If I was to sign up would I still be able to keep in contact with family friends and my girlfriend

Hi Jacob, Thanks for your question, this is something a lot of people ask about. You can absolutely keep in touch with friends and family, as well as making new life long friends too! During the first 4 weeks of your basic training you are expected to stay on camp to settle in, but will be able to keep in touch via your mobile. There will be a families day between week 4-6, where your family is invited to visit. After week 8 you can go home at weekends if the training programme is clear of duty or training. There will be a period of leave through your training too. Once you have finished basic training and trade training (where you have the majority of weekends off), and go to your unit, you could be working a 8-5 job so what you do with your evenings and weekends is up to you! There will be periods that you go away for training or operations, but we always make sure people can keep on touch with their loved ones. I hope this answers your question but if you want to know more please do come back to me. Katie