What to do!?

[deathjelly]

Hi everybody. I was hoping one of you lovely knowledgable people on here could help me.

The thing is, I've just been accepted for WSOp (L) and I'm having serious issues on whether to accept or not. The main thing is, not only have I just had a major family crisis that would make me think twice alone; but two of my closest friends have just had situations come up and they are going through hell to be honest. One of them doesn't know many people in the area and I am about the only person there for her. The other has other friends and family round, but she says I am the only person she can confide in. So, so far my issues are my family problem, and whether I could look myself in the eye again if I left my friends in horrible situations now?

Does anybody know if there is any way to defer RTS? Would they understand, or would they basically tell me never to darken their door again?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

[Jackonicko]

This is one of the few areas of the military where it can really be said that your country needs you. There really is a crying shortage of WSOp (L)s - such that it was even remarked upon in Parliament, and the specialism is of direct and immediate relevance to ongoing ops. In some respects, you could say that the WSOp (L) is today's Battle of Britain fighter pilot - fulfilling a really crucial role in safeguarding his/her country from real danger.

What I'm saying is that by taking up the offer, you would not be pursuing simple, selfish self interest, though I'm sure that the job will offer you enormous rewards from the challenges you'll be coming up against in training and afterwards, and that your frontline service will offer enormous job satisfaction, self respect and more fun than you'll be able to shake a stick at.

If your friends are really so isolated that you are their only support, then I'd suggest that they are either unreasonably putting too much on you, or are in need of rather more serious help than you are qualified to give.

Are you quite sure that it's not just an excuse - justification for the understandable jitters that you are feeling prior to giving what seems like a massive commitment at your relatively tender age? You'll need to get over the self doubts and uncertainty if you are to get through training - but if the RAF didn't think that you had it in you, they wouldn't have offered you the job.

Best of luck

[airborne_artist]

Given the shortage, they may try to accommodate you, but reading your post, one or other of these two, or perhaps a third, will suddenly say they can't manage without you. While I don't doubt their problems, the idea that you are their only solution is unlikely. You are just the one that was easiest to find.

Things happen, life moves on, and they'd better learn that nasty fact, and learn to manage better. They will benefit, and so will you.

[deathjelly]

I just want to make it clear that they have not put any pressure on me whatsoever, it's more my own feelings of wanting to be there, plus there's my family situation which has really made me think of what's important in life.

First poster - you may have hit the nail on the head. It was the second time I applied - the first time I really really wanted it and this time it was "serverly noted" at OASC that my motivation was questionably lower than my first attempt (even though I passed this time!). So maybe I am using all these as excuses. I don't know.

Many thanks for your replies

[Zone 2 Alt]

When you start Airmen Aircrew training you need to be 100% focused to getting through it, if your not you will fail!
At times in your life you have to focus on your own aims and goals, your friends and family will cope and their worlds won"t stop turning.
Best of luck with your decision.

[Wader2]

dj,

As you say, they are not putting pressure on you and you may have cold feet.

Now you are 'leaning' on us looking for an 'out?'

How about taalking it over with them? It is your life we are talking about, not just theirs. Take a copy of Jacko's post and show them what the job means.

Once you enter the system you will not be placed in isolation; you will be able to talk to them most days. You will certainly have your ability to visit curtailed both during training and once on operations but I am sure they can work around that.

Talk it through with them.

[14greens]

If you are not 100% committed you will not get through the initial training never mind the professional training

Either you want it or you dont, famly issues I could understand, and quite possibly the system might be sympathetic, if you approach them and say you want to delay entry due to "friends" problems then you can kiss a career as a WSOP goodbye!
Are you willing to change the direction of your whole life because you think you are the only one that can be there for your friends?

[charliegolf]

Long time ago, after being accepted in the January, I explained that I was a probationary teacher, and asked if I could enter training after the school year ended. I made it clear that it would not affect my entry, but would be appreciated by the school as well as me.

I had an August entry to Swinderby, and read of the successful completion of my teaching probation whilst sat on the end of my bunk. In the Swamp in Belize! Came in handy subsequently.

CG