Well the name says it all
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Wittering
Age: 37
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well the name says it all
im currently an airman in the RAF regiment , 3 squadron to be precise i have served for two years and done one operational tour. To be frank im not that happy with my choice and after doing more than my share of helibourne ops have come to be intriuged by Wsop crewman and without being a nosh admire them too. i absolutely loved every flight ive ever been on and have decided to apply to become a Wsop.
I have a few questions on the matter , first of all though id like to stress that i have all the nessecary acedemic civillian qualifications. and fitness shouldnt be a problem as iv passed my pre para. so heres my questions
1) Will my trade being in desperate demand jade my application somewhat ? or indeed the trade in itself ie thick rocks and usual sterotyping associated )
2) what is the operational tempo of a RW sqn ? chinook sqn for example ?
3) when are the pay bracket increases (please dont take this as a knieve person seeking a pay rise , i wont lie its a welcome bonus but not my driving motive)
4) is there any capacity for a regiment gunner to serve on a flying sqn as a dor gunner or equivalent or is that rockape rumour?
Any answers to these questins are greatfuly recieved and thank you to anyone who take timen to reply
A wannabe Wsop
I have a few questions on the matter , first of all though id like to stress that i have all the nessecary acedemic civillian qualifications. and fitness shouldnt be a problem as iv passed my pre para. so heres my questions
1) Will my trade being in desperate demand jade my application somewhat ? or indeed the trade in itself ie thick rocks and usual sterotyping associated )
2) what is the operational tempo of a RW sqn ? chinook sqn for example ?
3) when are the pay bracket increases (please dont take this as a knieve person seeking a pay rise , i wont lie its a welcome bonus but not my driving motive)
4) is there any capacity for a regiment gunner to serve on a flying sqn as a dor gunner or equivalent or is that rockape rumour?
Any answers to these questins are greatfuly recieved and thank you to anyone who take timen to reply
A wannabe Wsop
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can't comment on 2 or 3 because it's been so long since I went through, but in answer to your other questions.
1 - I've known several ex-rocks make good WSOps, so don't worry about that. As for your current trade being in demand, so is the WSOp branch! It's sad to say, but gaps in your trade are probably more acceptable than gaps in the WSOp branch, so you should still be OK.
4 - I do remember seeing something on Prune about airborne snipers, selected from regiment squadrons, maybe this is what you are referring to. I've never heard of non-WSOp door gunners otherwise.
HTH
1 - I've known several ex-rocks make good WSOps, so don't worry about that. As for your current trade being in demand, so is the WSOp branch! It's sad to say, but gaps in your trade are probably more acceptable than gaps in the WSOp branch, so you should still be OK.
4 - I do remember seeing something on Prune about airborne snipers, selected from regiment squadrons, maybe this is what you are referring to. I've never heard of non-WSOp door gunners otherwise.
HTH
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: @exRAF_Al
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Welcome, and stand by for no end of informed narrative about the shortcomings of your spelling. I can hear the keyboards being sharpened as I tap away.
No idea what the situation is at the moment regarding door gnrs on helicopter sqns, but I had a very enjoyable time in the door at times. A posting onto one of those sqns (if such things still exist) might be a neat solution? Keep up the good work (some of us old lags are very proud of what the Corps is doing) and regards to Mister Eden.
Per Ardua.
No idea what the situation is at the moment regarding door gnrs on helicopter sqns, but I had a very enjoyable time in the door at times. A posting onto one of those sqns (if such things still exist) might be a neat solution? Keep up the good work (some of us old lags are very proud of what the Corps is doing) and regards to Mister Eden.
Per Ardua.
Good luck, Rock wants to fly!
You certainly sound as though you've got the motivation and enthusiasm, as well as operational experience of the role.
And before anyone leaps onto you about your spelling and eduk...ecuda...academic background, I would say that fitness for the role is undoubtedly assessed by rather more practical means!
You certainly sound as though you've got the motivation and enthusiasm, as well as operational experience of the role.
And before anyone leaps onto you about your spelling and eduk...ecuda...academic background, I would say that fitness for the role is undoubtedly assessed by rather more practical means!
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wilts
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi - being a ''Rock'' (or even a ''Pebble'') will not be a problem - shortages are in all branches and trades.
One thing to remember though - after the changes from Airman Aircrew to NCA - you become a WSOP - not a loady/eng/aeop/sig - just a WSOP and then the system will find a job for you - not always your first choice. Having said that - Eng not being trained at the moment, AEOP - reduced nimrod frames mean they're not so desperate now, but that still leaves FW and RW loadmaster -
I can highly recomend both!
OP tempo on RW will depend on type - as it does for all AC deployed - so contact the sqns directly - whilst your at it - arrange to visit them - most will be more than happy to assist in your prep for OASC. Make sure you visit both FW and RW - and speak to the younger lads and lasses - most of us archaic types have no idea of the system as it stands now.
You should be able to find out about pay from a careers office.
Rock door gunners - no idea - would make sense though!
Oh, good luck - nothing ventured - nothing gained.........................
M2
One thing to remember though - after the changes from Airman Aircrew to NCA - you become a WSOP - not a loady/eng/aeop/sig - just a WSOP and then the system will find a job for you - not always your first choice. Having said that - Eng not being trained at the moment, AEOP - reduced nimrod frames mean they're not so desperate now, but that still leaves FW and RW loadmaster -
I can highly recomend both! OP tempo on RW will depend on type - as it does for all AC deployed - so contact the sqns directly - whilst your at it - arrange to visit them - most will be more than happy to assist in your prep for OASC. Make sure you visit both FW and RW - and speak to the younger lads and lasses - most of us archaic types have no idea of the system as it stands now.
You should be able to find out about pay from a careers office.
Rock door gunners - no idea - would make sense though!
Oh, good luck - nothing ventured - nothing gained.........................
M2
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In 2001 a friend of mine's brother who was a Rock got attached to 27 Sqn to fire something nasty out the backs and sides of Wokkas. Not sure if that was a one off or if that's of any help.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: here, there and everywhere
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello Rock,
Mate the best bet is to speak to a nearby CIO. That is now the start for anyone wishing to transfer over. Regarding pay and the other questions that you requested. WSop Pay starts at around 32K after training, however during training it does rise to a higher level than SAC / Cpl however not actually sure of the current rates. The current Op tempo is quite high; Ch47 crews rotate every 2 months through Op Herrick, therefore expect to spend at least 4 months a year away. Other fleets are even more commited than that. In response to the final question, there are no plans now or future to carry Rocks as door gunners, we enjoy it far to much!!
Mate the best bet is to speak to a nearby CIO. That is now the start for anyone wishing to transfer over. Regarding pay and the other questions that you requested. WSop Pay starts at around 32K after training, however during training it does rise to a higher level than SAC / Cpl however not actually sure of the current rates. The current Op tempo is quite high; Ch47 crews rotate every 2 months through Op Herrick, therefore expect to spend at least 4 months a year away. Other fleets are even more commited than that. In response to the final question, there are no plans now or future to carry Rocks as door gunners, we enjoy it far to much!!
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Detroit MI
Age: 66
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When I was in I went from II Sqn to Loadmaster and it was fine. The only thing I'd be wary of is the conglomerate WSOP trade with no guarantee where you will be sent. I can't think of anything much more soul destroying than remustering to go fly Puma's or Herc's only to be stuck in the back of a Nimrod going "da da dit dit"... 
Go for it... but do it with both eyes wide open...
Go for it... but do it with both eyes wide open...
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Detroit MI
Age: 66
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Unchecked:
Yes... With the benefit of 25 years behind me I have to say that, had there been WSOP rather than ALM, AEng and AEOp, I would probably spend a little more time thinking through the remuster decision. As it was, my "risk" was FW/RW and, (though RW was my target), FW wouldn't have utterly been heartbreaking
. With the "benefit" of having seen the AEOps at Finningley talking in Morse Code in the mess at lunch times with only the prospect of 12 hour shifts in the back of a grey tube flying over a featureless ocean I can see that being streamed to electronics as a WSOP when you wanted RW ALM would be a bitter pill to swallow. 
Rock:
That having been said I'd suggest that the posters, (without a vast dearth of personnel in a particular field), will probably try to place you where your experience and aptitudes make you most appropriate. I'd suggest that RAF Regiment training is far better suited to LM types than AEOp types so it shouldn't be at all unreasonable to expect to be streamed in the direction you seem to want to go in. But know also that Mr. Murphy and his obnoxious law is alive and well...
Good luck... Per Ardua
Yes... With the benefit of 25 years behind me I have to say that, had there been WSOP rather than ALM, AEng and AEOp, I would probably spend a little more time thinking through the remuster decision. As it was, my "risk" was FW/RW and, (though RW was my target), FW wouldn't have utterly been heartbreaking
. With the "benefit" of having seen the AEOps at Finningley talking in Morse Code in the mess at lunch times with only the prospect of 12 hour shifts in the back of a grey tube flying over a featureless ocean I can see that being streamed to electronics as a WSOP when you wanted RW ALM would be a bitter pill to swallow. Rock:
That having been said I'd suggest that the posters, (without a vast dearth of personnel in a particular field), will probably try to place you where your experience and aptitudes make you most appropriate. I'd suggest that RAF Regiment training is far better suited to LM types than AEOp types so it shouldn't be at all unreasonable to expect to be streamed in the direction you seem to want to go in. But know also that Mr. Murphy and his obnoxious law is alive and well...
Good luck... Per Ardua
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: St Annes
Age: 68
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good luck with the change, but just to try to balance the view a teensy bit...
All the different careers that WSOp lead to have their good and bad points, being down the back on the kipper fleet is not the unremitting doom that the tone here suggests, so even if you end up going down the 'wrong' path there's still plenty of pluses to look forward to. Remember a full career lasts decades, and a lot can happen in that time.
(A healthy all year tan, for example...<g>)
All the different careers that WSOp lead to have their good and bad points, being down the back on the kipper fleet is not the unremitting doom that the tone here suggests, so even if you end up going down the 'wrong' path there's still plenty of pluses to look forward to. Remember a full career lasts decades, and a lot can happen in that time.
(A healthy all year tan, for example...<g>)
Hello there - good news first; as mentioned, lots of ex-Rocks are now employed as Loadies and doing very well indeed. I can only speak for the rotary side, but to a man, they are excellent (in my opinion). Don't ask, don't get is the maxim - if you want some advice, suggest you go through your oppo's in the Regt Sect at ODI or BEN to get in contact with some of your fore-runners on the sqns (or go direct to Sen Crewman/Crewman Ldr on the sqns).
Q1. No.
Q2. Away on det, not too bad for Chinny Boys, but PU and ME are working their nads off. Stand by for a reaction to this comment, but there is no escaping it, the CH Force is better off in terms of HARMONY (Ack the different threat levels).
Q3. Answered, but long and short, NCA get paid reasonably well.
Q4. No (on the wokkas). Happened on GRANBY, but not currently.
Bad news - again as mentioned, the risk of going to a fleet that you don't want to be on. I heard (unconfirmed) that an ex-Rock did go Shineys recently - might be bollox, but, you never know!! Caveat is, speak to the FW and AEOp (I Know!!) lot - you might find it is a better option - I doubt it, but....
Good luck, and please give people a ring - mostly always happy to help.
Roger, Out
Q1. No.
Q2. Away on det, not too bad for Chinny Boys, but PU and ME are working their nads off. Stand by for a reaction to this comment, but there is no escaping it, the CH Force is better off in terms of HARMONY (Ack the different threat levels).
Q3. Answered, but long and short, NCA get paid reasonably well.
Q4. No (on the wokkas). Happened on GRANBY, but not currently.
Bad news - again as mentioned, the risk of going to a fleet that you don't want to be on. I heard (unconfirmed) that an ex-Rock did go Shineys recently - might be bollox, but, you never know!! Caveat is, speak to the FW and AEOp (I Know!!) lot - you might find it is a better option - I doubt it, but....
Good luck, and please give people a ring - mostly always happy to help.
Roger, Out
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Englandshire
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You could always get in touch with the very nice folk in the NCA Liaison Team who have an office within the OASC building at Cranwell. They can answer all your questions, arrange a famil visit to 55(R) at Cranwell where the training takes place and arrange visits to Sqns where WSOps work.
Avoid imitations
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
Posts: 14,576
Received 431 Likes
on
227 Posts
Go for it, if not you'll always wish you had tried. Anyway, by being able to write, you must be overqualified to be a rockape.
BTW, if you can spell, you won't go on rotary.
BTW, if you can spell, you won't go on rotary.
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: north of barlu
Posts: 6,207
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Go for it !
Any chance of advancment should be looked at and WSO would seem to be a logical next step.
Once into a "flying job" you may find that you want to take this further, I know of at least two rotary crewmen who are now flying jet airliners thanks to the help from RAF flying clubs, I have no doubt that flying as a WSO had a big influence on the employment process.
What ever your plans for the future I don't think you will ever regret trying for WSO.
Once into a "flying job" you may find that you want to take this further, I know of at least two rotary crewmen who are now flying jet airliners thanks to the help from RAF flying clubs, I have no doubt that flying as a WSO had a big influence on the employment process.
What ever your plans for the future I don't think you will ever regret trying for WSO.
Gentleman Aviator
Then there's the ex-rock SH mate who's about to get his second star ...
..... but he is in the two-winged Master race .....
..... but he is in the two-winged Master race .....
