HEED MY WARNING RECRUITS! I was EASILY the worst in the platoon when it came to fitness. Easily. I was 18 and a heavy smoker. Always switched on in class and field excersise though. And loved every second of bieng in the field. Ever since I 8yrs old, I wanted to be a soldier. It runs in the family for several generations. I decided to join the British Army(a first for my Irish family) the Royal Irish Regiment seemed like the best choice for me. But at that time, I was addicted to that sweet sweet cancer stick. And so, when I was in Catterick, my fitness never progressed. I was always at the back of the platoon in forced marchs and PT in general. And still smoking. I was a weak little kid. I simply pushed myself to the brink and then some. Just barely passing. Choosing to never quit. Got to around week 23/24 and decided I had had enough, and walked right out the gate, and never went back. AWOL. 4 weeks from passing out(royal Irish bieng apart of 16 air assault at the time had 28 weeks training), back squadding looking more likely I decided to be a quitter. It wasn't just back squading that made me quit. There was alot of family issues happening back in Ireland, serious stuff. But those reasons are just excuses. At the end of the day, I chose to quit. 13 years later, I'm sitting in beautiful sunny Australia, as a citizen here, married with 3 beautiful kids. A fantastic life, but feeling miserable a most of the time. I'm turning 32 in a couple of months now and not a single day has gone by where I haven't been utterly filled with regret. Not a single day. And I don't think that feeling is ever going away. I'm fit as a mother fucker now, stronger than I've ever been. If I thought for a second the Army would take me back, even if it's a couple of years in Colchester, I'd jump at it. I'd book my flight back to the UK do my time at MCTC, then straight to basic day 1 week 1. Then when I'm settled, fly my family over. But likely they'd dishonourably discharge me and throw me in a civvie prison for 10 years, where I'm zero use to my wife and kids. Those family issues I mentioned earlier are still plagueing my birth family today, and me quitting the army changed nothing. So if any kids that are joining, and are reading this, learn from my lesson. When it's hard and you feel like shit, or are homesick, don't quit. No matter what, don't ever quit. Ever. Remember my story, carry on and do your job or you'll end up like me, full of regret. I hope my story helps you.

Hi thanks for the video you put out there to motivate and inform us. I've just had my accessment and waiting on my medical for commonwealth candidates. Honestly can wait to get into basic training

You always putting out great info thanks

Thanks for the tip was very help full I have my ITC Intake on the 14th your tips was very helpful

Got my Assessment 24th Feb then hopefully start Basic Training. These videos have been helping me a lot so thank you

Still waiting on my GP to send my med forms over. Getting super impatient waiting but giving me more time to prep. Cheers Craig!

Hey I love armyman exercises can you do a video on fighting exercise or self defence.

Going Surrey end of November wish me luck 💪🏼

I’m going to Harrogate on March 7th, I’ve watched a few of your videos and they’re really helpful mate! Thanks

I really love watching the videos and they make me want to do something other than staying inside all day like a lazy slug.🤔

Love running I train like every weekend no less than a 15km run

This came at a great time considering I start in less that two weeks !

I’m in phase 2 atm, try and get an intake in the spring so your exercise should be in good weather ;)

Great video again Craig, how’s the hand coming along mate ?

hey Craig I go on sunday to join the mighty blues. are the platoons all hcav together.? and do you get your baret day one or have you got to earn it.? thanks craig for the awesome content your number one fan

You will also do a mental amount of ironing buy a properly decent one it will save a lot of time 😅

Anyone going to AFC on September 12th?

Assessment centre in Edinburgh 15th of Feb💪🏻

Ive got an assessment on the 23rd, if i pass when do you think ill do training

Anyone off harrogate march 14th?

I'm 11 and I really want to go in the millatary and I want to go to the marines if there is one

Im going harrogate 14th march infantry intake anyone else?

Phase 1 28th Feb, Pirbright😁

Can u do a vid on what the days are like after training like you’re typical working day when on exercise or just on camp and what times the days are ect: would be great 👍

Hi im waiting for my assessment date and im really struggling with my nutrition, is there any chance you could do a video on it please?

I start phase 1 at the end of February. I've never really been able to do press ups but I can do about 25 without stopping and after about 15 seconds I can do roughly another 10-15. is this good enough for the start of basic training? also my 3.5km run time is currently at 20 minutes and my aim is to be able to run 4km under 20 minutes before I start. i also want to be able to run 7km without stopping regardless of time. is this a good starting block for basic or is it not enough?

Was It 4/73 or 47/32 that weren't giving enough spaces? Couldn't quite catch that part.

I'm 11 and I really want to go in the millatary (the marines if there is one)

Could you do a video on light cavalry crewman such as regiments you can go into and stuff like that by any chance? Hard to find any info anywhere

Are they still clay kickers?

Please can you do a video on light dragoons cav crewmen pls

Please can videos on driver job

A grot bag! 😂😂😂👌🏻

Hey mate I’m starting my basic training in feb is it normal to be this nervous?

Thanks for the video. What happens after attending the first day of assessment. Do you go home and wait till you are called back before you prepare for phase 1 training?? Or you go straight to phase 1 training from the very day you turn up for assessment. I am asking as a commonwealth applicant. Thanks

Anyone start Pirbright on 21st Feb?

Gokil

Do you pay for the food during basic training?

My mate has been in phase one for 9 weeks now and he said he hasn’t ran more than 1 mile

If i can know are you army?

Biggest one dont be Jack, do the block jobs

Anybody start 14th of February

Can you join the British Army with Crohn’s disease?

March the 7th 🤙🤙🤙

please good morning, Please I'm a girl from Africa please can you help me to join British army ?

Feb 14th Catterick?