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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Army Foundation College

65 replies

GnomeDePlume · 20/04/2014 15:15

DS wants to join the Army as a junior soldier. He wants to join REME.

Does anyone have experience of the application process please? How competitive is it? How long is the process?

All thoughts or experiences gratefully received.

OP posts:
Jaylou2703 · 05/02/2015 23:06

I wish I'd seen this post before now, my daughter is in the process of doing the public services course, they have been great at college, they know she's leaving and they have accelerated her thru the course. I would have looked into a bursary had I known. Very useful bit if information .

triplets · 06/02/2015 15:59

Hi just spent over an hour trying to get through to Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit to let them know Thomas is leaving 6th form college and joining Harrogate. As he will be getting paid I am assuming both payments will stop. A friend today said possibly not as he is going to a foundation college and furthering his education. Does anyone know? Thanks.

Jaylou2703 · 06/02/2015 21:48

Hi triplets, just looked at the site again and can see now that it has been updated and now shows the March intake. I can't see how to download that new form either.

Jaylou2703 · 06/02/2015 22:24

Back again, now I have managed to print it, keep trying triplets.

triplets · 06/02/2015 22:41

The photo consent form? Will go investigate! xx

Jaylou2703 · 06/02/2015 22:55

Hi triplets, yes the photo consent form, managed to print it. Btw have you found any term dates ?

triplets · 06/02/2015 23:20

No I haven`t but been chatting to another Mum on FB and she says its the same as our schools/colleges.

triplets · 06/02/2015 23:28

here did you find the link for the form Jaylou, I went into pre arrival info, downloaded it it comes up and under the heading said Annex then Photo Consent form but nohing to click on.........am I being dumb?

Jaylou2703 · 06/02/2015 23:33

I clicked on the link and it brought up a new page n my iPad then printed.

Jaylou2703 · 06/02/2015 23:33

And there was me hoping to get a family holiday outside of school terms this year.

triplets · 08/02/2015 07:37

Hi managed to download the form, another thing done! Keep reading on diff threads what they should and shouldn't take. Good advice form a js already there is Compeed foot plasters, he reckons they will thank you for packing it and foot powder! Are you packing chocolate? I hear its hard to come buy and a great morale booster! 5 weeks today...........agghh! We are having trouble with train times coming up, our only train us to the station a 14.35pm, I know the Army are putting on transport to the college from there but it mean we will be arriving last. Do you have far to go Jaylou?

triplets · 08/02/2015 07:39

Yes we are longing for the ay when we can book a cheaper holiday, we love Center Parcs and it is so unfair when half term is £1299 for 4 nights then drops to £399 a week later! We still have the other two in college so we have a long time yet!

Jaylou2703 · 08/02/2015 11:02

Hi triplets, I have thought of the feet, definitely getting something together for that. We are going from Hertfordshire near Watford, a long drive but we're staying for the weekend.

triplets · 08/02/2015 14:10

We are staying at the Old Swan got a good deal, £99 + b/fast/ eve meal and bottle of Prosecco for 2! Still looking for dark green towels!

lljkk · 08/02/2015 14:45

Oh dear, can anyone give me a dummy's guide to all these 6th forms or training centres, and so on? Like I thought Welbeck was only for engineering types, but someone upthread said it was anyone interested in officer training in any branch.

DS's dream is to be a helicopter pilot in the military, he will focus better if he knows how to go down that path.

Original poster
GnomeDePlume · 11/02/2015 22:14

Here's my duffer's guide:

Army Foundation College Harrogate is for Junior Entry soldiers. Soldiers joining this way will do basic training then go on to their trade training. For those joining infantry regiments I think they do their basic & trade training at Harrogate. Those joining technical regiments do their basic training at Harrogate (24 week course) then go onto their regiments for their trade training. Depending on the trade the trade training can last years.

Soldiers at AFC Harrogate are paid. I think it nets out at something like £1000/month.

Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is where army officers are trained. The course is 44 weeks long and is incredibly tough. Cadets at Sandhurst are paid (£25000/year while in training)

Welbeck is a 6th form college. It is for students aiming for engineering careers in the forces or MOD. Entry is competitive and there is a sliding scale for fees.

I hope that helps a bit!

OP posts:
Original poster
GnomeDePlume · 12/02/2015 08:09

Here are some links as well:

AFC Harrogate

RMA Sandhurst

Welbeck 6th Form College

Is your son in cadets at the moment? My DS is in Army cadets and my DD is in Air cadets. All the cadet organisations are great for getting them used to the military atmosphere.

OP posts:
charliemaine1bee · 22/02/2015 20:11

Hi
Can anyone help.My son 16 has applied and says he's been accepted all without my knowing before today.He said his estranged dad is going to sign it as he knows I wont.he was under camhs until last few months and I believe he's lied about his medical history.
Can his dad who has no parental responsibility ( and who has not been part of his day to day life) actually enroll him without my signature.

ragged · 22/02/2015 21:34

Thanks Gnome, I somehow missed those replies earlier.

bexter72 · 01/03/2015 23:18

Hi everyone, really new to this, actually found this site tonight.
(not sure what DS means sos)
My son is 16 and is off to Harrogate on Sunday (8th March) Its very surreal and emotional, yet i am keeping my emotions to myself as wouldn't want him seeing me upset.....i'm dreading it but also so proud as I know this is what he wants to do. he wants to become a chef through the Army.
i'm a bit concerned as we have had the confirmation email with training date etc, but our GP didnt sent paperwork off until 10 days ago, so haven't had official letter through or train/travel details through. We are planning for the 8th but not sure what will happen if we don't hear by at least Tuesday. Anyone else had similar worries and/or their son/daughter off on 8th?

Bonnie2015 · 02/03/2015 15:53

Hi there. Im totally new to mumsnet so this is my first post. My son is joining Harrogate Afc in the March 2015 intake. Would love to talk to others who are in the same position with either their son or daughter joining up too.Smile

Bonnie2015 · 02/03/2015 16:00

Hi Bexter72. I see from your post your son is joining the March intake for Harrogate Afc. My son is too, although a different date from your son. My son is really looking forward to it and I'm so pleased for him. Hope all goes well for your son.

Original poster
GnomeDePlume · 02/03/2015 17:51

DS is now waiting for feedback from his Insight course to find out his next steps. He is aiming for September entry. Hopefully DS has got through so next thing will be pre-selection but at the moment he is on tenterhooks to find out what the feedback was.

OP posts:
Original poster
GnomeDePlume · 04/03/2015 20:09

DS's application has been deferred for 6 months. I suspect the problem is that his stand back attitude has caught him out.

He has had a firm shouting at talking to about his general attitude. On reflection he is wondering whether to apply to the RAF, not as a second best but wondering if the ethos may suit him better.

Hey ho.

OP posts:
bexter72 · 10/03/2015 17:39

Hi Bonnie2015, dropped my son off on Sunday! Wow what an emotional day! He rang me last night, which was lovely, and said he's had the head shaved! However is off paintballing on weekend!
Good luck to your son!