AACC transfer to RM

[future-commando]

@future-commando Hi just a thought but I wondered if you've considered paying to get that test done privately to speed things up? It'll probably be really expensive, but if it could save years of your life waiting for the NHS to do it then it could be worth it. Even if you have to save up for a couple of years it would be worth it if you know the RM are for you.

Unfortunately mate I've already been there and done that. I paid £180 for a private test which proved I didn't have an allergy but suggested I had blood work done to test proteins. Hence why the NHS is involved. It had to go through them as it can't be done privately. Already explored that avenue. The raf was the only branch that excepted me medically without the proteins being tested.

Strange I know but every branch is different I guess. Good suggestion though just ashame it didn't work out like that.

 

[J9R4W]

Ah right got you, that is a tricky situation. That's good news with the RAF though, at least not all branches have the medical same process. Best of luck with your app mate.

 

[Dangerous Steve]

The reasons are many-fold but primarily, after serving 3 or 4 years and earning seniority in pay and promotion, possible changes in personal circumstances (partner, children, etc), the prospect of starting again from scratch with a higher than average risk of failure to complete through injury, etc., makes the prospect and potential consequences too high a risk to undertake.

I can attest to this. I always wanted to join the Royal Marines but ended up joining the Army due to a combination of RM recruiting at the time taking ages (it was around 6 months from PRMC to recruit training, and there were no civvie jobs in my area) and wanting to get on tour ASAP. Fast foward about a decade and I actually applied to transfer to the Royal Marines to fulfill the ambition. It took a lot of interviews with my units hierarchy getting talked out of it, but the main reason to withdraw it was the huge drop in pay. It just wasn't feasible to go from a top end, high payband Corporal to recruit pay and then back to the bottom on a Marine (OR2) salary.

As said above, transferring between services is not something you can just do with ease like a unit posting change. It's a massive admin hurdle, that can months to over a year, and you're potentially wiping away any career progression you've already made.

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

I can attest to this. I always wanted to join the Royal Marines but ended up joining the Army due to a combination of RM recruiting at the time taking ages (it was around 6 months from PRMC to recruit training, and there were no civvie jobs in my area) and wanting to get on tour ASAP. Fast foward about a decade and I actually applied to transfer to the Royal Marines to fulfill the ambition. It took a lot of interviews with my units hierarchy getting talked out of it, but the main reason to withdraw it was the huge drop in pay. It just wasn't feasible to go from a top end, high payband Corporal to recruit pay and then back to the bottom on a Marine (OR2) salary.

As said above, transferring between services is not something you can just do with ease like a unit posting change. It's a massive admin hurdle, that can months to over a year, and you're potentially wiping away any career progression you've already made.

Really appreciate the feedback (good or bad). Thankyou.

Fully understand the logic. I'm sure the Corps loses a good many viable, high quality individuals who would certainly make the grade by a good margin.

The reasons behind the Corps and source Arm/Branch logic, frustrating as it is, are many-fold, I guess.

The source service/branch of the individual are faced with an inreased admin burden which doesn't benefit the unit in any way because they have trained & paid for someone they don't want to lose.

The receiving service/branch (RM in this case) want someone they can train the way they want them to perform. They are wary of individuals who are experienced, have acquired a level of competency and confidence within their previous role who may have difficulties re-adjusting to the inevitable changes and ethos - particularly if members of the training team are maybe younger, senior and potentially less experienced than the individual they are trying to re-train.

My guess is similarly, the reason the Corps accepts fewer than 10% of young officer (YO) 'recruits' through the Corps Commission route is for precisely the same reason.

 

[Mattys]

Unfortunately mate I've already been there and done that. I paid £180 for a private test which proved I didn't have an allergy but suggested I had blood work done to test proteins. Hence why the NHS is involved. It had to go through them as it can't be done privately. Already explored that avenue. The raf was the only branch that excepted me medically without the proteins being tested.

Strange I know but every branch is different I guess. Good suggestion though just ashame it didn't work out like that.

Hey mate

Your only 21 don’t just give up on trying for the marines if you want it that bad you’ll do what you can,

It won’t take years to get your protein in your blood checked on the waiting list , You go through your GP and if you have an email/letter from capita would speed things up even more as it’s something you require not just for your health and well being but also for your military career.

I had genetic blood tests through GP which tests everything took 4 weeks from doing the test to getting the full results back , All it takes is some persistence a few phone calls and it won’t take no time at all and I have my blood levels checked which is mainly for iron but it gets checked for things including protein at the same time and I do this on a Monday you get the printed out results on a Wednesday so takes no time at all!

 

[future-commando]

Hey mate

Your only 21 don’t just give up on trying for the marines if you want it that bad you’ll do what you can,

It won’t take years to get your protein in your blood checked on the waiting list , You go through your GP and if you have an email/letter from capita would speed things up even more as it’s something you require not just for your health and well being but also for your military career.

I had genetic blood tests through GP which tests everything took 4 weeks from doing the test to getting the full results back , All it takes is some persistence a few phone calls and it won’t take no time at all and I have my blood levels checked which is mainly for iron but it gets checked for things including protein at the same time and I do this on a Monday you get the printed out results on a Wednesday so takes no time at all!

Hi mate long time no speak. Hope you had a good Xmas!

I wish it were that easy but unfortunately it's not. When I was 5 I had a recorded nut allergy which is what spiralled all these issues. I was told I would need an allergy test so I went on a waiting list at 17 and heard nothing. 8 months down the line I was 18 now I paid for a private test and it said I wasn't allergic but had similar allergenic proteins in my blood which cause a reaction (not that it's ever effected me in the slightest). Anyway long story short I've been on a waiting list to have an NHS allergy test and blood work done to test these proteins for almost 3 years. I was promised 2 appointments last year and year before and both were cancelled. The doctor who was doing these tests has lost my previous blood work results delaying me further. I did chase and chase and chase and it gets worse as time goes on. And with covid, NHS are overwhelmed so no chance of getting a test this year they have already told me that. If you saw all my medical documents you would understand *text deleted*.

I guess I'm kidding myself abit anyway. Ive had blood work done at my GP in the past and the results were positive which is why I failed my original appeal and had to go through the NHS. The army outright rejected me on the spot.

I got very lucky with the raf and I think it's because they looked at it from the perspective of its never actually affected me and I don't have reactions. I could wait another year or longer and be told no all because of a result on a piece of paper.

I can still have a decent career in the raf weather that is with the regiment or a different trade. I don't want to throw that away now that I am on my very last stage for a "what if".

 

[Mattys]

Hi mate long time no speak. Hope you had a good Xmas!

I wish it were that easy but unfortunately it's not. When I was 5 I had a recorded nut allergy which is what spiralled all these issues. I was told I would need an allergy test so I went on a waiting list at 17 and heard nothing. 8 months down the line I was 18 now I paid for a private test and it said I wasn't allergic but had similar allergenic proteins in my blood which cause a reaction (not that it's ever effected me in the slightest). Anyway long story short I've been on a waiting list to have an NHS allergy test and blood work done to test these proteins for almost 3 years. I was promised 2 appointments last year and year before and both were cancelled. The doctor who was doing these tests has lost my previous blood work results delaying me further. I did chase and chase and chase and it gets worse as time goes on. And with covid, NHS are overwhelmed so no chance of getting a test this year they have already told me that. If you saw all my medical documents you would understand *text deleted*.

I guess I'm kidding myself abit anyway. Ive had blood work done at my GP in the past and the results were positive which is why I failed my original appeal and had to go through the NHS. The army outright rejected me on the spot.

I got very lucky with the raf and I think it's because they looked at it from the perspective of its never actually affected me and I don't have reactions. I could wait another year or longer and be told no all because of a result on a piece of paper.

I can still have a decent career in the raf weather that is with the regiment or a different trade. I don't want to throw that away now that I am on my very last stage for a "what if".

Very complicated situation then!

It’s just one of those things where you have to keep ringing as at the end of the day it’s still your health which is no different to anybody elses regardless of covid but it’s just the situation where you’ve *text deleted* explain your situation and circumstances and that’s the way to go.

When you failed your appeal was that through by capita or was it by SEMC?

That’s down to you then mate if you’ve been passed medically for the RAF that will always be on the system for that medical issue so youll never have any issues there! So if you did go marines route and did fail you know you could always do the RAF.

All the best whatever you end up doing mate

 

[future-commando]

Very complicated situation then!

It’s just one of those things where you have to keep ringing as at the end of the day it’s still your health which is no different to anybody elses regardless of covid but it’s just the situation where you’ve *text deleted* explain your situation and circumstances and that’s the way to go.

When you failed your appeal was that through by capita or was it by SEMC?

That’s down to you then mate if you’ve been passed medically for the RAF that will always be on the system for that medical issue so youll never have any issues there! So if you did go marines route and did fail you know you could always do the RAF.

All the best whatever you end up doing mate

I totally agree, that was SEMC who failed my appeal. My last hope was the blood work but I'm 80% sure I would fail that too. I would stick to marines mate but 3 nearly 4 years is a piss take and I've got to a point where I really need to crack on with a career now. The raf as it stands is my best option and looking into different opportunities from the role and branch itself is of interest to me so thats where I've chosen to go!

 

[Mattys]

I totally agree, that was SEMC who failed my appeal. My last hope was the blood work but I'm 80% sure I would fail that too. I would stick to marines mate but 3 nearly 4 years is a piss take and I've got to a point where I really need to crack on with a career now. The raf as it stands is my best option and looking into different opportunities from the role and branch itself is of interest to me so thats where I've chosen to go!

Never be to sure! I applied when I was 27 got diagnosed with a blood disease at after being passed medically fit (was at pjft stage) ended up being told I won’t get passed unless the laws change 3 years later back and fourth to specialists etc I got passed by SEMC now 31 but I’ve gave myself a chance so it’s down to me,
Dont just give up if that’s something you dream of doing as trust me you’ll regret it and you’ll always be looking over your shoulder thinking what if we’ll that’s how I’ve felt the last 10 years not going for it sooner but you live and learn!

 

[future-commando]

Never be to sure! I applied when I was 27 got diagnosed with a blood disease at after being passed medically fit (was at pjft stage) ended up being told I won’t get passed unless the laws change 3 years later back and fourth to specialists etc I got passed by SEMC now 31 but I’ve gave myself a chance so it’s down to me,
Dont just give up if that’s something you dream of doing as trust me you’ll regret it and you’ll always be looking over your shoulder thinking what if we’ll that’s how I’ve felt the last 10 years not going for it sooner but you live and learn!

I am stubborn! Most likely my age! Truth is as long as i can head in the direction of a training instructor I'll be happy. Its what I'm really passionate about and I really just want to get on with it! Fair play to you tho that's massive commitment

 

[ThreadpigeonsAlpha]

Hopefully this will put some perspective onto my situation.

Originally royal marines was my career path and nothing else mattered. However after 3 years of trying to join and having constant trouble with medical I felt like I was going in circles. I wasn't cleared medically fit as I did vpjft before that. I'm on an NHS waiting list for specific allergy protein tests which I could be on for many more years. The army rejected me for this reason otherwise I would have tried out for royal artillery and gone 29 commando or joined the paras. Waiting around for a test that won't come up for a long time especially with covid around had killed my aspirations to go in that direction. After I had the bad experience with my vpjft even after training my backside off just topped it off and I left.

The raf might not be all colours of the rainbow but they have cleared me medically fit and have requested my selection course in the space of a few months. They've been positive about getting me through and have been straight up with me from the start.

My end goal military wise has always been pti/drill instructor. Raf regiment as you know, are responsible for alot of the raf training as a whole especially in field craft and weapons training. That's the direction I would like to aim for. JTAC has become of interest to me as well. Since JTAC's get attached to different units, I asked the question about AACC to see if that was an option for me, I know P coy is definitely an option as I could go 2 sqn.

Yeah I would love to have been a royal marine and one day it may happen. But I can't justify waiting round another 3 years for something thing that might not happen all because they won't medically accept what the raf did. After my military career I want to head in the direction of civvi police and go for DC. So a trade transfer to raf police later in my career might be a wise move. Only time will tell how everything pans out, but for now my decision is final. I'm closer than I've ever been to joining a military branch and its going to get my foot in the door for where I want to go.

RM don’t need JTACs attached from other branches, they have their own.
The RM has a bigger air defence capability than the RAF Regiment, they are just infantry/armoured troops now.

Fair enough, you can justify taking the time you need to join the Corps if that is the goal, but I can understand you are keen to get cracking and get on with stuff.
Life changes and priorities change, I’ve worked with some good men and women from the RAF, green and blue.
You just have to make a choice and throw everything at it and give it your best.

 

[ThreadpigeonsAlpha]

Unfortunately mate I've already been there and done that. I paid £180 for a private test which proved I didn't have an allergy but suggested I had blood work done to test proteins. Hence why the NHS is involved. It had to go through them as it can't be done privately. Already explored that avenue. The raf was the only branch that excepted me medically without the proteins being tested.

Strange I know but every branch is different I guess. Good suggestion though just ashame it didn't work out like that.

Have they specifically said you are able to go RAF Regiment with your medical? Certain trades will have lower standards but the RAF Regiment I’d imagine would have/should have slightly higher standards as it’s an infantry role.

 

[future-commando]

RM don’t need JTACs attached from other branches, they have their own.
The RM has a bigger air defence capability than the RAF Regiment, they are just infantry/armoured troops now.

Fair enough, you can justify taking the time you need to join the Corps if that is the goal, but I can understand you are keen to get cracking and get on with stuff.
Life changes and priorities change, I’ve worked with some good men and women from the RAF, green and blue.
You just have to make a choice and throw everything at it and give it your best.

I've been booked onto PGSC 01/02/21 so not long! It's still 3 days. I've definitely decided to stick with raf. I'm so close to joining it would be a waste to give it up.

 

[future-commando]

Have they specifically said you are able to go RAF Regiment with your medical? Certain trades will have lower standards but the RAF Regiment I’d imagine would have/should have slightly higher standards as it’s an infantry role.

Yes I'm fully declared medically fit for service.

 

[ThreadpigeonsAlpha]

Yes I'm fully declared medically fit for service.

Smash it up. And prove us wrong

 

[future-commando]

Smash it up. And prove us wrong

I certainly will! I appreciate all the support though! @Chelonian update on my RAF REG app above! PGSC on 1st Feb

 

[Dangerous Steve]

My end goal military wise has always been pti/drill instructor. Raf regiment as you know, are responsible for alot of the raf training as a whole especially in field craft and weapons training. That's the direction I would like to aim for. JTAC has become of interest to me as well. Since JTAC's get attached to different units, I asked the question about AACC to see if that was an option for me, I know P coy is definitely an option as I could go 2 sqn.

You can do the AACC as a SAC or LCpl to be a TACP Signaller in 3 Cdo Bde. You'd be posted to 29 Cdo in Plymouth to support the JTACs there. There's not many spaces, but you can always put it in your preferences. Or you can wait until you reach Cpl and apply to go there as a JTAC. Again, there's only a handful of RAF Regt positions there. Most are RM and Army.
And as you've said there is also the II Sqn option, if you complete the RAF Regt Pre-Para course (their version of P Coy). That can also open the door to be a JTAC in 16 AA Bde in Colchester.

Good luck with it and well done for persevering through the medical setbacks.

 

[ThreadpigeonsAlpha]

You can do the AACC as a SAC or LCpl to be a TACP Signaller in 3 Cdo Bde. You'd be posted to 29 Cdo in Plymouth to support the JTACs there. There's not many spaces, but you can always put it in your preferences. Or you can wait until you reach Cpl and apply to go there as a JTAC. Again, there's only a handful of RAF Regt positions there. Most are RM and Army.
And as you've said there is also the II Sqn option, if you complete the RAF Regt Pre-Para course (their version of P Coy). That can also open the door to be a JTAC in 16 AA Bde in Colchester.

Good luck with it and well done for persevering through the medical setbacks.

I have never seen any postings or anyone at that low a rank to be on AACC. Even after working with 29.

Is this an actual position or just one of those recruiting “possibly could happen” scenarios?

2 sqn is highly sought after and only the top candidates from training are put forward for it, and units usually screen possible candidates from their units to go forward for beat-up/pre-para.

 

[Dangerous Steve]

I have never seen any postings or anyone at that low a rank to be on AACC. Even after working with 29.

Is this an actual position or just one of those recruiting “possibly could happen” scenarios?

Yeah the TACPs at 29 are a mixture of RM, Army (RA) and RAF Regt PIDs. I think it's predominately RM and Army though, so not an even spread. I've known a few RAF to do it over the last few years. There was a RAF Regt SAC TACP Signaller who got the Commando Medal on the AACC a couple of years back.