Joining UK Armed Forces

[Miko]

Also, and though I am no expert on British immigration policies, if I’m not mistaken you need to be a permanent resident of the United Kingdom, or one of her dependencies (ie: The Falklands) for a minimum of three years, before you can apply for any law enforcement/military careers.

Canada is still commonwealth believe it or not.
GrenadierGuard should have no problem joining the British military if he is currently in the CF, or got in at some recent point. Like I said here before, the only thing he has to worry about is qualifying for a Visa (look into the youth mobility scheme) in order to occupy/ finance himself in Britain during the duration of his application process (as he does not have a sponsor).

Royal marines website is made available under the national archives;
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20101001110155/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/

 

[daftandbarmy]

Canada is still commonwealth believe it or not.
GrenadierGuard should have no problem joining the British military if he is currently in the CF, or got in at some recent point. Like I said here before, the only thing he has to worry about is qualifying for a Visa (look into the youth mobility scheme) in order to occupy/ finance himself in Britain during the duration of his application process (as he does not have a sponsor).

Royal marines website is made available under the national archives;
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20101001110155/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/

I wrote to the Parachute Regiment and they agreed to accept me into training, in writing, which was the only thing I needed to get through at customs. But that was ages before 9/11.

You might try to write the CGRM and ask if they'll have you. Couldn't hurt. Buster Howes is a good egg: ran recce pl 45 Cdo when I was there. His staff should at least route you through to the right place. Sound keen but not sycophantic, get your spelling right, include a military resume or reference letters, trip repoort from your attempt on Everest  etc etc. It's deffo an easier sell if you've already proven yourself in the CF.
.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commandant_General_Royal_Marines

 

[Ex-SHAD]

Canada is still commonwealth believe it or not.
GrenadierGuard should have no problem joining the British military if he is currently in the CF, or got in at some recent point. Like I said here before, the only thing he has to worry about is qualifying for a Visa (look into the youth mobility scheme) in order to occupy/ finance himself in Britain during the duration of his application process (as he does not have a sponsor).

Royal marines website is made available under the national archives;
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20101001110155/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/

Now with reference to special application status for members of the Commonwealth, that went out with Enoch Powell and later Maggie Thatcher. Now that being said, it’s somewhat easier for a Commonwealth national to apply for residency in the United Kingdom, but it’s no longer a guaranteed application.

If anything, if he hasn’t already gone to college, then he should complete that first, and also prove that he has an income to support residency in the United Kingdom during his recruiting period. Applying to HM Forces is not as straightforward as it used to be, and the applicant must be prepared to jump through numerous hoops to comply with the immigration standards.

From my understanding, an applicant under the current scheme needs 80 points (in accordance with the UK Border Agency’s current “Point System”).

 

[Miko]

From my understanding, an applicant under the current scheme needs 80 points (in accordance with the UK Border Agency’s current “Point System”).

Unless he/ she qualifies for the Youth Mobility Scheme, which I am assuming most individuals interested in the RM are. In that case it is only 40 required points plus 10 for funds (you are required to show you can sustain yourself in Britain in the two years the visa applies).

I wrote to the Parachute Regiment and they agreed to accept me into training, in writing, which was the only thing I needed to get through at customs. But that was ages before 9/11.

You might try to write the CGRM and ask if they'll have you. Couldn't hurt. Buster Howes is a good egg: ran recce pl 45 Cdo when I was there. His staff should at least route you through to the right place. Sound keen but not sycophantic, get your spelling right, include a military resume or reference letters, trip repoort from your attempt on Everest  etc etc. It's deffo an easier sell if you've already proven yourself in the CF.

Thats a good point. Thanks daftandbarmy, your experience here is appreciated.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Here's something about the fitness requirements. The tests are the same as those 'run' in WW2.

 

[GrenadierGuard]

Unless he/ she qualifies for the Youth Mobility Scheme, which I am assuming most individuals interested in the RM are. In that case it is only 40 required points plus 10 for funds (you are required to show you can sustain yourself in Britain in the two years the visa applies).
Thats a good point. Thanks daftandbarmy, your experience here is appreciated.

Do these points qualify me to live in the UK only or are they necessary to join the RM? For example if  have 40 points must still wait 2 years while living there before join??

 

[Miko]

For example if  have 40 points must still wait 2 years while living there before join??

No sorry, the two years applies to the Youth Mobility Visa, not to how long you must live there before applying. Once your in Britian you can immediatly apply to join the royal marines. Remember the application process can take 6 months or more in some cases, to make sure you can sustain yourself over there.

Again, GrenadierGaurd please look into this yourself. Google is your best friend.

 

[Towards_the_gap]

I just stumbled upon this thread and would like to add that as of May 2001 (when I joined the Royal Engineers), Canadians, as commonwealth citizens, did not need visa's or permanent residency. All you need is the 6 month tourist visa (given upon landing in the UK), in order to start your application. Bear in mind that on a 6 month tourist visa you cannot work or 'seek recourse to public funds' i.e. go on welfare, therefore you must be fully self sufficient.

As far as I am aware this has not changed for commonwealth applicants to HM Forces.

 

[daftandbarmy]

I was wondering if anyone knew the main requirements for joining the Royal Marines in Britain. Do you have to live there for a certain ammount of time before joining? When Canadians apply do they usually come back when theiy're done and join the CF again or do they usually stay in Europe for their career?

Regardless of the citizenship requirements etc, you have to know that if you try to get into the Royal Marines, you have a better than 50% chance of failing.

Not trying to burst your bubble here or anything, but the reality is that it's a total bitch and harder than just about anything outside of the various SF selections, and no one cares about a stray Canadian who can't keep up on the runs etc. You also need to understand that the British military is different: the pay is worse, the food is worse, the living conditions are worse, and they treat living/wounded/dead soldiers and their NOK worse than anything you will see in Canada. As for the local women, I refrain from commenting - being a gentleman (stop laughing).

It all looks very rugged and glamorous right now, I know, but if you do try it, you must be extremely fit, AND have a Plan B if you do not succeed. 20 miles into the 30 miler across Dartmoor is not the time to wonder if you've made the right decision! Only fanatics need apply....

Cheerfully yours,

D&B  ;D

 

[newton123]

Ok old thread I know.  However if GrenadierGuard is still around he should ask, ahem, the individual at the CGG who served with British Forces.  He's got the answers...failing that send me a PM and I'll answer all your questions (or are you the guy I chatted with last year outside the clothing store?)

 

[mark325]

Hey there, I am a Canadian citizen looking to join the British forces for the fact that the majority of my family lives over in Britain and military career has always been of interest to me as well. I have been researching and reading up on the whole ordeal for almost a year now but have found it slightly difficult to find helpful information. So far I have been thinking of joining either the royal marines, or a combat oriented job in the army. I am aware you need to be a British citizen to become an officer, so i would joining as a NCM. Additional information that might be useful is that i am currently 18 years of age soon to be 19. So essentially my question is this: Is there anyone else who might be able to help me out with any information or even experience joining the British military as a Canadian?

Thanks!

-Mark

 

[frank1515]

Try the British High Consulate in Ottawa. That's where I would start.

http://ukincanada.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/faqs/living-working/work

 

[PMedMoe]

And perhaps look in this thread:  The "Wanting To Join Another Military" Thread- Them To Us- Us To Them

This thread is about the British military, not from (or by) them.

 

[Pieman]

I applied to the British Army back in 2005. Much has changed in the process since so I can't offer specifics. I can offer some advice and give you a heads up for things once you get things going.

First, Get in contact with the British Military recruiting. They will be able to provide up to date information. *Start the process now.* It is going to take time to get in.  You are in the prime age group. Start whipping your butt into shape *now*. They are picky and won't be impressed if you show up needing physical training, especially as an NCM.

Also, look close at the pay and benefits the British NCM receive. They don't enjoy a lot of the benefits that Canadian troops get from what I understand. Additionally, although a great deal has changed with the British Army, they are still excluded from certain equal rights types of laws. (They can refuse employment based on age, which is what happened with my experience)  Consequently, they still have a lot of 'old school' mentality about them. All I can say is brace yourself for that. In all, be sure you are willing to sacrifice a fair chunk of pay. In my mind, as I am sure it is in yours, the experience alone would be worth it.

 

[Towards_the_gap]

You will need to be able to support yourself whilst you live in the UK during the recruitment process without seeking employment or going on any sort of welfare. This could be upwards of 6 months so start saving now.

Aim to be able to do 44 pushups in 2 mins, 60 situps in 2 mins, and run 2.4 km in under 10mins, if you wish to be competitive against other applicants. If you are looking at RM then at a minimum, you should be doing 60-70 pushups in 2 mins, 70-80 situps and doing the 2.4km in sub 9:30.

They will require your highschool transcripts as well to judge what sort of trades are open to you.

If any of the above is unobtainable then do not even bother. They are in a much deeper recession and the army is cutting jobs/down sizing, so they have the ability to be VERY picky on who they let in.

If you pass selection and get sworn in, they will take your Canadian passport and send it off to immigration, where it will be stamped "Exempt under Section *** of the Immigration Act" which essentially means you will be exempt from Immigration control whilst in the employ of HM Forces.

 

[Pieman]

You will need to be able to support yourself whilst you live in the UK during the recruitment process without seeking employment or going on any sort of welfare.

I can second that. I lived there for one month for the process. I got a 'working vacation' visa from the British embassy before going. You can land a job working in pubs etc while you go through the process.

I can also second their expectations on the physical ability they expect. It is competitive, and they really think that if you want it then you are going to show up in good shape.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Should be a dawdle as long as you're not 55:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmlHxIqVoxE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDDloWuFEec&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaSoIH5zv7I&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhOlFVw9BE&feature=relmfu


Then again, my course formed up with 140 and passed out with less than 40. But that was in the good old days before Afghanistan and Iraq. It's probably tougher now  ;D

 

[barrybudden]

Hello mate

If you want to join the Royal Marine Commandos you have a bit of a challenge ahead of you.  If you like pm me and I can give you a heads up of what to expect. I am on the other side of the coin after leaving the Corp and getting my  Canadian citizenship I have applied to the CF and await Aprils news.

 

[hijinx]

Is it possible to transfer to a British Unit.  I have the legal right of abode in the UK by way of an ancestral VISA?  If it is possible, does anyone know the procedure?

 

[mariomike]

Is it possible to transfer to a British Unit.

This may help.

The "Wanting To Join Another Military" Thread- Them To Us- Us To Them 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/18494.0

Canadian looking to join British forces 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/105251.0

JOINING THE ROYAL MARINES 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/97642.0

Canadian Thinking of Joining the BRITISH army for a few reasons........ 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/24295.0.html

Canadians seeking future career in British Army look here 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/22841.0