How To Start A Career In The Armed Forces

Once you’ve gained your qualifications and left school, college or university, it will be time to start looking at different career options. Unless you want to work in unsuitable roles for the rest of your life, it will be wise to think long and hard about the perfect job. Are you an active person? Do you prefer working in an office environment? Those are the type of questions you’ll need to answer. The most-important thing to remember is that you don’t want to rush into anything until you’re 100% certain you’re making the right move.

With that in mind, today we’re going to look at how you become involved with the armed forces. The military could provide you with a stable career and a reliable wage for the rest of your life, especially if you work your way up the ladder. Of course, there are some pretty strict rules in the armed forces, and breaking them could land you in a lot of trouble. If you want to avoid employing the services of military law solicitors, it will be wise to comply with regulations at all times.

Does that sound interesting? Then read on…

Selecting your armed force

In the UK, you have a choice between joining the army, navy, RAF or marines. Which you choose will depend heavily on your interests and what you hope to get out of the experience. If you like working with your hands, the army or marines could be suitable. However, if you prefer to use your head, perhaps you should consider the navy or RAF. Nobody can tell you which path you should take. It is completely down to you to decide. In the US, the situation is much the same. However, there are far more vacancies for military personnel, meaning you stand a better chance of getting the role you desire.

Basic training

How long your basic training lasts depends on which armed force you’ve chosen to enter. If you pick the army, your basic training will last for around 26 weeks. This training will be broken down into four phases. If you choose to enter any of the other forces, your training will be longer. How long it is will be decided why which role you wish to fill.

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Selecting your role

Now your basic training has been completed, you’ll need to select the role you feel would be most suitable. Your armed force of choice will then teach you everything you need to know. They will put you through examinations and help you to gain qualifications. Obviously, it doesn’t take as long to become an infantry soldier in the army as it would to become a pilot in the RAF or US Air Force.

Going on your first tour

With so many wars going on all over the world at the moment, the chances of you staying in the UK or US are pretty slim. Considering that, the chances are that you will be sent on your first tour as soon as you’re qualified. At the moment, that could mean going over to Iraq or Afghanistan to help local military keep the peace. That is obviously going to be a dangerous time, but it will give you lots of experiences. On top of that, your wages will increase significantly while you’re away.

So, now you know a little more about starting a career in the armed forces, we hope you’ll seriously consider this employment solution. You never know, it could change your life forever. Whatever you decide to do, please bear in mind that working for the military is a 24/7 job that could put you in extreme danger. You must ensure that you’re fully prepared for the realities of military life before you agree to undergo training or sign any contracts.

Ken
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