Do you have to be upper or upper-middle class to be an officer in the British Army?
Working class from Glasgow here wondering if my application would be thrown out.
>>29533720
No, you just have to have talent.
>>29533720
It's the 21st century, all you need is a degree and then you can go to sandhurst.
Alternatively you can just join as a squaddie, make yourself shine and then request to be put into an officer training program
>>29533720
>having to slap the back of the charging handle to get it into battery
Even though HK tried to fix it, the L85 is still just the L85.
>>29533750
Warning: Incoming bongs.
>>29533729
You mean leadership ability? How do they find out if you have that though, look at your life accomplishments?
>>29533720
Nope
Plenty of working class lads are officers
>>29533737
Can actually go to Sandhurst without a degree or millitary experience, it will take you longer to reach captain that way however
>>29533791
You go through a number of tests and interviews
>>29533809
It's okay to like things that are terrible as long as you can acknowledge the fact that they're terrible.
Some of my favorite weapons and military related things were shit prototypes that were canned for good reason. I love them, but I can see why they were scrapped.
The L85 should've been thrown in the garbage 20 years ago.
>>29533750
This comment is fair and only fair if we're talking about A1, not A2.
I can't believe people want to carry on this shit after the last thread.
>>29533814
Indeed. The wuality of the L75 isn't the same as the quality of the EM1 and EM2. Another reason why it has trouble feeding is that the rifle was designed to fire 4.85x49. Expandin the gas port for 5.56 drastically decreased its rate of fire, and promoted more stoppages like double feeds.
>>29533720
>Do you have to be upper or upper-middle class to be an officer in the British Army?
No. Scoring above averagely in tests (stanine 6, 7, 8 or 9, depending on what career you're looking for - artillery requires more smarts than infantry, for example), not being an asocial aspie and possessing adequate physical stamina should qualify you for an officer program.
>>29533828
This exactly, people just baiting.
Mind you, the A1 was a huge pile of shit xD
>Pic not related
>>29533720
I'm pretty sure officers without degrees get paid half as much, bear that in mind. I think it was on arrsepedia somewhere. Ask at your afco.
> Workingclass
Oi as fuck m8
People will say you just need a degree or you can be an NCO and apply. But it's not true. All successful British officers are from the aristocracy and it will be that way for a long time. Their mess fees are almost as much as their salary and the boys network is critical to promotion and positions
>>29533886
>not being an asocial aspie
Well that's me fucked
>>29534103
jeje
How did you think you could lead a group of lads with being a aspie?
Being an officer is good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ3_o7F7mqY
>>29534111
Jesus christ I'm dying
>>29534022
That's rubbish. It takes longer to reach captain, that's the only difference
>>29534079
This is bollocks, I know people who are officers without degrees. Also the aristocracy has never made up the majority of the officer class forore than 100 years.
Extortionate mess fees apply if you want to join the Household Cavalry or a Guards unit. That's where aristocratic officers live.
>>29534111
This is almost how I picture a ration pack for a British officer.
>>29534110
I don't actually have aspergers I'm just a social retard
>>29534374
Which is exactly the opposite of what they want in an Officer, how do you think you will cope giving a speech to hundreds of people?
>>29534374
As someone who was going through the process before being medically barred:
Work on social skills. The army is looking for leaders, if you don't have basic socialisation skills how are you going to be able to direct soldiers in the field, deliver orders, manage their day to day lives etc?
The army doesn't give a toss about class, but make sure you have decent manners, an attention to detail and good self presentation.
A dirty scouser who can lead well will always do better than an Oxbridge and Eton graduate who falls apart when he stammers and freezes when has to deliver an O group.
>>29534111
Top kek.
>>29533729
So incredibly wrong.
>>29534390
>>29534421
I'm already working on my social skills by talking to people more, maybe I should join a public speaking clad or something.
>>29534022
Used to be the case but not now
OP I'm actually an officer (well, I finish Sandhurst in 1 week - excited!). I'm around for 10 minutes before I have to go and march up and down the square for a bit but will be back this evening.
>>29534079
THis isn't strictly true...although there are a few posh brats here that get into the regiments they want through their connections. The regimental selection system is pretty shit, we suspect a lot of backroom deals go on between regiments and a lot of competent people get fucked over sometimes. But if you're any good, you will generally have your pick of regiment.
>>29534629
Doing sports activity work would be good.
Like being an instructor or having to work in a teaching role (volunteering to help old people with IT).
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/volunteer-jobs?isadvancedsearch=true
Couple of hours a month or week could go a long way with social skills.
>>29534668
I didn't realise that Sandhurst allowed access to 4chan.
>>29533720
I know for a fact that several of the NCOs there in charge of training are working class and Glaswegian and hate the posh twats more than you do. Not saying they will go easy on you but I'm sure if you made it past the application stage they would want to see you do well.
What's the difference between Royal Marines officers and regular army officers? Apart from the fact one leads Marines and trains at Lympstone not Sandhurst.
>>29535441
Not much difference except for the fact as a RM Officer you will have tougher fitness standards than the men.
>>29535441
>>29535506
And you have to have a weird thing for being naked in situations when normal people are clothed.
>>29533814
>>29533846
A1/=a2
>>29535600
A2=still a pos L85. Get over it britbong, your gun sucks.
>>29534421
What happened that you were medically barred fella? I'd have thought they would do a full medical before you even start training.
>>29535698
I suppose the orginal M16 is the exact same as the A1. None of the original issues were ever addressed, were they?
>>29535746
The XM16E1 never needed spare firing pins. The M16 family was more dependable than any L85 offered. The current L85 can't even be fired left handed. How was that not addressed at the experimental phase? Every other mass adopted bullpup firearm got that right.
>>29533750
You don't have to, it goes into battery by itself, but their doctrine has them forward assist regardless. If you look closely, the guy on the background does not forward assist, he only closes the dust cover.
Also keep in mind that if the spring wasn't strong enough to return the bolt into battery when charging, they'd have to assist it forward after every single shot.
>>29534668
Not OP but I've sent my application in as well.
Have you got any advice/tips on passing the briefing/AOSB?
>>29535796
>The current L85 can't even be fired left handed.
Yes it can.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7XTXdLf3_o
>>29535796
Bear in mind that the L85 was in development from the late 40s whereas weapons like the AUG and the Tavor were designed much more recently.
As well as this the L85 is primarily constructed of steel while the AUG and Tavor were designed in periods where polymer weapons became a thing.
Everyone in the British army is taught to shoot right handed in any case, I'm fairly sure that's been the way since bolt action days
>>29535879
Thats some shitty improvised method compared to good bullpups that simply have a selectable ejection port or the Type 97 that arcs rounds away from the shooter.
>>29535905
Thats pretty retarded as forcing left handed shooters to fire right handed is less effective than just letting them shoot dominant handed. There is a reason 1st world military trains like that.
>>29535955
* no first world military
If I join as an officer how long will it take me to go from officer cadet to Captain?
I want to be on that 40k/year time.
>>29535905
The FAMAS was deployed around the same time as the L85 and has a swappable ejection port. Also the L85 replaced the L1A1 that was left/right handed friendly. Chalk it up to being a terrible oversight.
>>29534685
I'm in my room right now on 4chan, why would it not? You can access porn and everything that normal internet users can.
Bearing in mind I'm using wifinity, not the RMAS DBI - which does indeed block porn and 4chan. It's worth the £20/month
>>29535811
Be yourself - really. Be confident, and back yourself. By "back yourself" I mean that when you say or suggest something, say it with confidence and believe it to be right, don't just mumble it non-committally or back down as soon as someone questions it. That's probably the best piece of advice.
The second is relax - just relax, don't stress out.
The third is BE PHYSICALLY FIT. Look at the requirements and make sure you can exceed them significantly.
Good luck. It doesn't end after AOSB, at RMAS and throughout the Army you are always being assessed. But I still can't fucking wait to get out of RMAS in a week's time...
>>29536008
>If I join as an officer how long will it take me to go from officer cadet to Captain?
Depends on you, if you have not got it within 5 years you have fucked up.
>>29533720
Nothing to do with class
You just have to pass the several interviews, medicals, and selection boards
>>29535506
As any officer you have harder fitness standards
See: 10:30 2.4km over 12:45 for regular infantry
>>29535698
1. I'm American
2. >>29535746
3. You're a fucking dumbass.
>>29536134
How much "operating" do you get to do as an officer cadet at Sandhurst? Any cool exercises abroad?
>>29536294
5 years? Someone once told me an enlisted takes 10 to make sergeant.
>>29536448
I guess this question was inevitable
>>29536448
Just got back from exercise in Bavaria, Germany actually. We flew on chinooks, assaulted towns with armoured support, did night attacks and lots of CQB. You do a fair bit of "operating" obviously since you're training to be a soldier. They hammer the concept of "soldier first" into you all the time (i.e. you are a soldier first, before whatever else you are)
>>29533720
Cavalry officers tend to all be posh. But it's certainly not the case in other corps
>>29536470
>5 years? Someone once told me an enlisted takes 10 to make sergeant.
Often it does, but the question being asked was Officer Cadet to Captain not new recruit to Senior NCO.
>>29536134
I'm>>29535811
Cheers for the advice man, physical should be a breeze, already hitting Para standards for runs and 80 odd on situps and press ups.
Are there any particular exercises or tasks they gave you which you found difficult/hadn't prepared for?
Good luck with the sovereign's parade at the end mate.
>>29537529
Thanks. It's been a year and I still can't fucking bull boots. Gonna get bagged tomorrow.
Most exercises are difficult in their own way. Templer's Triumph (FKA Broadsword) is fucking awesome at the same time as being difficult. Dynamic Victory is fucking long, but awesome because we flew around in Chinooks, Pedros (US medevac helis), did some awesome operating, and assaulted a town with tank support at the end. But the tabbing was quite hard (especially when I was platoon sergeant).
Allenby's Advance is the worst exercise at Sandhurst. A week in Brecon - you will get wet, very wet, and cold, and tired. You will spend the whole week in a shitty shellscrape. You will not sleep. You will have a horrible command appointment and spend the night writing orders and then delivering them to the platoon in a "lightproof shelter" while the rain hammers down, the only thing people can think about is how much they don't want to be there, everyone is sodden and frozen, your TAM and notes are dripping wet, and somehow you've got to convince them to do this shitty night attack or ambush. The best bit? Knowing that even though you're soaked and freezing, when you get back from the op you're going to stay soaked and freezing and squeeze yourself into a sleeping bag in a cramped shellscrape, uncomfortable and aching next to your buddy, and every time you hear footsteps approaching your heart rate increases as you hope, desperately, that it isn't someone coming to tell you you're on stag (sentry) or giving you some shit tasking like building a model pit or clearing the track plan. You never really sleep, it seems.
So yeah, that's what it's like on most exercises. Allenby's is the worst though, like I said!
Nobody really enjoys these exercises. It's nothing like training when you're with the field army - RMAS tests your leadership by wearing you down, physically and mentally, and the DS freely admit to this.
>>29537647
Well, shit. Alright then, nothing I can really do will help prepare for that apart from probably getting hypothermia...
Thanks for the insight mate, it sounds like a laugh and a bit of character building at the end of the day. Any particular regiment you're going for?
>>29537718
I've already done RSB - I'm going to the Royal Artillery.
Yeah nothing you can do to prepare for the exercises except make sure you're fit and robust, because that does help. Beyond that you just grizz it out. Climatic injuries are obviously common in the Army (more common than in the civilian world that is)
>>29537753
Will do guv. I love to see there's fellow Bongs who Army on /k/.
Best of luck mate, you've been a massive help.
>>29535713
Probs got injured during training or had something arise as a result. It happens.
>>29533720
that karate chop
>>29537319
>Just got back from exercise in Bavaria
Cuck got his ass smashed by 1-4 Inf.
>>29536389
Call of duty player then, list the benefits the L85 over it's competitors.
>>29537647
Do Royal Marines officers do all this too? Including the exercise in Germany.
>>29539706
not him but accuracy
>>29539706
>accurate
>faster round
>shorter
>well balanced
>upotte portrayal is cute
>>29540281
>>29541766
M16A2 has longer max efective range.
>>29537647
somebody mentioned mess fees earlier. i'm a USAF officer, and i have no idea what that is. could you explain for me?
>>29533729
Talent at sucking dick or flaunting large amounts of money maybe.
>>29541952
Paying for living accommodation and upkeep I believe
>>29543731
Yeah. They are optional but would leave you cut off from the social group of you didn't join in
>>29544302
huh. all i pay for socially is some "entertainment" and snack bar fees. it's like $30/month
>>29533720
One of my student friends in Glasgow joined Officer Training Corps and I went there once on an open day (near Byres Road, I think, it is a while ago).
Let's just say that Gorbals, Anniesland, Castlemilk et al were not that well represented. This being appearances you might consider moving your pattern towards Milngavie.
>>29535713
I passed my medical, AOSB(B) and Main Board, but I snapped my ACL playing rugby just before my Pre commissioning course briefing, and that now grades me as permanently unsuitable for military service.
Sucks enormous dicks because it's all I've ever wanted to do and now I don't know what to do with my life.
>>29544571
How recently was this? Did that put you off joining?
>>29544748
More than 20 years ago. Yes, I am older than most in here.
Being a foreigner I had no interest in joining (nor could I, legally). Having completed my national service I had some interest in what the British system was like.
>>29544942
Ha fair enough, its not so bad today. Could be better but there is at least enough working class Glaswegians to let the posh ones know it.
Could someone explain the concept of of mess fees that were mentioned earlier?
>>29544998
>there is at least enough working class Glaswegians to let the posh ones know it.
My friend, hasn't that always been the case?
At the university I met people from all walks of life and quickly learned that the class system in the UK is rather different from what I knew from home and also very much felt.
I was tolf the entire Glasgow chamber of commerce volunteered for WWI. None made it home alive. For that reason many Scots refuse still to donate to the Poppy fund since it is in the name of Gen. Haig. I am not sure how this affects the relationship between Scots at large and the armed services.
Another thing I found noticeable was all the recruiting offices in the rougher parts of Glasgow - quite a few in other words.
>>29545165
>Could someone explain the concept of of mess fees that were mentioned earlier?
Everyone is a member of a mess, JNCO's, SNCO's or Officers and are required to pay a subscription for the cost of supplies, service and social events. For most people this does not cost much at all but the Guards and Household Cavalry like to go over the top hence huge fees, for this reason most people joining such Regiments as an Officer is usually independently wealthy.
>>29541784
and you can buy sugar free coke at the store. oh look at that, a comment with absolutely zero relevance to the previous comment
>>29533720
You don't need to be upper class to become an officer. You just need to meet the requirement laid out on the website. When I was at selection last week (bloody medical bollocks had to be redone) I met two potential officers and they were radically different. One was from the shittiest part of Glasgow (Gorbals) and the other somewhere down south of England.
Overall though from what was said to me from the final interviewer and the two potential officers was that recruiting (because of the awful ad campaign recently) was at an all time low for the Army. And by extent you could assume Officer recruitment is dramatically lower as well. You have a shoe on just from that alone. Get stuck in with studying your job choice and demonstrate that you know how the Army works. Like other combat arms to support arms.
>>29545255
I just mean the more silver spooned members of the corps quickly get it yanked out their mouth and up their arse if they're not careful. I think Glasgow's larger relationship with the military is more complex. The sectarian divide means there is an awful lot of people hostile to the Army and during WWI there was massive resistance to conscription. But its fair to say there is no shortage of Glaswegians in the Army.
>>29545289
Yeah but why would you want to?
>>29545372
Not sure but have a feeling someone said that infantry officers are the one thing there is no shortage of.
>>29545273
like how much per month for those regiments?
>>29541784
And is significantly longer, easier to break, and less accurate.
>>29539659
18+ to post on this website, champ
>>29546497
1-4 Infantry trains the Sandhurst cadets every year. It's not that cool.
>>29547892
Being trained makes them cucks?
>>29548411
Getting fucked up every year makes them cucks.
>>29534111
I believed it for about half the video
What's pay like?
>>29533720
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchase_of_commissions_in_the_British_Army
Sure, but remember you have to pay extra to become an officer in a top tier unit
>>29552490
>until abolished on 1 November 1871
>>29533720
Why is that twink allowed in the military?
>>29552533
Butt sex and cum dump because Limeys think girls are "icky"
>>29533720
>$14 hard knuckle gloves
It's the same skillset as a highschool teacher OP. They don't ship in members of the aristocracy to be teachers in Scotland.
You just have to be a good speaker and have an air of authority. Middle class people tend to have more self-confidence and are a bit more up their own arse which means they talk like they're important which commands attention.
You won't pass if you come across as a monosyllabic chav because you have to sound like you are self-aware and creative enough to adapt to fast changing situations. You can't just rotelearn stuff like a zombie you need talent.
