I should note, their dislike also applies to non combat roles, even If I were an army nurse working in an NHS hospital they would still hate to hear that I had signed up just due to it being an army role. I doubt they will listen to reason, and I know a CMT is very likely to find themselves in dangerous situations, but it's what I'd like to do.

10 January, 2024 11:46

Hi there,

Thank you for your question.

My advice would be to research the CMT trade and the function you will perform in peace time and war (the Army Role Finder can help with that - https://jobs.army.mod.uk/roles/army-medical-service/combat-medical-technician/). Once you feel well informed I would sit down with your parents and ask to discuss your plans with them.

It is totally normal for your parents to be apprehensive, but this is often due to a lack of understanding of the reality of the army (which is often sensationalised by Hollywood). Whilst there is of course risk involved in a career in the Armed Forces, this is reduced by the training received and the quality people that work alongside you.

Find out what your parents concerns are, and see if you can answer some of their questions. You may find that whilst they have reservations, they would still support you if you make the decision to join.

Good luck and please come back to me on this thread if I can help further.

Katie

10 January, 2024 11:55

I'm 17 and thinking to wait until I'm 18 so I can make the decision to join myself, I've not yet discussed it with them but unfortunately I don't think it would matter what anyone said my mum wouldn't listen.
Thank you for the offer of help.
I think part of her reasoning is my great granda got captured during the battle of StValerie and didn't much like to discuss it, and died not especially long after the end of the war, although it was from an unrelated illness.

10 January, 2024 12:26