What made you sign on the dotted line ?
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What made you sign on the dotted line ?
Gentlemen, Ladies and other associated politically correct persons of un defind gender or sexual persuasion,
Having read the replies on another thread entitled “New RAF Recruitment Ad”,
I was wondering, what gave you the kick up the @rse to sign on the dotted line and take the Queens Shilling ?
Was it the sound of a low level FJ overhead?
Was it the thrill of seeing real aircraft at an air show and meeting the crews?
Was it for the excitement, sports, social life, as shown on advertisements?
Or does it run in the family?
Or was it apathy with civilian life, boredom and nowhere else to go?
Having read the replies on another thread entitled “New RAF Recruitment Ad”,
I was wondering, what gave you the kick up the @rse to sign on the dotted line and take the Queens Shilling ?
Was it the sound of a low level FJ overhead?
Was it the thrill of seeing real aircraft at an air show and meeting the crews?
Was it for the excitement, sports, social life, as shown on advertisements?
Or does it run in the family?
Or was it apathy with civilian life, boredom and nowhere else to go?
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In Farnborough circa 74
there was **** all on offer for a "billy f@ck wit" like wot I was/is without even a CSE to my name. Dad was a civvy driver with the Army and met some nice "Sqabbling Bleeder", apparently the RAF used to have some of them at one time, who convinced hm a life in blue was the way ahead. Joined at 16 and have never looked back, 15 years techie and 14 years as a loadie............fantastic
Made a great choice then but not so sure anyone joining today's outfit would ever be afforded the same great chances......however if you believe the current ad then who know's
all spelling mistakes are "df" alcohol induced
there was **** all on offer for a "billy f@ck wit" like wot I was/is without even a CSE to my name. Dad was a civvy driver with the Army and met some nice "Sqabbling Bleeder", apparently the RAF used to have some of them at one time, who convinced hm a life in blue was the way ahead. Joined at 16 and have never looked back, 15 years techie and 14 years as a loadie............fantastic Made a great choice then but not so sure anyone joining today's outfit would ever be afforded the same great chances......however if you believe the current ad then who know's
all spelling mistakes are "df" alcohol induced
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What made me sign the dotted line?
My dad made me sign the dotted line.
But at age sixteen I was too young to sign, so in effect he was doing the transaction.
I wanted to join the Navy
But at age sixteen I was too young to sign, so in effect he was doing the transaction.
I wanted to join the Navy
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I needed a bit of order and discipline in my life, so, having seen an RAF ad in the paper, decided to apply at my local CIO. It's the best decision I ever made and I still believe that, for diversity and excitement, a career in the armed forces takes a lot of beating. I have seen a great many changes during my service; from important strategic shifts, like the ending of the Cold War, to better conditions for servicemen and women, such as less unnecessary intrusion by the Service into their private lives.
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Sound of a FJ overhead? - Absolutely.
Thrill of seeing aircraft at airshows? - I will never forget the smell of fuel as the Phantom flew (very low) over Sunderland Airshow in 1981.
Excitement, sports etc? - Not a thought.
Family? - I think an Uncle did National Service in the RAF once, does that count?
Apathy? - No.
Recently 'retired' after 17 of the best years imaginable.
Thrill of seeing aircraft at airshows? - I will never forget the smell of fuel as the Phantom flew (very low) over Sunderland Airshow in 1981.
Excitement, sports etc? - Not a thought.
Family? - I think an Uncle did National Service in the RAF once, does that count?
Apathy? - No.
Recently 'retired' after 17 of the best years imaginable.
1 The single man room...........still sharing 20+ years later
2 The air experience flight in a VC10.............had far too many now can I please stop?
3 Meeting new and interesting people...........some far too interesting.
4 Money ..........spent it
5 Family......................now we're all doing it
6 Always been a bit of a percy potter...............I'm nearly cured.
I do moan & bitch a bit now but my life since I joined has been as good as I feel I have the right to have asked and have had so many experiences that I could not have possibly had in any other job and as for the people ..............................brilliant (mostly) except for two ex Vulcan crew chiefs whom I would gladly miss out of a re-run of my career
2 The air experience flight in a VC10.............had far too many now can I please stop?
3 Meeting new and interesting people...........some far too interesting.
4 Money ..........spent it
5 Family......................now we're all doing it
6 Always been a bit of a percy potter...............I'm nearly cured.
I do moan & bitch a bit now but my life since I joined has been as good as I feel I have the right to have asked and have had so many experiences that I could not have possibly had in any other job and as for the people ..............................brilliant (mostly) except for two ex Vulcan crew chiefs whom I would gladly miss out of a re-run of my career
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On a serious note,
My mother was the PA to the top bod at BAE Woodford when the Vulcan was in production.
One day she took me into the facility, when was about 14 or 15 years old.
Had the guided tour from some old bod, telling me about this and that.
At the end of the day, I was asked if I wanted to go to another factory so see some other stuff. I jumped at the chance.
The following day I was taken to this other factory, where they made the helmets for the lightning pilots.
(If any of you guys are out there, please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong on the next bit).
The helmets were made to measure for each pilot, and, owing to the complexity of the design – oxygen, anti-flash visors, coms etc, they only fitted the one person.
Apparently, a pilot was due that day for his final fitting, but had unfortunately been killed in a motorcycle accident the previous day.
Unfortunately, I do not know his name.
Thus the helmet was of no further use, and I was presented with it as a keepsake.
I don’t know if this sparked off any interest, however a few weeks later, the air show was staged at Woodford.
I have a very strong memory of sitting on the roof of our car, when a Lightning flew overhead at VERY low level in full reheat. My next memory was of getting up off the ground after the sonic boom had knocked me off the roof.
When I left school, I decided that the British Forces was the right thing for me.
“I know, I’ll join the Army”.
My step Father was in the 8th Army in North Africa, during the fracas with Herman.
”Oh no you bl@@dy well won’t” was the reply.
My real Dad was in the navy, as a “Captains Writer” whatever that was.
He was torpedoed twice and left the Navy after the war.
I get quite sea sick, so the Navy was a non-starter.
My Granddad (Mothers’ Father) was a navigator on Lancasters, and no sorry, I don’t know the squadron number, during the same batch of fisticuffs.
After the war he stayed on to complete fifteen years service.
“Join the Royal Air Force lad”, he told me. “Best thing for you”.
I got on the bus to our local CIO, and never looked back.
My mother was the PA to the top bod at BAE Woodford when the Vulcan was in production.
One day she took me into the facility, when was about 14 or 15 years old.
Had the guided tour from some old bod, telling me about this and that.
At the end of the day, I was asked if I wanted to go to another factory so see some other stuff. I jumped at the chance.
The following day I was taken to this other factory, where they made the helmets for the lightning pilots.
(If any of you guys are out there, please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong on the next bit).
The helmets were made to measure for each pilot, and, owing to the complexity of the design – oxygen, anti-flash visors, coms etc, they only fitted the one person.
Apparently, a pilot was due that day for his final fitting, but had unfortunately been killed in a motorcycle accident the previous day.
Unfortunately, I do not know his name.
Thus the helmet was of no further use, and I was presented with it as a keepsake.
I don’t know if this sparked off any interest, however a few weeks later, the air show was staged at Woodford.
I have a very strong memory of sitting on the roof of our car, when a Lightning flew overhead at VERY low level in full reheat. My next memory was of getting up off the ground after the sonic boom had knocked me off the roof.
When I left school, I decided that the British Forces was the right thing for me.
“I know, I’ll join the Army”.
My step Father was in the 8th Army in North Africa, during the fracas with Herman.
”Oh no you bl@@dy well won’t” was the reply.
My real Dad was in the navy, as a “Captains Writer” whatever that was.
He was torpedoed twice and left the Navy after the war.
I get quite sea sick, so the Navy was a non-starter.
My Granddad (Mothers’ Father) was a navigator on Lancasters, and no sorry, I don’t know the squadron number, during the same batch of fisticuffs.
After the war he stayed on to complete fifteen years service.
“Join the Royal Air Force lad”, he told me. “Best thing for you”.
I got on the bus to our local CIO, and never looked back.
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Soon after dropping out of college after two years wasted, I decided that I was going to join the army ... after having been in the bar for a couple of hours.
Went to the local CIO, only to find a sign on the Army Careers office saying "Back in 5 minutes". So I went next door to the RAF Careers Office, and the rest they say, is history.
Can't say that I have any regrets
Went to the local CIO, only to find a sign on the Army Careers office saying "Back in 5 minutes". So I went next door to the RAF Careers Office, and the rest they say, is history.
Can't say that I have any regrets
Grew up - or rather, 'got older' - with Meteors and Vampires landing half-a-mile away. Then Canberras, Wyverns, Sea Venoms, Seahawks. Family friend had flown reece Spits over Germany and was a typical '50s Hunter chap. My mother had been a radar WAAF in WW2...
Merryfield and Yeovilton Air Shows, lots of military jets over our part of Somerset....another family friend (boss of 892) wangled me a trip in the coal-hole of a Sea Vixen - at the age of 15!
There was never any doubt really.
Would I do it again? Probably not - because the RAF of today isn't anything like the one I joined. Underfunded, not enough aerodromes, aircraft, people or prospects. Too many sticks and too few carrots, far too much triv - and the 'I hear what you say (but will do bug.ger all about it as it could affect my career prospects if I dare to rock the boat)' culture which is more concerned about Performance Indicators
than training for excellence...
Merryfield and Yeovilton Air Shows, lots of military jets over our part of Somerset....another family friend (boss of 892) wangled me a trip in the coal-hole of a Sea Vixen - at the age of 15!
There was never any doubt really.
Would I do it again? Probably not - because the RAF of today isn't anything like the one I joined. Underfunded, not enough aerodromes, aircraft, people or prospects. Too many sticks and too few carrots, far too much triv - and the 'I hear what you say (but will do bug.ger all about it as it could affect my career prospects if I dare to rock the boat)' culture which is more concerned about Performance Indicators
than training for excellence...
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Good Morning,
I am 21 years old and signed the dotted line when I was only just 18. The debate for me about whether to join the air force or not never really took place as it is what i've wanted to do as long as I can remember. My initial interest in flying was spawned from speaking to airline pilots on holiday flights...who all told me to join the RAF.
So from about the age of 13, I set my sights on it and got it and to be honest, I was so focused I would have been shafted if I didn't get in!!
I obviously can't comment on the 'old RAF' but to be quite honest, im having the time of my life here. I love the flying and the people I have met have been great (apart from a couple of dozen civvies but thats another topic!)I suppose ive not been in long enough to get a balanced opinion and the holds are getting longer again (now 9 months for valley).
I start valley in April and can't wait. I love what I do and I know there are people who would give their right arm to do what we do every day so I am very lucky.
regards
I am 21 years old and signed the dotted line when I was only just 18. The debate for me about whether to join the air force or not never really took place as it is what i've wanted to do as long as I can remember. My initial interest in flying was spawned from speaking to airline pilots on holiday flights...who all told me to join the RAF.
So from about the age of 13, I set my sights on it and got it and to be honest, I was so focused I would have been shafted if I didn't get in!!
I obviously can't comment on the 'old RAF' but to be quite honest, im having the time of my life here. I love the flying and the people I have met have been great (apart from a couple of dozen civvies but thats another topic!)I suppose ive not been in long enough to get a balanced opinion and the holds are getting longer again (now 9 months for valley).
I start valley in April and can't wait. I love what I do and I know there are people who would give their right arm to do what we do every day so I am very lucky.
regards
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Failed to get into the London Fire Brigade-too small they said.However still believed there was something more exciting than working from a City office and was seduced by a weekend colour supp in the Times offering £1500 pa within two years, as a RAF fighter pilot.
I applied, despite the laughs of my biker mates,and drifted through OASC Biggin Hill not really understanding what was going on and to the surprise of all my family(except my dad-God bless him) received my travel instructions and details to report to RAF South Cerney on 5 Jan 1964.
It changed my life,for the better,and would do it all again despite the "it's not like it was in my day" attitude which all grumpy old men,myself included,proclaim too loudly at times.
I admire todays young servicemen and women and feel proud to be associated with them.
Keep smiling.
I applied, despite the laughs of my biker mates,and drifted through OASC Biggin Hill not really understanding what was going on and to the surprise of all my family(except my dad-God bless him) received my travel instructions and details to report to RAF South Cerney on 5 Jan 1964.
It changed my life,for the better,and would do it all again despite the "it's not like it was in my day" attitude which all grumpy old men,myself included,proclaim too loudly at times.
I admire todays young servicemen and women and feel proud to be associated with them.
Keep smiling.
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when I left school I got a job as an assistant manager at a printing works when after the first week I realised that printing wasn't for me. I wanted some real adventure and decided to join the Foreign Legion, but being dyslexci I ended up in the British Legion where I met an avuncular WO2 from the Sherwood Foresters.
He led me to another building across the road which had lots of pictures of smiling and happy people in a brown uniform. I was told that I would find P company a doddle and that I could fly helicopters if I wanted. I didn't believe him but left the building with a bible (not sure if there was any money in it) and a warrant to Sutton Coldfield.
I wish I never left.
Oh the stories we could tell eh!
He led me to another building across the road which had lots of pictures of smiling and happy people in a brown uniform. I was told that I would find P company a doddle and that I could fly helicopters if I wanted. I didn't believe him but left the building with a bible (not sure if there was any money in it) and a warrant to Sutton Coldfield.
I wish I never left.
Oh the stories we could tell eh!
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I joined the Navy.. Young impressionable 17 year old.. saw "Top Gun" too many times and decided a life of world travel, pretty girls and beer was just what I needed.
Did I find them? yes indeedy .
After one failed marriage and two children by two different girls, financial trouble, alcohol trouble, car crashes and numerous airshow parties, would I change any of it, or do I regret it... NO CHANCE
That said.. now I'm mature and respectable.. we all have our skeletons eh fellas??????
Did I find them? yes indeedy .
After one failed marriage and two children by two different girls, financial trouble, alcohol trouble, car crashes and numerous airshow parties, would I change any of it, or do I regret it... NO CHANCE
That said.. now I'm mature and respectable.. we all have our skeletons eh fellas??????
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Convinced I was going to fail my A Levels, I headed to the Army Careers Office (no - I don't understand the logic either - I was in a 'different place'). Went for aptitude, medical etc. Was told by RCB I was a bit green (and they were correct) and to come back after doing something.
Had a couple of mates who joined the RAF as Airmen. Seemed to be getting looked after and appeared a bit more common sense that the Army. Tried to join as Techie, Options For Change hit, went for ALM (too short sighted) then got brain & spine removed via Sleaford Tech.
didn't want a 'job' - wanted a bit more. Not bad so far. Still rather do this than anything else. Don't think any adverts made a difference - those cr@ppy Careers Offices with the grey net curtains took any glamour away from the process!
Had a couple of mates who joined the RAF as Airmen. Seemed to be getting looked after and appeared a bit more common sense that the Army. Tried to join as Techie, Options For Change hit, went for ALM (too short sighted) then got brain & spine removed via Sleaford Tech.
didn't want a 'job' - wanted a bit more. Not bad so far. Still rather do this than anything else. Don't think any adverts made a difference - those cr@ppy Careers Offices with the grey net curtains took any glamour away from the process!
Wanted to fly since (age 6) being shown over Lancaster in London "Festival Gardens" following Festival of Britain. Originally wanted to fly civvie, but while I was doing Flying Scholarship at Luton met a friendly airline pilot who said "More fun in RAF, at least until you grow out of it". Well that didn't happen till I was 50. It was good advice.