RAF NCA or remain a civi ?
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Hmmmm....... I am at a cross roads myself, Was ALM SAR winchman until recently and PVR'd after 15 years service, to head to warmer (May - Oct) and bloody freezing (Nov - Apr) climes in search of that new life in the new world..... is it better in civvy street or as NCA?
I really enjoyed my career in RAF both as GC and Aircrew (albeit the NI Tour) and had the best job as NCA prior to leaving. I chose to leave for many reasons, family being the primary reason, but now, we as a family are deciding was the move worth it..... where else can you get a pretty good wage for not the hardest work in the world (I include SH boys in that as well!), Sports, social life, adventurous training opprtunities, working with some of the best people in the world and still being able to see large amounts of the world.
I chose to leave, work overseas, battle with government departments to prove my abilities (what abilities some of you out there who know me will ask
) live in a country with arguably one of the best standards of living (UN say that); yet we still would like to return to Uk and become part of THE BEST AIR FORCE in the world.
I would argue that the RAF is a good place for a career, NCA is a fantastic position... yes we all moan about how the O Corps get this and that but its worth it. I at 34, who now works as a Paramedic, has to wash and clean my own vehicle (GCs did all the clean up after I'd finished with a real messy job on SAR
) earns comparable wages albeit dollars here. But its not everything.
To answer the original post..... 30 years old..... go for it... there are plenty who have done it and had a great career... SAR?..... I'll fight you for that place!
Hope to see lots of old pals soon wearing the blue uniform I used to and being called a growbag.... bring it on......
I really enjoyed my career in RAF both as GC and Aircrew (albeit the NI Tour) and had the best job as NCA prior to leaving. I chose to leave for many reasons, family being the primary reason, but now, we as a family are deciding was the move worth it..... where else can you get a pretty good wage for not the hardest work in the world (I include SH boys in that as well!), Sports, social life, adventurous training opprtunities, working with some of the best people in the world and still being able to see large amounts of the world.
I chose to leave, work overseas, battle with government departments to prove my abilities (what abilities some of you out there who know me will ask
) live in a country with arguably one of the best standards of living (UN say that); yet we still would like to return to Uk and become part of THE BEST AIR FORCE in the world. I would argue that the RAF is a good place for a career, NCA is a fantastic position... yes we all moan about how the O Corps get this and that but its worth it. I at 34, who now works as a Paramedic, has to wash and clean my own vehicle (GCs did all the clean up after I'd finished with a real messy job on SAR
) earns comparable wages albeit dollars here. But its not everything. To answer the original post..... 30 years old..... go for it... there are plenty who have done it and had a great career... SAR?..... I'll fight you for that place!
Hope to see lots of old pals soon wearing the blue uniform I used to and being called a growbag.... bring it on......
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Think long and hard about your choices. Right now it is clear that the system may not want us after aged 40 . There are a few ,that have been let free after 22 yrs service and a wealth of experience is leaving in the next few years. Its a bloody rewarding job , at times , it's just the walls get bigger and harder and the head hurts more than it used to! Up to you matey tuff choice.
Last edited by Rude C'man; 8th Sep 2003 at 08:00.
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Guys thanks for all your comments
Despite quite a few down sides, it sounds like the overall ups make up for them if you have the right frame of mind, it seems that its pretty much thumbs up for NCA.
I really appreciate everyone comments its helping me to make a tricky decision, 30 is a bit late but if I dont do it now I fear I will regret it for the rest of my days - so Im willing to say 'balls' to what happens at 42 if I come out for now, I will have to rely on Civie skills already gained and struggle for a while...
Incidently what do ALM's or other NCA trades do in Civie street, seems like a niche skill set ?
For those who can still be bothered to respond to my inane requests for information...
What can you guys tell me about a typical week in the the life of an ALM? What periods of your time are spent in the air, on the ground, doing paperwork - I appreciate that depending on your sqn and rotary/fixed these will be different but Im trying to get a truthful view (rather than believe every word the glossy recruitment brochure has to say).
What about advancement within NCA trade to officer perhaps or remustering to other trades, pilot, ATC etc - does it ever happen or must you remain NCA for the duration of your career ?
Once again thanks for wasting valuable plastic off your keyboards to answer.
for NCA.I really appreciate everyone comments its helping me to make a tricky decision, 30 is a bit late but if I dont do it now I fear I will regret it for the rest of my days - so Im willing to say 'balls' to what happens at 42 if I come out for now, I will have to rely on Civie skills already gained and struggle for a while...
Incidently what do ALM's or other NCA trades do in Civie street, seems like a niche skill set ?
For those who can still be bothered to respond to my inane requests for information...
What can you guys tell me about a typical week in the the life of an ALM? What periods of your time are spent in the air, on the ground, doing paperwork - I appreciate that depending on your sqn and rotary/fixed these will be different but Im trying to get a truthful view (rather than believe every word the glossy recruitment brochure has to say).
What about advancement within NCA trade to officer perhaps or remustering to other trades, pilot, ATC etc - does it ever happen or must you remain NCA for the duration of your career ?
Once again thanks for wasting valuable plastic off your keyboards to answer.
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You'll pleased to know that one of the benefits of replacing all the airman Aircrew trades with one NCA trade in which we are all WSOps, is to allow NCA that get bored in one trade group to swap to another, so and AEOp could become an ALM and vice versa!
This will be achieved by making as much of our basic training as common as possible and once this phase is complete you can choose which branch to go for! However this will also depend on which areas you are paticularly good at, and also, god forbid, which branch may be drastically short, and needs people to fill it.
So although you may join wanting to be an ALM, you may actually end up being something else!!
On the commissioning side you will already be too late! WSOps can only go for WSOs up to age 31, after that, tough!
I won't bore you with any of the other problems to be encountered, but I haven't noticed if you're married. It's a singly game as the biggest downfall for whichever branch you end up in is the messing around of family life!
This will be achieved by making as much of our basic training as common as possible and once this phase is complete you can choose which branch to go for! However this will also depend on which areas you are paticularly good at, and also, god forbid, which branch may be drastically short, and needs people to fill it.
So although you may join wanting to be an ALM, you may actually end up being something else!!
On the commissioning side you will already be too late! WSOps can only go for WSOs up to age 31, after that, tough!
I won't bore you with any of the other problems to be encountered, but I haven't noticed if you're married. It's a singly game as the biggest downfall for whichever branch you end up in is the messing around of family life!
Finals
It seems as though you've made your mind up already and, I have to say, that I agree with your sentiment that this is the last chance and there's nothing worse in the world than the words "if only".
I clearly enjoyed much of my time as, ten years later, I'm still here trying to sneak a look at what's going on in the world I left. So, if you've made your mind up to go for it, even after all of the above comments, then you'll never work with a finer bunch of people and you'll probably never be prouder (at work anyway) than when they stick that brevet on your chest.
JAFO
It seems as though you've made your mind up already and, I have to say, that I agree with your sentiment that this is the last chance and there's nothing worse in the world than the words "if only".
I clearly enjoyed much of my time as, ten years later, I'm still here trying to sneak a look at what's going on in the world I left. So, if you've made your mind up to go for it, even after all of the above comments, then you'll never work with a finer bunch of people and you'll probably never be prouder (at work anyway) than when they stick that brevet on your chest.
JAFO
Inter Arma Enim Silentius Lex Legis
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Finals
Making the decision is the hardest part, seems you have made yours. Please just be aware that the new NCA debacle is still not set in concrete. The new Pay spine has nothing in writing and I was lucky is quite right. You may be led to believe that you are being recruited as an ALM. BUT they can stream you during training so that you end up as a WSop on Nimrods at HMP Kinloss. By that point you will be well and truly up the creek with paddles nil.
I wish you the very best of luck in your endeavours
Making the decision is the hardest part, seems you have made yours. Please just be aware that the new NCA debacle is still not set in concrete. The new Pay spine has nothing in writing and I was lucky is quite right. You may be led to believe that you are being recruited as an ALM. BUT they can stream you during training so that you end up as a WSop on Nimrods at HMP Kinloss. By that point you will be well and truly up the creek with paddles nil.
I wish you the very best of luck in your endeavours
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In response to your last request, I don’t mean to pass the buck, but I don’t think their is a typical day.
If you wanted to break it down you would have to go into each NCA specialisation separately.
My best advice is to try and contact user units and arrange a visit. Go and see for yourself.
Good luck
All spelling mistakes are because I can't spell
If you wanted to break it down you would have to go into each NCA specialisation separately.
My best advice is to try and contact user units and arrange a visit. Go and see for yourself.
Good luck
All spelling mistakes are because I can't spell
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Singlys only...?
Well I was pretty confident to go for it, but now Im a bit concerned by a couple of your comments 'I Was Lucky B' in particular...
The NCA life is recommended for singlys only?...
I am married - is it likely I wont be after a few years as NCA do you suspect? I thought that life for RAF families (despite the moving every few years) was generally good (good social life, community spirit, families looked after etc?) or did you mean its the time spent away from home that messes them about rather than just being involved with you and the mob?
Finals21
The NCA life is recommended for singlys only?...
I am married - is it likely I wont be after a few years as NCA do you suspect?
I thought that life for RAF families (despite the moving every few years) was generally good (good social life, community spirit, families looked after etc?) or did you mean its the time spent away from home that messes them about rather than just being involved with you and the mob?Finals21
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Spouse & Children
Whilst there may be an exception to the norm, I have been in several sqns over lots of years and the care of families has always been apalling. RAF PMC do not give an iota of consideration to family stability, they cant, because they simply do not have the luxury of over-manning. Flowers as a token gesture to a family arrival or hospital visit are about as close as you are going to get.
I think that in fairness, you wouldnt even get that if you were employed in civilian life. Just dont over rate the family atmosphere of the military. It gauls me to say that Army Regts tend to be a lot better at this then the RAF.
Family life is ok whilst you are prepared to live in a married quarter and move many times in a short period (5 times in 18 months was my record), once settled into your own home the problems start. Then again you can bank on certain postings enabling you to be a resident at a unit for a long time, such as a Nimrod mate @ Ice Station Kilo, Chinook chap @ Odiham, or Merlin fr^&8 @ Benson!
I think that in fairness, you wouldnt even get that if you were employed in civilian life. Just dont over rate the family atmosphere of the military. It gauls me to say that Army Regts tend to be a lot better at this then the RAF.
Family life is ok whilst you are prepared to live in a married quarter and move many times in a short period (5 times in 18 months was my record), once settled into your own home the problems start. Then again you can bank on certain postings enabling you to be a resident at a unit for a long time, such as a Nimrod mate @ Ice Station Kilo, Chinook chap @ Odiham, or Merlin fr^&8 @ Benson!
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Groan
Well the debacle still goes on...
Popped down to the careers office had a nice chat with a really nice Flt/Lt, watched a video about OASC and then mainly all about IOT with no empasis on NCA sadly...they recommended just getting my ass down to OASC and see where it goes from there.
They seemed to not know about the age 31 rule for WSOp to WSO...?
Popped down to the careers office had a nice chat with a really nice Flt/Lt, watched a video about OASC and then mainly all about IOT with no empasis on NCA sadly...they recommended just getting my ass down to OASC and see where it goes from there.
They seemed to not know about the age 31 rule for WSOp to WSO...?
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30+
At the start of this thread, one of the replies stated that at the age of 30 you might find it a steep learning curve. Having just been through the system at the age og 30+ I can say that is pretty much Bol*%cks. There's no doubt that the courses invole a lot of work over a long period, however I found it was the young DE's (a fair proportion who were graduates) who found it the hardest and were the first to be chopped. If your mature with a family then the consequences of failing are that much more serious than it is for some young lad, who with his crap degree from some ex-poly and because the RAF made him a sgt after 3 months, thinks that the NCA course will be a doddle.
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Day 1
My experience was the same as you, the course wasn't a problem.
It's what happens to you once you hit the Sqn's at 30 plus that's the problem matey! That is when the true uphill struggle begins!!
My experience was the same as you, the course wasn't a problem.
It's what happens to you once you hit the Sqn's at 30 plus that's the problem matey! That is when the true uphill struggle begins!!
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Vintage students:
In a recent previous life I had the task of 1 on 1 instructing `Problem children` to maintain course standards.
Anybody that believes that a 30+ year old is as receptive as a 20 year old is misguided.
Sadly I found that the "system" was always partially at fault. That said a young monkey will see and do, an old one will see and try to understand. Admirable, but not always sucessfull.
The comments regarding what is at stake are fair ones, but that alone will not make you better then a young, intelligent and motivated individual, and definately no better then a 25 year old streetwise ex tradesman who knows how to behave. (read that as "play the game")
T_M
ex 6FTS staff
ex 2 FTS staff
In a recent previous life I had the task of 1 on 1 instructing `Problem children` to maintain course standards.
Anybody that believes that a 30+ year old is as receptive as a 20 year old is misguided.
Sadly I found that the "system" was always partially at fault. That said a young monkey will see and do, an old one will see and try to understand. Admirable, but not always sucessfull.
The comments regarding what is at stake are fair ones, but that alone will not make you better then a young, intelligent and motivated individual, and definately no better then a 25 year old streetwise ex tradesman who knows how to behave. (read that as "play the game")
T_M
ex 6FTS staff
ex 2 FTS staff
