RAF application help
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RAF application help
hihi,
I found this forum thingy today and it seems pretty helpful in terms of sharing experience/wisdom about things.
I've just finished my GCSE's and I really want to join the RAF...hopefully they will sponsor me to do engineering at uni and then sign me up as an engineer officer
I was just wondering if anyone had anything helpful or interesting that I might want to know before I go for interviews and stuff. I have a "presentation" thing in a couple of weeks at the AFCO and I have no idea what it's about...
umm yeah basically because I don't know anyone who has been in the RAF before or who is in it now, I don't have much of a clue about anything! It would be really cool if people could enlighten me...because as it stands I don't really know what I'm getting myself into, which I don't think will come through too well in an interview!
I found this forum thingy today and it seems pretty helpful in terms of sharing experience/wisdom about things.
I've just finished my GCSE's and I really want to join the RAF...hopefully they will sponsor me to do engineering at uni and then sign me up as an engineer officer
I was just wondering if anyone had anything helpful or interesting that I might want to know before I go for interviews and stuff. I have a "presentation" thing in a couple of weeks at the AFCO and I have no idea what it's about...
umm yeah basically because I don't know anyone who has been in the RAF before or who is in it now, I don't have much of a clue about anything! It would be really cool if people could enlighten me...because as it stands I don't really know what I'm getting myself into, which I don't think will come through too well in an interview!
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Yep it certainly will
Do a search using the vast amount archived threads on a very simliar theme to yours. I reckon they will answer a lot of your questions. Also, as you obviously have access to t'internet, go here I am certain they will have lots of useful info about what the RAF does etc.
If this "thing" you are attending is a presentation then surely the object is to enlighten you about your chosen area, although a little background knowledge can never hurt.
Good luck.
Do a search using the vast amount archived threads on a very simliar theme to yours. I reckon they will answer a lot of your questions. Also, as you obviously have access to t'internet, go here I am certain they will have lots of useful info about what the RAF does etc.
If this "thing" you are attending is a presentation then surely the object is to enlighten you about your chosen area, although a little background knowledge can never hurt.
Good luck.
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The 'thing' which you're off to see is just a 2hr video/powerpoint pres on various aspects of the RAF today and what it does etc, and on the selection process.
Go suited and booted and take a bottle of water...
Good luck with it all.
Go suited and booted and take a bottle of water...
Good luck with it all.
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suited and booted? TLA?
thanks for all your help
anyone wanna give me a clue about what to search for (so i dont have to sift through quite so much stuff to find what i need)?
thanks for all your help
anyone wanna give me a clue about what to search for (so i dont have to sift through quite so much stuff to find what i need)?
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Try doing a search or just click here for a search on 'OASC' (a few of which are mine on the subject and prep'ing etc!)
Slightly concerned though if you're up to the point of a formal presentation and interview yet you have no idea about what to do. Just finished GCSEs means you're a first year A-level student and you need to be thinking about a formal application, getting it through to RAFC and then going through the full OASC process for uni sponsorship about this time next year. That give you 12 months prep time, and the time will fly by!
Slightly concerned though if you're up to the point of a formal presentation and interview yet you have no idea about what to do. Just finished GCSEs means you're a first year A-level student and you need to be thinking about a formal application, getting it through to RAFC and then going through the full OASC process for uni sponsorship about this time next year. That give you 12 months prep time, and the time will fly by!
What to search for...
Try:
'RAF', 'RAF Engineering', 'OASC'....
all of which produce loads of links to follow
The OASC staff expect to see some signs of initiative from candidates, so use yours to think of some more along these lines!
'RAF', 'RAF Engineering', 'OASC'....
all of which produce loads of links to follow
The OASC staff expect to see some signs of initiative from candidates, so use yours to think of some more along these lines!
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Oh and sorry... suited and booted... clue in the words.
Buy a suit (not a designer one), a shirt, a tie, some proper shoes...oh, and get a haircut if you need one. That lot should get you through the selection process, then the RAF issue you one (unless stores are really as bad as they say then you'll need to make a trip to ebay).
Buy a suit (not a designer one), a shirt, a tie, some proper shoes...oh, and get a haircut if you need one. That lot should get you through the selection process, then the RAF issue you one (unless stores are really as bad as they say then you'll need to make a trip to ebay).
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TLA = Three Letter Abbreviation.
Suited and booted = A suit with appropriate footwear.
Don't think you get issued a suit from the RAF, Joe. Just uniform.
Try looking for "OASC", "Joining RAF", "Help Wanna be a Pilot !", anything like that.
Good luck with it. The Mil Forum is a bit of a Lions Den for GCSE type wannabies, the old and bold will scrutinise your spelling, grammar, phraseology and any hint of "can you just tell me cuz I dont wanna have 2 look myself" will get you shot down in flames !!
Can't speak for engineering (and there was a thread recently which dealt specifically with it) but Eng Officer may not be what your looking for if you want to get your hands dirty. I'll leave it at that and let someone more qualified take it from there.
It's all down to how much you want it . . . .. . . .
Suited and booted = A suit with appropriate footwear.
Don't think you get issued a suit from the RAF, Joe. Just uniform.
Try looking for "OASC", "Joining RAF", "Help Wanna be a Pilot !", anything like that.
Good luck with it. The Mil Forum is a bit of a Lions Den for GCSE type wannabies, the old and bold will scrutinise your spelling, grammar, phraseology and any hint of "can you just tell me cuz I dont wanna have 2 look myself" will get you shot down in flames !!
Can't speak for engineering (and there was a thread recently which dealt specifically with it) but Eng Officer may not be what your looking for if you want to get your hands dirty. I'll leave it at that and let someone more qualified take it from there.
It's all down to how much you want it . . . .. . . .
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Ah ha, found it...was one of my old topics on if to do a degree or not.
Thread
Perhaps be useful?
Now some of the old farts around here will moan, throw zimmer frames at you and just generally stink the place out with cabbages. You'll get all the 'when I' stories etc, however old farts they may be, they really have been there, done it, and worn the stripes... take onboard advice (and criticism) and i'll bet your chances of getting in will increase.
Don't let people pee on your bonfire too much mate, but make sure you're doing the work yourself before you ask for help.
FFP no I did know that, but figured once in you'd go in uniform for this sort of thing, not civvie dress? Open to correction...
Thread
Perhaps be useful?
Now some of the old farts around here will moan, throw zimmer frames at you and just generally stink the place out with cabbages. You'll get all the 'when I' stories etc, however old farts they may be, they really have been there, done it, and worn the stripes... take onboard advice (and criticism) and i'll bet your chances of getting in will increase.
Don't let people pee on your bonfire too much mate, but make sure you're doing the work yourself before you ask for help.
FFP no I did know that, but figured once in you'd go in uniform for this sort of thing, not civvie dress? Open to correction...
Last edited by joe2812; 17th Oct 2004 at 17:42.
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This has been useful, I was planning to go to the presentation in jeans, trainers...mistake obviously!
I will definitely be taking on the advice that you are all giving me, and the advice that you've given other people too...I'm going to have to start illiminating the irritating/bad habbits that I have now, because I can see that they may cause me problems (eg fidgeting and playing with zips and stuff)
Also, straight after my last post, I did a search (all by myself!) and found some useless information...my third search was more sucessful next time I'll do it myself before I ask (and risk sounding like a lazy idiot!)
Thanks again for everyone who took the time to reply, it's really helpful
I will definitely be taking on the advice that you are all giving me, and the advice that you've given other people too...I'm going to have to start illiminating the irritating/bad habbits that I have now, because I can see that they may cause me problems (eg fidgeting and playing with zips and stuff)
Also, straight after my last post, I did a search (all by myself!) and found some useless information...my third search was more sucessful
next time I'll do it myself before I ask (and risk sounding like a lazy idiot!)Thanks again for everyone who took the time to reply, it's really helpful
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Your last post seems to demonstrate, jukrash, that you're able to take advice and act on it, and that you seek to make changes in the light of criticism.
That bodes well. Good luck!
adr
That bodes well. Good luck!
adr
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And just to prove that FFP tells the truth...
It's ELIMINATE, not illiminate and HABITS, not habbits.
Been there, done that, 38 years and loved most of it. Get stuck into research, find out about the RAF in depth and the Engineering Branch in particular. Use your initiative - there are plenty of websites and magazines out there. Start tomorrow, because before you know it you will have a date for OASC and you will find yourself short of time to prepare. There's a lot to learn, but the rewards are great...
It's ELIMINATE, not illiminate and HABITS, not habbits.
Been there, done that, 38 years and loved most of it. Get stuck into research, find out about the RAF in depth and the Engineering Branch in particular. Use your initiative - there are plenty of websites and magazines out there. Start tomorrow, because before you know it you will have a date for OASC and you will find yourself short of time to prepare. There's a lot to learn, but the rewards are great...
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Jukrash - is that something to do with an irritating itch or just does it have some other significance??
There have been several helpful posts in response to your original question, (mine included) which you are either too stupid or too lazy to act on........... bodes well???
DS
There have been several helpful posts in response to your original question, (mine included) which you are either too stupid or too lazy to act on........... bodes well???
DS
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OASC stuff
Jukrash,
I've just been reading a few posts here & saw your plea for assistance.
I'm currently serving at 56 (R) sqn @ Leuchars as a propulsion technician on the Tor F3 & like you I'm looking for a commission as a pilot... Unlike you, I'm off to OASC on Sunday (7 Nov 04).
Anyway, just thought I'd tell you what I've done to prepare.
Select 5 topics for discussion @ home in the UK & 5 abroad, but don't get too involved with the major stuff (i.e, the war in iraq) but make sure you know the facts (why we went in, where we are etc)
Subscribed to 'The Week" magazine - weekly, about £65 per annum or £3 per wk. V easy to read (MUCH easier than 'The Economist'). Gives an overview of what's happening in the UK, Europe & the world.
Skimmed over a 'broadsheet' paper daily (some now tabloid size, of course) taking note of things that you think could be relevant later (up to 6 months!
)
Get on the internet and check out the NATO website & find out what NATO is & what it does; the CIA w'site, bbc/news. All good stuff on these sites & will have great things on your chosen topics.
I've been told that playing on a console like an xbox is good for the pilot aptitude. It (apparently) gets your hands, conscious thought & eyes working independently. i.e, what you want to happen on the screen happens, without having to think what your hands & feet are doing... Apparently. Don't recomend it though a you may get carried away and neglect everything else.
Get active! I'm exercising about 3 times a wk by running, swimming etc. You'll be expected to run a 'bleep test' (shuttle runs) until you throw up, collapse, or just simply can't go any further. You'll be judged on both fitness & commitment. I think they've also introduced a swim test (swim a few lengths & tread water) but I'll get back to you.
As you're at school still, keep your hand in the speed, distance, time equations. Get your maths teacher(s) to write some for you or go to the careers office for an example (they'll have the type of thing that OASC will give you) & time yourself. It should take you no longer than 20 minutes.
That should keep you going for now, sorry to drag on but it's what I've been doing for about 4 months. I was unsuccessful last year as I was unprepared... Hopefully this year's different.
Anyway, you've got years on your side: you're still 16 (or 15) so you've got about 8 of them.
Have fun preparing!
Jay
I've just been reading a few posts here & saw your plea for assistance.
I'm currently serving at 56 (R) sqn @ Leuchars as a propulsion technician on the Tor F3 & like you I'm looking for a commission as a pilot... Unlike you, I'm off to OASC on Sunday (7 Nov 04).
Anyway, just thought I'd tell you what I've done to prepare.
Select 5 topics for discussion @ home in the UK & 5 abroad, but don't get too involved with the major stuff (i.e, the war in iraq) but make sure you know the facts (why we went in, where we are etc)
Subscribed to 'The Week" magazine - weekly, about £65 per annum or £3 per wk. V easy to read (MUCH easier than 'The Economist'). Gives an overview of what's happening in the UK, Europe & the world.
Skimmed over a 'broadsheet' paper daily (some now tabloid size, of course) taking note of things that you think could be relevant later (up to 6 months!
)Get on the internet and check out the NATO website & find out what NATO is & what it does; the CIA w'site, bbc/news. All good stuff on these sites & will have great things on your chosen topics.
I've been told that playing on a console like an xbox is good for the pilot aptitude. It (apparently) gets your hands, conscious thought & eyes working independently. i.e, what you want to happen on the screen happens, without having to think what your hands & feet are doing... Apparently. Don't recomend it though a you may get carried away and neglect everything else.
Get active! I'm exercising about 3 times a wk by running, swimming etc. You'll be expected to run a 'bleep test' (shuttle runs) until you throw up, collapse, or just simply can't go any further. You'll be judged on both fitness & commitment. I think they've also introduced a swim test (swim a few lengths & tread water) but I'll get back to you.
As you're at school still, keep your hand in the speed, distance, time equations. Get your maths teacher(s) to write some for you or go to the careers office for an example (they'll have the type of thing that OASC will give you) & time yourself. It should take you no longer than 20 minutes.
That should keep you going for now, sorry to drag on but it's what I've been doing for about 4 months. I was unsuccessful last year as I was unprepared... Hopefully this year's different.
Anyway, you've got years on your side: you're still 16 (or 15) so you've got about 8 of them.
Have fun preparing!
Jay
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Jay,
Nice to see the prep i'm doing is similar to someone already in the mob, at least i'm on the right road!
Just wondering if you (or someone else) can confirm that the individual problem phase of OASC has been removed, or is that a myth?
Perhaps you could drop me a PM or e-mail after OASC for a chat about what it was like etc?
Anyway, best of luck for Sunday.
Nice to see the prep i'm doing is similar to someone already in the mob, at least i'm on the right road!
Just wondering if you (or someone else) can confirm that the individual problem phase of OASC has been removed, or is that a myth?
Perhaps you could drop me a PM or e-mail after OASC for a chat about what it was like etc?
Anyway, best of luck for Sunday.
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Adam,
I e-mailed you having not read this so I left the answer to your question out.
Yes, the individual problem has been removed from the selection process & been replaced with.... Nothing. However, if you look a little closer at your 'notes for OASC' (blue booklet sent from Cranwell), it does say that as of August 04, a swim test has been introduced.
Also, keep the maths studying up as there's still the small matter of the group problem & you can't rely on others in the syndicate.
Happy studying
Jay
I e-mailed you having not read this so I left the answer to your question out.
Yes, the individual problem has been removed from the selection process & been replaced with.... Nothing. However, if you look a little closer at your 'notes for OASC' (blue booklet sent from Cranwell), it does say that as of August 04, a swim test has been introduced.
Also, keep the maths studying up as there's still the small matter of the group problem & you can't rely on others in the syndicate.
Happy studying
Jay
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Excellent advice REF swimming - when I went through IOT we were beasted ragged in that damn swimming pool. Ironically by the time I went through Dartmouth I did probably a tenth as much pool time and more floor based circuit training. Get into it!!!
Best of luck
BL
Best of luck
BL
