Nephew wants to be a regular solider-he does not want responsibility and thinks Officers are aloof/see no action.Advice?

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He is a good student - Mother is a Doctor, professional family ... we are concerned that being a regular soldier is not going to be the ticket to no responsibility/just following orders that he seems to think it is! He is keen for combat and wants to be part of a team - he has decided that Officers sit at the back and do not get the camaraderie that regular soldiers do. He wants to join straight after GCSEs (the grades of which he does not believe are important) and sees no value in further qualifications because he just wants to be a regular soldier. We are trying to explain to him about limiting his choices and that the army necessarily involves career progression, and only Privates take no responsibility for anyone else. His primary motivations are being part of a team, not standing out, gaining respect and doing physical things. We are happy to support him, but cannot get him to consider being an officer because he does not see the value to it. He is 15 - we are worried he is going to limit his choices for when he is 25, 35, 45 ... He does not listen to us, so I am hoping to get some "insider" reality !

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Pippa J. asked a question to Caroline M.

Category: Role Description

Date asked: Friday, November 8, 2019

Last reviewed: Thursday, June 11, 2020

Kieran U.

HR Specialist Cpl

Hi Pippa - You're correct in saying that soldiers still have responsibility. Even as a private you still have responsibility for yourself and the soldiers around you. As you move up the ranks as a soldier, like any job, the responsibility becomes greater. As a WO1 (highest rank as a soldier) they can be in charge of the wellbeing of up to 500/600 soldiers and officers. I am a Corporal so therefor I don't have personal insight into being an officer; however I know that Officers are not what he thinks they are. Although they may not have a hands-on job in the same way that soldiers may do, as leaders they are always at the forefront and have plenty of camaraderie with their soldiers and other Officers. I hope this answers your question at least in part - if you have further questions just ask.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Pippa J.

Thank you very much Kieran - I will pass on to him and hopefully he'll think and perhaps have further questions. Thank you again!

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Heidi I.

Maj

The stereotype of an aloof officer as portrayed in many movies etc is no longer common in reality. The majority of officers in today's Army are much more approachable and part of the team whilst still retaining responsibility for the wellbeing and development of their soldiers as well as achievement of the mission. Everyone in the Army has some form of responsibility and must work as part of a team. At every level individuals are trained and prepared for this responsibility. Those who initially join as a soldier will focus on their role rather than being a leader or manager but increase these skills as they promote up the ranks, gaining more responsibility with each rank. there is also the opportunity for soldiers of the right aptitude to promote to officer at various points of their career and so joining as a soldier is not necessarily limiting in the long run. All roles within the Army have the opportunity to gain qualifications such as apprenticeships and NVQs that are recognised in the civilian world. I hope this is helpful and wish him the best of luck.

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Pippa J.

Thank you so much Heidi for taking the time to reply - this is very helpful and I will pass it on to him.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

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