The RAF (Merged)
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the RAF is still the only place that you can fulfil a dream of military flying
Dream land is where i think most jockies in the RAF operate, most of the time.
With the onset of LEAN and other penny pinching ideas some rodney has decided is a jolly jape. Doesn't this make the ground crew trades job all the more harder to achieve.
Yes, when you walk, you always find a servicable airframe on the line but take a sec to thank the techies who worked all night and robbed your mates ride blind just so that you can go and break it again while flying around thinking the world is wonderful.
so to close, let your future advice be...... become a techie my son, keep those create servicable so i can fulfill my dream job, cause the rate at which the techies are bailing out of the FLYING CLUB, someones got to be left to work the snags,
Join Date: Mar 2005
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the RAF is still the only place that you can fulfil a dream of military flying
or the Army.....
or the Royal Marines.....
To be frank though, If I wanted a Military Flying career, the last place I would go is the RAF. Just a quick browse through this site and you will find hundreds of them all moaning and graoning, all leaving (in Droves) and it seems to me, all thoroughly fed up with life in the RAF.
Meanwhile, you will find plenty of support for military flying in other services.
Join Date: Oct 2000
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Vec Vec
According to the MOD Annual Report 04-05 the only service not to have kept below their stable long term PVR rates is the RN/RM.
RN Officers - Target 2%, Actual to Mar 05 2.5%, Mar 04 2.5% and Mar 03 2.6%.
RN Ratings - Target 5%, Actual to Mar 05 6.4%, Mar 04 5/7% and Mar 03 5.3%.
Army Officers - Target 4%, Actual to Mar 05 3.9%, Mar 04 3.7% and Mar 03 3.4%.
Army Soldiers - Target 6%, Actual to Mar 05 5.7%, Mar 04 5.3% and Mar 03 5.5%.
RAF Officers - Target 2.5%, Actual to Mar 05 2.4%, Mar 04 2.1% and Mar 03 2.1%.
RAF OR - Target 4%, Actual to Mar 05 3.8%, Mar 04 3.7% and Mar 03 3.9%.
And before you ask all 3 services also lose more trained strength through reasons other than PVR (ie end of commitment / medical etc). I would therefore suggest that all 3 services are having the same 'leaving in droves' issue - its a fact of life and is not just an Air Force thing.
And, using your theory of the individuals who post on this site are representative of their service then god help the Dark Blue!
Happy New Year
TL
According to the MOD Annual Report 04-05 the only service not to have kept below their stable long term PVR rates is the RN/RM.
RN Officers - Target 2%, Actual to Mar 05 2.5%, Mar 04 2.5% and Mar 03 2.6%.
RN Ratings - Target 5%, Actual to Mar 05 6.4%, Mar 04 5/7% and Mar 03 5.3%.
Army Officers - Target 4%, Actual to Mar 05 3.9%, Mar 04 3.7% and Mar 03 3.4%.
Army Soldiers - Target 6%, Actual to Mar 05 5.7%, Mar 04 5.3% and Mar 03 5.5%.
RAF Officers - Target 2.5%, Actual to Mar 05 2.4%, Mar 04 2.1% and Mar 03 2.1%.
RAF OR - Target 4%, Actual to Mar 05 3.8%, Mar 04 3.7% and Mar 03 3.9%.
And before you ask all 3 services also lose more trained strength through reasons other than PVR (ie end of commitment / medical etc). I would therefore suggest that all 3 services are having the same 'leaving in droves' issue - its a fact of life and is not just an Air Force thing.
And, using your theory of the individuals who post on this site are representative of their service then god help the Dark Blue!
Happy New Year
TL
Join Date: Dec 2005
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I do have the correct Gcse's, It is A-levels i am lacking.
I have been told by the AFCO that the RAF is short of NCA, does this make it less likely they will allow me to gain the correct qualifications to apply for a commission once i am 'in'?
Or, as i am led to believe, the RAF actively encourages its people to gain new qualifications to further their careers?
Thankyou for the helpful replies!
Also, I have read plenty of glossy careers material with lovely photo's of NCA, but is anyone here a Wsop and can offer a more personal view of what the job is like??
I have been told by the AFCO that the RAF is short of NCA, does this make it less likely they will allow me to gain the correct qualifications to apply for a commission once i am 'in'?
Or, as i am led to believe, the RAF actively encourages its people to gain new qualifications to further their careers?
Thankyou for the helpful replies!
Also, I have read plenty of glossy careers material with lovely photo's of NCA, but is anyone here a Wsop and can offer a more personal view of what the job is like??
V V C
Get back under your bridge you troll! It's like listening to a scratched record (showing my age there).
My advice to anyone wanting to join the RAF is:
1, Be sure you want to.
2, If you can't fly them, mend them.
3, NEVER accept a trade with the the "promise" to remuster later.
4, From my point of view. I have been to so many places that I would never have seen, I have done so many things I wouldn't be allowed to do anywhere else!
And I have met such a varied range of people that I'd do it ALL again tomorrow.
It can be a great life but remember it's not all flying and there is a very real chance that you will be in real danger and your commitment will be tested beyond whatever you thought possible.
Go for it.
Good Luck
Get back under your bridge you troll! It's like listening to a scratched record (showing my age there).
My advice to anyone wanting to join the RAF is:
1, Be sure you want to.
2, If you can't fly them, mend them.
3, NEVER accept a trade with the the "promise" to remuster later.
4, From my point of view. I have been to so many places that I would never have seen, I have done so many things I wouldn't be allowed to do anywhere else!
And I have met such a varied range of people that I'd do it ALL again tomorrow.It can be a great life but remember it's not all flying and there is a very real chance that you will be in real danger and your commitment will be tested beyond whatever you thought possible.
Go for it.
Good Luck
Join Date: Jan 2005
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It's another "life is great in the RN" routine from vecvec/southside/hyd3fail! I might have to start a thread entitled "Jam" and see how long it takes to be told that "jam in the RN is the best in the services, no pips or anything....."
Meanwhile, back in the land of this thread's purpose - priest, the RAF, like the other services, will offer good support for, and encouragement in, gaining educational qualifications (as mov747 says). This could take the form of providing the course, or paying for your attendance at a civvy college/OU. Be aware that this will have to fit in with operational concerns, but the fact that you'll be doing it in your own time, and for the reasons you state, will be reflected favourably in your reports.
As foldingwings says, don't listen to the cynics, and remember that all of us have our own loyalties which colour our replies.
But the light blue's still the best choice, obviously....
Meanwhile, back in the land of this thread's purpose - priest, the RAF, like the other services, will offer good support for, and encouragement in, gaining educational qualifications (as mov747 says). This could take the form of providing the course, or paying for your attendance at a civvy college/OU. Be aware that this will have to fit in with operational concerns, but the fact that you'll be doing it in your own time, and for the reasons you state, will be reflected favourably in your reports.
As foldingwings says, don't listen to the cynics, and remember that all of us have our own loyalties which colour our replies.
But the light blue's still the best choice, obviously....
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Good post by sarmonkey, although I dunno who hyd3/southside is but hey.... I do have one question though... Does the RAF flying training system incorporate a thinkg calle "Flying Start" where as youre Flying training will acrrue 1/3 of a degree?
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Vec
Its covered under the In-Service Degree Scheme for Flying & Air Traffic Controller Training and sponsored by the OU.
Aspects of Initial Officer, Pilot, Navigator (WSO in yuk speak) and Air Traffic Controller training are included in the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS). Further details of CATS points and the courses to which they apply can be obtained by going to http://www.learning-forces.org.uk/31-up/ou_cats.htm.
In addition CATS Points are also available to all Officers undertaking Initial Officer Training (IOT), Individual Staff Studies (ISS), Junior Officers Command Course (JOCC) & Intermediate Command and Staff Course (ICSC).
TL
Its covered under the In-Service Degree Scheme for Flying & Air Traffic Controller Training and sponsored by the OU.
Aspects of Initial Officer, Pilot, Navigator (WSO in yuk speak) and Air Traffic Controller training are included in the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS). Further details of CATS points and the courses to which they apply can be obtained by going to http://www.learning-forces.org.uk/31-up/ou_cats.htm.
In addition CATS Points are also available to all Officers undertaking Initial Officer Training (IOT), Individual Staff Studies (ISS), Junior Officers Command Course (JOCC) & Intermediate Command and Staff Course (ICSC).
TL
priestleyre
If you are a serving airman you do not need A levels to apply for a commission. You just need the relevant GCSE's. There are plenty of opportunities for gaining further qualifications once you are in the RAF using the various learning credits available to you through the station education centre, if you are willing to put in the work in your own time. I work with a guy who has gained a degree doing this and I have used the enhanced learning credit myself.
That said, if you join as NCA just as a route to commission you may be disappointed. It is still very competitive and you will be required to serve a return of service as NCA before you even apply.
There are no shortcuts to a commission, if that is what you want then study for A levels and apply when you have them. If you want to be NCA then come on in its a great way to earn a living.
If you are a serving airman you do not need A levels to apply for a commission. You just need the relevant GCSE's. There are plenty of opportunities for gaining further qualifications once you are in the RAF using the various learning credits available to you through the station education centre, if you are willing to put in the work in your own time. I work with a guy who has gained a degree doing this and I have used the enhanced learning credit myself.
That said, if you join as NCA just as a route to commission you may be disappointed. It is still very competitive and you will be required to serve a return of service as NCA before you even apply.
There are no shortcuts to a commission, if that is what you want then study for A levels and apply when you have them. If you want to be NCA then come on in its a great way to earn a living.
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If you wannabe a fast jet pilot (all jets were "fast" in my day), you need to consider the MOD's proposition that Typhoon and the JSF may be the last manned fast jets. if you believe that cr*p you ought to hurry along to OASC; you have just about enough time to fit in a full career as a "steely" before some grunt takes over sitting down a big hole. But bear in mind that at the RAF Selection Board at Ramridge House in 1949 I had a hell of a tussle with the President (an Air Cdre Engineer) who kept on telling me that the days of manned aircraft were numbered and asking which ground branch I would accept as an alternative. He would not agree that any airborne vehicle controlled from the surface by radio frequency signals could be countered by ECM of one sort or another. It was true then and I suggest it will be true in 30 years time. Go for it if you really have the "hankering". If not, don't. You will fail and your self-esteem will suffer greatly.
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Andy & priestleyre,
I knew that they wouldn't stay away for long, and they're not even wearing RAF uniforms this time!
Now listen, if you flew in an organisation that routinely dealt with boats or guns and saw aircraft as an extension of artillery (both do), what would you do on a webpage that is predominantly occupied by RAF people and somebody was asking about careers in the RAF? If you were small minded, you would attempt to upset the thread, wouldn't you?
I have flown off the deck and spent some time at sea with the Boys in Blue and let me tell you, it's bloody exciting about 10% of the time, but the rest of it you spend: in your cabin; on watch in your sailor suit; or watching the wake from the quarter deck! The Army, on the other hand, spend most of their time trying to get airborne in aircraft that aren't seen as anything much more than an additional piece of artillery and control them like they were actually guns!
Now, if you don't believe me, take a look at their websites and tell me just how much info there is about flying careers compared to other careers! Now take a look at the RAF webpages and compare that with the other 2.
I rest my case.
Believe me, there are cynics in every profession and the disenchanted are more voluble than the silent majority but if you want to fly (or service aircraft, for those of that bent) look no further than the RAF; flying and air warfighting is where its priority lies. I don't deny that you can fly in the other 2 Services but it's all the other stuff that you have to put up with that would put me off!
Happy New Year when it comes.
Foldingwings
I knew that they wouldn't stay away for long, and they're not even wearing RAF uniforms this time!
Now listen, if you flew in an organisation that routinely dealt with boats or guns and saw aircraft as an extension of artillery (both do), what would you do on a webpage that is predominantly occupied by RAF people and somebody was asking about careers in the RAF? If you were small minded, you would attempt to upset the thread, wouldn't you?
I have flown off the deck and spent some time at sea with the Boys in Blue and let me tell you, it's bloody exciting about 10% of the time, but the rest of it you spend: in your cabin; on watch in your sailor suit; or watching the wake from the quarter deck! The Army, on the other hand, spend most of their time trying to get airborne in aircraft that aren't seen as anything much more than an additional piece of artillery and control them like they were actually guns!
Now, if you don't believe me, take a look at their websites and tell me just how much info there is about flying careers compared to other careers! Now take a look at the RAF webpages and compare that with the other 2.
I rest my case.
Believe me, there are cynics in every profession and the disenchanted are more voluble than the silent majority but if you want to fly (or service aircraft, for those of that bent) look no further than the RAF; flying and air warfighting is where its priority lies. I don't deny that you can fly in the other 2 Services but it's all the other stuff that you have to put up with that would put me off!
Happy New Year when it comes.
Foldingwings
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Whatever you do, DO NOT join as an aircraft engineer!
Join as NCO aircrew or with a commision.
If you do anything else you'll be wasting your time. LEAN is ripping the heart out of the ground trades!
Join as NCO aircrew or with a commision.
If you do anything else you'll be wasting your time. LEAN is ripping the heart out of the ground trades!
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ASOP you will just end up in a hole at Boulmer and Neatishead.
STH
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movadinkampa747
I'll tell you - A job that should take me 30 mins to fix, actually takes me two and a half hours to do because I have to wait for the stackers (sorry, logistics personnel) to deliver a bit for me (I can't do a collect because that isn't lean) I then find out that the bit is "in transit" on LITS and I have to faff about sorting that out and then go to another computer system to find out the reference for removing/fitting it, then actually write out the job card then clear the job card on LITS. In the mean time there are another couple of jobs building up because there is no other sumpy/rigger/fairy/leckie or heavy/light on shift because those that haven't been LEANED out or taken redundacy are either on guard/on detachment/on CCS/IDT/IRT/Fitness or if they're really lucky on leave (sorry authorised absence (if you are AWOL are you absent without absence??)).
Yes, it's always been a bit like that, but in the past you've always had enough people to cope, it will only get worse as more and more people are made redundant or PVR.
I have enjoyed being in the RAF. I've met some great people and done things I would never have done otherwise but I really don't want to be in the British Defence Force or the Royal Air Corps (how few people do you need to be a corp instead of a force??).
Oh, and one more thing.
You don\'t even get paid more these days for being a techie!
Why should I put up with all the s**t and put my signature on a piece of paper that a board of enquiry wil hang me with if an aircraft I worked on crashes and still only get paid the same as a cook??
Why not. There are perfectly good careers to be had as a Technician.
Yes, it's always been a bit like that, but in the past you've always had enough people to cope, it will only get worse as more and more people are made redundant or PVR.
I have enjoyed being in the RAF. I've met some great people and done things I would never have done otherwise but I really don't want to be in the British Defence Force or the Royal Air Corps (how few people do you need to be a corp instead of a force??).
Oh, and one more thing.
You don\'t even get paid more these days for being a techie!
Why should I put up with all the s**t and put my signature on a piece of paper that a board of enquiry wil hang me with if an aircraft I worked on crashes and still only get paid the same as a cook??