Flying for HM Forces

[JamesTigris]

This is probably a frequent question and its one I'm still researching myself but it would be good to hear people's honest opinions.

I'm looking to go back to the AFCO in the next week or so to get myself into the fight for pilot training within HM forces (just graduating from Uni). I'm an Ex-UAS guy and am fully appreciative of the levels of competition and the probability of selection! Being Ex-UAS I've always focused on the RAF as the only way to go but what are the real differences and pros/cons of the RAF vs the RN?

Both the RAF and RN take on a quota of pilots each year and I'm wondering how to play it. I'd prefer to fly for the RAF but I'd also be extatic to fly for the Navy. I'm not saying I'm indecisive or lack commitment, but it makes alot of sense to simply maximise my chances of flying for a living!

Common sense says that from the moment I walk through the door at the AFCO I'd need to be committed to one or the other. Is it possible to apply for both simultaniously or would that just kill any chances I had straight off the bat on the grounds that I'm hoplessly indecisive!?

Any and all comments appreciated...

[ZH875]

Flying for the RAF or AAC is probably the best option, this way you would have more miles distance between yourself and :mad: Southside

[Jonner]

I'd consider appling to both - I found the RAF were very aloof about the whole thing whereas the RN were much more welcoming. Just be honest and if an interviewer asks about whether you've applied to any of the other services tell them. After all, I would think they'd appreciate your candour and the fact that you've applied to both services shows that you're committed to military flying. Good luck.

[Tourist]

ZH875 has a point...........:yuk:

[UberPilot]

James,

I found that staggering the applications helped when I approached this. I was also a UAS chap so I naturally went to OASC first, then the AIB, then RCB.... then OASC again...... and got it! This was within a year. I found that I learned something on each board visit that I could then apply to subsequent board! I think applying to all three at once would create masses of work for you as you have to gen up on three services at once.

At the moment I'm prepping to start IOT in May, so the "pro's" of the RAF over the RN or Army as far as I'm concerned are:
1) the RAF take many more Pilots (approx 140-160 this year I'm told:confused: )
2) IOT is considerably shorter (7 months vs. 12 months) and you're not wasting time learning a skill that you won't use i.e. boat driving or soldiering.
3) Greater chance of something other than helos once you start flying.
4) Being ex-UAS I knew that I liked the RAF... mostly.

[airborne_artist]

2) IOT is considerably shorter (7 months vs. 12 months) and you're not wasting time learning a skill that you won't use i.e. boat driving

UberP

All of us ex-RN would say that 12 months by the sea (and the summer totty) beats 7 months in Lincolnshire. When you add on the hold-overs in today's RAF (and the non-jobs while on hold) I don't think that the 5 months is an issue. If you do need to hold in the RN at least it's by/on the water :ok:

[UberPilot]

Just remebered another bonus !!

At IOT you will share a room with 1 guy for 10 weeks and then you're on your own for the rest in CHOM. At BRNC you'll get stuck in a sweaty dorm with 30 other blokes.... but hey, what ever takes your fancy!

[mlc]

At BRNC I only ever shared a room with one other and that was in the early months of training. (He was a slob though!)

[airborne_artist]

At BRNC you'll get stuck in a sweaty dorm with 30 other blokes.... but hey, what ever takes your fancy!

Shared with four in my first term, single cabin for term 2, in 1978, so I think the share with 30 info perhaps dates back about 70 years. My Dad was there from 1947 to 1952 and he only shared with five!

[UberPilot]

Shared with four in my first term, single cabin for term 2, in 1978, so I think the share with 30 info perhaps dates back about 70 years. My Dad was there from 1947 to 1952 and he only shared with five!

OK. However, a mate of mine there at the moment claims to be in a dorm of 30 odd. I don't know?

[airborne_artist]

OK. However, a mate of mine there at the moment claims to be in a dorm of 30 odd. I don't know?[/B]

So he's the one I heard about who has to share with 29 Wrens. See I told you BRNC was fun :ok: :ok: :E

[Tourist]

Having done both, I would have to say that there is no comparison.
My Dartmouth time, particularly the first term, rates as one of the most pleasurable periods in my life. (IST sucked the c@ck of death though!)
You get treated relatively well and are always given the impression that you are a welcome addition to the most senior of services.

Cranwell on the other hand really is a second rate public school with an over active CCF.

Never had to share a cabin even once incidentally, though others were paired up.