Thinking of joining the armed forces? Know the facts...
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Joining the army

chinookOver 40 questions on what you might need to know before joining the army... Can't find the question you're looking for? Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

1 Would I need my parents'/guardians' permission to join the armed forces? 2239
2 I'm under 18 - could I leave the army if I didn't like it? 7209
3 I'm over 18 - could I leave the army if I didn't like it? 10575
4 I left the army and am thinking of joining up again - could I? How long for? 6644
5 How long could I stay in the army? (and how long do most people stay?) 4496
6 What is the minimum/maximum age for joining the armed forces? 3774
7 Could I buy myself out of the army? 5494
8 Do soldiers enjoy their job? 5253
9 What papers would I have to sign if I enlist? 1215
10 Could I complain if I wasn't treated fairly? 2802
11 Is it true that I'd get free dental treatment, travel, pension... in the army? 3866
12 How many people finish army training? 5124
13 I'm black / from an ethnic minority background - would I be treated well in the army? 2799
14 In the past I've been in trouble with the law. Would I be barred from joining the army? 211
15 Which jobs can women apply for? 2083
16 How are women treated in the army? 3988
17 Would I have to be 18 before I could be sent to a war zone? 1924
18 I've had some medical problems - could I still join the army? 911
19 How dangerous is being a soldier? 28130
20 What's army pay like? 10167
21 Do people still get shell-shock / long-term stress? 3313
22 If I found I disagreed with the army after I'd joined up, could I leave? 3003
23 What would happen if I disagreed with an order? 3419
24 I have a partner/husband/wife - could I still join up? 783
25 I have a family - could I still join up? 724
26 Are soldiers happy with their kit? 1837
27 As a soldier, would I have to kill people? 4388
28 Would mental health problems stop me from joining? 2183
29 I have a tattoo / unusual height or weight etc. etc. Would I be barred from joining the army? 2945
30 How much time would I spend away? 2838
31 Do soldiers feel valued by the army? 1846
32 How many soldiers would recommend their job to others? 2016
33 Do soldiers feel proud to be in the army? 2191
34 What do soldiers most value about their jobs? 2353
35 What are the most common complaints that soldiers make? 4212
36 What should I ask army recruiters? 13355
37 Do the army recruiters, websites and brochures tell the truth? 3596
38 How easy would it be to return to civilian life after leaving the army? 2988
39 What kind of accommodation would I live in in the army? 3157
40 I'm lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender - would I be treated well in the army? 3266
41 Would the army help me to get qualifications? 2852
42 What kind of support would I get if I had problems in the army? 2089
43 How much bullying goes on in the army? 4765
44 How much sport / travel / adventure is there in the army? 3582

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