Originally Posted by dhurst
"... some engineers might be more qualified then me but at the end of the day its the 24 weeks of officer training that makes me more qualified then them."
Oh ... shudder in horror at this remark!
If you display one ounce of this attitude at your selection board - I can guarantee that you will be sent packing out the front gates of Cranwell faster than you can say:
"I'm not young enough to know everything!"
Be reminded that your academic qualifications, coupled with Officer Training, DOES NOT place you in an immediate position where you are more qualified or, superior to non-commissioned engineers - or for that matter; any other category or mustering.
An attitude such as you have displayed with your comments, will immediately become apparent to those subordinate to you, and to those with whom you are subordinate.
Remember, as an officer, your 'troops' are your number one priority - full stop! Treat them as you would a member of your own family. These are the people who can make you, or break you (sorry about the cliche).
Respect their experience and knowledge base. Use your officer 'skills' to draw upon their collective wealth, in order to make prudent and well informed decisions.
Show an interest in their work and be a 'leader' above all. Make timely decisions and ensure you keep the 'troops' well informed at all times!
Often it is best to keep your ears open and your mouth shut - at least until such time that you actually know something.
You will not gain respect by demonstrating an aire of superiority or cockiness. A degree and a Queen's Commission does not buy respect.
I am an Officer Cadet (OFFCDT) in the RAAF and am currently undertaking training at the RAAF Officers' Training School (OTS).
Previous to this (in my 'other' life), I was a Police Officer where over the years I had the misfortune to meet some Commissioned Officers' who displayed less than admirable leadership traits. Funnily enough, many of these same people ended up falling by the wayside due to identified issues relating to their inability to command. These people were usually promoted rapidly due to possession of outstanding academic ability/qualifications ... but totally lacked CDF !
In other words - these people were promoted well beyond their abilities!
If you are genuine about becoming an RAF Officer, then might I suggest you make the effort to visit a few RAF bases and speak with those people whom you maybe working with in the years to come.
I might recall a recent incident on my Officer Training course, where a trainee ENGO (FLGOFF) was back coursed to week one after failing to convince the Directing Staff that he possessed appropriate RAAF Qualities. This guy is one of the nicest people you could possibly meet, but his attitude was less than desirable. In effect, he has now been put behind 37 weeks! The sheer fact that an Officer trainee possesses a degree is inconsequential on Officer Training courses. I also saw a situation on my course where two medical doctors were nearly back coursed as well!
Start with the basics my friend and learn to pay attention to detail. You could possibly start by addressing the atrocious grammar displayed in your previous threads.
If you want to be an Officer - start now by showing leadership. Lead by example.
Before you can lead, you must learn how to follow.
Cheers,
In Oz
"Common people sleep soundly at night in the knowledge that rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf" - George Orwell