To anyone involved with the ATC
What i said is correct if you have been a cadet and left age 18 before reaching the rank of SGT you can become a CI at 18
ibbi states:
Those of you who are in the ACO, check ACP20B for the criteria for Civilian Instructors - you will find that it does state that they need to be 20yrs old
The reason I'm asking is that I was a CI until a few months ago, and when I left, you had to be 20, even with previous ATC experience.
A friend of mine got to 18 and had to leave (she didnt get to Sargeant), and wants to become a CI. She has been told to come back at Age 20!
Obviously, I'm rather interested in this new development
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Somebody is either telling porkies, or breaking the rules. Why would Cranwell get involved in appointing an under-age CI? If it is true however, it is an EXCEPTION, and an exception only.
Having just gotten off the phone from my Wing, I have had it confirmed that the minimum age for instructors is 20 - no exceptions - ex cadet, or no ex cadet. If they are 18, and not yet a Sergeant, they leave and come back at 20. In fact the break will probably do them some good anyway!
If HQAC are imminently changing the rules, then maybe that is a good thing, however as I have said, if true, this is an exception, not the rule.
Having just gotten off the phone from my Wing, I have had it confirmed that the minimum age for instructors is 20 - no exceptions - ex cadet, or no ex cadet. If they are 18, and not yet a Sergeant, they leave and come back at 20. In fact the break will probably do them some good anyway!
If HQAC are imminently changing the rules, then maybe that is a good thing, however as I have said, if true, this is an exception, not the rule.
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Joe,
Frankly, don't bother. If you want to join the ATC because you want to become involved with helping out with the Cadet Forces, then join and best of luck, however at 18/19, you will be unable to take up an adult post in any case.
If, as it would appear, you want to join to give you a bit of experience before trying OASC again, then don't bother. You'll be a nuisance to your unit going back and forth at holiday times and you will gain far more valuable experience in one of the University based organisations such as UAS or even, dare I say, the OTC will stand you in better stead as it will actually prepare you for the job you want to do.
In additon, the Uni-based organisations give you a great opportunity to work and mix with your peers, giving you a wide range of experience for the forces than working in (note I say working, rather than being a cadet in) a uniformed youth organisation can.
I would not normally try and dissuade anyone who wanted to volunteer to help in one of these great organisations, but in your case Joe you should be selfish and take the route that will be of greater help to your future career.
GM
Frankly, don't bother. If you want to join the ATC because you want to become involved with helping out with the Cadet Forces, then join and best of luck, however at 18/19, you will be unable to take up an adult post in any case.
If, as it would appear, you want to join to give you a bit of experience before trying OASC again, then don't bother. You'll be a nuisance to your unit going back and forth at holiday times and you will gain far more valuable experience in one of the University based organisations such as UAS or even, dare I say, the OTC will stand you in better stead as it will actually prepare you for the job you want to do.
In additon, the Uni-based organisations give you a great opportunity to work and mix with your peers, giving you a wide range of experience for the forces than working in (note I say working, rather than being a cadet in) a uniformed youth organisation can.
I would not normally try and dissuade anyone who wanted to volunteer to help in one of these great organisations, but in your case Joe you should be selfish and take the route that will be of greater help to your future career.
GM
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Thanks for the info and opinions guys, mucho informative.
Decided against it now, maybe not the best idea, especially with time to go home etc as pointed out. I was looking for something really which would be character building, give me the opportunity to go out and do things... the ATC seemed like a good choice as it was at least remotely linked towards the RAF.
GM - thanks for that, i'll be looking at something else to get involved with in the new year.
Cheers again all.
Decided against it now, maybe not the best idea, especially with time to go home etc as pointed out. I was looking for something really which would be character building, give me the opportunity to go out and do things... the ATC seemed like a good choice as it was at least remotely linked towards the RAF.
GM - thanks for that, i'll be looking at something else to get involved with in the new year.
Cheers again all.
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UP - My Uni comes under ULAS but I have a lecture which clashes with the Squadron's Thursday night lectures.
Despite ULAS being really helpful my Uni have told me I couldn't miss the lecture.
The application process has been done now and I suspect this year's intake has already been selected.
Heres hoping next year's timetable will be a bit kinder!
Despite ULAS being really helpful my Uni have told me I couldn't miss the lecture.
The application process has been done now and I suspect this year's intake has already been selected.
Heres hoping next year's timetable will be a bit kinder!
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Well its your call, i mean maybe if you just wanna help plan some events for the cadets thats something, being a member of staff in the cadets and going into OCT is totally different though!
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ibbi,
Funnily enough I enquired at the local unit (3 RAUXAF TPW at Henlow) about 4 days ago, and I have an info pack winging it's way to me as we speak. I've spoken with the 'rents and they're happy for me to go ahead with it.
Is an Auxilliary service of some sort a good idea in most people's eyes then?
I also have an application to be a Special Constable sat here too.
Funnily enough I enquired at the local unit (3 RAUXAF TPW at Henlow) about 4 days ago, and I have an info pack winging it's way to me as we speak. I've spoken with the 'rents and they're happy for me to go ahead with it.
Is an Auxilliary service of some sort a good idea in most people's eyes then?
I also have an application to be a Special Constable sat here too.
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I also have an application to be a Special Constable sat here too
I joined the Met as a Special last year to address my "lack of social diversity" and it was the biggest, worst, waste of time I've ever encountered.
Firstly, If your thinking of joining the Forces as an officer you're well above your average pig, secondly, they're generally thick as pig sh*t.
Seriously, I spent numerous Sundays with people who couldn't conjure up a GCSE between the lot of them.
Then I had a training Sgt ask me if I had the chance to be "promoted" to Sgt if I were a Pilot...................... Jesus.
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I was a CI at age 18. Was a few years ago, and I had come up through the cadets, although I only joined as a cadet at 17. Can't have done anything too wrong, though, cos I "retired " from ATC a Sqn CO a couple of years ago when my wife started work on our very own DF!
