Wannabees beware....

[covec]

When attending OASC you may well be asked whether you had considered SNCO Aircrew. Be warned that the RAF is desperate in particular for WSOps (formally AEOps). You will perhaps have seen the glossy posters depicting Nimrods, Seakings, Sentry and ASTOR. Your first 6-8 year tour will in fact be on Nimrod MR2Ps at RAF Kinloss. You will in time be in competition with other WSOps for these posts as the north of Scotland has never been more popular than Cornwall (or anywhere further south than Hadrian's Wall).

It is my experience that accepting SNCO Aircrew can be the "kiss of death" to an OASC commissioning applicant.

Positive side - the job is worthwhile. Not as overtly punchy as an FJ, but still a job to get you medals (but no recognition - that's for FJs).

Cameraderie is good. Flying programme sucks. Home life is terrible. Pay is good.

Hope that helps...

[TimC]

What would you say to someone who has decided he wants to be an aeop and nothing else? Ok so I'm not medically fit (eyesight) for anything other than aeng/aeop/asig, but hey :) .

[Scratch One Bandit]

Could someone fill me in on the acronyms? WSOps, AEOps, SNCO and FJ.

Many thanks.

[Muff Coupling]

Scratch;

FJ Fast Jet. .SNCO Senior Non Commissioned Officer (Sgt to Warrant Officer). .WSO Weapon Systems Operator. .AEop Air Electronics Operator. . <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[cyclic]

Lets take a little reality check. The pay is good, the work is a bit more interesting than the average office and you don't have to pay to see the dentist!

There are still good times to be had. Have a look through the jobs pages of a national rag and see how it compares.

[Scratch One Bandit]

Thanks Muff Coupling <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[covec]

TimC

I would say goodonyer!

[Funkie]

Thought that WSO was the new name for Navigators!

Feel free to phone a friend.. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Regards

Fra :)

[widge]

The answer you seek is Yes and Yes

WSO (Officer) is the new 'name' for Nav

WSO (Operator) is the new name AEOp or more apptly for years of solitude up north, poor working conditions, and no recogntion!

Cynical? Who me?