How did the reality of life in the Army differ from your expectations when you applied?

When first applying to join the army I saw it as just a career. However once passing out of training and starting my first unit I quickly realised it was so much more. A network of friends, that all pull together to get any job done. When people in the army say you will make friends for life, they aren't lying.

My concern when I joined was that I wouldn't be good enough and that as soon as I failed something I would be kicked out. It couldn't have been further from the truth, the Army has a "Train in, not select out" attitude. We want you to pass everything. Instructors enjoy teaching and if you are struggling they will gladly help you, but, you have to ask. Don't wait until the day of the test. Integrity is one of our core values so if you are struggling, put your hand up and speak out. I can guarantee there is someone in your group that will also be thinking the same the same thing. I hope this helps and if you have any particular concerns you'd like me to answer just send me a message. Regards

Hello Iain, thanks for your question. So when I joined, I knew nobody in the military at all, no friends or family who were serving or had served so I felt like I was going in blind. I didn't have the basic understanding of the Army or ranks or jobs at all. My expectations of the Army were that it would be really hard and tough and an 'extreme' lifestyle but I was up for that challenge. However, it's not like that at all. Basic training was daunting for me but you soon make friends and they are friends for life. You get each other through it and it turns out to be a laugh. Being in the army itself is really enjoyable and it's not what I thought it would be. In my role as a HR Specialist in the Adjutant General's Corps, I find myself managing my own workload and working in a relaxed environment. The physical fitness aspect isn't as hard as what I thought as through training its progressive so you get used to the standard and the type of training. So really, I thought the army was scary and daunting but it isn't at all what I thought and I don't regret joining. I hope this helps Zoe