Q & A | I Answer Your British Army Questions

Q & A | I Answer Your British Army Questions
I'm Dan, I'm 28 and I'm a Captain in the British Army. I commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2017, have been an Infantry platoon commander and have also trained Infantry recruits at ITC Catterick.
Now the formalities are out of the way, WHY do this video? Well it's very simple. Many of you interested in joining the Army want more knowledge that can help you prepare and or give you an insight into the day-to-day life of an Officer or soldier.
My aim is to answer your questions with my own honest, personal insight, which allows you to make more of an informed decision when joining.
If you like this sort of content, let me know in the comments below and drop me a thumbs up - thanks!
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#djrxp #britisharmy #armyq&a

[@Dobaya01]

Great informative vids! Love em! Been watching some of your vids with my son ( he's just joined Cadets ! ) he's just turned 13 and is thinking about joining up after school , as a mum I think your vids are fab n real! You've inspired me to get fit again at 49! To anyone thinking and worrying about joining up! Go for it !

[@djrxp]

Thanks Sarah, that's great to hear! Appreciate the comment. More content coming!

[@aleksandraplonska9955]

Another amazing video !

[@djrxp]

Thank you Aleksandra!

[@MattyHDX]

great video once again, keep it up 👍

[@djrxp]

Thanks Matty!

[@skreaning6170]

I love your channel, I am also aspiring to be an Officer in British Army from commonwealth.

[@Dec134]

Videos are really interesting and helpful currently undergoing the process to join the British army infantry division

[@djrxp]

Glad they help mate cheers

[@finleylee9478]

Hi dan, Love your content. I am potentially looking to join Sandhurst in the coming years. I am taking a placement next year from University and was wondering what job role would look good on the cv for Sandhurst? as well as what genuinely look good on the cv and in the interview process when joining? many thanks Fin.

[@gregghoulden4453]

I went through both Britannia and CTCRM and I have been a training troop commander at CTCRM. I totally support everything this excellent Officer asserts. I totally support the comment around fitness. Officer training is tough enough without failing fitness. What’s the difference between an Officer and potential Commando at CTCRM. Huge Huge academic olympics and learning management which is a massive learning slope for a 23 year old. Understanding psychology, emotional intelligence, corrective human engagement. Never knew this alchemy existed. Actually,you did but need to formalise it as you lead a troop who rely on you being a hybrid of their stern dad (doubled down less politely by your NCOs) and encouragingly positive mom. But leadership is a constantly changing and developing understanding of capability versus opportunity. In my humble opinion.

[@djrxp]

Thanks for the comment Gregg. I completely agree with your points. Lots to learn but a great journey and process doing it. Listen to your NCOs, trust your own judgement.

[@gregghoulden4453]

@@djrxp Sorry for the over simplification. But watched you and your fellows on your endurance record. You do seem to have a natural affinity with my own style of, I demonstrably work harder than I ask you too.

[@The_Mighty_Chicken_Man]

Can you join the army as an infantry soldier if you're mildly colourblind? (You have a colourblindness but it doesn't affect you at all, you can still tell apart all the colours except for example a really light shade of lime and yellow)

[@s0058131]

Would definitely be interested to hear/see more (honest opinions) of differences between Reg & Res infantry officers. To me it seems odd that Reg officers go to Sandhurst for 44 weeks, and for Reserve officer's it's a two week course after basic training, correct me if I'm wrong.

[@djrxp]

Pretty much. I think it's longer than 2 weeks but it's nowhere close to 44. There's nothing wrong with being in the reserves, far from it. But I advise reservists who work with regulars to just remind themselves that they are going from part time service to soldiers that do it full time. It's their career. So they will obviously be more knowledgeable.

[@globalnews6748]

any info on logistic Supply Specialist role

[@flyinghigh2701]

Do you have any advise for someone who wants to go the officer route and has good managerial skills but might lack what a lead from the front mentality?

[@gleneasterbrook9879]

How the army has changed. I remember when platoon commands where actually platoon commands, on tour and taking they solider on on fighting patrols. Now they sat on here trying to get a good SJARS!!!

[@djrxp]

Yeah roger that Glen but at the moment there aren't any fighting patrols happening. Cheers though

[@gleneasterbrook9879]

@@djrxp Maybe some platoon training, but your rather sit on here looking after your SJAR !

[@gjfjfk]

Top Quality video's you deserve more views and subs.

[@djrxp]

Thanks mate. Appreciate it

[@tyroneoneill9220]

How do you apply for a regiment for infantry and where do I research for this?

[@nigelsheppard625]

You need to stand back from that Cypriot Sun Dan, your nose is doing a great impersonation of a Belisha Beacon. Great video as always. Extremely informative and motivating.

[@djrxp]

Hahahahaha! Nigel, with a nose like mine that's easier said than done! Thank you, appreciate it

[@fromthedumpstertothegrave3689]

Hey, have found your videos very informative. I've recently applied as a Nursing Officer, have 6 years experience working in A&E and am hurtling to the wrong side of mid 30's with zero forces experience. Basically my reason for wanting to join is to develop leadership skills and get further more in depth clinical training, particularly trauma. possibly sounds like a silly question but is this a good reason for applying as a Nursing Officer. I have a habit of selling myself short and basically just figured, fuck it, go for it.

[@djrxp]

Mate, sounds like a perfect reason to apply. You clearly know what you want to get out of it so definitely worth a shot. Glad you like the videos

[@fromthedumpstertothegrave3689]

@@djrxp alas wasn't to be, mental health history meant they wouldn't touch me. Had same with RAF reserves a few years back for aeromedical evacuation but heard the Army were more open.

[@Stringyyyy]

I was wondering your thoughts on disclosing if you have done Army Cadets to instructors when you go to basic training. I have been told that its not a good idea because you get pushed harder but I was wondering your thoughts.

[@djrxp]

It's not a bad thing that you've done cadets. I think it's just annoying if someone keeps going on about it. Your instructors will have far superior experience to that and will be teaching you the exact way to do things. It's great that you'll have experience to build on, but just don't keep mentioning it

[@horriblelynx0279]

Very cool video hoping I can join the Army (Infantry) when I’m older and a bit stronger!

[@dec5779]

Same

[@djrxp]

Nice one mate, and well done for getting information now to give you more knowledge when the time to join comes!

[@adityagrover3049]

Sir, what's the Age Limit for a young serving soldier to apply for officer selection through direct entry?

[@Papi1960R]

Born in Colchester. British Mother, American Father. Dual citizenship. Moved to US at 9. Joined the US Army at 17. Served 7 years with the 82nd Airborne and 1/75 Ranger as a Field Artillery Forward Observer. I'm also qualified by the USAF as a JTAC. In service I completed a associates degree in Mathematics and a Bachelors degree in Science Education. I will complete a Masters degree in STEM Education Management at the University of Florida in December. I am 28 years old and in top fitness running the 400 & 800 meters at US NCAA level. I'd like to return to Colchester where my mother lives (father passed in 2015), and pursue a career as a British Army Officer. With the regulations I have read I wouldn't be eligible for a regular commission. Is it possible to first become a officer in the TA then move to active duty once residency requirements are met? I trained with the Irish Rangers, Parachute Regiment, 40 Commando and RAF Regiment during my service and was impressed by the professionalism, toughness and demeanor of their Officers, NCOs and Troops. I want that.

[@djrxp]

Hi mate, sounds like quite a career! To answer your question, yes, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to join the reserves and go regulars after if that is what you wanted to do

[@jasonwale8406]

What Garmin watch do you use

[@djrxp]

Garmin Fenix 3

[@aliyugbadebori9675]

I want to Join the British army from Nigeria

[@giraystudios363]

Amazing, is there still space for commonwealth applicants ? Gerald from Ghana 🇬🇭❤️

[@djrxp]

Keep checking the British Army website, Gerald

[@skreaning6170]

Currently from what I heard and saw, there are limited vacancies for commonwealth, also commonwealth applications are on a pause due to COVID. Keep checking army website as sir said. Hopefully in the near future, applications resume :D

[@user-wd1mt2su9d]

Officers are meant to be exemplary, but is there still that brotherhood as an officer between the officer and his men?

[@djrxp]

From experience, I would say so, yes. But it's different to what they will have with their peers. You're ultimately a leader, so there is always going to be a boundary. An Officer gets the brotherhood that you're talking about with fellow Officers. However I have had great relationships with troops in my platoon, many shaping me into how I conduct my business now

[@deathski2]

Do you get a self loading broom issued when you join?

[@djrxp]

No, only when you commission

[@romaiobrown-senior8602]

How are people chosen for different roles in the infantry? Eg Gunner, marksman etc etc. I take it that it’s done when you get to the regiment

[@alvindurochermtl]

You could simply ask your instructors in your infantry course what do the different roles really mean and when you get to your regiment you then further specialize through taking more qualifying courses. I'm ex-Canadian Army and it pretty much works the same across the Commonwealth.

[@Backs4more]

Smallest bloke gets the GPMG….. ;)

[@djrxp]

Hey Romaio! Yes it's done once you're at your unit. Typically, the soldiers who utilise the weapon systems better get chosen to use them. But it does change and there is regular training on all weapons used

[@paulandre3250]

When picking regiments, I've always been interested in the Grenadiers but I'm worried that I will be rejected since I'm not privately educated or come from a wealthy family. Dan did say there is a high chance of getting in a chosen regiment but I think any Guards regiment is another league.

[@Backs4more]

Not sure why you think that, those days are long gone.

[@paulandre3250]

@@Backs4more What makes you say that? If you watch Trooping the Colour from this year, 2020 and 2019, the most recent ones, all the officers are all sons of wealthy parents and their mother is lady so and so and their father is a colonel of the regiment. Also, currently there are 2 officers in the whole Guards division who are not white. I'm not white and I have doubts whether they will take race into account.

[@Backs4more]

@@paulandre3250 because the entry requirements are no different to any other regiment. Meet the requirements and you can apply. All the guards Regiments prefer to take on officers if they have a connection with the regiment, but that is no bar to entry if you have no connection. You are also very wrong about only being white and rich. In 2012 Second Lieutenant Folarin Adeyemi Olatokunbo Olugbemiga Kuku became the Grenadiers first black officer, there have been others.

[@paulandre3250]

@@Backs4more Yeah, I have heard people say that the Guards have changed but I'm sure there will always be prejudices within the regiment. There is no harm in trying so I'll apply anyway.

[@snugxxxh4578]

My lad has joined and I'm a single parent. Have raised the children on my own since they were 7+9 . He's in his 20s and has been treated exactly the same, trained the same way as everyone else 😊

[@jameswaldron2392]

If I’m from the Wirral which unit am I best joining as a officer ?

[@djrxp]

It's completely up to you. As an Officer you can choose where you think you'll suit best

[@hudsonlesage3801]

I am a left handed person looking to join the infantry soon, i know the rifle issued is the SA80 i have seen that when the rifle is fired the cartilage pops out from the right side how are left handed people accommodated?

[@danjones4432]

They aren't you jsut learn to shoot right handed

[@Backs4more]

The army is very accommodating, they will show you how to shoot right handed.

[@hudsonlesage3801]

@@Backs4more thank you

[@rahibbashir5059]

This video helped me a lot but I have a question. Does anyone have any information about army gap year commission?

[@finallen9028]

What do you need to know? I've done it

[@rahibbashir5059]

@@finallen9028 hey I just wanted to know how it works

[@finallen9028]

@@rahibbashir5059 Pass AOSB before sixth form, so start applying in Year 12 if possible. Commissioning Course Short at Sandhurst, so 8 weeks (Sept-Nov) training alongside reservists and professionally qualified officers. Then you'll spend the rest of the academic year with a regular unit (you have a preference and they'll assess you at Sandhurst). You need a confirmed place at university by the time you're at Main Board.

[@jkillerb]

Do the SAS still pick brass up?..

[@SOLDAT_NG]

Yeah but you’ll lose that commission

[@djrxp]

Brass and range stew is the pinnacle of SF

[@aidenjacques9797]

Do you have to be from Lincolnshire to join the royal anglians

[@TheRugbyClubHQ]

No

[@djrxp]

No mate

[@CinnyOT]

Number 5 gg

[@55paulpas]

Don’t you wish you had been good enough to join the Senior Service?

[@lachlanchester8142]

Jesus someone really hates the army

[@gazjackson3076]

Do you think its wierd that "Sandhurst is longer because you need to know more" but for some reason most officers turn up knowing less lol

[@djrxp]

How dare you!😂

[@gazjackson3076]

@@djrxp lol 1st hand knowledge

[@endlesstime4918]

Can citizens of none commonwealth nations join the British army

[@TheRugbyClubHQ]

Yes

[@endlesstime4918]

@@TheRugbyClubHQ you are right

[@popsicleice8782]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 When is the army opening for commonwealth individuals?.

[@Papi1960R]

Its currently open for enlistment for Commonwealth citizens but its a tough screening process.

[@popsicleice8782]

Where was this information gotten from?.

[@skreaning6170]

It is paused currently, I am pretty sure it will resume soon. Check army website for the information.

[@user-vn4dd7jx8e]

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