Hi my names chris and i'm just wanting to know if it's possible to be in the army and be in a IVA at the same time? I have just over 2years to go until it's finished. the career advisor I spoke to said has long has debt repayments are under £285 a month then it's ok to apply. Does anyone like melanie have experience of this type of situation thanks chris
I definately do have experience of this area, having served for 19 years in the Army myself, three years of those as a recruiter!
Depending upon the type of career you want in the Army, will depend upon the level of vetting that you actually require. An infantry soldier requires a very low level of vetting, which comprises of a basis check - and takes little notice of your financial backing, whereas a more specialist career involving sensitive information - such as the Signals or Intelligence branches will required higher vetting where your financial difficulties may cause problems.
The best thing to do is to be open and upfront with the Careers Office Sergeant, and let them see a copy of your IVA proposal and payment record. They will be best placed to advise you, and at the end of the day the Army are crying out for good recruits, so if you feel that this will be a worthwhile career for you (and I promise it will be!) then go for it!
I thanks for your quick reply. has a recruit after tax, NI food and accomodation they say I will have £780 left and I will have nothing to pay except my IVA but obviously when I come home at weekends etc i'm going to need money and the army say the repayment has to be under £285 do you think thats possible to achieve when i have £780 left.
Also at the moment I have a no frills nationwide account where my wage bills and iva is paid. is it possible to have a card somewhere else where I can put my money and will the be a bank where I can get a electron card or one I can use for internet etc thanks
What are you currently paying into your IVA? I am not sure where the benchmark figure of £285 you have been quoted comes from, and don't forget you will need some allowance for personal expenditure, motoring, kit insurance and clothing.
Trust me you will find that an account at Silvermans is essential, as they never issue you with enough kit, and when you are sent on tours you will want to buy decent boots, night goggles, sunglasses, camp cots etc which all cost money.
After all of that I doubt that you will have £780 left, but if you do have more disposable income then you will have to pay that into the IVA. Try and find out more about the £285 you have been quoted, and I will also make some enquiries of my old contacts to see if this has any relevance.
Sorry - did not address the queries you raised about bank accounts. It might be sensible to try the Co-op cashminder account. Other forum posters will be better placed to advise you on bank accounts - as many of them have recently opened accounts with a cash card. Hopefully someone will be along shortly to help you out with this aspect of your enquiry.
I'm paying £217 a month at the moment with a review up shortly but I cant see it going up has I have had no wage increase and bills have gone up! well this is the thing when I come home I'm going to need money for food drink and clothes. im sure I will be able to afford what i'm paying now but not much more than that. but after 6 months the wage increases is it 50% of any increase I have to add to my IVA oh would they want the full increase!
That would depend upon your circumstances Chris. You need to deal with this in stages:-
1 Firstly as you have an IVA where you are paying £217 per month you appear to fit the Army criteria for acceptance.
2 Continue with your application to the Army and if accepted advise your IP.
3 Wait until you have at least three months wageslips before you reassess your expenditure. Although the Army will look after you very well in terms of food and accomodation, as I said above there will be lots of unexpected costs placed on you in order to make your life more comfortable in the field (or more likely these days in the desert!)
4 Also don't underestimate the peer pressure you will become under when it comes to standing your round with the lads in the bar. Fortunately NAAFi prices are about one third of that you will find in a nightclub, but part of being in the Forces is that do things as a team, and you need to play your part in that. You will need time to adjust to your new life and new finances, before approaching whether you can afford to increase your payments.
The very best of luck to you - it is a great life and if I had my time all over again I would do another 19 years.
ok I understand now and will make an appointment with the advisor on monday cant wait! what about bank accounts with the army would I keep my nationwide account for my wage from the army?
Do you think it would be best for me to start another thread regarding the question on a bank card I can use for shopping and internet
Melanie, that is such a lovely post and one that I am sure will help Chris no end. It's so apparent that you still feel extremely passionate about your army career and that's so lovely to hear. Well done you for completing 19 yrs.
Chris, the Co-op Cashminder is a great account and you are issued with an Electron card and can have access to internet banking. You can pay in and draw out of your account at the post office if you need to. It's a great little account for those in an IVA.
Kazzy x
There is light at the end of that dark tunnel. Promise.
I have a Co-op Cashminder and I use my Visa Electron to buy things on the internet. I also have a Tuxedo pre-paid Maestro card in case Visa Electron isn't accepted, although I have found it's accepted in more and more places.
this post has made me cry.. i think i'm either going soft or going mad.. I wish Chris all the luck in the world.. and I hope his IVA doesn't stand in the way of his dreams x
Just ignore me chris I'm daft!! Must be turning 40.. made me neurotic!!Good luck with your dreams though.. and I hope they can see past your finances!!
