Military life | Forums

[Skunk_438RCAF]

I've just recently turned 28, have a family, a good respectable job as an aircraft mechanic.

Ever since turning 18 I've always been attracted to the military, but have always been discouraged from joining by my parents and my entourage.

Well this year after Rememberance Day I had a bit of regret and wondered if I was getting too old to sign up. If I was going to join the forces I want to do it before I hit 30. While not overweight, I am horribly out of shape.

I want to do the same work I do now, but only in the military. I'd like to get some experience working on the heavies, jet fighters, helicopters...basically stuff I might never get to do in the civi world. Plus the way things are going I'd get paid more in uniform then I would wearing my dirty rags.

So to those who are currently signed up or have been in the past, what is military life really like? Is it as enjoyable as they say? How is the physical training? Any advice/encouragement/discouragement?

[Skunk_438RCAF]

I've just recently turned 28, have a family, a good respectable job as an aircraft mechanic.

Ever since turning 18 I've always been attracted to the military, but have always been discouraged from joining by my parents and my entourage.

Well this year after Rememberance Day I had a bit of regret and wondered if I was getting too old to sign up. If I was going to join the forces I want to do it before I hit 30. While not overweight, I am horribly out of shape.

I want to do the same work I do now, but only in the military. I'd like to get some experience working on the heavies, jet fighters, helicopters...basically stuff I might never get to do in the civi world. Plus the way things are going I'd get paid more in uniform then I would wearing my dirty rags.

So to those who are currently signed up or have been in the past, what is military life really like? Is it as enjoyable as they say? How is the physical training? Any advice/encouragement/discouragement?

[Choctaw111]

I am glad to hear this.
I cannot speak for the UK, but 28 shouldn't be too old.
Remember that you will always be glad that you did this if you follow through with it.

[Airmail109]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Choctaw111:
I am glad to hear this.
I cannot speak for the UK, but 28 shouldn't be too old.
Remember that you will always be glad that you did this if you follow through with it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

LOL Choctaw, he's Canadian

[Skunk_438RCAF]

Aye. I live in Canadia. I should have specified.

[Outlaw---]

I would have liked to join the Corps but a childhood hip injury prevented it. I say go for it, but, I can't imagine that a trained civilian aircraft mechanic makes less than the same in the service. Where in Canada are you working?

--Outlaw.

[Monterey13]

I wouldn't think you're too old. The oldest guy in my Sons' graduating class at Ft Sill was 42....same age as me.

Go for it. I think you'll be glad you did.

[skarden]

Yep go for it I say man,I'm 31 and just got accepted in the australian army,it's definitely the best decision I'v made in a long time.
I'm not sure what the canadian enlistment process is like but I leave for basic recruit training on april 5th which makes my application time 14 months total,so you'll have plenty of time to get on top of your fitness and prepare yourself properly.
Even when just telling people I'm joining up I've had nothing but help and heaps of advice from those either in the army still or who have served and are now out,its amazing the feeling of brotherhood involved and I haven't even started yet.
Do it man.

[Skunk_438RCAF]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Outlaw---:
I can't imagine that a trained civilian aircraft mechanic makes less than the same in the service. Where in Canada are you working?

--Outlaw. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, I work in eastern Canada, the maritimes to be exact. While real estate is lower here than in the rest of the country, as an apprentice I barely tip the 30K figure, and when I obtain my Transport Canada license in February 2010, I'll be at @46k.

In the Canadian Forces, apparently just to go do push ups in the mud and get screamed at I'll get 31K, and once I get my trade and a rank of Corporal, they pay you 58K.

So money wise the choice isnt that hard to justify.

Skarden : I have no idea how long the process takes, but the recruiter told me my trade would open up in the spring. He told me to come back at that time.

I was reading their documentation and they do have a screening process, medical, and aptitude examinations. So yeah I think it could still be a little while.

[grifter2u]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Skunk_438RCAF: I have no idea how long the process takes, but the recruiter told me my trade would open up in the spring. He told me to come back at that time.

I was reading their documentation and they do have a screening process, medical, and aptitude examinations. So yeah I think it could still be a little while. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
use that lead in time to get seriously fit

i know a number of people in their later 20's or early 30's who joined the australian army over the last few yrs, and they all say the same thing. if you are fit at the point of going in, you can more or less cruise through basic training and it makes a big difference. general aerobic fitness and endurance is the main thing, jogging, cycling, swimming are good for that, plus some general strength training with weights (but dont focus on that to much, should just be part of general fitness and toning, not muscle bulk)

you can probably also find most information needed of what exactly is involved with the screening process, and their basic training program. being prepared in advance and know what to expect will also help