To: Matt78,
I presume you are entering the Regular force as a DEO candidate. If so you will have a better chance at airborne training than in the Reserve-which is next to nil. Even at that, as far as I remember, you would probably be posted to a regular arty regiment-rather than attached to an airborne unit (I don't even know if E-battery is still around?). If you're lucky, then you may get a transfer. I don't think you can go directly into a light gun battery after arty trades training. If you're not with the light guns, then I think your chances of getting the course are even tougher. You will probably have to undergo trade specific training before you are even considered for a jump course (hence it may take a while). Most positions for jump courses are snatched up by the infantry, and any leftover spots-usually caused by last minute illness etc, come and go very quickly. I had my chance to go for a jump course but my BSM intervened and thought it was better that I go for a JLC course instead-for promotion. Well, they cancelled the JLC course. Sometimes what you want to do-and what they want you to do doesn't agree-as I found out. As the "Airborne Gunner" has now turned into a very specialised breed, I think that you would have a better chance at going "airborne" in the infantry. Just my opinion though...
