Hi all,

I'm a new Army Reserve infantry soldier and have recently completed my 9-day Foundation Course.

I've always wanted to be a sniper since I was younger, but life got in the way and I didn't join until now (early 30s). I realise becoming a sniper is probably unrealistic for me as a Reservist, but seeing the Sharpshooter Rifle at my unit has reignited that interest a little.

I've always been drawn to the more calculated and precise side of soldiering — marksmanship, patience, fieldcraft, observation and working at longer distances. During my Foundation Course, shooting was one of my stronger areas and I was generally in the top 2–3 people overall.

So I'm wondering how the Sharpshooter role works within a Reserve infantry unit. Is there actually a dedicated Sharpshooter role within an infantry unit, and if so, how would someone go about working towards becoming one?

I'm still very new, so I'd appreciate any advice from people with experience of the role.

Cheers.

Im wondering if anybody can advise about a transfer to RA.

Im in a situation currently where Im looking at a few options, one of them which is playing on my mind is a possible transfer to Royal Artillery. From what I see online etc it appeals to me a lot more than my current job ( I f**ing hate it and have for about 9 months) and I’m considering a jump over to RA specifically wanting to serve in 29 cmdo.

I hate my job where I am and what it intails but i like the green side of life. Phyz, hard exes etc. I’m a pretty fit lad and commando has always appealed to me.

My main question is, if I was to transfer what are my chances of being able to serve in 29. Is it something that if you put down the preference you will 100% be pushed that way (granted your fit enough). Also what trade is the best to pick to maximise my chances of being able to get into 29.

I’m at a point where it feels like my job is burring me and it’s something I dread everyday just because of how w*nk it is.

Cheers.

Apologies if this question isn't allowed but I wanted opinions. I've wanted to join the army since I was 18 (25 now) currently have 3 kids and am the sole worker.

I feel stuck. Im in a job that's alright but feeling like I'm wanting something new, is the military a good fit with dependents? 3 children, my partner relies on me also.

Main question:

What support would I get during Basic to support my partner?

What support would I get AFTER basic?

What sort of "flexible changes" are made to a soldiers rota, as said on their website, to support families?

Excited to be joining up at Pirbright at the beginning of October. I’ve read different sources saying that weekends to visit home happen at week 4. Is this true or is it week 7?
Also, besides from personal admin time in the evenings / weekends, how much time is there to be on phones to message family ?

What will happen at my attestation and will you be doing it alongside others? What should you wear also because I don’t have smart wear.

Im off to harrogate this year and im currently worried about if i fail the drug test as i use to smoke and ive stopped for about nearly a month and will i be booted out if i fail the drug test if i was smoking before i joined and i have knocked it on the head can anyone let me know of the drug test is during the first 6weeks or after are first bit of leave many thanks.

So I'm currently booked in to do an AOSB Briefing in late September but I've recently been ill and I don't think I'd do well on the fitness tests at my current level as its only 3 weeks to go and I still can't eat right. I was wondering if there is anyway you can ask them to delay when you do briefing. I know this could reflect badly on me however I want to do as well as possible instead of just barely passing or getting a cat 4.

Going on exercise for a week tomorrow, first time since phase one, I had really bad experiences on BC in phase one (I think everyone did lol) and I'm shitting it now, any advice please?

Just want to know what the difference is really other than ceremonial duties and if so is the infantry side of things different eg are the guards considered “better”

In phase one at ITC at the moment, we have field army visits next week. I know that guards go london, paras go colchester and RaC go bovington. Do line infantry receuits visit their regiments barracks or do they come to us ?

Considering joining the Intelligence Corps as an officer. What is day to day life like in this role? Where are corps members normally based? Is it competitive to get into and is it worth trying for it? Cheers

Alright lads,

I (21m) am due to start training come 18th October for infantry and am getting myself a tad worried.

Now I’m probably overthinking things, but essentially I’ve been dealing with shin splints on both legs for the past few months and they have finally recovered and I feel I can get out there and run again. My only issue is that my cardio (aside from swimming) has taken a bit of a nosedive. Thankfully my pain has subsided as well so I can put weight into my running steps.

I believe the requirement for getting in (which I’ve already passed) is 10:15 and I used to run it in 8:45-9:00. Let’s just say that I’m much closer to the former than I would like and it’s making me a bit antsy.

I’m just looking for how basic treats fitness initially for infantry is all; is it staggered? Will I have a chance (even if slim) to catch up? I really don’t want to have to defer my place to do so!

Cheers 🍻

Can i join if im 6 ft and 108kg or will i be rejected?

Hi,

So I’m looking at applying to UOTC this September. I cant see much about an application process specifically other than an expression of interest form (which I have sent off).

One would assume an interview is involved…

If anyone here has done a UOTC interview could you let me know what sorts of questions they asked and what you would recommend me do to prepare?? 😅

Thanks!!

Hi all,
I’ve accepted a place as a Communications Infrastructure Engineer in the Royal Signals and have done a fair bit of reading about the role and the training pipeline. I understand the broad idea of installing, maintaining and troubleshooting military communications systems, but I’d like to hear from people who’ve actually worked as one (or alongside one).
A few things I’m curious about:
What does a typical day actually look like once you’re out of training?
How much of the job is hands-on technical work compared to general soldiering?
What are the deployments/exercises like?
Are there any parts of the role that aren’t obvious from the recruiting information?
Is there anything you wish you’d known before starting?
I’d really appreciate hearing about real experiences rather than the official description. Thanks in advance.

Hi,

I appreciate this has been asked in different forms, but my query is a little different.

I am a senior manager within the NHS and a Paramedic, working Mon-Fri 9-5. I also have quite a hectic family life.

However, it has always been an unfilled desire for me to support either the RAF or Army in a medical capacity.

My main question is, for both services, are you required to complete the basic training and annual camp in one block? Or, is there an option to break that down into 7 or even 5 day blocks?

Any experiences or advice welcome.

Currently looking for a new bergen, Currently been using the PLCE but its just not comfy at all. Im not sure if its because its to small for me (6ft2) but no adjustments maye it wearable. I was looking at longbacks but would that sit awkwardly on the webbing. Any advice is appreciated

What happens when you attest and how long does it take? Also, what do you do on drill nights for the first like month for the army reserves?

Has anyone here been through Assessment centre recently having had an ACL reconstruction? I've been passed onto Assessment centre and wondered if anyone had experienced the same?

I’m already an avid runner and have been training for a long time. What is the minimum pace i should be able to run for PT and what’s the furthest i’ll have to run? I don’t want to just be the minimum, but knowing a general estimate will help me set training goals

?

going for aptitude test in a few months wanting to pass for AAC drone pilot and basically wanting to know the pass mark and any additional info would be also be appreciated thanks.

Alright lads and ladies, seeing loads of people stressing about the British Army Cognitive Test (ACT) lately, so here’s a bit of straight talk from someone who’s been helping recruits prep for it.

1. The timing smashes people

It’s not that the questions are impossible — it’s that you’ve got barely any time.

Most people panic, rush, and end up guessing half the test.

Tip:

Practise under proper ACT time pressure. If you can stay calm, you’re already ahead of most applicants.

1. Everyone trains the easy stuff and ignores the killers

Most people only do:

\- Number Fluency

\- word Rules

But the ACT throws in:

\- Error Detection

\- Orientation

\- Deductive Reasoning

These are the ones that catch people out.

Tip:

Train the stuff you’re bad at, not just the stuff you like.

1. People don’t actually know what to expect on the day

A lot of recruits walk in blind — no idea about the layout, the pacing, or how quickly the questions switch.

That’s what causes most of the panic.

Tip:

Get familiar with the format before you go. Knowing the flow of the test makes a massive difference.

If you want proper structured prep:

I built an app called Civi2Soldier because I was sick of seeing people get rinsed by those £3.99‑a‑week subscription apps.

Mine’s a one‑time payment and covers:

\- ACT practice

\- fitness test prep

\- interview questions

\- role info

\- assessment centre breakdown

\- phase 1 overview (Military Syllabus)

If you’re prepping for selection, it might help you out.

Any questions about the ACT or the assessment centre, drop them below im more than happy to help.

Good afternoon everyone, I’ve recently put a transfer and EOI in for the army air corps as a pilot, I have now been offered aptitude testing dates however I am wondering if anyone here knows the best way to prepare for the tests, If there’s anyone here who’s gone through this process before please could you let me know, thank you

Hi everyone,

Having a hard time getting the correct information. Currently in the process of (hopefully) joining (just awaiting AOSB Main Board). I am currently on Finasteride (Propecia) but will be switching over to Dutasteride (Avodart) soon. I declared Finasteride (Propecia) at my last medical and passed with no issues. However, I can not find any information regarding Dutasteride (Avodart). I have looked through JSP 950 Medical Policy Leaflet 6-7-7 (I believe the most up-to-date version) and can not find anything, only information regarding Finasteride. I want to start the prescription; however,  I obviously do not want to start this prescription only to find out it’s a disqualifying factor and then fail a future medical or get withdrawn. I understand side effects are central to any decision made, but I want to know if having a prescription for Dutasteride (Avodart) is automatically a disqualifying factor that would result in a medical FAIL.  And vice versa, assuming no side effects are experienced, would this result in a PASS (assuming everything else is fine)

Thank you for any responses!