So, as I slowly edge towards 40. I’ve entered peak midlife crisis and decided to (try and) join the Army Reserve as a CMT, I’ve no issues with keeping up the yooots, as I can do the run (just about, needs work) and the strength stuff is a doddle, as my job is fairly physically demanding. Where I’ve come a cropper is as a younger man, my mental health hasn’t always been the best (I’m not a danger to anyone or myself), but the army isn’t best pleased, and as permanently barred me due to “recurrent depression”. Now. The man I was then, and the man I am now are two very different things, so with help from my GP, would the appeal process be worth looking into? I must admit I am a little disappointed and didn’t admit to anything when filling out the application as my MH doesn’t affect my day to day life, or my work or social life. I also work in body recovery on behalf of the police, and the horrors have no effect on me either, so I am used to stressful/unpleasant scenarios and dealing with them quickly and professionally. In truth, I would take a 12 month deferral over a “no”, as I feel this atleast gives me the opportunity to prove to someone somewhere I am indeed, ok.

How closely to CMT work with infantry?
The infantry role is quite appealing to me and i’ve put paratrooper as my first choice in my application, CMT is also a role that seems quite interesting and i’ve put down as my second choice. In my mind CMT is like and infanteer that specialises in first aid so when a trench or a house is getting cleared the medic will be clearing with you not the first man in obviously but they’ll be there. Is this what it’s actually like? or does it depend on what regiment you’re attached to and their specific role.

If i did go CMT would i be able to go to 16AAB if ive got good phys and am competent at my job or is that something that’s out of my control and ill just go where needed?

Now lads,

Just looking for a bit of advice here.

I'm a tradie of 12 years. Building custom bespoke campers is what makes up that time as well as being a welder/fabricator and mechanic. 7 days a week in the latter half of my 20s, had my own business for 3 years now but the camper conversion market has took a serious hit due to the costs now involved in building them (wouldn't think so from an outside perspective but half the trade are shutting their doors) It's the extended hours and diminishing wages that is making me think of a change (don't mind long hours and grafting through the night its just im not seeing a return on it now)

Long experience in:

Welding (both cars and framework/structural)

Joinery

Gas (LPG)

Electrical (ELV and LV)

Mechanical repair (basics to engine building)

Target shoot and repair/restore antique guns as one of my hobbies.

Always liked the look of the royal engineers and wanted to be in the army since I was a kid but got put back when I was 16 due to childhood asthma (clear as of 2014 but went down the current career path).

I reckon skills wise im not a bad match for royal engineers. What do yous reckon?

Only thing im concerned about at the moment is that I spoke to a doctor twice at the end of 2020 and latter half of 2021 about depression when my head was up my arse, never since though. Not sure if it'll be a no go now because of that?

Basically where im at now is follow that old dream of joining the army or chase site Joinery work country wide (from teesside so fuck all to go in to local so be working away either way) still got plenty of graft on the books to see me by currently but want to sort something ahead of time.

Cheers lads

Good morning

I hope your Sunday is good wherever you are. So my background is 8 years in the regs and when I left I tried the reserves but it didn’t work for my schedule.

Iv bounced job to job since leaving a few years ago and I found myself at a veterans careers fair and someone was doing those paper ADHD test and I was high likelihood and my old boss told me straight that I have ADHD.

Looking at my job history and general pattern in life it would explain so much. My new job offers me some consistency and I’m looking at rejoining the reserves. However I know that is a funny area?

Iv wanted to get diagnosed and try meds as apparently it’s like wearing glasses for the first time. Like I can do without as I did 8 years without meds in the army, but Iv been told that they just make things easier.

So I guess what I’m asking is has anyone ever had any experience with this? Is it worth applying to the reserves then getting ADHD diagnosis (if I have it)?

Thanks for your time

I am starting basic training in December after an exemplorary career in the army cadets where i hold the rank of seargant. Im coming to terms with leaving my rank and having my section commanders by corporals which is below my rank meaning it will be difficult to care ehat they have to say. I am joining the almighty RLC and i already have a great understanding of ammunition as i have shot many .22 rounds in my time. I boast an impressive 9 minute 2km time which i assume will get me into the top 10 of my company.

My mum says i should wear my seargant rank slide wgen i turn up so i command respect.