RAF OASC - probably a frequent question...

[timby]

Good evening everyone!

I sat my OASC at RAF Cranwell in November; and didn't do too well.

I'm going to re-sit.

Any hints or tips as to how I can do better next time (it WILL be the last time!) I'm applying for WSOp (rotary would be my first choice, not least for the obvious "chopper" gags that could ensue....)

Any advice as to how I can kick-arse next time?

Many thanks in advance chaps (and chapettes!)

Timby :ouch:

[ratty1]

What did OASC say to you in your debrief? What were your strengths and weaknesses? What part of the selection process did you feel you let yourself down on?

[VigilantPilot]

Is there still the option of rotary for WSOps? I thought that was on its way out?

[ratty1]

Is there still the option of rotary for WSOps? I thought that was on its way out?

How do you mean? Who is going to do the job then?

[VigilantPilot]

I thought it was all going 2 pilot ops. But I know nothing, which is why I asked the question!

[ratty1]

I thought it was all going 2 pilot ops. But I know nothing, which is why I asked the question!
So who exactly do you think does the voice marshalling on a Chinook/Puma/Merlin for underslung loads? I think you maybe confused with WSO (Navigator).

Try here WSO/WSOp (http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/hangar/2003/55sqn/55sqn.htm) then you will be fully in the picture...........

[VigilantPilot]

Ahhh, I see. I'm a dumbass. :}

[Pontius Navigator]

timby,
Tricky question.

Tricky answer. Be yourself only better.

Think.

If you are given 5 minutes to make a plan and brief your team use the 5 minutes well.

If it is the maths then set youself mental maths questions. A clue. 6 minutes is one tenth of an hour. If you travel at 30 mph (or kph) how far do you travel in 6 minutes?

Six minute increments always work exactly. With minute increments you often have to approximate. Ie, if you are travelling at 21 mph how far to you travel in one minute? Doh.

Answer 2.1/6. Much easier to visualise than 21/60.

[Well Travelled Nav]

As already mentioned by ratty1 look at your debrief.

When wrting a report we look at your activities and interests that you declared at interview and then we make recommendations. These are there for a reason and include mostly tailored suggestions on how to improve in your weakest areas.

It really annoys OASC staff when you return in 1 or 2 years and people have ignored the debrief points. You really have to question their motivation/intelligence when areas for improvement have been offered then ignored.

If you post your debrief suggestions I will be able to tell you in more detail why they were suggested to you.

WTN

[AlphaSierra]

It's easy to go back and try to be someone better than yourself. Don't try to be that better person.

It may work if you're a good actor, or just lucky on the day, but I reckon most people who try this are quite transparent. Mainly because of the personality contrast between the tasks and interludes - it's unavoidable and puts you under a lot of pressure. Then the strain starts to show in your face and you definately don't want that to happen!

It is far better to improve yourself as far as possible in everything (relevent) that you do during your gap. That way you WILL be a better person when the time comes and will not have to act. What I'm saying in a round about way is: Work really hard to improve yourself, and DON'T BE TEMPTED TO BLAG IT!

I think they look at your integrity and courage to ask questions or own up to mistakes just as much as they look at your leadership or planning ability, so make sure you're relaxed (a little bit), and be yourself.

WTN, I'd be interested to know what you have to say about the above!

[Daede1]

Be yourself, probably only thing to change is try and get fitter. In the group exercises, the fitter you are, the less knackered you will be, the easier it is to think straight etc etc.
This is something close to my heart, as at my debrief, i was told that i was by far and away an outstanding candidate, and would be on my way to cranwell to be a pilot, but they thought i was a bit too 'pudgy'.

[ratty1]

but they thought i was a bit too 'pudgy'.
Is this what you looked and acted like when you went to Cranwell then?

Pudgy:hmm: (http://www.pattersonandassociates.com/bios/Pudgy/)

[joe2812]

Took me ages to find a link to this as it's now more than 12 months (to the day).

Try some of the info here and see if it helps you with what OASC are looking for.

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=166273&highlight=OASC

(Oh, and i'm a wannabe an' all. Best of luck...)

[doris day]

Work on your waeker areas, know yourself inside out, be yourself and never give up. Lastly never give up ! :ok:

[doris day]

I'm working on my spelling

[Big Cheese1]

Evening chaps.

I'm in the process of returning to OASC myself, though I don't have any dates for P2 brief, filter interview etc as of yet.

My main concern is that whilst I was at the OASC I was a member of the TA for a short spell (March - August 04). On my debrief it mentioned that I should maintain my involvement with this however some family issues arised and I couldn't give adequate time. I should also point out that I was (and still am) doing club sports amongst some volunteer work, though the difference being that I could choose when I could devote time, unlike the TA where it's essential you attend the training weekends.

Thankfully my family issue has been resolved and things are on the mend so I think I should go back to the TA as it was a recommendation, and not to mention the obvious team skills etc that I can gain from it. My main concern is how I think OASC would perceive this. I have a fear that they may look at me as some jack b*stard who doesn't want a RAF commission. I've also spoken to a couple of TA bods with mixed views about using it as a springboard into the regs - especially in today's climate where the TA cannot afford time wasters.

Believe me, there really is nothing else I want to go for more than this! All other points to improve on eg. take an active interest in outdoor pursuits, tackling problems in a practical rather than theoretical sense, I've tried to adhere to. I try whenever possible to get myself and some buddies to N.Wales (Tryfan, snowdon etc) and am also a keen climber - I've just progressed to multi-pitch climbing!

Any help would be great. Cheers all!

[airborne_artist]

A good mate of mine joined the RAF and did his time as a Chinook pilot despite having been in the TA (not OTC) at university. He overcame the odd pang to wear green, and only bored the assembled company with his stories of weekend wars if there was a Saturday in the week.

[THELONELYSAC]

got some good gen for what to know etc for OASC, did post it but no1s looked really

learn about JPA
1gp and 2gp merging from 1,2,3 gps
JCA
New CDS and CAS
Project SLAM
why is Akrotiri important, and why we keep the falklands

off to OASC myself in May....:cool:

[Pontius Navigator]

<<got some good gen for what to know etc for OASC, did post it but no1s looked really

learn about JPA
1gp and 2gp merging from 1,2,3 gps
JCA
New CDS and CAS
Project SLAM
why is Akriotiri important, and why we keep the falklands

off to OASC myself in May....>>

Then of course there is the consistent use of keyboard shift and space keys and the ability to spell the names of RAF stations:)

[THELONELYSAC]

<<got some good gen for what to know etc for OASC, did post it but no1s looked really

learn about JPA
1gp and 2gp merging from 1,2,3 gps
JCA
New CDS and CAS
Project SLAM
why is Akrotiri important, and why we keep the falklands

off to OASC myself in May....>>

Then of course there is the consistent use of keyboard shift and space keys and the ability to spell the names of RAF stations:)

To be fair I only had 5 minutes to type this before I had to see a mighty Tornado GR4 in! And where is my bad spelling?

[Pontius Navigator]

Fair dink, and I can see you corrected the spelling error in Akrotiri. Also to be fair, I don't think they will let you near a keyboard at OASC.

Accuracy or otherwise at IOT is another matter and really a matter of good habbits, a bit like servicing a tonka.

Good luck. They will try and bring out the best in you.

[Time Flies]

And where is my bad spelling?

Nice attempt to cover up your spelling SAC. Didn't you think someone might have read it before you amended it? There is also a tiny little giveaway...

Last edited by THELONELYSAC : Today at 11:28

:O

[ratty1]

Nice attempt to cover up your spelling SAC. Didn't you think someone might have read it before you amended it? There is also a tiny little giveaway...



:O I think his attempts at trying to cover up his mistakes and then deny everything comes under the heading of integrity. Whoops.

[FFP]

learn about JPA

Jeez......If OASC expect you to know that, then good luck !

As for why is Akt important, you could always tell them that it's important to have a holiday camp for morale and not everyone wants to work after 3pm . . .. .:E :E :E

[ATCO IN THE VOY]

I'd appreciate someone letting me know what you recommend I start reading with regards to prep for the OASC interview. Current Affairs topic, RAF past and present to what depth etc....

[ratty1]

Try here (http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=96) for your answers

[THELONELYSAC]

ok so i was caught, could also come under the 'initiative' quality....:O

[Stringy]

Having passed OASC two weeks ago (and awaiting the result of the competitive selection in April) I'll be happy to answer any questions on OASC that you may have.

[Norwester]

... go back to the TA as it was a recommendation, and not to mention the obvious team skills etc that I can gain from it. My main concern is how I think OASC would perceive this. I have a fear that they may look at me as some jack b*stard who doesn't want a RAF commission. I've also spoken to a couple of TA bods with mixed views about using it as a springboard into the regs - especially in today's climate where the TA cannot afford time wasters.



After my unsuccessful visit at OASC about three years ago, I had a frank and honest chat back at the recruiting 'shop' to discuss my performance at OASC with the Officer who put me forward.

This recruitment Officer was sick of getting reports back from OASC recommending that candidates should join the TA before re-applying for the RAF again. He was recruiting for the RAF not the Army, he said.

It seems that 'Join the TA' is a standard response from OASC now. I understand why, for all the reasons of outdoor pursuits, practical problem solving, fitness and leadership in a military environment, but note your point about how the TA cannot accept time wasters! Interesting!