Student Profile // Dylan // Army

Making the decision to join the Military can be a daunting decision. Where do you start? How do you know what it will really be like before you join? This is where we’re here to help. We sit down with Dylan, a recent leaver from QPD, who joined our course before securing his position within the Army Air Corps. He’s going to chat us through the application process (through a national pandemic too!). Read on to hear how QPD helped him whilst he was waiting to join.

What made you want to join the Military?

The Army Careers videos on YouTube really inspired me.

Tell us about your experience of the selection process?

The online form was easy. I was invited to attend an interview in Edinburgh. The two day interview went well until the medical, which put my application on hold.

Due to Covid, I was not able to complete the medical and further interviews were cancelled and put on hold.

Whilst everything was on hold, I didn’t know what to do, as I wasn’t sure how long I would be waiting for my Army application to complete.

It was when my Mum went into the local Army careers office, to drop off some ID for me,  she was told about QPD and how it might help me whilst waiting for things with my application to progress.

Whilst at QPD, I had a call at Christmas inviting me for another interview at Litchfield. This was a one day interview, the issues that seemed to prevent my application moving in the summer was no longer a concern. I was informed that my fitness put me at a Level B, this meant that I could apply for the Army Air Corps as I met their fitness level criteria.

Tell us about your time at QPD?

My time at the QPD was a completely new experience for me. From the drill, to making new friends and going out of my comfort zone to push myself in ways I never could have before. It has been a lot of fun, relaxed and supportive. They teach you to respect everyone, regardless of background, ability, fitness and academic ability. We all have our strengths and when you work as part of a team we all bring something different.

What did you enjoy most about being at QPD?

It has to be making new friends. Competitions between the other QPD sites. Remaking of the Christmas truce and the ‘Tough Enough’ day.

What made you come to QPD before joining the Military?

My mum suggested it to me after she was told about it. After attending my interview I was very excited and eager to get on board. College didn’t make me feel that way.

What are you most excited about when joining the Military?

Meeting the new team, new people, new routines and getting stuck in.

Top tip or piece of advice for anyone considering joining the Military?

Do it!! Focus on the task ahead. Get into a routine and switch on - you soon learn that from Staff Leggott! Exercise and push yourself.

We wish Dylan all the best fin the Army and beyond!

If you want to find out more about QPD, the courses we offer and how we can help you find out more about a potential career in the Military, please see our courses page.

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