Applying to British Army

[Kimmy]

It's been something I've wanted to do for years, but has sort of been shot down by other people and immediate life. Now, I have my chance and honestly? I'd love to get away.
I'm applying this year, of course, but despite having extensive research on each specific job (there's so many to choose from) I cannot decide what exactly to apply for.

Here's the list of my considerations:

At 18, you can apply to be an officer (and undergo training) with 180 UCAS points, which I have.
I could also apply to be an Infantry Soldier, which, essentially is front-line fighting.
There's a Ceremonial Gunner, which to me, doesn't entirely fit within my dreams. However, it does seem cool.
There's Household Cavalry too, which often performs ceremonial duties, but learns to lead a four-wheeled troop of armoured vehicles.
There's a HR Specialist, providing administrative support to army personnel. This includes a lot more secretorial work.
Driver (self explanitory).
Paratrooper - This is where you drop into action via helicopter or plane etc. Seems infinitely cooler, and has always been high up there on my considerations lists.
Dog Handler (because dogs.)
Mariner, which handles the ships and taking supplied and troops around the world.
Air Defense Gunner (Rapier)
Household Cavalry Soldier, much like Household Cavalry, though crews vehicles on opperations.
Logistic Troop Officer

Obviously I've done research on each one and I know the requirements. It's not like I can hop in and grab the job. It takes years to reach some of them and I'm willing to put the work in.
I have no idea, however, where to start and what to go for. I'd hate to begin one and decide against it in the future.
There's a few more that I haven't mentioned too, and some of the details might be a bit off.

Any ideas or help? Anyone have any extensive knowledge on any of the mentioned jobs?

[Richie]

Not being sexist but I was surprised at this 'front-line fighting.' I honestly didn't think females were able to join frontline combat for various reasons, wasn't it all over the news a couple of years back? 'Woman could make british army less effective' is the first google return for front-line female soliders which was published by the dailymail
@Ripieno;

[Kimmy]

Not being sexist but I was surprised at this 'front-line fighting.' I honestly didn't think females were able to join frontline combat for various reasons, wasn't it all over the news a couple of years back? 'Woman could make british army less effective' is the first google return for front-line female soliders which was published by the dailymail
@Ripieno;

I thought that all changed, no idea. I'll look it up. I'll be so pissed it it's not allowed!

[Empired]

I have absolutely no idea how to help you but there's a position for dog handler???????? Do you get to train them or just look after them? I'd never even thought of a job like this. It's something I'd seriously consider though wow I'm so excited

[Inseriousity.]

I think your best bet would be to go to an army careers centre and ask your questions there. maybe there is flexibility to move around if you wish etc but you won't know until you ask.

http://www.army.mod.uk/join/20088.aspx

From what I can make out, they're really downsizing the army and building up reserves instead.

[Kimmy]

I have absolutely no idea how to help you but there's a position for dog handler???????? Do you get to train them or just look after them? I'd never even thought of a job like this. It's something I'd seriously consider though wow I'm so excited

I'm pretty sure you get to train them as well as handle them? That's what threw me. I love dogs, always wanted to work with them... and then there's all of this fighting stuff. It looks so misplaced ahh

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I think your best bet would be to go to an army careers centre and ask your questions there. maybe there is flexibility to move around if you wish etc but you won't know until you ask.

http://www.army.mod.uk/join/20088.aspx

From what I can make out, they're really downsizing the army and building up reserves instead.

Reserves though. ;l

[Richie]

I thought that all changed, no idea. I'll look it up. I'll be so pissed it it's not allowed!

Would you really want to put on the front line though, it's so easy to make the decision then regret it, you're putting your life on the line. I love this quote "Soldiers! don't give yourselves to brutes - men who despise you - enslave you - who regiment your lives - tell you what to do - what to think and what to feel!".

Each to their own, I guess. Personally I wouldn't, some may think that's a cowardly and selfish decision but I wouldn't be able to take another mans life if a war was to arise, which is essentially what you're signing up for.

Perhaps if you were to take up a position, don't take something as heavy as front line combat.

[scottish]

I think your best bet would be to go to an army careers centre and ask your questions there. maybe there is flexibility to move around if you wish etc but you won't know until you ask.

http://www.army.mod.uk/join/20088.aspx

From what I can make out, they're really downsizing the army and building up reserves instead.

Let's hope not, they've already been informed from like every person in senior positions that downsizing will severely cripple our defence in a time when we need it the most.

Depends really, from my perception if you, you'd be better suited as dog handler or HR specialist.

but yes go to a career center and ask for more info.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Joining the army is a immensely respectful thing to do, man or woman, and serving Queen and country isn't something you should let people put you off with stupid comments. The army wouldn't be my type of thing - I prefer the Royal Navy myself - but if it is yours then go and find out about it at a recruitment office.

My cousin joined the Royal Australian Army and he loves it.

[e5]

I have absolutely no idea how to help you but there's a position for dog handler???????? Do you get to train them or just look after them? I'd never even thought of a job like this. It's something I'd seriously consider though wow I'm so excited

I'm pretty sure you get to train them as well as handle them? That's what threw me. I love dogs, always wanted to work with them... and then there's all of this fighting stuff. It looks so misplaced ahh

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Reserves though. ;l

Dog Handlers will work with dogs (and train) that can sniff out bombs or sniff out drugs or find IED's and to follow a trail. They're a very useful tool the Army has access to!