Is it possible for an Irish person to join the Royal Military Police?

There are 3 in the North as far as I know. I wasn't happy with what the guy was telling me online so I asked to speak to his supervisor so I asked the supervisor the same thing and he said that although I am eligible the website will not accept applications if your age is more than 32.6, it seems very odd.
 
The RMP recruitment process leaves an awful lot to be desired.

Over the course of six months I passed three interviews, got a 78 on my BARB test, had my references and RG8 (medical) all signed off and was constantly told that I was one of their top candidates. About two days before my ADSC date I still hadn't received any joining instructions, so I called the recruiting sergeant and he kindly informed me that he forgot to book me in for selection. This exact process was repeated the following month. When they failed to get me on selection for the third time in a row I asked them, flat out, to just tell me if there was a problem, did they no longer want my application? I was again re-assured that I was one of their top candidates, and they promised to call me back the next day with a definite date for selection. They never called, full stop.

All of the gentlemen I have been fortunate enough to work with who are former RMP, most Longmoor, are great guys and good operators. If you can master their recruitment process and have better luck than I did then I hope you get in there IR. However, I have to say that my experience of their recruitment process left me with the distinct impression that if they fell into a barrel of tits they would come up sucking a cock.
 
AMCMW said:
The RMP recruitment process leaves an awful lot to be desired.

Over the course of six months I passed three interviews, got a 78 on my BARB test, had my references and RG8 (medical) all signed off and was constantly told that I was one of their top candidates. About two days before my ADSC date I still hadn't received any joining instructions, so I called the recruiting sergeant and he kindly informed me that he forgot to book me in for selection. This exact process was repeated the following month. When they failed to get me on selection for the third time in a row I asked them, flat out, to just tell me if there was a problem, did they no longer want my application? I was again re-assured that I was one of their top candidates, and they promised to call me back the next day with a definite date for selection. They never called, full stop.

All of the gentlemen I have been fortunate enough to work with who are former RMP, most Longmoor, are great guys and good operators. If you can master their recruitment process and have better luck than I did then I hope you get in there IR. However, I have to say that my experience of their recruitment process left me with the distinct impression that if they fell into a barrel of tits they would come up sucking a cock.
Click to expand...

That is just shocking incompetence, is there nobody else you could have made contact with to complain about this. A superior officer or superior NCO?
 
IrishRookie said:
That is just shocking incompetence, is there nobody else you could have made contact with to complain about this. A superior officer or superior NCO?
Click to expand...

I considered it, but the problem with that mate is you're then going in with the reputation of being a trouble maker and a moaner, someone who pushes things up the line and grasses up their superiors. I didn't want that, I just wanted them to do their job and I offered them about half a dozen chances to do so. They didn't, and I went down a different path. All water under the bridge now, but wanted to share my experiences with you. Stick in with it mate.
 
I'm certainly not a moaner or a grass, but if something or someone is affecting my future prospects through their negligence I think it's only fair that they are held accountable.

Anyway, sorry to hear it didn't work out for you at the time. It looks like I don't have much chance either from what I've been told so far.

Thanks for sharing the info.
 
If you're going for RMP to do CP, the Longmoor course is open to RMP TA. You could go down the TA route, where your age isn't an issue, and volunteer for the Longmoor course. Try 243 Co in Belfast, see what they say.
 
Well I would definitely have an interest in doing the Longmoor CP course but I wasn't just motivated to join for that reason, it genuinely looks like an interesting and challenging career with good future prospects. I wish I had known about it a couple of years ago.

Anyway, I'll look into 243 Co and see what the part time demands are and if I could commit.

Thanks AMCMW.
 
IR,

Just logged on and not had time to read all the posts but from the first few, being Irish should not stop you joining British Army, I'd say there is at least 150 - 200 Irish passport holders in my Battalion, and I certainly know of others in different units. I'd bet money on all army units having the same nationality entrance requirements.

Hope this helps,

Geds
 
geds said:
IR,

Just logged on and not had time to read all the posts but from the first few, being Irish should not stop you joining British Army, I'd say there is at least 150 - 200 Irish passport holders in my Battalion, and I certainly know of others in different units. I'd bet money on all army units having the same nationality entrance requirements.

Hope this helps,

Geds
Click to expand...

I was told by a guy on the live chat on the website that even though I'm technically eligible to apply due to my age being under 33, the website won't accept my application because I'm older than 32.6 years.
 
These are the transcripts of the conversation, names will be blocked for security reasons.


FIRST CONVERSATION
05/21/2013 02:09:47PM Session Started with Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB)

05/21/2013 02:09:47PM ME: "I'm an Irish citizen and would like to join the RMP. I'm 32 years of age and spent 4 years in the Irish army. Can I apply?"

05/21/2013 02:09:53PM System: "Welcome to the Army Online Recruiting Office and thank you for logging on. You are in a short queue and you will hear from an Enquiry Advisor in a few seconds."

05/21/2013 02:09:57PM System: "Please note that the replies to your questions may take a few moments in busy/peak periods, your patience is appreciated. Please be aware Operators can be chatting with up to 6 people at any one time."

05/21/2013 02:09:59PM System: "Hello, to help me deal with your enquiry effectively, can you please confirm your Name, Age, Gender, Nationality, and where you currently live? i.e (David, 22.6, Male, British, Manchester) or (Katherine, 27.3, Female, Ghanaian, Ghana)"
05/21/2013 02:10:56PM ME: "ME, 32, Male, Irish, Ireland."

05/21/2013 02:11:19PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "For entry into the Regular Army as an adult you need to be over 17 and you must be in training before you reach your 33rd Birthday."

05/21/2013 02:12:07PM ME: "Ok, as I'm 32 now I cans till apply"

05/21/2013 02:12:42PM ME: "How do I apply?"

05/21/2013 02:12:57PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "yes but applications take about 6-9 months and then you are waiting for an intake to training"
05/21/2013 02:13:08PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "Depending on eligibility and employment vacancies, the application process takes around 3 - 5 months to complete.

If you're interested in joining the British Army, these are the steps you need to take:

Research: Look at the Army website where you can a"
ccess a vast quantity of information about all aspects of the Army.

Step1: Register interest online at

https://www.army.mod.uk/myaccount/AccountManagement/Account/LogOn/

Or go to at Kiosk in Army Careers Centre if you do not have access to a comput
er.

You will receive an activation code via your e mail address within 48 hours, please note this link will expire after this time and you will need to request a new activation code.

Step 2: Complete your application online using the link we sent you to
your e mail address.

Step 3: The Recruiting Response Team will check completeness of your online application and basic eligibility.

Step 4: The Recruiting Response Team will issue you online Medical forms via e mail to complete and return. (Medical Adm
in Team will monitor this)

Step 5: Medical Admin Team will review your Medical form and determine your eligibility.

Step 6: The Recruiting Response Team will issue online tests via e mail, Numerical, verbal reasoning & Psychometric

Step 7: You will be
allocated a (CSM) Candidate Support Manager based on region, Candidate type and job choice. (If you pass the tests)

Step 8: Recruiting Response Team will book a structured interview at a time and date suitable to you in Local Army Careers Centre, they wi
ll check Height & Weight, Check all your identification and Educational certificates.

Step 9: Your Candidate Support Manager will create a nurturing plan with you
(Insight Course, WEX, PRE Assessment)

Step10: You will be sent to Assessment Centre where
you will do Document Check, Medical, Psychometric tests, physical tests, other activities and interview
(You will be informed within 48 Hours if you passed)

Step11: Further assessment if required
(All INT Corps, All QARANC, RLC Ammo Tech, RE Geographi
c Technician, All Musicians, All Army Medical Services jobs (less CMT), Paras, RAVC Dog Handlers.

Step12: Medical Admin Team Request GP Report

Step13: Load to Training Team provisional book training place

Step 14: Pre Employment Checks Team, carry out
CRB, Security Checks, Refrences, & financial checks

Step 15: CSM Final offer confirmed training place and joining instructions issued

05/21/2013 02:14:03PM ME: "I have registered on the BA website but it says I'm not eligible"

05/21/2013 02:14:11PM ME: "I don't know why"

05/21/2013 02:14:54PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "either do I. what information have you put in"

05/21/2013 02:15:19PM Me: "Just my age, location, nationality"

05/21/2013 02:15:35PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "when are you 33"

05/21/2013 02:15:45PM ME: "A few months from now"

05/21/2013 02:16:23PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "you will not get in by September"

05/21/2013 02:16:47PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "thats 4 months, the applications are taking twice as long as that"

05/21/2013 02:16:58PM ME: "Well I was thinking it was worth a chance anyway, I know it would be tight but I don't have anything to lose by applying"

05/21/2013 02:17:57PM ME: "I tried to apply a couple of months ago but never heard back from the recruitment section"

05/21/2013 02:17:58PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "all the intakes will be full by June for September"

05/21/2013 02:18:18PM ME: "some people drop out though"

05/21/2013 02:18:28PM ME: "or get injured"

05/21/2013 02:18:43PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "yes in training but it will be to late by then"

05/21/2013 02:19:21PM ME: "Ok, so I can't apply?"

05/21/2013 02:20:12PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "honestly its to late"

05/21/2013 02:20:21PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "have you considered the TA"

05/21/2013 02:20:37PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "The Territorial Army (TA) is the Army’s main reserve force and is the largest of all the reserve forces. TA soldiers train in their spare time. They also attend an annual camp, usually for two weeks.

The TA plays a vital role, providing a pool of highly"
trained personnel ready to deploy in support of their Regular colleagues on exercises and operations overseas. From doctors and nurses in field hospitals to Infantry soldiers working on the front line, most Army jobs are open to Territorial's.

05/21/2013 02:21:40PM ME: "No, I would prefer to serve full time, I'm going to take my chances and apply but thanks for your advice Bob."
05/21/2013 02:22:49PM Session Ended

It is interesting to note from the conversation how 'BOB' went from telling me it takes between 3 and 5 months to get into the Army then in the same conversation tells me I can't apply because the applications take twice as long as that before starting.


SECOND CONVERSATION

05/21/2013 03:19:48PM Session Started with Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB)

05/21/2013 03:19:48PM ME: "I want to join the British Army but can't apply through the website."

05/21/2013 03:19:54PM System: "Welcome to the Army Online Recruiting Office and thank you for logging on. You are in a short queue and you will hear from an Enquiry Advisor in a few seconds."

05/21/2013 03:19:58PM System: "Please note that the replies to your questions may take a few moments in busy/peak periods, your patience is appreciated. Please be aware Operators can be chatting with up to 6 people at any one time."

05/21/2013 03:20:00PM System: "Hello, to help me deal with your enquiry effectively, can you please confirm your Name, Age, Gender, Nationality, and where you currently live? i.e (David, 22.6, Male, British, Manchester) or (Katherine, 27.3, Female, Ghanaian, Ghana)"

05/21/2013 03:20:22PM ME: "NAME, 32, Irish, Ireland"

05/21/2013 03:20:28PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB: "Hello, how can I help you?"

05/21/2013 03:20:30PM ME: "male"

05/21/2013 03:21:02PM ME: "Hi BOB, I can't seem to apply through the website, I've tried different browsers but it doesn't work."

05/21/2013 03:21:57PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "i have already talked to you today"

05/21/2013 03:22:11PM ME: "Yes you have, earlier"

05/21/2013 03:22:31PM ME: "And I still haven't found out how to apply"

05/21/2013 03:22:37PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "you won't get in by September"
05/21/2013 03:22:45PM Agent sent nudge

05/21/2013 03:22:49PM ME: "I want to apply anyway Jack"

05/21/2013 03:23:07PM ME: "I am eligible"
05/21/2013 03:23:20PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor Jack): "the online app stops you if you are over 32.6"

05/21/2013 03:24:02PM ME: "It doesn't say that on the website, the website says you are eligible up until 32.11"

05/21/2013 03:25:02PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "yes an thats right but its the old application form and it won't work for anyone over 32.6
"
05/21/2013 03:25:51PM ME: "The old application form? The law states anyone under 33 can apply, I am eligible and wish to apply."

05/21/2013 03:27:26PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "even if it did accept you it will take 6 weeks + to get processed another 2 weeks to get the online medical forms 4 weeks to process that, then you get another medical form which will take 6 weeks to process and then you have interviews and you have to or"ganise a preparation for selction course and iv missed out psychometric tests and selection

05/21/2013 03:27:48PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "if you got through that then you would be waiting several months for an intake#"

05/21/2013 03:28:15PM ME: "I know all that jack and I appreciate what you're saying but as I have said several times now, I still wish to apply."

05/21/2013 03:28:28PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "you can't"

05/21/2013 03:28:53PM ME: "So you're telling me I can not apply even though I am eligible, are you sure about that?"

05/21/2013 03:29:35PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "i am telling you that you are eligible but you can not apply as there is no longer a paper application form and you have left it to late to apply and join"

05/21/2013 03:30:26PM ME: "BOB that doesn't make sense, you're telling me I can apply but I can't apply. Obviously the system is faulty if this is the case, do you have a supervisor I could talk to?"

05/21/2013 03:32:31PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "yes i do i will get the number for you now"

05/21/2013 03:33:08PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "PH XXX-XXXXXX This will put you through to 'Supervisor' my team leader"

05/21/2013 03:33:42PM ME: "Thank you, I am in Ireland not the UK, would I need to add any numbers to the one you provided?"

05/21/2013 03:34:28PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "umm i think you need to change the first 0 to +44"

05/21/2013 03:35:00PM ME: "ok thanks, I'll try that. Hopefully it works, if not I'll be back here. Thank you."

05/21/2013 03:35:54PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor BOB): "Your Welcome"

05/21/2013 03:35:56PM Agent (Enquiry Advisor bob): "Good luck, I hope everything works out for you :)"
05/21/2013 03:44:14PM Session Ended
 
Last edited:
IR,

I would suggest tackling it face to face at a recruiting centre, I'm not 100% certain but I'm sure there are ways around the age thing, someone half decent in the recruiting office should be able to pull strings. From some of the people I've seen join the Army there must be loopholes, it's the only explanation.

Good luck,

Geds
 
Hi Pal - heres one for u - theres an RMP TA unit based in Thiepval Bks in Lisburn - I know a few guys older than you who joined it - but obviously it might be different if your an irish citizen - ie to join the reserve at a certain age and not be a British citizen - but I know who can answer your question easily enough - if you phone the AFCO in Palace Bks in Belfast (this is the main office for recruitment for the whole of Ireland - North and South) - they will be able to give u a proper answer straight away......u might have to reside in Northern Ireland though - once in the reserve, there are options for regular enlistment aslong as your not too old - 33 should be fine - pm me if you need any more info pal :-)
 
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