BRNC for FAA - Is it worth going through it all?

[AeroBatfink]

Looking for a bit of advice from the FAA people out there - I couldn't see any previous posts on this subject.

I'm hoping to get RN/FAA pilot entry for Sept 2002, and I've already got a few friends at BRNC. However, from what I've heard about it, that stands for "bull**** rules, no compromises". I realise that the average 18 year old BRNC entrant will need to be gradually 'evolved' from having every minute of their day accounted for, to becoming a responsible adult. However, I'm now in my early (to mid) twenties, I've lived overseas for varying periods and I've been totally self sufficient over the past few years. I don't think I'm being unreasonable when I say that the idea of being treated like a teenager while training at Dartmouth is none too appealing. I know it's all about 'playing the game', but quite frankly I'd rather be getting on with my career than playing games. The question I have are as follows: Is it really that bad? Is there any accounting for age? I'm assuming it gets a lot better when you get through to JEFTS or the squadron; is this true?

I'm pretty sure I'd enjoy life on board an RN vessel (I enjoyed the week I spent on Invincible), and most of the aspects of naval life I've experienced through the RNR appeal to me (not so keen on drill though!). At the moment, I'm very enthusiastic about flying for the FAA, but the commercial option of flying aid in Africa or for the BAC in the Antarctic also appeals. If all I really want to do is fly, am I doing the right thing?

Thanks. .AB

[TimC]

I think you've got to take the rough with the smooth mate. Its the same for everyone else, regardless of age.

Remember you're joining as an officer, branch choice comes second.

[Oggin Aviator]

Agree with above.. .Just accept the military training as it is, it soon becomes routine. The final (academic) term at Dartmouth (if in the summer)is awesome as a trainee aviator - a bit of study and lots of fun on the river and out and about in glorious South Devon.

Later, on a squadron life is much more civilised, the flying is fun whilst being very challenging, both from home and when at sea.

Its a good laugh - no 2 days the same etc etc.

Give it a go and good luck if you do.

[Bruiserloose]

I loved being at BRNC.......could have stayed there forever.....

A few lectures in the morning, a game of golf/fottball/cricket in the afternoon and then pissed in the evening......quality..

[AeroBatfink]

Thanks for allaying my uncertainties - I must admit, I have loved any time spent in the Wardroom on board and ashore, and the Christmas Ball at BRNC was great fun. And if I don't at least give it a go, I know I'll regret that more...

Cheers!. . :) . .AB

[Simon R]

I joined BRNC as a non grad 18 year old and found it the same as the grad guys. I think there is a good argument for cutting down the time FAA guys spend at BRNC ( 8 months rather then a year).However, as you've read, Dartmouth is a great run ashore ( far better then the crabs enjoy at Cranwell). Bite your lip, learn all your your rules of the road at Dartmouth, then forget it all and enjoy your flying. I don't regret it.

[MaxAOB]

If it's cheap flying training you want then don't bother. Join the navy to do the job and you will have an absolute blast. There was a dit on the latest training at BRNC during the RNR weekend given by the current Cdr T. I think he said that wafu's only do 2 terms now - just like they used to! Trouble is i was still suffering after the night before.

Join to do it not just to learn to fly!!

<img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[bad livin']

Initial training is very much what you make it. Yes there are times when you'll feel somewhat insulted and run off your feet, but that is true of many jobs. Life does change immensely upon reaching JEFTS (providing you get through grading) and although I cannot speak from personal experience I expect life on an RN front line unit closely resembles that on an RAF one in many ways - IE it's great. Third term is split between BRNC, grading, technical instruction, combat survival and so forth. Best of luck in whatever you choose...nav mates in the air force are also having an immensely challenging time as they reach the GR4/F3 OCUs. You really can't lose either way to be be honest, but DO NOT join with the aim of using it as free flying training!

Rgds. .BL

[Bri Uggin-Out]

Its true that Dartmouth has changed for WAFU's. Flight academics has been shortened, but there's also grading and the survival course included.

Its a pain, but you learn a lot and you make some awesome friends. Plus there's alot of potential change coming to all aspects of FAA life...new aircraft, carriers etc. You're in a position to get your hands on it. Work hard and don't take anything for granted.

Good luck

[Arkroyal]

Aerobat

I joined BRNC at the ripe old age of 25 years 11 months and two weeks.

At first it was hell, I couldn't even remember how to tie a tie!!

I buckled down, applied a sense of humour to it all, and after 6 months I was quite enjoying it. You will not be brain washed, and you will learn a lot about yourself, particularly your ability to deflect and/or absorb the bovine excrement.

Tower at Slapton, if it's how it was will allow you to drench sorrows in ace ale anyway.

Frankly if you can't take a bit of rough, then the FAA will be better off without you. My 16 years were brilliant, including the first 6 months.

[WE Branch Fanatic]

I would dearly love to be at BRNC....

Sadly, I failed the AIB last year....and so am trying to enter as a Tiff and try to have another go at it later....

I'll give you two guessses as to my intended branch....

[BEagle]

Thank Heavens for our Royal Navy! Good that someone is still able to maintain standards and traditions at BRNC - and that you haven't succumbed to the creeping cancer of contractorisation. We might take the p*ss out of some of your more quaint naval traditions and 'Jackspeak' - but good luck to you in standing up to the bean counters and their seeming intent to do away with service traditions and standards.

(Yes - I know that HMFC doesn't have 'traditions' - just nasty little habits!!)

[AeroBatfink]

Thanks to everyone for their continued advice. Thanks also for the note about your age, Arkroyal - I was starting to wonder whether there had been anyone else who actually needed to worry about the upper age limit!! Has your age had any effect on your career progression?

Incidentally, I don't have any problems with taking 'the rough with the smooth' (I've spent a good deal of time doing that already); all I'm concerned about is whether this is the best career move for me at my age, or whether I've missed the proverbial 'boat' (apologies for the pun).

Thanks. . :) . .AB

[Arkroyal]

One sign of creeping old age is that I mislaid this thread for a few weeks.

ABF,

As I was Scc and later MCC, I didn't really have a career, but a job. Main problem is afterwards, when you leave as an over 40 bloke breaking into the airline business. It depends entirely how the market is when you leave.

My job in the Navy was only blighted by opening me gob when it should have remained close, which might have had something to do with being older than average.

Excellent 16 years though.

Go for it!

[Flatus Veteranus]

ABF

I keep my boat on the Dart and I have seen plenty of cadets out in the whalers learning about boat-handling. They seem to be having the time of their lives doing for free what costs many "yachties" an arm and a leg. They are not always sober. Enjoy!

A relative used to teach Maths (inc. remedial maths) at BRNC. Her main problem was getting FAA cadets' mental arithmetic up to the mark. So if you have spare time until Sept and are weak in the Maths area, you might spend some time exercising yourself on speed/time/distance/fuel-consumption problems.

If you are a graduate do not try to be clever. On my FTS course we had some graduates with very good degrees (in the days when that meant something) in such subjects as Politics, Philosphy and Economics. They learnt quickly to button their lips during "Padre's half hour" and the "current affairs" slot when a poor Fg.Off. educator had to lecture us on "Democracy cf. Communism". Be tolerant and enjoy the things the Navy does incomparably - ceremonial and wardroom life. At RAF South Cerney in 1950 my ex-UAS course most enjoyed (apart from the flying) the square-bashing, E&E, Survival training and (for those so inclined - RIP) the sport.

[AeroBatfink]

Thanks for the continued input, everyone!

MaxAOB - was the RNR reference to your personal experience? If so, which unit are you in? I had a great time on the basic training course at Raleigh - maybe that should tell me something..!

Thanks. . :) . .AB

[KayGridley]

Aerobatfink dont you even contemplate not joining <img src="frown.gif" border="0">

At this point I'm going to explain that we were the same New Entry class in the RNR, and its all this guys fault that I want to fly :)

At least try it. a) You'll always regret it if you don't, and b) who else is going to help me get horribly drunk on rediculous flaming drinks <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

[AeroBatfink]

Stop hi-jacking my posts!! <img src="tongue.gif" border="0"> <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

Seriously though, I think I've got rid of any doubt about joining up, even if I am an old fart - and, you're right, I would regret it if I didn't give it a go, at least.

However... &lt;shudders at memory of aformentioned 'flaming drinks'&gt;

[SHAR wannabe]

At the time I didn't like the Period zeros at 6 o'clock in the morning running around at Dartmouth doing star jumps in the river, but looking back I made some very good friends and with therapy I've managed to block out the bad bits and just remember all the good bits (plenty). . .. .As many have said before, the further you get through training the more you get treated as an adult. From BRNC to JEFTS and even with the crabs here at Linton you always get treated more like a grown up. The trouble with that is the more they expect you to act like a grown up.