Introduction

[makam]

Hi all,

this my first time on this webpage so I thought I just introduce myself to you all. My name is Mark(32) and I am a Namibian citizen currently working in London.

I grew up on a Farm near Gobabis(East Namibia) and have always been very interested in our border war and eager to learn more about it and 32 Battalion.

I am currently looking to join either the Royal marines reserves or 4 para in the UK on a part time basis but can't decide which one would give me the best training or what the main differences are between these two units appart from the paras jumping out of a planes and the marines using boats amoungst other things.

I have been on both their web pages and the marines webpage strikes me as being much more detailed about what I can expect training wise and their course is also longer.
Any of you guys have any ideas?Are they that different?

[J Burger]

Welkom makan, vanaf Bethanie in die suide. Sien jy is van klein Texas se wêreld (Gobabis).

[Ratel101]

Welcome makam. I grew up in Windhoek. In my day Gobabis drivers were the worst in the whole of Africa and to be avoided at all costs :D:D:D. Just a question, is the reason for you wanting to pursue this a the age of 32 due to the fact that you needed to sort out your citizenship ? My understanding, no Brit citizen no army. Why not visit both the Marine and Bat training centres ? Most regiments are very willing to discuss and show you around, should you approach them. My first point of call would be your local regiment, if you have not done so already. Good luck.

Spent many a holiday on a friends farm near Seeis and feasting on Kudu, Gemsbok and Sringbok steaks.

[mdupreez]

British Army has been allowing Commonwealth kids to join for sometime now..no citizenship required.. Its how majority of the close on 800 in the force have been able to join. Go to UK on a 2 year holiday visa and join up for 5 years.. 4 years down the line get leave to remain in the UK and a passport in the 5th..

There has been some folks trying to stop to this though, especially when they realised how many foreigners are in the British forces..

[Lubbe Herholdt]

Welkom Makam!

[Clive]

Welcome to the site. Go to the Paras.

:clive:

[Kalenga Mutsi]

I´m new here. I have always regarded the 32 batallion as one of the most fascinating military events in Africa.

I live in Spain now but I was born in Mozambique. I left in 1975. I did not do any military service at all. I was too young.

However I knew one of the first "buffalo" soldiers. His name was Ribeiro although in Mozambique he was known as "Carnaval". He was killed in a car accident in SWA when returning from combat in Angola. He served for the Portuguese Army GEP (Paratroopers) as a corporal. When I met him he worked for Safrique Safaris militia.

I know that he served with Daniel Roxo, another ex-Mozambican who was also killed in Angola (I think).

[Clive]

Welcom Kalemga

Enjoy your time on the site and have a good read and laugh with us...

Clive
:clive:

[Fang]

Bem Vindo Kalenga.

Can we have your real name and a bit about yourself!

Jose

[beskuit]

I am currently looking to join either the Royal marines reserves or 4 para in the UK on a part time basis but can't decide which one would give me the best training or what the main differences are between these two units appart from the paras jumping out of a planes and the marines using boats amoungst other things.

I have been on both their web pages and the marines webpage strikes me as being much more detailed about what I can expect training wise and their course is also longer.
Any of you guys have any ideas?Are they that different?

Once you join 4 Para Battalion you will have the opportunity to progress with a specialist trade, because an Airborne unit must have the ability to operate on its own when parachuting into enemy territory. The specialist training at battalion level will equip you with a wide range of skills that provides the Parachute Regiment with its renowned versatility. Some positions that could be open to you: Officer Selection, Signaler, Medic, HGV Driver, Machine Gunner, Sniper / Recce, Mortar Operator.

Helicopter Pilots in the Royal Marines train to fly the helicopters of the Commando Naval Air Squadrons. You could carry out a range of roles, from delivering troops and supplies to the front line to reconnaissance missions, casualty evacuation and land attack. Those with the right aptitude may be selected to train as fast jet pilots and train alongside their Royal Navy counterparts. Special Boat Service Officer (you will become expert in swimming, diving, parachuting, navigation, demolition and reconnaissance, to lead special missions for the UK’s Special Forces.), Staff Officer (most middle-ranking and senior Royal Marines Officers are Staff Officers.), Weapons Training Officer, Intelligence Officer, Heavy Weapons Officer, and so we can go on and on.

Any rate, I do not want to confuse you. Its good to know from the start what you want to be and then progress towards it.

All the best, and good luck with your career choice.

Beskuit
ex Koevoet & SWASPES

[Barry Roper]

I´m new here. I have always regarded the 32 batallion as one of the most fascinating military events in Africa.

I live in Spain now but I was born in Mozambique. I left in 1975. I did not do any military service at all. I was too young.

However I knew one of the first "buffalo" soldiers. His name was Ribeiro although in Mozambique he was known as "Carnaval". He was killed in a car accident in SWA when returning from combat in Angola. He served for the Portuguese Army GEP (Paratroopers) as a corporal. When I met him he worked for Safrique Safaris militia.

I know that he served with Daniel Roxo, another ex-Mozambican who was also killed in Angola (I think).

Welcome to our forum.

I was with Bravo Group when Robby Riberio was killed. It was a few days after Daniel Roxo was blown up by a landmine. Bravo Group later became 32 Bn.