@@EvenWaysMusic Its pathetic really, Telling One of the highest tier of professional soldiers, who have stupid level of fitness and conditioning he can't join the reserve becasue of flat feet.... Clearly the Flat feet have not hindered his performance on operations around the world. If you can do the fitness tests, fuck it. let that lad do what he does best.
@@EvenWaysMusic Certianly developed over time.. the Tendon is pretty much fucked after running with all that Kit for that many years... But still. the Body has adapted to the situation. No reason why he could not have gone on.
I saw an advert for RAF Police in a newspaper, when my job became stagnant. I went to the recruiting office, and got mentally slapped by the Chief Tech at the recruiting office, saying that if I wanted to have friends and colleagues don't join the police. I became an Aircraft Mechanical Technician, legacy rigger for 22 years.
@@taggart8 That is one acronym I am unfamiliar with? Aircraft Airframe Mech was my initial phase, then AF Tech, up to Sgt rank. Stationed at RAF Kinloss (Nimrod MR2), RAF Coltishall (Jaguar) and RAF Coningsby. (Typhoon Engine Bay)
@@JonBowe How come a trigger was employed in the Typhoon engine bay? Usually ATech/Mech P or A Eng Tech A/P doing sooty work. Or it was in my time 1980/90s.
@@jjsmallpiece9234 Riggers and Sooties were amalgamated in mid 2000s and to try and prove the point, they moved the legacy trades to the other side. At one point in my time in the Engine Bay, there were more Riggers than Sooties employed there. Also Rolls Royce were the boss. Most people on the squadron's kept doing their legacy trades.
This is typical where civil servants get to run part of the military. I had been an infantry sergeant in the Dutch army. And 15 years later, while I was very fit, a martial arts instructor and a psychology student, I was rejected for the Dutch national guard(TA). Even though my, future to be, commanding officer specifically asked for me, because of my badly needed special skills and experience. I can still hear him cursing: "Godverdomme, they did it again". Meaning the central selection department, fucking it up. Rejecting the good, while approving overweight candidates without any military experience or affinity. Reason? During a years earlier selection, I filed a formal protest for being wrongly rejected for the position of sergeant in the Dutch TA. Why? Of course I scored max at all the psychological and physical tests. However, the civilian psychologist, that you have to chat with, questioned my ability to to be an instructor. Despite my specific experience as an infantry sergeant in the regular army, army drill instructor and extra drill instructor courses (with diploma's). And my current work as civilian instructor and corporate trainer. Yes! Her evaluation was redone, after my well argumented (that was easy) protest, with another psychologist, who obviously rated me completely opposite. However, the organisation wrote down my name and the eye doctor smilingly concluded I had bad eyes, without doing any tests. Years later, when I re applied again, at the specific request of a commanding officer of the Dutch TA, one of the civilian medics at the selection board smiled, looked at her papers and said :"I see you have been here before and filed a complaint. Are you planning to do it again? Let's see the eye doctor right away. It will save us some time". Guess what the eye doctor said after some very sloppy, pro forma testing, while (really!) looking the other way? Indeed. There were many more cases like mine, (a friend, former marine, sports teacher student, was rejected, at the psych talk, for the army for being too agressive, yes!). So they fixed the problem. Nowadays the reason for rejection is not put on paper. So there can be no more well argumented complaints. Brillant! No more civ careers on the line for failing to perform. We need to have priorities in the military. Who would want to work for such an organisation?
I’ve known some top tier fellas (most Army but one RAF). If you work alongside MI at best you’re retired out with a bump in salary as hush money and a criminal record for plausible deniability but once the gates are closed and you’re officially out of the club the void becomes apparent, many don’t survive that. Then there’s the sleepless nights, the divorces, the demons. Anyone who makes it through this unspeakably difficult process and manages to fight the daily battle for the light (and to bring the light to others) has my utmost respect. Tears me up to see such great men used in such a way. Such an opportunity cost.
MI is a calling - a type of religion and it was definitely class-based for most of its history. For MI contractors (army, etc.) they just get used as a tool for the job and then put back in the box or thrown away.
I was born and raised in Detroit Mi. U.S.A. and had a drunk dad and a mom who loved to beat on me. I tried joining the U.S. Army and Marine Corps and was denied by both for physical problem's. I am now permanently disabled and also have PTSD from my childhood and teenage year's. Just subscribed.
I know how Colin feels, I failed the BMI to rejoin the TA, in the regs through basic training had an ankle injury I self discharged back in 2000. My early T A days were in 1992 when I was 17 did a year then left. Rejoined Army at 25 and was injured playing football, just wasn't to be. But I don't need an army now, I will train myself, learn survival skills myself etc. Not bothered about the weapons. I like bushcraft, camping, and hiking. Don't mind gardening either. Like mountain biking also. 👍🏻 🙂 🇬🇧
When I joined the RAF in 1976 I too wanted to be, I think it was called at the time, an Aerospace Systems Operator, they gave me a similar answer to the one they gave Colin and I ended up joining as a Supplier (Storeman) and did a total of 7 years, including 3 years in Germany, leaving in 1983. I had interviews with the Army and Navy and could have joined either I think at the time. Looking back on it now with all the wars that have happened since it feels that I wasn't really in the military when compared to what guys have done since then in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Bosnia etc, etc.
I went to join TA's infantry down at Camberwell around time of the Falklands, never heard back from them, only 20 years later I was told me mum ripped up the reply, she was Irish so I always had it in my head they declined me because of IRA shit, never mind kept me dreaming for a while
Mother's don't understand why we want/need to do our duty, and we all know what a woman scorned .......................RCT and still proud.🏴🏴🏴🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I served in the TA Parachute Regiment and then decided to join the regular army, wanted to go in the Engineers but they said there was a year waiting list. So I ended up in Infantry again. After regular service I started selection for 21, being ex-regular they automatically put you on full selection and you get re-enlisted in the regular Army and 22. Fuck that I only wanted to blow shit up at weekends not storm Taliban compounds 🤣
Interesting. I failed to get into the RN in 90 but got in the RAF in 91. Would of joined the RM as first choice but couldn’t climb a rope. Still in the RAF. Funny how a visit into a small office in a city centre can change the course of your life. 👍
This is interesting. 2-3 years back I fancied joining the reserves so visited my local infantry reserve unit. Got on really well with the sgt mjr and he was very up for me joining. The folks there were a mix, some smart fit guys, some very out of shape and I don't want to be too judgemental, but honestly not the sort of men you would want to fight alongside. Anyway, at the time my fitness was spot on. I had run numerous many mountain marathons, had done really well on the civilian version of the SAS fan dance race and I was training to compete in the Montane Spine Race. I was at the fittest I had even been . So anyhow applied to join, waited 5 months for captia to process everything to then be denied as my medical record had an entry from where I was stung by a insect on my bottom lip which swelled up like a balloon and needed a steroid dose to bring it down, which was marked down as angioedema and so I was failed. Tried to appeal and then found out that meant more fucking about with capita, rather then just speak with the GP who failed me. In the end, I just thought, screw this, somethings are just not meant to be.
Capita where a joke mate, I was ex regs long story short I got out due to personal reasons. But to get strait out I lied witch I come to regret. Over 10 years I applied and applied unsuccessful. So I applied for 4 para reservists. Couple years before I applied I broke my ankle had a plate and pins in. Never told no one. Obviously capita never checked my med records. I went along and passed my weekend only to be denied at the end as my BMI was over weight what a joke. Went home got a doctors note to say I lost the stone required ha ha ha ha. I lost the stone in 2 days ha ha ha. Anyway it worked. I started my 4 para training only for my ankle to give up on me on 3 consecutive p cadres I just had to face the fact it wasn't goin to be. Gutted. But I also remember a good mate on the mini bus after the last weekend of the 1st cadre a ex royal green jacket with a tour under his belt in the regs. He got a text through on the way back home after the final weekend. To say with regret but his application was unsuccessful ha ha ha ha ha ha. He just passed the final weekend to go on to cic p coy ha ha ha ha. So we have me who has a broken ankle ex regs with a med discharge and I passed but he hadn't. It asked if I had previous millitery service I said no. So I now have two millitery army iD numbers. I was found out when I transfared to 4 mercian so donkey got a sniff of it and grassed me in. Only to be told my intergerity is less to be desired. After 6 years ha ha ha. I say fuck the British forces as they couldn't give two flying fucks. I set out to prove a point I will get back in with a med discharge a broken ankle with plate and pins. But long story short capita is a joke. According to records I never passed training but I was in for 6 years and I even went over seas shooting for 4 mercian shooting team ha ha ha. 😂 mate play the game and just push your luck. Oh ye my attitude towards reservists soldiers thinkin there action men didn't go down well. All this man hand shit. Just apply again mate. Truth is that lip of yours won't be a threat to your health will it. Apply again say you never applied.
Ha ha familiar I went to join the RAF too- 17, had ticked the box to say I had asthma, RAF said " No thanks -You wouldn't be able to deal with the physical demands of the RAF" Went to an Army Careers Office -kept my mouth shut . Army- Said "Long waiting lists etc etc " for jobs I fancied- "Welcome to the Infantry"
Sweaty70 ? The RAF rejected me as well, I applied before I got my GCSE results to be an aircraft engineer, I had A* in higher Science, Math and statistics but I got a D in English literature, who knew you needed to know Shakespeare to repair a jet engine. A few months later I started training with the royal engineers and was in an EOD unit just after my 18th birthday.
Exactly what happened to me, years of air cadets, went to sign up during my GCSE in 1998 ticked asthma. Told instantly no. Funny thing is my asthma isnt an issue its mild. Wanted to be a load master, few years later ended up working as a civilian ground handler everything from Marshalling, loading and unloading, air starts etc cargo and passenger. 747, an225, an124, 767.
@@Daniel-wb4lr Coincidence there mate. I wanted to be a loadie too!! Thought I'd be swinging out of Sea Kings, windswept hero type rescuing beautiful ladies on the mountains. Reality - KF Shirts, beastings and digging holes.
My son wanted in but was denied because he had a pilonidal cyst . He was asked to get professional proof that it had gone , did this went back to join and was denied a 2nd time. He was told that the specialist who deals with these cysts was not telling the truth. My son was gutted . And I was gutted for him , he has always loved the outdoors and teaches Kayaking wall climbing and orienteering . Helps underprivileged kids now .
I got the dodgy treatment by RAF recruitment too, so joined the Army instead - a much better choice. A friend was turned away for RAF tech job, c/o pins in his legs from an accident. He then joined the Guards and went on for a successful career, including a long time in the SAS. RAF recruitment leaves absolutely nothing to be desired!
Correct, because I got in! I wasted almost 20 years in the RAF doing a job I hated (aircraft refinishing) in a trade group that was quite literally `dead man`s shoes`. I wished I had joined the British Army instead and feel I would have done much better and had a much more rounded and interesting career and not stuck in a shit job and coming out as a fucking Corporal! Oh well!
Absolutely!! I remember whilst being on detachment in Southern Italy, we were staying in a hotel which didn’t have WiFi and one morning the croissants weren’t properly cooked. Don’t start me on the watery scrambled egg and my dry cleaning being below par. All very well being special forces but I think they to would of cracked. People just don’t understand Chris
These are such cool videos, Chris & Colin have achieved so much but yet come across so down to earth and normal whatever normal is :) keep up the great work 👍.
Joined the RAF at 17 did 5 years left. 2 years later went to rejoin RAF recruitment staff where arseholes to me so cos it was a joint service office got up from one desk walked across to the British Army desk said “them bastards won’t let me back in can I go in the Army 4 weeks later was outside Pirbtight RTC with my papers waiting for the bus 😂
Tried to join the RAF in 83/84. The MD said. I wouldnt complete basic RAF training due to a heart murmur. Sent me for a ECG to hospital big deal in those days. Doctor at hospital passed me all clear and asked why id been sent. Explained, whilst holding in his hands my medical records in those days everything was paper. He wrote a snotty letter to the RAF doctor. Explaing to the RAF exan ming doctor that if I was fit enough for the another service why had he wasted his time sending me for an ecg. Id left the RM shortly before. Result RAF refused my entry. Later served in the Army and TA whithout any diffuclty getting in.
Similar thing happend to me. Served for 10 years, got out, applied to rejoin 2 years later, and was ruled out as not fit for service for an injury I had 5 years before I initially joined up 😂.
I left the RAF in 97. Trained as a nurse and looked at going back in in 2004. No can do! I had had one kidney stone five years previous, nil since. I could run a mile in uder 5 minutes and had a masters degree! The army weren't so fussy!
Service for 17 year olds ceased in 1970 when 3 young "jocks" were killed in Liganel, Belfast. He should have known this, it had a major affect on military deployment
the lads were killed on 10th of March 1971 and one was John McCaig a 17 year old in Royal Highland Fusiliers.The government upped the age to 18 for active service soon after these murders
When getting a medical to join the Army, the Old Army Doctor gave me the "Oh dear, you have flat feet, you won't be able to march." Seconds from destroying my dream, I told him I'd just passed SF(V) selection and that if that didn't prove I could march, nothing would. I swear the Warsaw Pact sponsored them through medical school.
That's literally just happened to me, ex-Inf sniper and I went to join Royal Engineers Reserves (I now work in High Voltage Infrastructre & RE have a specialist HV Eng team), and they wouldn't have me for the same reason. Flat feet. I'm like, it wasn't a problem on Op Telic, in the Jungle or passing a Sniper Course haha 🤣I was like F**k it - Im not that desperate to join. It's not like I need the money haha.
Telecommunications Systems Analyst Operator.... army version was Electronic Warfare Operator or Telecommunications Operations (Spec) .. more hands on than the RAF version. I was the last one Tele Op (Spec) basically it’s EW but both static and battle field depending. Probably got new and improved names now as I’m talking 80s 90s.
I came out of the guards after Iraq 🇮🇶 ni twice Bosnia 🇧🇦 went to reserves and they knocked me back because I would have a wrong influence on the guys ?? Wtf baffled
The problem with choosing a career when you're young is you're too young to choose a career. I didn't have a clue when I left school. Those recruitment adds are still a point of amusement for those of us still serving. Now I'm in the Australian Army having some of the best times. Anyway, all the best I'm glad you're doing well.
Nobody ever questions the doctors competence, my nephew went to join the RAF regiment and got told he had AFIB or something like it. Went to his own doctor and then the hospital to be told he was fitter than a racing snake, so he appealed it and got in. Some doctors like to think their more clever than they actually are.
@@edwindude9893 He's actually clocking up more air miles than an air stewardess. It used to be join the navy and see the world, well he sees the world and is back in time for tea and medals.
Ernest Scribbler don’t get to earn many medals in the NAFFI. In fact I don’t think RAF reg has one VC. They’ve only got a couple of plastic battle honours. They didn’t do anything until the fighting was over then they acted as security guards. I guess it’s a life style though.
@@edwindude9893 Maybe not. But what would you prefer - charge a machine gun post or have a nice man in a Typhoon flying from a secure airfield, guarded by the Rocks come and drop a laser guided bomb onto the target and save your sorry ass from having to make the effort?
In the US, if you are infantry, special forces, etc and there is a billet open in the reserves, there is no selection. You get it period. What a bunch of bullocks.
How the christ dose flat feet keep you out the TA. I was with 4th battalion RGJ for a total of almost 7 years and my feet are flat as shit. I could monkey run and duck waddle with the best of them...very strange
I found the RAF recruiters to be very arrogant and aloof, when I tried to join them meany moons ago. Ended up in the army, then spent two years a Brize Norton , my initial impression was spot on.
I don't respect Politicians or Sports stars or Singers or even medical people [ actually some Doctors maybe ] but great military men get my utmost respect, Thank you for your service
dread. Grow up kid. Respect your doctors. Even these SAS operators respect them. Who do you think fixes these soldiers when they get hurt? Doctors. So respect them.
Went for a medical at Glencorse recruit selection centre,result was that I had to have a BMI of 18 to get into the Reserves. A BMI of 18 !,I hadn’t had a BMI of 18 since I was a soaking wet teenager. I would have had to physically make myself unwell to reach that BMI,but then I shouldn’t be surprised,same mob that sent 8-10 potential recruits for an expensive MRI scan for,Wait for it !... suspected heart murmur‘s of which all turned out to be bollocks, nice way to spunk £5 grand up the wall. I was 39 at the time and was rejoining a T.A unit after leaving my previous unit in 2006 after 19 years. Tours in Iraq and the previous Op Granby.
@@user-dk2ol7pq6r ... spot on,BMI is so out of date ,doesn’t Take build ,muscle composition,water composition it’s this “ it’s this way or nothing”. British Army have lost potential manpower to this mindset.
Sorry to correct you but you couldn't go to Northern Ireland at 17. My battalion went to Northern Ireland in January 86 but I couldn't join them until I turned 18 a couple of months later.
Chris as always a great video how could he fail the TA ffs I was running rings around the local TA and junior leaders at the tender age of 13 lol I was a little bastard on the local training areas haha so had fun as a kid and never got taken by anyone hahaha even played enemy for the junior leaders back in the day with a guy you may know S/Sgt Chris Pasco and his dog Bullseye he of the accolades of organizing the cutting out the hospital ship in the Falklands quicker than it could be done in dry dock...I believe it was 24 hours instead of 36 hours peace brother 😎
I got through lots of tests and at I'm guessing a final interview the RAF recruiter said I was "too army" not long after my parents had a change of heart and I started my journey in the army.
Respect to Mr McLachlan. The regiment has its fair share of guys from bad areas with bad upbringings, being treated badly by politicians and helping civvies who don't give a shit. Absolute nails.
I feel like the problem with that is that, because RAF is more technical and aviation, they would require intelligence and knowledge for certain roles. I mean think about it you are working with some advanced tech that were possibly made by professionals or the job has things like gathering intelligence which I mean it's obvious that you would need to meet the right education. I know I know "But the army and navy also have some sort of a intelligence branch or something related to gathering intelligence" but we are talking about the RAF the one military branch that gives us support most if the time. Well if you are joining something like the RAF regiment then fair enough (dont need GCSEs or any qualifications unless you are joining as an officer).
You are right, my Dad was an RAF Halton apprentice joined at 15 was one of Lord Trenchards brats they used to call them, was the hardest technical training to learn about aircraft engines, I still have my Dad's old training books and what they had to learn was mindboggling.
The Capita recruitment system is lamentable; it was much slicker when it was run in-house. That still didn't mean that your GP couldn't 'spoil' it all for you though. I'm in the process of rejoining as a Reservist, and it's taking forever.
Life has a habit of booting you in the balls. I left the military in 1995 after 11 years service and was rejected from the TA as well they had brought in BMI criteria and whilst I could still pump out a BFT in double quick time my BMI was to high same happened when I tried to join 'civpol'. 25 years later I run my own company in the Middle East providing environmental solutions to the Energy Sector its strange how life works itself out. My BMI is a hell of a lot better now but I doubt i'd pass a BFT.
Go private then, if anything The UN should hire a private force with set objectives, states are too cumbersome and don't let soldiers do their jobs which is primarily to kill .
Nearly failed the medical to get in the regs because the Doctor didnt think my skin would be suitable for the fantastic army issue1980s KF itchy shirt!
@@ChrisThrall God , yes they were - I remember a guy wearing a T shirt with just the KF shirt lapels and a bit of shoulder still attached- under his wooly pooly. He had to bend down to pick something up on a block inspection. The absence of his shirt was pretty apparent and everyone was in bits!
Couple of things 1. You can’t be signed up to the Army unless you also sign the papers the idea your family did it it shite 2. You can serve in Germany at any age 3. You could only deploy to NI at the age of 17 1/2 you where referee too as uneledgable or the Veg Pl i 4. His names Pithie he changed it
Nothing to do fitness or anything else, if you have ever been to a doc about mental health issues or seen a doc more than twice about any mental health issue then it's an automatic life bar from any military service, I tried to re-enlist with reserves few years back and because I had seen my gp about depression after my ex wife left me and took my kids it stuck on my national health record even though I was never suicidal or ever crossed my mind to self harm or other wise I was just down and needed time off work for a week or 2 to get my shit together but because of that it barred from re upping
Should not the title read, decided not to join the RAF. As was said previously different skill sets and educational requirements for the RAF compared to the Army or RM. all services support each other. RAF 1967-1995 joined as an apprentice at 16.
Old enough to serve in NI? Not only was he not old enough to drink he would've been too young to vote! Luckily for Colin his medical issue was diagnosed years after his service in special forces. I mean .... just imagine passing selection and then being told " sorry, you've got flat feet ..... "
The medical standards for the reserves are the same regulars. So Colin would have failed selection selection no matter what if he had joined recently. Just shows how strict it is these days.
It takes a real man to join the RAF. We are God squad after all, brill cream boys, I fucking hated the word crabs. However, we are the best of the best after all ;)
So when's the "battle of bastion" going on the RAF regt colours heard there was some mighty fine shooting from the guys...mind you it was much later and at their own body armour so they could embellish stories to the real soldiers on the ground.
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Been here for a while Man 😉🕊️⚔️🙏
Cheers Chris for actually letting the guest speak, too many hosts interrupt every 5 seconds👏🏻
Imagine that.... Coming out of 22nd to only be told by a GP you can't be a reserve.... Brilliant.
YeN Just made me laugh - can you imagine haha
@@EvenWaysMusic Its pathetic really, Telling One of the highest tier of professional soldiers, who have stupid level of fitness and conditioning he can't join the reserve becasue of flat feet.... Clearly the Flat feet have not hindered his performance on operations around the world.
If you can do the fitness tests, fuck it. let that lad do what he does best.
Who did his original medical joining up !!!
@@MrMacca451 Different time or it was something that developed over time
@@EvenWaysMusic Certianly developed over time.. the Tendon is pretty much fucked after running with all that Kit for that many years... But still. the Body has adapted to the situation. No reason why he could not have gone on.
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I saw an advert for RAF Police in a newspaper, when my job became stagnant. I went to the recruiting office, and got mentally slapped by the Chief Tech at the recruiting office, saying that if I wanted to have friends and colleagues don't join the police. I became an Aircraft Mechanical Technician, legacy rigger for 22 years.
A far better choice being a rigger than a Snowdrop, Even better was A Eng Tech AAP
A GRIS Rigger I presume ? I was a SAC Mech AF at RAF Henlow
@@taggart8 That is one acronym I am unfamiliar with?
Aircraft Airframe Mech was my initial phase, then AF Tech, up to Sgt rank. Stationed at RAF Kinloss (Nimrod MR2), RAF Coltishall (Jaguar) and RAF Coningsby. (Typhoon Engine Bay)
@@JonBowe How come a trigger was employed in the Typhoon engine bay? Usually ATech/Mech P or A Eng Tech A/P doing sooty work. Or it was in my time 1980/90s.
@@jjsmallpiece9234 Riggers and Sooties were amalgamated in mid 2000s and to try and prove the point, they moved the legacy trades to the other side. At one point in my time in the Engine Bay, there were more Riggers than Sooties employed there. Also Rolls Royce were the boss. Most people on the squadron's kept doing their legacy trades.
So you can be in 22 with flat feet but not the reserves. Well that makes no sense
This is typical where civil servants get to run part of the military.
I had been an infantry sergeant in the Dutch army. And 15 years later, while I was very fit, a martial arts instructor and a psychology student, I was rejected for the Dutch national guard(TA). Even though my, future to be, commanding officer specifically asked for me, because of my badly needed special skills and experience. I can still hear him cursing: "Godverdomme, they did it again". Meaning the central selection department, fucking it up. Rejecting the good, while approving overweight candidates without any military experience or affinity.
Reason? During a years earlier selection, I filed a formal protest for being wrongly rejected for the position of sergeant in the Dutch TA. Why? Of course I scored max at all the psychological and physical tests. However, the civilian psychologist, that you have to chat with, questioned my ability to to be an instructor. Despite my specific experience as an infantry sergeant in the regular army, army drill instructor and extra drill instructor courses (with diploma's). And my current work as civilian instructor and corporate trainer. Yes!
Her evaluation was redone, after my well argumented (that was easy) protest, with another psychologist, who obviously rated me completely opposite.
However, the organisation wrote down my name and the eye doctor smilingly concluded I had bad eyes, without doing any tests.
Years later, when I re applied again, at the specific request of a commanding officer of the Dutch TA, one of the civilian medics at the selection board smiled, looked at her papers and said :"I see you have been here before and filed a complaint. Are you planning to do it again? Let's see the eye doctor right away. It will save us some time". Guess what the eye doctor said after some very sloppy, pro forma testing, while (really!) looking the other way? Indeed.
There were many more cases like mine, (a friend, former marine, sports teacher student, was rejected, at the psych talk, for the army for being too agressive, yes!). So they fixed the problem. Nowadays the reason for rejection is not put on paper. So there can be no more well argumented complaints. Brillant! No more civ careers on the line for failing to perform. We need to have priorities in the military.
Who would want to work for such an organisation?
Dankjewel voor je verhaal,
Net als jij ook zo'n ervaring gehad .
Well I don't know about the Dutch military, but without civil servants the British army would fall apart.
I’ve known some top tier fellas (most Army but one RAF). If you work alongside MI at best you’re retired out with a bump in salary as hush money and a criminal record for plausible deniability but once the gates are closed and you’re officially out of the club the void becomes apparent, many don’t survive that. Then there’s the sleepless nights, the divorces, the demons. Anyone who makes it through this unspeakably difficult process and manages to fight the daily battle for the light (and to bring the light to others) has my utmost respect. Tears me up to see such great men used in such a way. Such an opportunity cost.
Kicked to the kerb comes to mind sadly.
MI is a calling - a type of religion and it was definitely class-based for most of its history. For MI contractors (army, etc.) they just get used as a tool for the job and then put back in the box or thrown away.
I was born and raised in Detroit Mi. U.S.A. and had a drunk dad and a mom who loved to beat on me. I tried joining the U.S. Army and Marine Corps and was denied by both for physical problem's. I am now permanently disabled and also have PTSD from my childhood and teenage year's. Just subscribed.
Thank you Chris - and good luck brother!
@@ChrisThrall Thank You Chris
I know how Colin feels, I failed the BMI to rejoin the TA, in the regs through basic training had an ankle injury I self discharged back in 2000. My early T A days were in 1992 when I was 17 did a year then left. Rejoined Army at 25 and was injured playing football, just wasn't to be.
But I don't need an army now, I will train myself, learn survival skills myself etc. Not bothered about the weapons.
I like bushcraft, camping, and hiking. Don't mind gardening either. Like mountain biking also. 👍🏻 🙂 🇬🇧
Brilliant interview Chris with Colin i met him last August at John mcaleese memorial lovely guy 👦.
When I joined the RAF in 1976 I too wanted to be, I think it was called at the time, an Aerospace Systems Operator, they gave me a similar answer to the one they gave Colin and I ended up joining as a Supplier (Storeman) and did a total of 7 years, including 3 years in Germany, leaving in 1983. I had interviews with the Army and Navy and could have joined either I think at the time. Looking back on it now with all the wars that have happened since it feels that I wasn't really in the military when compared to what guys have done since then in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Bosnia etc, etc.
I went to join TA's infantry down at Camberwell around time of the Falklands, never heard back from them, only 20 years later I was told me mum ripped up the reply, she was Irish so I always had it in my head they declined me because of IRA shit, never mind kept me dreaming for a while
Mother's don't understand why we want/need to do our duty, and we all know what a woman scorned .......................RCT and still proud.🏴🏴🏴🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I served in the TA Parachute Regiment and then decided to join the regular army, wanted to go in the Engineers but they said there was a year waiting list. So I ended up in Infantry again. After regular service I started selection for 21, being ex-regular they automatically put you on full selection and you get re-enlisted in the regular Army and 22. Fuck that I only wanted to blow shit up at weekends not storm Taliban compounds 🤣
21 at Chelsea ? I was in HQ Squadron in the 1970s
Interesting. I failed to get into the RN in 90 but got in the RAF in 91. Would of joined the RM as first choice but couldn’t climb a rope. Still in the RAF. Funny how a visit into a small office in a city centre can change the course of your life. 👍
This is interesting. 2-3 years back I fancied joining the reserves so visited my local infantry reserve unit. Got on really well with the sgt mjr and he was very up for me joining. The folks there were a mix, some smart fit guys, some very out of shape and I don't want to be too judgemental, but honestly not the sort of men you would want to fight alongside. Anyway, at the time my fitness was spot on. I had run numerous many mountain marathons, had done really well on the civilian version of the SAS fan dance race and I was training to compete in the Montane Spine Race. I was at the fittest I had even been . So anyhow applied to join, waited 5 months for captia to process everything to then be denied as my medical record had an entry from where I was stung by a insect on my bottom lip which swelled up like a balloon and needed a steroid dose to bring it down, which was marked down as angioedema and so I was failed. Tried to appeal and then found out that meant more fucking about with capita, rather then just speak with the GP who failed me. In the end, I just thought, screw this, somethings are just not meant to be.
Capita where a joke mate, I was ex regs long story short I got out due to personal reasons. But to get strait out I lied witch I come to regret. Over 10 years I applied and applied unsuccessful. So I applied for 4 para reservists. Couple years before I applied I broke my ankle had a plate and pins in. Never told no one. Obviously capita never checked my med records. I went along and passed my weekend only to be denied at the end as my BMI was over weight what a joke. Went home got a doctors note to say I lost the stone required ha ha ha ha. I lost the stone in 2 days ha ha ha. Anyway it worked. I started my 4 para training only for my ankle to give up on me on 3 consecutive p cadres I just had to face the fact it wasn't goin to be. Gutted. But I also remember a good mate on the mini bus after the last weekend of the 1st cadre a ex royal green jacket with a tour under his belt in the regs. He got a text through on the way back home after the final weekend. To say with regret but his application was unsuccessful ha ha ha ha ha ha. He just passed the final weekend to go on to cic p coy ha ha ha ha. So we have me who has a broken ankle ex regs with a med discharge and I passed but he hadn't. It asked if I had previous millitery service I said no. So I now have two millitery army iD numbers. I was found out when I transfared to 4 mercian so donkey got a sniff of it and grassed me in. Only to be told my intergerity is less to be desired. After 6 years ha ha ha. I say fuck the British forces as they couldn't give two flying fucks. I set out to prove a point I will get back in with a med discharge a broken ankle with plate and pins. But long story short capita is a joke. According to records I never passed training but I was in for 6 years and I even went over seas shooting for 4 mercian shooting team ha ha ha. 😂 mate play the game and just push your luck. Oh ye my attitude towards reservists soldiers thinkin there action men didn't go down well. All this man hand shit. Just apply again mate. Truth is that lip of yours won't be a threat to your health will it. Apply again say you never applied.
Crapita.
Ha ha familiar I went to join the RAF too-
17, had ticked the box to say I had asthma, RAF said " No thanks -You wouldn't be able to deal with the physical demands of the RAF"
Went to an Army Careers Office -kept my mouth shut . Army- Said "Long waiting lists etc etc " for jobs I fancied- "Welcome to the Infantry"
Sweaty70 ? The RAF rejected me as well, I applied before I got my GCSE results to be an aircraft engineer, I had A* in higher Science, Math and statistics but I got a D in English literature, who knew you needed to know Shakespeare to repair a jet engine. A few months later I started training with the royal engineers and was in an EOD unit just after my 18th birthday.
Exactly what happened to me, years of air cadets, went to sign up during my GCSE in 1998 ticked asthma. Told instantly no. Funny thing is my asthma isnt an issue its mild. Wanted to be a load master, few years later ended up working as a civilian ground handler everything from Marshalling, loading and unloading, air starts etc cargo and passenger. 747, an225, an124, 767.
@@Daniel-wb4lr Coincidence there mate. I wanted to be a loadie too!! Thought I'd be swinging out of Sea Kings, windswept hero type rescuing beautiful ladies on the mountains. Reality - KF Shirts, beastings and digging holes.
Asthma affects your fitness for flying. Military aircraft aren't always pressurised as much as civilian aircraft at high level.
@@jjsmallpiece9234 OK but they wouldn't let me into ANY RAF ground role either!
My son wanted in but was denied because he had a pilonidal cyst .
He was asked to get professional proof that it had gone , did this went back to join and was denied a 2nd time. He was told that the specialist who deals with these cysts was not telling the truth.
My son was gutted . And I was gutted for him , he has always loved the outdoors and teaches Kayaking wall climbing and orienteering . Helps underprivileged kids now .
I got the dodgy treatment by RAF recruitment too, so joined the Army instead - a much better choice. A friend was turned away for RAF tech job, c/o pins in his legs from an accident. He then joined the Guards and went on for a successful career, including a long time in the SAS. RAF recruitment leaves absolutely nothing to be desired!
Correct, because I got in! I wasted almost 20 years in the RAF doing a job I hated (aircraft refinishing) in a trade group that was quite literally `dead man`s shoes`. I wished I had joined the British Army instead and feel I would have done much better and had a much more rounded and interesting career and not stuck in a shit job and coming out as a fucking Corporal! Oh well!
Brilliant ~ Im former RAF and very pleased that we are now recognised as more elite than the SAS and boot necks. Per ardua ad astra!!!
not more elite than the sas but ok
Absolutely!! I remember whilst being on detachment in Southern Italy, we were staying in a hotel which didn’t have WiFi and one morning the croissants weren’t properly cooked. Don’t start me on the watery scrambled egg and my dry cleaning being below par. All very well being special forces but I think they to would of cracked. People just don’t understand Chris
These are such cool videos, Chris & Colin have achieved so much but yet come across so down to earth and normal whatever normal is :) keep up the great work 👍.
Thanks Mikey! Xx
CHRIS THRALL 🤘🏼👊🏼🇬🇧
No dramas keeps them down to earth 👍🏻
I knew a guy joined the army,blind in one eye...private to captain.
On the eye test he remembered the letters.
Joined the RAF at 17 did 5 years left. 2 years later went to rejoin RAF recruitment staff where arseholes to me so cos it was a joint service office got up from one desk walked across to the British Army desk said “them bastards won’t let me back in can I go in the Army 4 weeks later was outside Pirbtight RTC with my papers waiting for the bus 😂
He didn’t fit the diversity quota
He's Scottish?
That fits.
My brother and i had to get our mother's permission to join. What a performance. Boy soldiers at 16 and a half.
Two RAF rejects! All they could manage was 22 SAS and RM! Garry Harriman, Royal Air Force 1987-2006! 😁😅
My best mates at school: one became a RAF cook for 9 years and the other is a Squadron Leader. Me? Don't ask.
@@BMH1965 thanks for the story
Tried to join the RAF in 83/84. The MD said. I wouldnt complete basic RAF training due to a heart murmur. Sent me for a ECG to hospital big deal in those days. Doctor at hospital passed me all clear and asked why id been sent. Explained, whilst holding in his hands my medical records in those days everything was paper. He wrote a snotty letter to the RAF doctor. Explaing to the RAF exan ming doctor that if I was fit enough for the another service why had he wasted his time sending me for an ecg. Id left the RM shortly before. Result RAF refused my entry. Later served in the Army and TA whithout any diffuclty getting in.
Similar thing happend to me.
Served for 10 years, got out, applied to rejoin 2 years later, and was ruled out as not fit for service for an injury I had 5 years before I initially joined up 😂.
Did my time as a regular. Rejoined 3 yrs ago as a reservist. Oldest on the course..lol still past though. Love it.
Hello stab
Sign of a true interview, listen😎💪. BZ Blade. 🇬🇧⚓️
I left the RAF in 97. Trained as a nurse and looked at going back in in 2004. No can do! I had had one kidney stone five years previous, nil since. I could run a mile in uder 5 minutes and had a masters degree! The army weren't so fussy!
I was told I was too thick to become an Airforce mechanic, so I became an Airline pilot instead.
Funny enough roughly same time I got a knock back from RAF at interview stage. Joined the RN instead
A lot of it I feel depends on who does your triage, I got declared unfit on the initial triage call and had to appeal it.....for eczema...WHEN I WAS 6
Did you pass in the end? I’m an eczema sufferer, although it isn’t severe and I haven’t seemed medical advice in over two years
Same here, I’ve just finished my 22.
Service for 17 year olds ceased in 1970 when 3 young "jocks" were killed in Liganel, Belfast. He should have known this, it had a major affect on military deployment
the lads were killed on 10th of March 1971 and one was John McCaig a 17 year old in Royal Highland Fusiliers.The government upped the age to 18 for active service soon after these murders
@@johnhamilton8354 weren't they all related too
@@trident1314 2 were brothers the mcCaigs
When getting a medical to join the Army, the Old Army Doctor gave me the "Oh dear, you have flat feet, you won't be able to march." Seconds from destroying my dream, I told him I'd just passed SF(V) selection and that if that didn't prove I could march, nothing would. I swear the Warsaw Pact sponsored them through medical school.
R Troop 264?
Great video as always chris!
Keep up the great content! 😁
Thank you! Xx
Chris, keep up the good work mate, especially as it regards the mentally damaged. God Bless
Mac is a top bloke.
That's literally just happened to me, ex-Inf sniper and I went to join Royal Engineers Reserves (I now work in High Voltage Infrastructre & RE have a specialist HV Eng team), and they wouldn't have me for the same reason. Flat feet. I'm like, it wasn't a problem on Op Telic, in the Jungle or passing a Sniper Course haha 🤣I was like F**k it - Im not that desperate to join. It's not like I need the money haha.
A lad tried joining Army and failed eye site test. Joined French FL and became NCO.
Telecommunications Systems Analyst Operator.... army version was Electronic Warfare Operator or Telecommunications Operations (Spec) .. more hands on than the RAF version. I was the last one Tele Op (Spec) basically it’s EW but both static and battle field depending. Probably got new and improved names now as I’m talking 80s 90s.
I cheated during my eye test and withheld information about my defective heart whilst under going my medical for SAS Reservist. 'Who dares wins'
"just duck waddle to the door" ... this must be why they're called Quacks ?!
Damn! That RAF job was a really good post. If he played his cards right he can eventually get a job in MI6 as a pencil pusher.
Was it the thought of having to take on the 5 miler of death ?😂😂😂
I came out of the guards after Iraq 🇮🇶 ni twice Bosnia 🇧🇦 went to reserves and they knocked me back because I would have a wrong influence on the guys ?? Wtf baffled
FULL PODCAST HERE: ua-cam.com/video/b44z5sOd1bQ/v-deo.html
Respect to you Chris
Cant help but to like Colin.
Aha the RAF guy was on lunch when I went in, the army guys didn't get lunch 🤣
The problem with choosing a career when you're young is you're too young to choose a career. I didn't have a clue when I left school. Those recruitment adds are still a point of amusement for those of us still serving. Now I'm in the Australian Army having some of the best times. Anyway, all the best I'm glad you're doing well.
Respect
Nobody ever questions the doctors competence, my nephew went to join the RAF regiment and got told he had AFIB or something like it. Went to his own doctor and then the hospital to be told he was fitter than a racing snake, so he appealed it and got in. Some doctors like to think their more clever than they actually are.
Ernest Scribbler not joining RAF reg would have done him a favour. He’s spending his life driving around fences now.
@@edwindude9893 He's actually clocking up more air miles than an air stewardess. It used to be join the navy and see the world, well he sees the world and is back in time for tea and medals.
Ernest Scribbler don’t get to earn many medals in the NAFFI. In fact I don’t think RAF reg has one VC. They’ve only got a couple of plastic battle honours. They didn’t do anything until the fighting was over then they acted as security guards. I guess it’s a life style though.
@@edwindude9893 Tea and medals is from Blackadder goes Forth ua-cam.com/video/8UlaAHdcRMg/v-deo.html
@@edwindude9893 Maybe not. But what would you prefer - charge a machine gun post or have a nice man in a Typhoon flying from a secure airfield, guarded by the Rocks come and drop a laser guided bomb onto the target and save your sorry ass from having to make the effort?
In the 80's I went to join at 17 and was told i had fleet and could not get in.
I’ve got flat feet and want to join the army and was very spectacle if I’d make it with my feet but this is really inspiring
I think Luke over at Ranger media said its not much of an issue anymore. That he has orthotics and flat feet and hes doing fine.
@@CrowBagcheers mate that’s really reassuring
In the US, if you are infantry, special forces, etc and there is a billet open in the reserves, there is no selection. You get it period. What a bunch of bullocks.
HAHAHA ,love a dit, i left the navy in early 1996, after a little bit of bird in RNDQs, tried to rejoin within a year,alas no joy
How the christ dose flat feet keep you out the TA.
I was with 4th battalion RGJ for a total of almost 7 years and my feet are flat as shit. I could monkey run and duck waddle with the best of them...very strange
I couldn't get into the RAF either that's how I ended up in the Army! Haha
I found the RAF recruiters to be very arrogant and aloof, when I tried to join them meany moons ago. Ended up in the army, then spent two years a Brize Norton , my initial impression was spot on.
Our recruiters were specialists in spotting Pongo material and signposting on to the PBI recrooturs 😂
@@rafman016 Its all just banter mukka, worked with some good crabs.
I don't respect Politicians or Sports stars or Singers or even medical people [ actually some Doctors maybe ] but great military men get my utmost respect, Thank you for your service
dread. Grow up kid. Respect your doctors. Even these SAS operators respect them. Who do you think fixes these soldiers when they get hurt? Doctors. So respect them.
everyone deserves respect, just cos you don't value them, doesn't mean their not human beings. don't de-value others just to prove yourself.
Thank you/
Went for a medical at Glencorse recruit selection centre,result was that I had to have a BMI of 18 to get into the Reserves.
A BMI of 18 !,I hadn’t had a BMI of 18 since I was a soaking wet teenager.
I would have had to physically make myself unwell to reach that BMI,but then I shouldn’t be surprised,same mob that sent 8-10 potential recruits for an expensive MRI scan for,Wait for it !... suspected heart murmur‘s of which all turned out to be bollocks, nice way to spunk £5 grand up the wall.
I was 39 at the time and was rejoining a T.A unit after leaving my previous unit in 2006 after 19 years.
Tours in Iraq and the previous Op Granby.
@@user-dk2ol7pq6r ... spot on,BMI is so out of date ,doesn’t Take build ,muscle composition,water composition it’s this “ it’s this way or nothing”.
British Army have lost potential manpower to this mindset.
Great video pal.
Glad you enjoyed Mark X
Sorry to correct you but you couldn't go to Northern Ireland at 17.
My battalion went to Northern Ireland in January 86 but I couldn't join them until I turned 18 a couple of months later.
We had 17 year olds with us in Ireland until 1971 it was changed after 3 of our guys were executed one was 17 one 18 and one was 23 years old
Chris as always a great video how could he fail the TA ffs I was running rings around the local TA and junior leaders at the tender age of 13 lol I was a little bastard on the local training areas haha so had fun as a kid and never got taken by anyone hahaha even played enemy for the junior leaders back in the day with a guy you may know S/Sgt Chris Pasco and his dog Bullseye he of the accolades of organizing the cutting out the hospital ship in the Falklands quicker than it could be done in dry dock...I believe it was 24 hours instead of 36 hours peace brother 😎
I got through lots of tests and at I'm guessing a final interview the RAF recruiter said I was "too army" not long after my parents had a change of heart and I started my journey in the army.
Don’t think 23 are still in invergowrie/Dundee now.
They are
Respect for the SAS types, but the RAF is a totally different skill set, but just as important.
Can you do something on the SRR? Theres no videos at all about them anywhere
You've got two hopes!
Respect to Mr McLachlan. The regiment has its fair share of guys from bad areas with bad upbringings, being treated badly by politicians and helping civvies who don't give a shit.
Absolute nails.
I also failed to join the RAF, but I have suffered a closed mindset, so I never retried.......
😂😂😂 once was a scallywag 😎
Good name for a Book mmmh ⁉️🤔😉🕊️⚔️🙏
So glad I found your videos mate, I've subd. So glad you bear your demons! I'll be getting your book! I's there a way to contact you privately?
I feel like the problem with that is that, because RAF is more technical and aviation, they would require intelligence and knowledge for certain roles. I mean think about it you are working with some advanced tech that were possibly made by professionals or the job has things like gathering intelligence which I mean it's obvious that you would need to meet the right education. I know I know "But the army and navy also have some sort of a intelligence branch or something related to gathering intelligence" but we are talking about the RAF the one military branch that gives us support most if the time.
Well if you are joining something like the RAF regiment then fair enough (dont need GCSEs or any qualifications unless you are joining as an officer).
You are right, my Dad was an RAF Halton apprentice joined at 15 was one of Lord Trenchards brats they used to call them, was the hardest technical training to learn about aircraft engines, I still have my Dad's old training books and what they had to learn was mindboggling.
The Capita recruitment system is lamentable; it was much slicker when it was run in-house. That still didn't mean that your GP couldn't 'spoil' it all for you though. I'm in the process of rejoining as a Reservist, and it's taking forever.
17year olds were not allowed to go to NI in my day and i was RGJ,17yr olds were rear party
Rear Party hey Jim - they should of called it Missing the Party!
@@ChrisThrall hahahha
Life has a habit of booting you in the balls. I left the military in 1995 after 11 years service and was rejected from the TA as well they had brought in BMI criteria and whilst I could still pump out a BFT in double quick time my BMI was to high same happened when I tried to join 'civpol'. 25 years later I run my own company in the Middle East providing environmental solutions to the Energy Sector its strange how life works itself out. My BMI is a hell of a lot better now but I doubt i'd pass a BFT.
Ah see, Colin you should have signed up to AR before you left reg service, I know plenty ex regulars who have done that dodgy knees, hips and all
I’m sure it’s no loss not getting into RAF reg, guarding the NAFFI would get boring.
How the fk can they fail you for flat feet after all that you have achieved...mind boggles sometimes..
Go private then, if anything The UN should hire a private force with set objectives, states are too cumbersome and don't let soldiers do their jobs which is primarily to kill .
Nearly failed the medical to get in the regs because the Doctor didnt think my skin would be suitable for the fantastic army issue1980s KF itchy shirt!
Those were the devil's shirts Tony! Xx
@@ChrisThrall God , yes they were - I remember a guy wearing a T shirt with just the KF shirt lapels and a bit of shoulder still attached- under his wooly pooly. He had to bend down to pick something up on a block inspection. The absence of his shirt was pretty apparent and everyone was in bits!
At least you could get a good 'box' crease in those shirts.
@@BMH1965 NAAFI spray starch was a must!
Couple of things
1. You can’t be signed up to the Army unless you also sign the papers the idea your family did it it shite
2. You can serve in Germany at any age
3. You could only deploy to NI at the age of 17 1/2 you where referee too as uneledgable or the Veg Pl i
4. His names Pithie he changed it
Am old X coal miner, now de funked OAP,, now now I pass on workin down a coal mine has gone.
Nothing to do fitness or anything else, if you have ever been to a doc about mental health issues or seen a doc more than twice about any mental health issue then it's an automatic life bar from any military service, I tried to re-enlist with reserves few years back and because I had seen my gp about depression after my ex wife left me and took my kids it stuck on my national health record even though I was never suicidal or ever crossed my mind to self harm or other wise I was just down and needed time off work for a week or 2 to get my shit together but because of that it barred from re upping
Should not the title read, decided not to join the RAF. As was said previously different skill sets and educational requirements for the RAF compared to the Army or RM. all services support each other. RAF 1967-1995 joined as an apprentice at 16.
Yep in the RAF the most important skill set is the side step in a CRAB like movement
Old enough to serve in NI? Not only was he not old enough to drink he would've been too young to vote! Luckily for Colin his medical issue was diagnosed years after his service in special forces. I mean .... just imagine passing selection and then being told " sorry, you've got flat feet ..... "
Somewhat concerned regarding what you state about ages of deployment Colin, I joined at 15 in 1967? I served in NI at 17?
The deployment thing changed after the 3 young Scottish soldiers were kidnapped and murdered one was 17, 16 became the min age in the mid 80s I think
Spiderman Superman Hulk Thor Blade ...special forces
What age is Colin? I thought he was mid 40s so he would've been old enough for the gulf.
The guy is a fake it’s very obvious... but he knows the the three bs bullshit baffles brains but well done for seeing through it
No, he's too young for Gulf 1; it was 90/91.
Super Army Soldiers 😁
Sorry to be a bit of a pedant but you had to be 18 to go to Ireland after 1971 when the IRA killed three young soldiers of the RHF ☹️ RIP lads
The medical standards for the reserves are the same regulars. So Colin would have failed selection selection no matter what if he had joined recently. Just shows how strict it is these days.
I swear u look like og captain price bro
Wish I could play the game like him lol! X
Omg he does 😂😂
Very poor how our usual and well known humility has disintegrated into this public UA-cam spectacle.
What happened to the podcast with radders
I'll do a vid later to explain X
Ok cool
Did u do another vid mate
Come to nz, half our country has flat feet
It takes a real man to join the RAF. We are God squad after all, brill cream boys, I fucking hated the word crabs. However, we are the best of the best after all ;)
Crab
So when's the "battle of bastion" going on the RAF regt colours heard there was some mighty fine shooting from the guys...mind you it was much later and at their own body armour so they could embellish stories to the real soldiers on the ground.