Good advice to visit and see for yourself, it also looks good at the interviews if you decide to continue. It will be one of the few times to get honest answers to some deeper questions like are many people leaving and why, how long do you spend away from home, general level of risk involved (I was amazed how many SAR guys had crashed when I visited Flights), etc. Speak to the old sweats but also those fresh out of training, ask how long it took in total, did they find it difficult, was it what they expected, did they get what they wanted, etc.
Consider the length, stress and intensity of training as it can take its toll on relationships. We were told this at the start of training and it was true for, most unmarried relationships failed and unfortunately some marriages. That said, don't discount an entire career based on your current girl/boyfriend.
Are you aware that joining as RAF NCA (Non commissioned Aircrew, and the current official name for what was NCO Aircrew or Airmen Aircrew) you will be a WSOp, this encompasses all the old NCA trades (Loadmaster, Engineer, Air Electronic Operator (AEOp) and Linguist). You do training as a generic WSOp before being streamed later on at Cranwell and may not get what you hoped for,
AFAIK most people get what they hoped for but manning requirements might dictate where you are sent.
http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs/s...rew&subbut4=Go A good time to join if you want WSOp crewman I guess, again why are they urgently required are more leaving than the other trades? Probably not as the extra 6 Chinooks and 6 Merlin come into service. Beware though you could end up with a job similar to Airline Cabin Crew or
Ship’s Bursar
except without the exotic destinations, modern aircraft, attractive hostie mates/passengers, etc.
http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs/w...msoperator.cfm So find out the chances of getting sent to a trade/role you might not want.
AFAIK you can only join the RN as Commissioned Aircrew (Pilot or Observer) they only recruit Aircrewmen from within the Service
http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.2400
If you are RAF and remuster you will be offered 22yrs service and could possibly serve until 55 if that floats your boat, or should that be flys your kite? Sorry I don't know the RN terms of service.
It's also worth considering what else the respective Sqn's and Services do when not deployed on Ops. For example, if you are a bit of an eco warrior then the RN is for you. protecting fish
http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6028
as I am very keen to make the transition to full time Aircrew as soon as possible.
Apply through the RAF Careers Office now, if you decide and are able to go RN then you can always cancel your RAF application. You have no reason not too, some people wait thinking that their next report or promotion will make them more successful, they won't. If you have the required qualifications you can do any other stuff ie: visits, getting fit. while the application is being processed, as it may take some time!
