Officer training after university

[Aslockton]

DD has just finished university. She always thought she might go into teaching, then out of the blue has applied for officer training with the Royal Navy.

She has passed all the tests and interviews and it looks like she might make the September intake.

Does anyone have any insight, reassurance how a career in the military has panned out for them/their child?

Why does she want to join the navy? Which part of the sales pitch caught her? What's her exit plan for afterwards?

Is she aware of the incidence of sexual assault?

I have nothing positive to say about the military, only very damaged traumatised relatives. I don't think lying about that fact would be helpful.

Not navy but I have female friends in the army who generally speaking have had a very positive experience. Financially it’s been great for them as retired in their 40s, now getting a decent pension alongside a salary for new jobs! However juggling kids through the whole thing has been tough. I know others who did officer training and stayed for a few years then left in their mid 20s.

Obviously it’s not for everyone.

Navy is seen by them as being “the easier option”. Not sure at all if that’s true.

Well done to your daughter. You should be very proud of her.

I have nothing positive to say about the military, only very damaged traumatised relatives. I don't think lying about that fact would be helpful.

Fair enough, yes there are military who suffer from trauma, and I've also known some, many of whom I support through charity work, however there are equally plenty of traumatised people in civilian life for that matter) however working with the military as I do on a daily basis, there's no need to write off the careers of an entire military.

Many military personnel, especially women, are inspiring leaders with enviable skills and expertise. They can have a long, fruitful and rewarding career. Getting to Commissioned Officer ranks is a massive achievement, and having more women in leadership roles in the military is a great thing.

well done your DD, @Aslockton If she has been accepted that must mean it's something she has a passion for. She will get lots of ongoing training and development including leadership and people management, which will ultimately prepare her for either military or civilian life wherever she decides to take it.

Captain Sarah Oakley is currently in command at the Britannia Naval College - she is a fantastic role model for any young women looking for a career within the Royal Navy. There have been massive changes within the military in recent years and career progression for women has increased massively. If Sarah is still in command when your daughter arrives at Dartmouth she will be fortunate indeed to have a strong female officer who has dedicated her life to service of her country.

however there are equally plenty of traumatised people in civilian life for that matter

Not who have been traumatised and damaged directly by their employer. What a disingenuous remark. If you join the civil service you are not "equally" likely to end up traumatised as a direct result of your working life as someone joining the armed forces.

How many civilian employers turn out a conveyor belt of damaged traumatised people just from doing "business as usual"?

How many employers require specialist charities to provide treatment and support to the survivors of that organisation? Not just for what happens in conflict but for what happens day to day in the organisation?

The high rates of PTSD, substance misuse issues, homelessness, etc etc are specific to the employer under discussion on this thread.

Just because some survive unscathed, that won't be much comfort if the op's daughter is among the numerous cohort whose lives (and the lives of their family and loved ones) are damaged or destroyed by the armed forces.

Or if we are talking about the damage this organisation inflicts that is specific to women:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63770307

@Aslockton Congratulations to your daughter.

How long will she be commissioned for? It isn't for everyone but definitely a good career even if a short stint.

DD will probably sign up for 12 years. She is looking at becoming a logistics officer.

She has just graduated from a top uni with a first and the world is her oyster. She does not want a desk job and loves being active. She loves triathlon, marathon running etc and is very organised and loves structure. Humanitarian work with the RAF would have been her first choice but she can not do press-ups which is a fitness requirement!

I think she will soon know if the Navy is not for her.

You are personally benefitting from our fantastic Armed Forces just as we all are, on account of them keeping our country secure and safe. So I wouldn't be quite so eager to slag off Defence if I were you, because if we didn't have those brave men and women, we'd be up shit creek without a paddle. You're being incredibly naive.

and it's not the right thread for you to grind your axe against the Military when the OP 's DD has been accepted into the Navy, which is a tremendous achievement.

Can she not learn how to do the press ups for the RAF if that is her first choice. If she is a decent level of triathlon/marathon running there will certainly be opportunities for that in military.