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radbrit
10th Jun 2007, 18:03
Hi All,

I've recently joined the RAF as a WSOp, passed out at Halton and am currently on hold until I go to Cranwell.

I have been thinking about my future career, and am aiming toward the crewman side of things (I know I don't get much say in the matter! - there's always hope). I'm stuck between aiming for fixed wing or rotary, and was wondering if anyone could tell me the pro's and con's of the job from their point of view. For fixed wing Herc's interest me, and I really don't know about rotary (Merlin?).

Like I said, I know I'm told where I'm going, but an insight would be nice as we really don't get told that much. Also, if anyone out there is acoustic/electronic etc, some info about your job would be good too?

Thanks.

PS: I'll only be replying at weekends!

toddbabe
10th Jun 2007, 18:19
Radbrit am not being funny but would it not have been a good idea to find these things out before you joined up?

Talking Radalt
10th Jun 2007, 19:02
I really don't know about rotary
I'm with toddy, How the **** did you get selected? :mad:

Vim_Fuego
10th Jun 2007, 19:09
I am stunned at your lack of knowledge...Please don't think we are having a go as you have the level of knowledge that someone in the recruiting and selection chain allowed you in at...

Please tell us some more of your filter interviews and what you were asked/had to answer to get this far...In return I'll slip you some info on the EW/Acoustic side of things...

XferSymbol
10th Jun 2007, 20:26
I'm in the 'flabbergasted' club also fella. I remember being asked numerous questions, at P2 and during OASC, wrt my desired future employment.

I can only assume that you are looking for a personal edge to what you already know. During your training on 55 Sqn, you'll be sent on a couple of station visits before you are streamed - it's a bit like Bullseye, you know, look at what you could have won. These will provide opportunity to get a brief feel for the different branches.

Might be worth doing some homework in the meantime though. Best of luck.

:}

Spam_UK
10th Jun 2007, 21:22
Check your PM's mate.

Spam

Mr Point
10th Jun 2007, 21:51
I completely agree, you should have done your homework first.:ugh:

The question has been raised in the past by those interested in becoming a WSOp BEFORE being selected:

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=271360&highlight=wsop

Rath89
11th Jun 2007, 12:35
Hi all,
I've been accepted as a WSOp and will be starting at Halton soon, but have a few questions about a rumored change to the WSOp selection procedure since I was accepted.
When i went through OASC in feb i had to pass both the Crewman and AEOp aptitude tests just to get a look in. However, i was informed by a reliable source recently that you can now apply to be either a Crewman or AEOp at OASC and only need to pass the relevant aptitude tests, therefore being pre streamed at Cranwell before the start of training. I was wondering if anyone on here could inform me whether this is true or not? Also, if it is true, how will it affect me, will there be others like me who are eligible for both routes or will most be pre streamed? It could be slightly frustrating that some will know they have their preffered route whilst going through training, while others such as myself will have to wait until completion of the 55 sqn course and their choice of where they think I should go!
Any info would be helpfull
Cheers!
R

ProfessionalStudent
11th Jun 2007, 14:02
Rath89

Don't worry about it to much.

a) You can't change it.

b) Work hard, come top of the course, and you should get your choice.

c) See a)

radbrit
18th Jun 2007, 10:34
Perhaps that didn't come across as it was meant too.

I know a lot about the different trades, as I did do my homework. All I really wanted was a personal insight into what your jobs (Crewman, Aops etc) are like - i.e what you go through on a day to day basis.

I didn't mean I don't know anything about rotary, I meant I didn't know which type interested me more. So don't be "stunned at my lack of knowledge", as you might be suprised to know that we don't go and speak to every WSOp in the Air Force and find out exactly what they do.

That post was on behalf of quite a few people on my course as we just wanted to know a bit more, but obviously you're all more interested in piss taking. We've tried finding out, but the only truthful information you get is word of mouth (a forum perhaps?), but seems they're not that helpful either.

Cheers for your help though Spam, much appreciated.

c130jbloke
18th Jun 2007, 11:06
I thought you said you would only reply at the weekends ?

c130jbloke
18th Jun 2007, 13:10
Well, this thread caught my eye and it has helped me a little.

Well do tell !

(v slow day in the office)

:uhoh::uhoh:

radbrit
18th Jun 2007, 16:02
Helped out at Horse Guard's yesterday, so I'm free today.

samuraimatt
18th Jun 2007, 21:27
We've tried finding out, but the only truthful information you get is word of mouth (a forum perhaps?), but seems they're not that helpful either. Maybe you could ask your instructors at Cranwell. They might just have some idea.

Door Slider
18th Jun 2007, 21:56
I doubt they have been pre-streamed on there aptitude score results. Regardless of which branch you would prefer to go the pass mark is 90 for all WSOp, 110 for WSO and 120 for pilot.

samuraimatt
18th Jun 2007, 22:00
you can now apply to be either a Crewman or AEOp at OASC OMG what a damn fine idea. I wander who thought of that and I bet he got promoted.

Wader2
19th Jun 2007, 12:10
That post was on behalf of quite a few people on my course as we just wanted to know a bit more, but obviously you're all more interested in piss taking. We've tried finding out, but the only truthful information you get is word of mouth (a forum perhaps?), but seems they're not that helpful either.

Radbrit, I am replying not just to you but to lots of others who post in the same vein.

Say what you mean. If you had first said what you said here then the responses would have been different. There are lots of examples of improperly drafted questions that are an open invitation to banter.

On the thread of say what you mean, there are also instances where someone posts for 'a friend of a friend' etc and only tell half the story, the good half!

A considered post with all the relevant information will ellict a more considered reply - things like nationality, age, educational qualifications, reading and quoting from the 'joining the RAF' thread all help to identify the line of question and the amount of self-held already undertaken. The answers to many questions can be found by posting the exact same question into Google. True, that is where we get many of the answers we feed back to people.

Rude C'man
20th Jun 2007, 12:46
Radbrit , you'll have plenty of practice saying what you mean when we see you in Jul !! .
I have to agree a poorly worded question WILL get a poor answer.
RATH89
The selection process and apptitude tests are all the same for WSOp no matter how you get streamed later in training.
Anyway nothing is for life, ask the four Accustic guys who got pulled from training to go Rotary c'man !!!! last month.
I have to ask the question to any wannabe C'man , WSOp , do you really fully reasearch what your letting yourself into, when applying for our unique career path. ? Don't believe everything you see on the news or read in the papers, go ask the crews at airshows and go to Cranwell and visit the station , talk to the trainees and staff and ask all the questions there. Every last thu of the month there is a brief, just ask your PD clerk or AFCO to organise it through 55 Sqn.

Rath89
20th Jun 2007, 13:19
I agree with what you say completely Rude C'man! I just heard the rumour from a crewman instructor on 60 sqn as I live near Shawbury. Also there's a guy on my RTS course who claims to only have passed the Crewman tests and be accepted. Anyway, i'm sure il find out when I start. The crewmen on the sqns do give a very different picture than the AFCO and OASC. Was definitely worth talking to them, as the glossy booklets appear to have missed out the numerous tours to sandy places!

BelixA
20th Jun 2007, 14:00
I'd like to know when we are gettting the "Weapons Systems" to "Operate."

Of course Browning 9mm.

R 21
20th Jun 2007, 20:32
Let me think

the GPMG/M-60 or what about the Miniguns, all on rotary???

Pay peanuts get monkeys!!!!:p

samuraimatt
20th Jun 2007, 21:48
as the glossy booklets appear to have missed out the numerous tours to sandy places! Well maybe watching the News could have told you that would happen

Charlie Luncher
20th Jun 2007, 22:39
Rabid
It may help to get a response from the wittier, smarter and all round good egg WSOps if you addressed them as Acoustic gods:cool: or Nerd herd:8.
Charlie sends.

Dave Angel
21st Jun 2007, 08:53
Rabid
It may help to get a response from the wittier, smarter and all round good egg WSOps if you addressed them as Acoustic gods:cool: or Nerd herd:8.
Charlie sends.

Good to see you're wit hasn't been blunted by all the sun and fosters.:ok:

Kengineer-130
21st Jun 2007, 12:36
What can I say?? out of 2 pages of replys there have been about 3 useful replys for the fellow, I think a lot of you have nothing better to do than sit on the net and spout self satisfied drivel at anyone who dares to ask a question :ugh:..... Samurimatt, every post I have ever read of yours is rude, sarcastic and unhelpful, and usually nothing to do with the topic in hand, get a life :ugh:

Rath, you will have to ignore the Forum Lizards, I would HIGHLY reccoment contacting units directly, and ask to speak to the specialists you wish to talk to, as they will be more than happy to advise you, as they have gone through exactly the same thing as yourself at sometime :ok:

Heywood Djablowme
21st Jun 2007, 13:56
As is pretty standard on this forum a young bloke asks a perfectly straight forward and sensible question only to be met with a barrage of unhelpful, rude and frankly embarrassing comments!

You are, on the whole, a bunch of miserable, sanctimonious old farts! I suspect many of you have only dubious and tenuous links to military aviation let alone the topic in question and couldn't contribute anything useful even if you wanted to.:hmm:

Rant complete.

Radbrit, as the only helpful poster here said; get in touch with the units directly. They'll be more than happy to chew the fat with you and tell you how it is. I can put you in touch with someone on the fixed wing side just PM me.

bwfg3
21st Jun 2007, 18:56
Just a quick comment,

I work on 55 as a flying instructor and I know nothing about people being pre streamed, you do the generic phase and then we get the runes and chicken bones out,with the obvious exception of the linguists. However, whatever you are streamed I wish you all the best in the future. :E

Charlie Luncher
21st Jun 2007, 23:27
Heywood
"you have only dubious and tenuous links to military aviation" what with being based in Lincoln and all so I say you sir are the "miserable, sanctimonious old fart":eek: I think you may have been in Maine with me perhaps:confused:

Must remember to give my lads a Hug before we go flying, a bit of banter now might prepare the young fella should he ever have the misfortune to come flying with me.

Dodgy Dave the only fools to drink Fosters are the Pohms(yes I've gone ethnic). Where are you hiding, now dont tell me you have gone soft :O
Charlie sends

shawtarce
22nd Jun 2007, 11:54
RADBRIT

check you personal messages...

radbrit
22nd Jun 2007, 13:07
I managed to have a chat with lot of the lads from 27 who were on a training exercise the other day and got some helpful info off of them. Also, I spoke to an Aeromed who has toured with 28 and got his side of the story. After chatting to them and other people around Halton, Rotary seems the one for me, but I'll have to wait and see what Santa brings.

Thanks to the people who have PM'd me, you've all helped. I'm going to grab any opportunity I can to speak to people when I finally go to Cranwell, as that's obviously the way to go about it.