RAFFT:- Goalpost change.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Angleterre
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RAFFT:- Goalpost change.
The goalposts associated with RAFFT have changed in line with elements of it which are/were untenable.
Those in their last 12 months of service will no longer have to complete RAFFT as there is little point in completing MAA administration at that point.
Those employed worldwide not as part of a formed unit insofar as PTI facilities are restricted/unavailable are exempt. This includes all USA postings. *There is a list of countries, but it appeared that 'Planet earth' would have saved much paper.
The cynic in me believes that these changes are being made in order to enhance future statistics in acceptance that certain things either cannot be overcome or are difficult to defend in redress. The briefing note is out now, the effective date is if I recall 1 Sep 12.
Those in their last 12 months of service will no longer have to complete RAFFT as there is little point in completing MAA administration at that point.
Those employed worldwide not as part of a formed unit insofar as PTI facilities are restricted/unavailable are exempt. This includes all USA postings. *There is a list of countries, but it appeared that 'Planet earth' would have saved much paper.
The cynic in me believes that these changes are being made in order to enhance future statistics in acceptance that certain things either cannot be overcome or are difficult to defend in redress. The briefing note is out now, the effective date is if I recall 1 Sep 12.
That'll be two less fitness tests to do then 
Last edited by Yozzer; 7th Aug 2012 at 12:51.
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ottawa
Age: 53
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That makes me feel much better, as I ignored the fitness test and GDT in my last 18 months in the RAF (actually I didn't do GDT for the last 2 years in the mob) however that was 3 1/2 years ago, just before the intoduction of the twice yearly RAFFT.
CWD
CWD
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Somewhere flat
Age: 68
Posts: 5,560
Likes: 0
Received 45 Likes
on
30 Posts
Those in their last 12 months of service will no longer have to complete
RAFFT as there is little point in completing MAA administration at that
point
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Germany
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Prob more to do with the number of pti's they laid off in tranche 2.
Does this include the AT force? Get in mah Belly!
Those employed worldwide not as part of a formed unit insofar as PTI facilities are restricted/unavailable are exempt. This includes all USA postings. *There is a list of countries, but it appeared that 'Planet earth' would have saved much paper.
Last edited by VinRouge; 7th Aug 2012 at 13:38.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: The Whyte House
Age: 95
Posts: 1,966
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Certainly worked for me CM.
I probably could have passed it, but I never felt the need to run to my aircraft, that's what a crew bus was for. Although often walking was quicker.
I probably could have passed it, but I never felt the need to run to my aircraft, that's what a crew bus was for. Although often walking was quicker.
Last edited by Willard Whyte; 7th Aug 2012 at 14:15.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: @exRAF_Al
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I ignored the fitness test and GDT in my last 18 months in the RAF (actually I didn't do GDT for the last 2 years in the mob)
Good effort.
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: england
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was informed that with 5 weeks left in the RAF that I HAD to complete my CCS & fitness test before leaving 
.
I booked the dates for a week after my final day ever, and got my leaving chit signed by the Regiment & PT.... I would have loved to hear the conversation between the Regiment/ PTI & my old Flt Sgt when the inevitable "where the
is SAC xxxxx?"
.I booked the dates for a week after my final day ever, and got my leaving chit signed by the Regiment & PT.... I would have loved to hear the conversation between the Regiment/ PTI & my old Flt Sgt when the inevitable "where the
is SAC xxxxx?"
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 785
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It never ceases to amaze me how many people who aren't in the RAF have an opinion on the RAFFT.
CM,
Also, never good to run as an Officer...it panics the troops.
7th Aug 2012 15:44
7th Aug 2012 15:44
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: The Whyte House
Age: 95
Posts: 1,966
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The 'esteem' I had for the folk who ran the raf gymnasiums was cemented during my first days a Cranditz after we were forced to paint our trainers white.
Singing 'let's do the timewarp again' after the staff said "to the left with a jump" always went down well too.
Managed to get out of a few x-country runs at Finningley by getting my mates to tell the staff I'd been chopped. Scheduling ped first 2 periods in the morning followed by 2 free periods before lunch? Get real, I always needed a lie-in after a night drinking '151' - at least until I'd had a couple of years practice.
During fitness tests at Lyneham I always made sure to wear my Marlboro T-shirt, normally with a packet of 20 in the handy breast pocket.
Singing 'let's do the timewarp again' after the staff said "to the left with a jump" always went down well too.
Managed to get out of a few x-country runs at Finningley by getting my mates to tell the staff I'd been chopped. Scheduling ped first 2 periods in the morning followed by 2 free periods before lunch? Get real, I always needed a lie-in after a night drinking '151' - at least until I'd had a couple of years practice.
During fitness tests at Lyneham I always made sure to wear my Marlboro T-shirt, normally with a packet of 20 in the handy breast pocket.
Last edited by Willard Whyte; 7th Aug 2012 at 18:35.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Saw a very smart SNCO or WO at Halton yesterday. Beautifully pressed shirt and trousers, tie, best hat, moustache - acres of shirt. Only sit ups he could do would be with the aid of an assistant and I guess the most exercise he does is roll out of bed of a morning.
And this the School of Recruit Training - a walking, breathing, tribute to the Contract catering. Or cheap beer in the mess.
And this the School of Recruit Training - a walking, breathing, tribute to the Contract catering. Or cheap beer in the mess.
Last edited by Pontius Navigator; 7th Aug 2012 at 20:07.
Join Date: May 2003
Location: East Anglia
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having been a 'knocker' of this for years, I now think it's a really good thing, nothing wrong with a bit of exercise and actually something to make you feel good when you pass..! I've also helped lots of folks get through this, maybe I could help some of those on here get through it too..!? Anyway in sum, not ideal for everyone, but not that difficult in the end...
Duplo
Duplo
A bit longer ago, when I banged out, I just signed all the bits of the clearance forms that I'd never been to - and no-one noticed.
The Clothing Store Stacker didn't want my uniform and gubbins as the camp was closing - so I dumped it all (four bin bags) in the Stores Rubbish Bins. Mask. Helmet, webbing and all.
...and by signing some bits away myself - I think I inadvertantly diverted any Reserve Duty time, of which I had nothing.
Since I left the Mob my fitness has improved no end, recently I cycled 100 miles in one day, and I have lost some weight but not that much really.
The Clothing Store Stacker didn't want my uniform and gubbins as the camp was closing - so I dumped it all (four bin bags) in the Stores Rubbish Bins. Mask. Helmet, webbing and all.
...and by signing some bits away myself - I think I inadvertantly diverted any Reserve Duty time, of which I had nothing.
Since I left the Mob my fitness has improved no end, recently I cycled 100 miles in one day, and I have lost some weight but not that much really.
Last edited by Rigga; 7th Aug 2012 at 21:00.
Never had an issue with it. The only people that seem to have are those who have an inability to pass. How anyone can fail such a simple test is beyond me?
I don't even break a sweat getting to my green level - and always get dark blue apart from Bleep Test where dark blue is out of reach. I still manage light blue and I'm bloody 38 - it's embarrassing when airmen half my age drop out on Level 7?!
For as long as the RAF is a fighting force then the old whining chief tech brigade ( it was never like this in RAFG yadda yah) will have to lump it; pass or leave. Simple.
Jeez, when I joined the Army in 1990 we had to run 1.5 miles in under 10 mins in white issued plimsolls!! I think the RAF should give people the option of Bleep Test or 1.5 mile run. I find the run much easier on the joints than all that blasted turning. Still, what do I care - 5 months to go!!
I don't even break a sweat getting to my green level - and always get dark blue apart from Bleep Test where dark blue is out of reach. I still manage light blue and I'm bloody 38 - it's embarrassing when airmen half my age drop out on Level 7?!
For as long as the RAF is a fighting force then the old whining chief tech brigade ( it was never like this in RAFG yadda yah) will have to lump it; pass or leave. Simple.
Jeez, when I joined the Army in 1990 we had to run 1.5 miles in under 10 mins in white issued plimsolls!! I think the RAF should give people the option of Bleep Test or 1.5 mile run. I find the run much easier on the joints than all that blasted turning. Still, what do I care - 5 months to go!!
Last edited by Grimweasel; 7th Aug 2012 at 21:05.
Grimweasel,
Same here - I've actually got fitter with age and now regularly get better scores than I did as young 20-something whose idea of exercise was running to the bar for last orders. I have to say, I do like feeling fitter and the fact that my clothes now fit properly - more money for beer!
But I must admit the test is a bit of a balls ache, especially if done when hung over. and I'm not totally convinced that if you can pass it without having done any phys all year it is an accurate reflection of fitness -the fact that it's annual gives my Army colleagues hours of ammunition talking about averaging out sit ups and push ups over the course of the year. In fact, my catching the fitness bug had precious little to do with the fitness test or those complete arses in the gym at Cranditz, more to do with being utterly bored on numerous op tours and finding the gym to be home to a lot of rather cute and very tight USAF girls. But if that is the hoop the RAF want to make me jump through, so be it. Frankly it might be a balls ache, but it's still more fun than sitting at my desk answering bone emails.
Same here - I've actually got fitter with age and now regularly get better scores than I did as young 20-something whose idea of exercise was running to the bar for last orders. I have to say, I do like feeling fitter and the fact that my clothes now fit properly - more money for beer!
But I must admit the test is a bit of a balls ache, especially if done when hung over. and I'm not totally convinced that if you can pass it without having done any phys all year it is an accurate reflection of fitness -the fact that it's annual gives my Army colleagues hours of ammunition talking about averaging out sit ups and push ups over the course of the year. In fact, my catching the fitness bug had precious little to do with the fitness test or those complete arses in the gym at Cranditz, more to do with being utterly bored on numerous op tours and finding the gym to be home to a lot of rather cute and very tight USAF girls. But if that is the hoop the RAF want to make me jump through, so be it. Frankly it might be a balls ache, but it's still more fun than sitting at my desk answering bone emails.
Last edited by Melchett01; 7th Aug 2012 at 21:39.
Grimweasel, you're great! I want to be like you!
I hate doing the fitness test. I lose sleep the week before and and not very pleasant to be around for that week. I pass, not with flying colours, but I do. I wish I could lose the mental block I have over it and just do it because I know, deep down that I can pass, so people like you are a real treat to have around, you help no end! I'm quite odd in that I enjoy doing the dunker; a lot don't and I can see why, so I would never say that it was easy and can't see what the fuss is about, because I can. It's just that those difficulties don't affect me and this principle applies to the fitness test except that I'm the one who has the mental problem in this case.
What the 6-monthly test does do is that it means that I am obliged to work for the test throughout the year rather than try to forget for 10 months and then do myself an injury trying to cram for the test. So, for that, the new regime is a good idea and makes a lot of sense,
I hate doing the fitness test. I lose sleep the week before and and not very pleasant to be around for that week. I pass, not with flying colours, but I do. I wish I could lose the mental block I have over it and just do it because I know, deep down that I can pass, so people like you are a real treat to have around, you help no end! I'm quite odd in that I enjoy doing the dunker; a lot don't and I can see why, so I would never say that it was easy and can't see what the fuss is about, because I can. It's just that those difficulties don't affect me and this principle applies to the fitness test except that I'm the one who has the mental problem in this case.
What the 6-monthly test does do is that it means that I am obliged to work for the test throughout the year rather than try to forget for 10 months and then do myself an injury trying to cram for the test. So, for that, the new regime is a good idea and makes a lot of sense,
Last edited by MG; 7th Aug 2012 at 21:45.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 32,923
Received 2,844 Likes
on
1,215 Posts
With just 2 days left in uniform, a visit to see their FS was needed to ensure that I got their signature. Common sense, for once, prevailed.
I remember arriving at a unit and moving into the block being presented with a mattress with a couple of minor stains on that had been circled and signed, I refused it as some sod had been billed to get it cleaned which they had not done, and I wasn't going to lie on it... They gave me a new one and I managed to knock the coffee percolator over on it... When I left I simply circled the huge great coffee stain and signed it... the Airforce worked on the assumption if a signature was in place it must be ok...
I simply cleared from those I would need docs sending to or from... Pay, medical and clothing.... The rest were simply detritus and a waste of space and my time.
Last edited by NutLoose; 7th Aug 2012 at 22:10.