BRNC Entry - very soon!

[Taffer]

In late October, I passed my AIB at the second attempt, and was informed during my debrief that my score was not likely to be competitive, and that I shouldn't expect to be called forward for BRNC for at least 6-8 months, if at all. Even then, it may not be for pilot. At the medical centre, my optimism waned slightly when I learned there was only one pilot space (out of 8) available at the next Dartmouth intake. On the basis that I wouldn't be near the top of the selection list, the estimate of 6-8 months did seem realistic. March at the very earliest, anyway.

Cut to last Wednesday (23rd Nov) - big package (wa-hey) arrives at the door, containing offer of a place at BRNC on the 3rd of January, as Aircrew (Pilot).

Whilst I am overjoyed at getting a place so soon (still partly in shock), and in my chosen specialisation, I had plans to go skiing/travelling in January.

My question is this: Do I just bite the bullet and go for January, or defer 'til March (if that option is available - will need to phone the PSO at the AIB to ask).

My fitness isn't quite there yet (every time I mean to go running I pick up the bike instead), but I reckon 5 and a bit weeks should be enough time, despite Christmas and New Year getting in the way.

Obviously, the final decision is mine, but I would appreciate input from anyone who's been there/done that, either in the RN or the other services (NB. 'Join the crabs' is not constructive :))

P.S. For those that know the selection process - despite my mediocre AIB pass, would my FAT scores, which were apparently very good, be enough to boost me a few places up the selection list? I'm still trying to work out why I've been called forward so soon. The only other explanation would be that all the people above me in the list died suddenly or declined January entry, which I highly doubt .;)

[Oggin Aviator]

Congratulations on gaining a place at BRNC. All I would say is (bearing in mind a self confessed mediocre AIB score) - don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Take the January entry, accept that you will miss out on your travelling (plenty of time to do that whilst getting paid to do it later!!) and that it will be cold(er) during the EMA's and PLX (or whatever they are called now). I went through on a half term flight that started in February, yes it was cold early in the mornings but a bit of exercise soon warmed you up.

Gets you out the other side quicker......

The advantage of this is that you show a committment to the Service whilst allowing you to plan to go to the RN Ski Championships (held every year in Jan) in January 2007 whilst you are on hold for the next stage.

I wouldnt worry too much about the fitness - I think, given a bit of hard work, you have enough time to get fit enough by January. Even then if you are still a bloater and can't hack it they will be more than happy to put you on remedial PT !! Just dont eat too many mince pies at Christmas.

Good Luck

Oggin

[airborne_artist]

Doubtless things will have changed a tad since I graced the halls of the premier Naval academy (look for the good looking guy who passed out in 87 Flight in Dec 78 - I'm stood next to him), but the RN's idea of fitness is not that challenging.

Ask Toddington Ted (who lurks here, and rarely posts) - he was at the senior end of the age range, and managed to carry at least 20 lbs extra through BRNC, only to lose it on the survival course.

Your best bet is to do a mixed range of fitness training, eg pushbike, run and swim on successive days, with some hills on the run/bike days - get you used to your trips to/from Sandquay.

[Toddington Ted]

:) All right "Airborne" I'll bite! Yes, I was 22 when I joined and not as fit as some (nothing's changed there then!) but I agree entirely with my 2 colleagues - take their advice. Congratulations by the way on your place at BRNC! I was fortunate enough to attend a Taranto Night Dinner here at Daedalus Mess earlier this month and, as one might expect, had an excellent time - brought back some Dark Blue aircrew memories in my now Light Blue blunt life!

[joe2812]

Congrats on the place... if it were me i'd be on the phone telling 'em i'll see 'em in January!

[UberPilot]

Would anyone care to comment on the standard of fitness required at IOT in comparison to BRNC and Sandhurst ?

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

What fitness standard at IOT... even if you are a useless fat knacker that has never seen the inside of a gym you will probably still get pushed through on a 'Biff Chit'! I went to IOT a bit concerned about my fitness (I had spent the last 2 months of freedom celebrating excessivley with friends) and was surprised to find myself in 'A stream' for PT.
Agree with the other sentiments echoed though, and airborne gave some good fitness advice. Would reccommend getting some time in boots as well.

[airborne_artist]

Best to PM Pielander - he started in April, so he should be up to speed, or Cobaltfrog, who has just left the staff there.

[AndrewMcAllister]

Taffer,

Am also starting on the 3rd of Jan but unfortunately not as pilot - my hearing was h2 h2 and I can't get it fixed, gutted.

Instead, I'm one of 2 IS officers starting next year - anyone got any stories of the EIS branch?

I wouldn't worry about the fitness, I currently have an inflamed patella tendon and can't run for more than 8 mins without keeling over in agony.

Mick

P.S. Taffer - see you at queen street on the 15th?

[bad livin']

Uberpilot - I've gone through all of both IOT and Dartmouth and the standards of fitness are, I think, about the same...but they are arrived at in rather different ways. Put it this way - I loved Dartmouth, including the short sharp thrashings from RM pt staff, whereas there is not enough money in the world to pay me to put up with IOT again. Couldn't stand the moron that I had as a flight cdr (that feeling was openly reciprocated), hated the style of the PT sessions, I could go on....

All in all, more time in the field at IOT...tougher but shorter sessions at Dartmouth done with sense of humour.

[Navaleye]

I'd take it while it was on offer and get packing, the way things are going right now, there's no guarantee of any aircrew places being available for you downstream. Then you may have to consider your career as a Fishead. :(

[Taffer]

AndrewMcAllister,

I've got a different date for my Queen St. meeting - the 14th. There can't be that many Jocks going that they need two separate meeting days?

I also checked Trainline.com - a 7h6m train journey down there - on Virgin - just after New Year. I see delays..............


I've decided to go with January - my biggest challenge now is to learn how to use a fountain pen to write my introductory essay.

'tis quite a challenge if you are spack-handed like I am!

[southside]

anyone got any stories of the EIS branch


Whats the EIS Branch?

[airborne_artist]

Whats the EIS Branch?
One of these (http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/4452.html)

[Tourist]

Oh my god!, we've got a spotty geek branch!

[AndrewMcAllister]

Taff,

Woops, 14th is what I meant - will see you then.

Did you get a travel warrant off the lass at the office?

Probably a bad idea arriving at BRNC with a hangover, but hey, Glasweigans do it best.

Catch you 14th.

[Ray Dahvectac]

So, working on technology that civvy street through out years ago then!

That would be technology such as spell checkers presumably? :hmm: ;)

[Bob Viking]

If we're going to get pedantic, I think you'll find a spell checker would have had no objections to what our Jungly friend said.
A grammar check might have come up with something though!
BV:8

[bad livin']

Ahhhh...those heady days....mocking the new entry as they dragged themselves up the ramps off the bus with their suit carriers, cases and spiffing new bri nylon suits....


RARE!!!

Yes, I'm also a weegie.

Good luck gents - you'll have a great time. Don't swallow any water on runs through the slipway at Sandquay and tell Lynn at the Pav to ditch the Bohemian Rhapsody tape, if she's still there!

[airborne_artist]

Ahhhh...those heady days....mocking the new entry as they dragged themselves up the ramps off the bus with their suit carriers, cases and spiffing new bri nylon suits....

Standards have slipped - in my day we caught the Kingsbridge puffer (chartered by BRNC), got off at the Higher Ferry, crossed the Dart on the ferry, and then marched (well, shambled) up to the College. I guess baggage came up by Pusser's 'tilly.

[onthebumline]

no need to worry about not getting to go on that skiing holiday......you will have ample time for such activities during the monster holds between e b and aft.

[Taffer]

onthebumline,


On my POAC visit to Yeovilton, one of the Sea Harrier pilots (who recently appeared on 'Fifth Gear') told us that he spent the best part of a year holding for part of the FJ course. Can't be too good for skills retention, surely?

What kind of jobs can one expect during these periods? So far, I've come across those who have been given a desk to fly, be hosts for POAC visits, or to make tea for senior ranks.

Can anyone better those? And how long are the holding periods (on average, if there is such a thing)?

[Bob Viking]

Did that Sea Harrier pilot also spend most of the day telling you how great he was and replying 'ah done that' (in a thick Scottish accent) to everything you said you had done?! Did he also smell of wee and biscuits?
I think I know this man. We were on the same BFJT course.
He did indeed spend a long time holding after Linton but soon caught up when he didn't have to hold between 208 and 19, or 19 and OCU.
I think it's fair to see that for the foreseeable future Navy and RAF guys can expect a fair amount of holding time at various stages.
I personally spent a total of 20 months holding from IOT to the front line.
BV:ok:

[Mike Oxbig]

Take the advice offered earlier and join in January. Just left after 17 years and had a lot of fun. RN Ski champs a good jolly as well - a useful way to fill in the holdover periods!

:ok:

[airborne_artist]

What kind of jobs can one expect during these periods? So far, I've come across those who have been given a desk to fly, be hosts for POAC visits, or to make tea for senior ranks.

God forbid that any of those holding actually spend any time afloat - they might learn something usefull ...

[southside]

Holdovers -

I Had a 7 month holdover spent between Bermuda (4 Months as Tea boy / Golf Caddy) and Belize (3 months as the boy delivering amendment bulletins). Awesome, god how I wish I was on a holdover now.

[PPRuNeUser0211]

Bob Viking - 20 months? A trifling hold in the modern airforce:) As for the RN chappies, there's a fair old hold between EFT and wokkas at Shawbs, but bugger all holding for the FJ side of the house, as the guys have reserved slots with their name on set up on every cse all the way through. Expect a month between cses max atm. on the light blue side however.... don't even get me started!

[6Z3]

"As for the RN chappies, there's a fair old hold between EFT and wokkas at Shawbs, but bugger all holding for the FJ side of the house,"

This is of course because the DEFTS course completion dates (RN/Army EFT) are set by TGDA (RAF) to dovetail with the start dates of BFJT as opposed to DHFS.

Now there's crazy for you.

[Emperor Ming]

If you dont want to hold, become a true combat pilot and and fly the most advanced airfame in the inventory. Yes, the AAC might be the way forward, but only if you make the grade!!

Standby for banter..........:D

[Piezo]

Regards to the Taffer for getting the offer.
Am at BRNC at the moment, joined as pilot in Sept and have just passed grading.
Advice- TAKE THE PLACE!
The whole numbers game seems to be all over the place at the moment so wouldn't count your chickens about them keeping your slot open. Seems obvious they need guys through the doors NOW, have been told particularly FJ.
Danger is they could over recruit and then, hey presto, they don't take any one in for 6 months. Maybe a bit extreme but think thats just happened to Loggys trying to get in.

As for holdovers, have been told DEFTS mid Aug time and we can expect hold for at least 10 months to get to Shawbury, slightly less for Linton.

First phase at BRNC, absolute s*** but grading phase means you get to do some flying very early on in your Naval career. Makes all the bolleaux in phase 1 worth it!!!
If you need any tips/advice about joining/grading etc feel free to PM

Best of luck!