Totally gutted.....

[browningautorifle]

I still feel 20 yrs old probably because I am single again.

I heard that pal! I know exactly what you're talking about too.

[bigduke6]

Thanks Doug, Gary,

There was a lot more to it than a wrote in post 8, the whole process was like walking through a house of a 100 doors and every tenth one slamming me in the face, at the final interview I was told all eyes were on me from the first minute all to do with the fitness etc, they were more impressed that I hadn't called it a day at the first knock back also, All in all just happy to get this far, one things for sure there are are a few more out side the unit I,m joining that have gone the extra mile to get me in and used their common sense.
I wasn't the oldest either, was a lad there 47, he was an ex Reg from the RAMC who was going for the Reserves also, little did I know until the train journey home that he had similar interests and owns an Enfield...... As he has just moved back near my area was looking for a local shooting club, so done the decent thing and he will be a member next time I see him.

[browningautorifle]

I had recruits join the reserves that were aged from 15 (almost 16) all the way to 51, I think was my oldest. Usually the older ones were joining a trade, and already qualified. Fitness results vary...

[Paul S.]

Great news.

[bigduke6]

I had recruits join the reserves that were aged from 15 (almost 16) all the way to 51, I think was my oldest. Usually the older ones were joining a trade, and already qualified. Fitness results vary...

Jim,

Its my trade that was the vital key, although the unit have me lined up for a course on braking systems, someone realized ships don't have brakes !!! apart from that can transfer my skills across as they applied and got me exemptions (being a time served Fitter & Turner got me some brownie points also), but there still may be a few stumbling blocks regarding my colour vision.... colour vision grades C1 to C4, I,m a C4, a VM needs to be C3, Recovery Mechanic C4, Armourer C4.
As one of my mates said "there has been more twists and turns in my application than a Agatha Christie novel"

[browningautorifle]

Its my trade that was the vital key

That's right. That's always the foot in the door. It helps to get an older guy with experience, then he's just carrying on instead of trying to learn.

[bigduke6]

After a last delay from my Doctors surgery (wasn't the Doc just one of the staff who thinks she is a Doc) my medical forms were sent by fax and being glanced over while I was on the Way to get Attested, 50/50 chance it was going to go through but everything fell in place at high noon and was Attested today, been a struggle since day one but well worth it, even the Kings Shilling has had a substantial increase (just been brought in to get the numbers up) plus after initial Soldier training another one off payment and after trade training a very large one off payment, something I wasn't expecting so a big bonus, so any advice regarding my future training from any of the ex Regs, Resrves, NCO,s and even the Officers on Milsurps will be most appreciated.

[browningautorifle]

The same advise I gave the children here before they headed off. No matter what, you just don't quit. It doesn't matter what the task, you may not be running in first place, you may not be all squared away, just don't quit. Do what you're told, the way you're told, when you're told to do it. Then you carry on after doing the job you're qualified for, and you'll have no further problems. Maturity helps a lot in this case.