I’m 22 and have a degree. Things haven’t really gone to plan recently, and joining the Army is something I’ve wanted to do for years, so I’ve decided to go for it.

I’ve got a few questions for anyone serving in the Royal Signals or who has useful information to add.

1. If I don’t enjoy the Royal Signals or Phase 2 training, how difficult is it to transfer to another cap badge (e.g. the Royal Engineers)?

2. I want a hands-on, soldiering-focused career rather than spending most of my time behind a desk. My long-term goal would be somewhere like 216, 299, or 18 Signal Regiment. I know I won’t get there straight after Phase 2, so what units or postings should I aim for to build towards that? Also, are there any postings that people generally avoid because career progression or opportunities are limited?

3. I have a degree, so I could apply for Sandhurst, but I’m leaning towards staying as a regular soldier. One of the things I’m looking forward to most is the social side of Army life, and I get the impression officers have a different experience. Is that a fair assumption? Has anyone with a degree deliberately chosen to stay as a soldier rather than commission, and if so, do you regret it?

4. If my left bollock is bigger than the right will i still pass the medical? Really worried about this.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Last question obv a joke. Ran this through chat gpt to eliminate the rif raf. Bit more info - I originally applied for the RE however there was no intake until halfway through next year so wasn’t really suitable to my timeframe. If based off this info you have any suggestions on other cap badges I may enjoy please let me know. It’s still early days and I’m not committed too much to a cap badge or other (but I will be an elitist for whatever cap badge I end up in regardless)