National service for older gentlemen

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
01/03/2011 23:49

I expect the local TCs will know more about this than the ex pats.



First of all, I don't condone in any way, any negative comments about the military in NC.



Just a straight question, asked sincerely:



What do you do in the military if you have to do your national service if you are - not old but - let's say, no longer in your 40s



Do they assess what you can and can't do first?



I understand if this is not for discussion here but just wandering.

I know you can pay and be exempt.

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
01/03/2011 23:57

You really need to talk to some Turkish Cypriots who have done it all and know it all. I have heard of older men having to peel spuds but also to do the physical. But that is the point, I have only 'heard'. I have also heard that there is an option to do a shorter service and pay for that to be reduced. Don't know how that makes good soldiers of them, but I am sure they learn something about being one with all the other guys and serving their country.



I think that Call up is a great thing, and I am sure that the army here as anywhere else can be quite 'human' towards older gentlemen.



Would love to know wha tyou find out as fact.

fosterscan


Joined: 27/02/2010
Posts: 541

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 00:02

Ask ahmet when your at the almond he does his so will be able to tell you how it works.

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 00:18

When soldiers have little service behind them they have to learn quickly if thrust into an operational environment. However, whether or not they are regulars or conscripted, it is hardly possible to be the complete soldier in 2 years and there is much continuation training to follow basic training. Those who have served full careers, with hindsight, will probably believe they were a passenger for a long time before they became skilled in all the necessary facets of soldiering. Overall someone doing national service for a year or two probably takes more from it than they are able to contribute.

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 00:27

Re message 3, Ahmet will tell you what happened when Ali first took him over to Famagusta....and the guards that were asleep.

He will also tell you how he spent most of his time sat in an office....

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 12:54

Thanks folks. I can only imagine (a) how difficult it would be if you can barely speak the language - but you look ad if you should be fluent...... and (b) guarding a tree (!) under the midday sun.

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 13:33

Msg.4, deputydawg: If your profile is accurate then I would be interested to know how you could imagine the experience would be for an Anglicised chap in his 50s, working in hi-tech middle management in civvy street, with only the memories of being in the cadets - as far as military drill / basic weapons handling, who can speak little Turkish but has a TC appearance. In my view, it would be surreal enough to warrant writing a book

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 15:27

I was politely saying that your type of candidate, given age and experience, and a non volunteer would be a waste of rations and it is perhaps some sort of dogma to insist that such foreigners should be made to do their bit. Such a person is unlikely to "join the army and see the world" but they might get to see some places in TRNC out of bounds to most of us !

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 15:51

Msg.8, deputydawg: Thanks for concurring with my suspicions of the notion not being of any meaningful value to the given organisation.