Scroggs, perhaps it was the case when you went in 22 years ago re: not being able to pre choose which aircraft type you wish to fly, but in todays RAF, you do get a choice.
Routes are:
Fast Jet, Multi-Engine or Rotary.
All pilots complete their basic flight training at 1 FTS RAF Linton-on-Ouse, then fast jet boys go down to Valley for their Fastjet conversion on the Hawks, not sure where the other two groups go (as all my RAF pilot friends, went fast jet). From valley you then either get creamed to go back to Linton and instruct, or stay at Valley and instruct or move onto your OCU. (operational conversion unit) depending on which type particular aircraft. I think where some confusion has reigned, is that you get to choose which Route to go, but you dont get to choose which type i.e You choose FASTJET, then RAF chooses if you go Jaguar, Harrier, Tornado etc.