If DS cant be an Army Officer what can he be?

[LoyaltyBonus]

This is DS1's dream, has been for a really long time. He's not very academic and had to work really hard to meet the entry requirements for Sandhurst (3 Ds at Alevel) but his way with people and his ability to lead is amazing. I dont know where be gets it from, DH and I are quite shy but DS has this amazing quiet confidence that he can achieve anything, whilst not being at all over confident iyswim. He can convince others they can do anything too. He was the most senior cadet in the county when be finished ACF and all the adults and cadets he worked with have tremendous respect for him, something that never happened for him at school, he always seemed to struggle there.

Anyway he's failed the medical for the Army, on something very minor but that's that. His plan B if he didn't make it to Sandhurst was always to join as a regular soldier, so life now needs a complete rethink.

Any suggestions? So far he has Police Officer, any other ideas of things for him to pursue

This thread reminded me of Good morning Vietnam... "I'm in artillery. Play anything, but just play it loud!"

Royal Fleet Auxillary officer? They run the supply ships for the Royal Navy.

Glad you mentioned that @BingoLittlesUncle. I saw that mentioned once on another thread and thought it looked a fantastic career. Wish I'd seen it as a teen.

Military police?

Also asking.
I have similar. Ds1 wants to get into the marines, which is the most difficult to get into fitness wise.

He had a diagnosis of autism, which was disputed. Apparently this prevents him getting into the forces.

He is totally gutted.

I’d suggest he gets over the bee in his bonnet and try the RAF. Plenty of interesting support roles and he never knows where it will take him. Intelligence, logistics, IT just to name a few. Providing he gets through the medical of course.

@LoyaltyBonus he needs to appeal the Capita decision (they're nicknamed crapita for a reason) and get his CoC at cadets involved to help with his appeal.

I don't know where abouts in the UK you are but if he'd like to have a chat with some RAF personnel, drop me a DM and I'll put you in touch with some in your neck of the woods. We really aren't posh, just normal people from all backgrounds.

The police or GCHQ / MI6 might be the natural next step for him.

@LoyaltyBonus just seen your comment about not being posh enough for the RAF. My DP’s dad is relatively senior in the RAF, and isn’t posh at all. He joined the ranks & then shot up through officer ranks after a few years. Your DS should def look more into it :)

I was going to suggest the Royal Fleet Auxiliary too. Lots of opportunities and training, good possibility he could becomes an officer too. The police dont really take 18 year olds - they tend to look for some life experience.

Also, I think failing a medical for one section of the armed forces may bar you from applying for another, for a while anyway. He may have to check that out.

My son got into the army as household cavalry but when he went on first day he had a perforated eardrum and was sent home the next day. Devastated. Two years later he joined the RAF as intelligence analyst and is living his best life.

The RAF is not that posh! I was due to join as an officer but had my child. I grew up in a council house and my accent is proper common
Tell him to apply. They get much better accommodation than the Army lol

What about working for The Duke of Edinburgh scheme inspiring and leading young people?

DS is already in Army, trying to get into Sandhurst, he reckons everyone looks down on other branches & certainly he would look down on RAF. After reading this thread I will pester him to wear ear defenders dutifully!

Gosh, even the Merchant Navy has hearing test threshold.

I know you'll laugh... but if your lad has a good way with people, he'd do well in many management positions. The CO of our local cadets works in a supermarket: managing people, customers, logistics, suppliers, corporate...

Does your police force do apprenticeships? They're degree level but says a level 3 qualification or equivalent work experience may be considered for entry. Wouldn't say prison officer at all, low pay for high risk of assaults/other demeaning and degrading treatment ie. having piss thrown over you.

www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/Learning/Policing-Education-Qualifications-Framework/Entry-routes-for-police-constables/Police-Constable-Degree-Apprenticeship/Pages/police-constable-degree-apprenticeship.aspx

The police offers so many different kinds of roles : forensics, detection, dog squad, counter terrorism etc. He could have a really interesting career which would use his skills.

I refused to marry a man who was in the army so dh changed careers to become a police specialist. He is also a detachment commander and adjutant for the Army Cadets and gets to teach/inspire the ACF instead.

If he was a great cadet, they'd bite off his arm if he came back as an adult instructor in his spare time.

Capita are a nightmare. We are losing so many potential officers across all the services due to ridiculous medical non-issues! Has he tried the Reserves? Lots of the Reserves are FTRS (full time reserve service). If he goes to university he could try the UOTC or the URNU as a way in

I also agree about being a Cadet Adult Instructor. We are desperate for them

RAF is most definitely not posh! I know a number of officers in both services and you’re much more likely to encounter certain ‘types’ in the Army than the RAF. Is the hearing loss definitely permanent? A cold or ear wax or just poor concentration at the time can cause you to fail a hearing test.

I would recommend he takes a look at Royal Fleet Auxiliary or Merchant Navy. I have a close relative who served in the prison service and I most definitely would not like to see an 18 year old do that. It’s dangerously undermanned and rife with bullying.

I believe that you can instruct in the cadets with hearing loss, so that may be an option that scratches the military itch for him.

What appealed to him about the military? Does he enjoy fitness? Would he consider a career as a personal trainer or sports therapist?

I’m from a military family myself (dad was army, as was his dad, his brother was navy for a while, other side have people who’ve served in all branches, the raf ones DEFINITELY not posh or particularly clever!)

Honestly he’s being a bit silly with the inverse snobbery towards the raf - beggars can’t be choosers and all that.

That said another option I would suggest is civil service working in the MOD, there are jobs all over the country on military bases where civilian support is crucial, he could also work his way up this way and transfer across to intelligence work if he’s interested in that, it’s quite normal to do that.

Emergency services also an option, my brother couldn’t join up due to less than perfect eyesight he’s now a police officer and loves it.

Probation service are always needing people too.

I also have a friend who is ex military and now works as a border control/customs officer and loves it.

I'd agressively appeal the hearing test.

My husband re-joined as an adult and, as far as I can tell, doesn't hear a word I say.

(But seriously, appeal. The army is inconsistent, a different doctor on a different day and he'd be in.)

Merchant Navy. Both me and DH are in and it’s been a brill career. Choice of companies to take on cadets, choice of type of ship to work on, or do agency work and work on lots of different ships. Meet friends for life. It’s a small world in the merch. That’s where I met DH. I’m now out as we have DD (1) but I would do it all over again if I was 18 again. If he goes deep sea it’s a chance to see the world. If he stays UK it’s decent money. Win win.

I'd definitely look into the hearing loss issue again. It could be for a temporary or reversible reason (infection, wax etc) so it's worth following up.