass rate of a troop of recruits is appox 10-15 out of 50, you can imagine what it's like in officer training.

To even get into officer training you have to pass the Potential Officers Course which is a 3 or 4 day course at Lympstone then theres the admirality interview board. A lad i know passed the POC apart from the interview board so it shows you dont just have to be fit and determined.

Ive been put off now by watching Ali G so if i remember what else i was going to say i'll edit later!

[Peperami]

What about this sunday?? I could ride but need to start getting ready, i have thought and i might continue this year and get my distinctions (get all the merits and passes i have missed) then continue if it gets better or do as levels then maybe continue to a-levels dunno and then join up w/e i do either way i am going in and thanks for you comment Andy P really helped Thanks all

Tom

Cant do this sunday mate, hampshire. You should come to that! Next time you're on msn will sort out a daily training outline for you to hit on upper body shizzle, yea?