Visit to Boulmer
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Visit to Boulmer
I'm up to Boulmer on a fam for FC branch between Tues 17th and Thurs 19th April. I'm not sure what the format for these trips normally take so would appreciate any comments from locals or previous visitors.
Also, if anyone fancies having a chat about fighter control and/or life in the RAF in exchange for some ales, give me a shout.
Ratpup
Also, if anyone fancies having a chat about fighter control and/or life in the RAF in exchange for some ales, give me a shout.
Ratpup
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Ratpup,
If you are going up on an official Realistic Job Preview visit you should get an itinerary through from the AFCO which booked you onto it. If it is an ad hoc visit, contact the chap who organised it for you. If the format is the same as it was when I used to attend these things, it will entail a day of visits to various sections around Boulmer, followed by a few beers and a nice sit-down dinner in the Mess. The next day is more visits and briefings with either another night in the Mess or a trip into Alnwick, the local town, to sample its delights. But don't quote me. You will find a lot of the guys and gals up there very helpful regarding the Branch, its future and the options available to you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and see if you can track down some of the folks with experience of the E-3D and 1 ACC, as they will have some interesting tales to tell. Hope you have a good visit, it should really help you decide if the Branch is for you.
If you are going up on an official Realistic Job Preview visit you should get an itinerary through from the AFCO which booked you onto it. If it is an ad hoc visit, contact the chap who organised it for you. If the format is the same as it was when I used to attend these things, it will entail a day of visits to various sections around Boulmer, followed by a few beers and a nice sit-down dinner in the Mess. The next day is more visits and briefings with either another night in the Mess or a trip into Alnwick, the local town, to sample its delights. But don't quote me. You will find a lot of the guys and gals up there very helpful regarding the Branch, its future and the options available to you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and see if you can track down some of the folks with experience of the E-3D and 1 ACC, as they will have some interesting tales to tell. Hope you have a good visit, it should really help you decide if the Branch is for you.
Don't let them blind you with talk of tours on E3s or 1 ACC and it being at the sharp end of operations. I did one of the RJPs to Boulmer in the 90s and that was all that was hammered down our throats for 3 days.
When the time actually came, not a sniff of E3s or 1 ACC as an option in sight and bearing in mind that AD of the UK wasn't massively high on list of defence priorities post-Cold War, spending years in a bunker having been promised something totally different didn't appeal so I made my excuses and went over the wire (yes I know about 9/11 etc etc, but I still haven't seen a change in defence priorities to push AD up the list).
That said, Boulmer is a lovely part of the world and the Mess isn't half bad, many a very happy happy hour in training ... from what I can remember. And the branch appears (from the outside) to be getting its act together - 1 ACC are now getting out and about and the E3s are in high demand. Getting postings there however, is another matter entirely.
Go along, listen in and enjoy it as a few days away experiencing something new - time spent in the Mess will provide you with a good indication of what RAF life is like. Just remember that rightly or wrongly, the FC branch has a bad press in the wider RAF, and they will try to counter that bad press with their own version. Make your own mind up & dont be influenced by spin either way.
When the time actually came, not a sniff of E3s or 1 ACC as an option in sight and bearing in mind that AD of the UK wasn't massively high on list of defence priorities post-Cold War, spending years in a bunker having been promised something totally different didn't appeal so I made my excuses and went over the wire (yes I know about 9/11 etc etc, but I still haven't seen a change in defence priorities to push AD up the list).
That said, Boulmer is a lovely part of the world and the Mess isn't half bad, many a very happy happy hour in training ... from what I can remember. And the branch appears (from the outside) to be getting its act together - 1 ACC are now getting out and about and the E3s are in high demand. Getting postings there however, is another matter entirely.
Go along, listen in and enjoy it as a few days away experiencing something new - time spent in the Mess will provide you with a good indication of what RAF life is like. Just remember that rightly or wrongly, the FC branch has a bad press in the wider RAF, and they will try to counter that bad press with their own version. Make your own mind up & dont be influenced by spin either way.
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Many thanks for previous very useful comments. 
Yes, it's an RJP visit and I've just received the joining instructions with timetable etc. Took the AFCO a long time to sort it out - lots of faffing about on their part including three different cpls ringing me up to ask which station to issue the rail warrant from.
I agree that it would be useful to meet people with E3 or 1ACC experience. But I'd also like to meet up with some of the NCOs as I'm sure their slant would be a bit different. As much fun as dinner and drinks in the OM is, I'm there to work out whether FC beats ATC for me - a bloody hard call!
People seem to begrudge 'bunker time' from what I've read/heard: is it fairly typical to spend tour after tour in a CRC?
Many thanks,
Ratpup
Yes, it's an RJP visit and I've just received the joining instructions with timetable etc. Took the AFCO a long time to sort it out - lots of faffing about on their part including three different cpls ringing me up to ask which station to issue the rail warrant from.
I agree that it would be useful to meet people with E3 or 1ACC experience. But I'd also like to meet up with some of the NCOs as I'm sure their slant would be a bit different. As much fun as dinner and drinks in the OM is, I'm there to work out whether FC beats ATC for me - a bloody hard call!
People seem to begrudge 'bunker time' from what I've read/heard: is it fairly typical to spend tour after tour in a CRC?
Many thanks,
Ratpup
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Captain Ratpup
Good on you for getting an RJP visit - no such thing in my day, but I've been involved in a few from the other side! The Mess at Boulmer is unusual - a modern building, but run by an ex WO with a rod of iron - a pleasant change from some of the messes round the RAF these days! Beer is excellent and there is usually a rent-a-crowd in the bar for the evening - ISTR RJP bagging was a favourite mess sport amongst the studes. Top tip is not to overdo the ale in the evening, or you will have a truly miserable visit next day!
As with all these types of visit, keep your eyes and ears open and don't be afraid to ask questions. You should meet a mix of people with recent experience in CRCs, 1 ACC, E-3 etc.
As for your comment about repeated tours in bunkers, it can happen that people stay in the CRCs for quite a few years, but if you're desparate to get away there are opportunities. 1ACC and E-3 aren't postings that float everyone's boat, but the other core postings are Boulmer and Scampton - the latter is above-ground and a completely different set-up to Boulmer's CRC, even though the kit is fundamentally the same. More and more we are seeing people go off in support of a wide range of other activities, especially relating to the Army. At the end of the day, though, if working in a bunker is a big problem for you, I think you may end up looking elsewhere, but don't decide until you've had a good look round! Oh, and as I've said to you before, make sure you also get a look at ATC (area and local) so you give both a fair chance!
STH
Good on you for getting an RJP visit - no such thing in my day, but I've been involved in a few from the other side! The Mess at Boulmer is unusual - a modern building, but run by an ex WO with a rod of iron - a pleasant change from some of the messes round the RAF these days! Beer is excellent and there is usually a rent-a-crowd in the bar for the evening - ISTR RJP bagging was a favourite mess sport amongst the studes. Top tip is not to overdo the ale in the evening, or you will have a truly miserable visit next day!
As with all these types of visit, keep your eyes and ears open and don't be afraid to ask questions. You should meet a mix of people with recent experience in CRCs, 1 ACC, E-3 etc.
As for your comment about repeated tours in bunkers, it can happen that people stay in the CRCs for quite a few years, but if you're desparate to get away there are opportunities. 1ACC and E-3 aren't postings that float everyone's boat, but the other core postings are Boulmer and Scampton - the latter is above-ground and a completely different set-up to Boulmer's CRC, even though the kit is fundamentally the same. More and more we are seeing people go off in support of a wide range of other activities, especially relating to the Army. At the end of the day, though, if working in a bunker is a big problem for you, I think you may end up looking elsewhere, but don't decide until you've had a good look round! Oh, and as I've said to you before, make sure you also get a look at ATC (area and local) so you give both a fair chance!
STH
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I was once down the 'hole' drove me round the twist!! Im now out of the mob and still enjoying the novelty and normailty of normal people and a window!!! Sounds stupid but it gets you down after a while.
My work colleagues think I'm mad always wanting a window seat in the office!
I worked in a CRC for the best part of 5 years! No 1 ACC for me , E3?? Whats one of them??
My work colleagues think I'm mad always wanting a window seat in the office!
I worked in a CRC for the best part of 5 years! No 1 ACC for me , E3?? Whats one of them??
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Captain R,
I'm on one of the WC courses that are running at the moment & I'm an NCO so, feel free to PM me if you'd like any questions answered.
My parent unit is 1ACC so I'd be able to offer you some info on that side of the branch too.
A quick heads up:
Course starts as a 6 week Air Defence Foundation Course (ADFC). The ADFC is broken down into 2 modules, each 3 weeks long & is actually an aptitude test designed to assess whether or not you are suited to the Surveillance or Weapons side of the branch. All done on a simulator.
If you go Surv, it's about 7 months training to become an Identification Officer.
Should you go WC then it's like this:
5 weeks of Flight Safety: You'll be taught all about UK airspace & how to control RAF aircraft safely within the contraints of the CAA. Done on simulator.
10 weeks of Tactics: Your flight safety knowledge will be further improved whilst being told how to go about controlling fighters tactically in various scenarios. Mostly simulator however, some of it can be live.
10 weeks (at least) of live controlling in the CRC. This period is the biggy & where you have to put it all together in order to get the WC tick in the box.
It's hard work but great fun so, good luck.
I'm on one of the WC courses that are running at the moment & I'm an NCO so, feel free to PM me if you'd like any questions answered.
My parent unit is 1ACC so I'd be able to offer you some info on that side of the branch too.
A quick heads up:
Course starts as a 6 week Air Defence Foundation Course (ADFC). The ADFC is broken down into 2 modules, each 3 weeks long & is actually an aptitude test designed to assess whether or not you are suited to the Surveillance or Weapons side of the branch. All done on a simulator.
If you go Surv, it's about 7 months training to become an Identification Officer.
Should you go WC then it's like this:
5 weeks of Flight Safety: You'll be taught all about UK airspace & how to control RAF aircraft safely within the contraints of the CAA. Done on simulator.
10 weeks of Tactics: Your flight safety knowledge will be further improved whilst being told how to go about controlling fighters tactically in various scenarios. Mostly simulator however, some of it can be live.
10 weeks (at least) of live controlling in the CRC. This period is the biggy & where you have to put it all together in order to get the WC tick in the box.
It's hard work but great fun so, good luck.
Last edited by Never Alert; 26th Mar 2007 at 15:02.
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The food at Boulmer is probably the best in the RAF!
The deprivations of bunker life were always overblown and I believe the kit has changed quite a bit since I left. Besides that, you get very involved in the job at hand on either specialisation.
The branch and trade group were fairly small and close-knit, although it was frustrating to see the slow pace of advancement in the trade group - hopefully people are getting through the ranks faster and onto more challenging roles as there was enormous latent talent that perhaps fell by the wayside due to a residual and outdated rank snobbery. Great camerarderie and a role that is much more relevant than pre-September 11 2001.
I left largely due to family reasons and anger over Iraq and cutbacks (good to see that Boulmer escaped in the end!) and I do miss it all, even the downsides.
The deprivations of bunker life were always overblown and I believe the kit has changed quite a bit since I left. Besides that, you get very involved in the job at hand on either specialisation.
The branch and trade group were fairly small and close-knit, although it was frustrating to see the slow pace of advancement in the trade group - hopefully people are getting through the ranks faster and onto more challenging roles as there was enormous latent talent that perhaps fell by the wayside due to a residual and outdated rank snobbery. Great camerarderie and a role that is much more relevant than pre-September 11 2001.
I left largely due to family reasons and anger over Iraq and cutbacks (good to see that Boulmer escaped in the end!) and I do miss it all, even the downsides.
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FC
I am a serving Fighter Controller and see both good and bad within the branch. It has treated me well in my time and I have only spent 1/4 of those years in the "Bunker".
There are lots of opportunities outside just 1ACC and E3. I am part of the Surv side of the branch and now work at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham. The branch paid for me to get a Masters Degree in Information Systems and I have had the chance to travel all over the world (not just the desert!).
Sir Toppam Hat is spot on about the branch. I have managed to move away from the bunker but everyone does have to spend a proportion of their time there.
Any questions please pm me.
There are lots of opportunities outside just 1ACC and E3. I am part of the Surv side of the branch and now work at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham. The branch paid for me to get a Masters Degree in Information Systems and I have had the chance to travel all over the world (not just the desert!).
Sir Toppam Hat is spot on about the branch. I have managed to move away from the bunker but everyone does have to spend a proportion of their time there.
Any questions please pm me.
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Oh look, a failed controller!
In my day, such banter was internal to the branch! Little gems like "get those tracks sorted out, I'm starting to get sunburn back here!"
There are no failures, only restreams, and controllers were always such bores anyway, standing at the bar and making aircraft-type gesticulations long after normal conversation was supposed to have commenced.
Still got the keys though.....
Quote:
I am part of the Surv side
Oh look, a failed controller!
I am part of the Surv side
Oh look, a failed controller!
And do weapons types still stand at the bar and do the whole hands thing - I went like that and he went like this ....... never really works unless you have a fighter standing on the pan outside though
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Three points:
One
Why?
Bearing in mind I'm an ignorant civvie trying to decide on the RAF, what's so bad about FC?
Also...
Two
Is the rivalry between the two streams just healthy banter or something a bit more sinister? 
Three
Beyond E3s which everyone seems to keep banging on about, what are the best tours in FC? I hear 1ACC ain't so popular (I thought running around in 95s sounds like a laugh). Surely CRCs aren't?
Cheers for all your comments: I'm very grateful for everyone taking the time out to respond. A great response with lots of food for thought and I'm really looking forward to the RJP as well as painting the metropolis of Alnwick red!
Ratpup
One
...just remember that rightly or wrongly, the FC branch has a bad press in the wider RAF...
Bearing in mind I'm an ignorant civvie trying to decide on the RAF, what's so bad about FC?
Also...
Two
I am part of the Surv side...
...Oh look, a failed controller!
...Oh look, a failed controller!
Three
Beyond E3s which everyone seems to keep banging on about, what are the best tours in FC? I hear 1ACC ain't so popular (I thought running around in 95s sounds like a laugh). Surely CRCs aren't?
Cheers for all your comments: I'm very grateful for everyone taking the time out to respond. A great response with lots of food for thought and I'm really looking forward to the RJP as well as painting the metropolis of Alnwick red!
Ratpup
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Ratpup, don't take anything you hear about the FC branch from me too seriously, I was a Baldric within the ASOp* world for years before they put me in a cell and therefore prone to take the mick out of Weapons (controllers) and Surveillance (er....spotters) as I see fit - don't let me put you off, heed the wise words of STH instead.
Unless things have changed drastically in the few years I've been 'out' (er....so to speak)
Its Weapons v Sensors v Scopies
Then Weapons and sensors v Scopies
Then Weapons, sensors and Scopies v Air Defence Tecs (JAFADs) or Eng Tec Els
But all in good humour……..mostly, JAFADs hate Filthy TC wa***** and Scopies
*pondlife should-have-done-better at school wannabee FC aka scopies for the uninitiated
Unless things have changed drastically in the few years I've been 'out' (er....so to speak)
Its Weapons v Sensors v Scopies
Then Weapons and sensors v Scopies
Then Weapons, sensors and Scopies v Air Defence Tecs (JAFADs) or Eng Tec Els
But all in good humour……..mostly, JAFADs hate Filthy TC wa***** and Scopies
*pondlife should-have-done-better at school wannabee FC aka scopies for the uninitiated
Last edited by Maple 01; 26th Mar 2007 at 21:30.
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Maple 01, I never wished to be a WC.
Each side has its's + and - sides but I know for a fact I would have never ended up with an MSc as a WC.
Ratpup in answer to your questions:
1. Most of the rest of he RAF do not have much idea of what we do. FC's during the Cold War were stuck in the middle of nowhere way from the rest of the RAF. For the most part this is no longer the case. There are now jobs in lots of Battlespace Management posts opening up to those who have a couple of tours behind them. Showing we can do in the Joint environment is helping our case.
2. There is banter, but it is generally good natured.
3. Best tours are difficult to answer but I am sure the few guys on exchange in the US or in NATO posts may have an opinion.
jone
Each side has its's + and - sides but I know for a fact I would have never ended up with an MSc as a WC.
Ratpup in answer to your questions:
1. Most of the rest of he RAF do not have much idea of what we do. FC's during the Cold War were stuck in the middle of nowhere way from the rest of the RAF. For the most part this is no longer the case. There are now jobs in lots of Battlespace Management posts opening up to those who have a couple of tours behind them. Showing we can do in the Joint environment is helping our case.
2. There is banter, but it is generally good natured.
3. Best tours are difficult to answer but I am sure the few guys on exchange in the US or in NATO posts may have an opinion.
jone
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I was a Baldric within the ASOp* world for years before they put me in a cell and therefore prone to take the mick out of Weapons (controllers) and Surveillance (er....spotters) as I see fit - don't let me put you off, heed the wise words of STH instead.
*pondlife should-have-done-better at school wannabee FC aka scopies for the uninitiated
Are you some kind of up your own backside cnut? Would that be the pondlife that do all the things that you cannot be bothered to? Or the pondlife that go around clearing up the sh1te that you have left behind.
The RAF is a better place for people like you leaving!
Oh and by the way, I have never wanted to be a FC, dont have the hands for it love!
*pondlife should-have-done-better at school wannabee FC aka scopies for the uninitiated
Are you some kind of up your own backside cnut? Would that be the pondlife that do all the things that you cannot be bothered to? Or the pondlife that go around clearing up the sh1te that you have left behind.
The RAF is a better place for people like you leaving!
Oh and by the way, I have never wanted to be a FC, dont have the hands for it love!
arse. 