RAF Reserves
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AAC (V)
Cirrusfrance,
7 Regt AAC(V) has only ever accepted ex-Regular (RN, RM, Army and RAF) pilots and is now facing the axe, so don't hold your breath for a reply.
6 Regt AAC (V) is composed of groundies - AH re-fuelers, re-armers, communicators etc. No aircrew, save for some of the permanent staff.
Sorry,
FP
7 Regt AAC(V) has only ever accepted ex-Regular (RN, RM, Army and RAF) pilots and is now facing the axe, so don't hold your breath for a reply.
6 Regt AAC (V) is composed of groundies - AH re-fuelers, re-armers, communicators etc. No aircrew, save for some of the permanent staff.
Sorry,
FP
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Go for it!
I joined the RAuxAF and, after a year, enjoyed it so much I joined up full-time. It was different from the 3 years TA (infantry) I had experienced prior to this, more relaxed and trade-orientated.
The liability for overseas service should not be viewed lightly. It is a lot different than from when I joined 12 years ago, when our main expectation was to support ever-predictable JMCs - the deployments and losses of RAuxAF sqns underlines this.
I joined the RAuxAF and, after a year, enjoyed it so much I joined up full-time. It was different from the 3 years TA (infantry) I had experienced prior to this, more relaxed and trade-orientated.
The liability for overseas service should not be viewed lightly. It is a lot different than from when I joined 12 years ago, when our main expectation was to support ever-predictable JMCs - the deployments and losses of RAuxAF sqns underlines this.
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Interesting experience at the RAFCO this morning as I attended a presentation for potential Officer applicants - I was hoping some of what was discussed would be relevant to The Reserves and took the opportunity to ask a few questions.
Twelve of us in attendance and other than myself only one other attendee knew anything about the RAF's current equipment and even he didn't recognise a Sea King! I can't really understand why people don't do some homework - even if it is only for a presentation like this, the guy doing the presenting after all will be conducting their filter interview if they decide to proceed. Nothing like making a good impression eh!
Most novel however was the video shown while we were waiting for one or two stragglers to arrive - a total crash-fest including the SU-27 at Lviv, Harrier at Lowesoft, F-15 HOC HUD footage, Sea Knight (I think) falling off the back of a ship, F-14 breaking up over a carrier etc etc. I think the guy who put it on thought it was funny but certainly the folks sat next to me thought it was in extremely bad taste and I was certainly a little surprised!
Snoopy - I was told today that Reserves only do two weeks at Cranwell but I'll wait for the gospel on that one when I see 7644 next month. Not that I'm doubting your previous response, it just seems a large differential!
Finally, if there is anyone here who serves at RAF Brampton would they be kind enough to send me a PM? I'm staying at the station next Friday for the annual XV Squadron dinner with my Pa and would like to take the opportunity to grab a natter with one or two serving members if it can be arranged.
Many thanks!
Gareth
Twelve of us in attendance and other than myself only one other attendee knew anything about the RAF's current equipment and even he didn't recognise a Sea King! I can't really understand why people don't do some homework - even if it is only for a presentation like this, the guy doing the presenting after all will be conducting their filter interview if they decide to proceed. Nothing like making a good impression eh!
Most novel however was the video shown while we were waiting for one or two stragglers to arrive - a total crash-fest including the SU-27 at Lviv, Harrier at Lowesoft, F-15 HOC HUD footage, Sea Knight (I think) falling off the back of a ship, F-14 breaking up over a carrier etc etc. I think the guy who put it on thought it was funny but certainly the folks sat next to me thought it was in extremely bad taste and I was certainly a little surprised!
Snoopy - I was told today that Reserves only do two weeks at Cranwell but I'll wait for the gospel on that one when I see 7644 next month. Not that I'm doubting your previous response, it just seems a large differential!
Finally, if there is anyone here who serves at RAF Brampton would they be kind enough to send me a PM? I'm staying at the station next Friday for the annual XV Squadron dinner with my Pa and would like to take the opportunity to grab a natter with one or two serving members if it can be arranged.
Many thanks!
Gareth
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Gareth
With respect, it's clear from Snoopy's message that he knows what he is talking about.
How long it takes you to get through the system, presuming you are selected by the Sqn, pass OASC, BRC and ROIT, depends upon how much time you can give but 12-18 mths is certainly a fair estimation. The residential phase at Cranwell is indeed a fortnight although there is a lot of distance learning in the lead up to it.
Thereafter you will need to complete further training before you can be deployed but deployed you will be and so only sign up if you are prepared to do so.
RM
With respect, it's clear from Snoopy's message that he knows what he is talking about.
How long it takes you to get through the system, presuming you are selected by the Sqn, pass OASC, BRC and ROIT, depends upon how much time you can give but 12-18 mths is certainly a fair estimation. The residential phase at Cranwell is indeed a fortnight although there is a lot of distance learning in the lead up to it.
Thereafter you will need to complete further training before you can be deployed but deployed you will be and so only sign up if you are prepared to do so.
RM
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Regie.......
No issues at all with Snoopy's info - he's been extremely helpful and indeed the differential in what I now know and what I have been told from elsewhere has hopefully highlighted one or two things that need to be reinforced to anyone in a similar situation to my own.
I firmly believe that if anyone goes ahead with signing up to the Armed Forces, whether it be as a regular or reserve, that they should expect to do whatever is asked of them. If that means deployment then deployment it is.........
Cheers
Gareth
I firmly believe that if anyone goes ahead with signing up to the Armed Forces, whether it be as a regular or reserve, that they should expect to do whatever is asked of them. If that means deployment then deployment it is.........
Cheers
Gareth
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Twelve of us in attendance and other than myself only one other attendee knew anything about the RAF's current equipment and even he didn't recognise a Sea King!
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No issues at all with Snoopy's info - he's been extremely helpful and indeed the differential in what I now know and what I have been told from elsewhere has hopefully highlighted one or two things that need to be reinforced to anyone in a similar situation to my own.
I firmly believe that if anyone goes ahead with signing up to the Armed Forces, whether it be as a regular or reserve, that they should expect to do whatever is asked of them. If that means deployment then deployment it is.........
Cheers
Gareth
I firmly believe that if anyone goes ahead with signing up to the Armed Forces, whether it be as a regular or reserve, that they should expect to do whatever is asked of them. If that means deployment then deployment it is.........
Cheers
Gareth
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Finally, if there is anyone here who serves at RAF Brampton would they be kind enough to send me a PM? I'm staying at the station next Friday for the annual XV Squadron dinner with my Pa and would like to take the opportunity to grab a natter with one or two serving members if it can be arranged.
The XV dinner was a blast incidentally - met some great guys right through from WWII, Victor, Bucc and Tornado eras including the current OC. A good time was had by all!
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I have been thinking about signing up for a while now, but I am just worried about what my employer would think or say.
How has it been for people on here when they were deployed? I guess you could be away for up to 3 or 4 months, maybe more, so how does that affect your job? I know legally your job has to be there for you etc, but if you were the employer wouldnt you think "I want someone here all the time, not going off for months at a time. We would be better making this guy redundant at some point and get someone who will be here all the time" ?
How has it been for people on here when they were deployed? I guess you could be away for up to 3 or 4 months, maybe more, so how does that affect your job? I know legally your job has to be there for you etc, but if you were the employer wouldnt you think "I want someone here all the time, not going off for months at a time. We would be better making this guy redundant at some point and get someone who will be here all the time" ?
How has it been for people on here when they were deployed? I guess you could be away for up to 3 or 4 months, maybe more, so how does that affect your job? I know legally your job has to be there for you etc, but if you were the employer wouldnt you think "I want someone here all the time, not going off for months at a time. We would be better making this guy redundant at some point and get someone who will be here all the time" ?
It does, however, depend a lot on your employer. Some employers are extremely TA friendly. BT, for example, even gives TA soldiers an extra two weeks annual leave so that they do not need to use their holiday allowance for annual camp. Unfortunately my employer did not fall into this category, as they demanded more flexibility than the TA allows.
Unfortunately I had to leave the TA completely after my redundancy, as I had to move to Germany for work. TA unfortunately doesn't pay the bills so always has to come second to your main career.
Last edited by Trim Stab; 9th Jul 2010 at 16:56.
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khisanth,
I would echo everything that was said on here two years ago. But Trim is spot on with this:
Truer words were never spoken, and too many keen-as-mustard reservists forget this to their cost. The best way is to have a frank chat with your employer. Pls feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.
Best of luck,
S41
I would echo everything that was said on here two years ago. But Trim is spot on with this:
TA unfortunately doesn't pay the bills so always has to come second to your main career.
Best of luck,
S41
khisanth,
Be advised that the operational deployments are normally for 6 months and with pre-deployment training, leave and post deployment decompression etc, you can find yourself away from your employment for 12 months, not the 3 - 4 months you mention. If you work in the NHS and you join one of the medical RAuxAF units, your deployments are shorter and with less pre-deployment training. I understand that your employer can receive some financial offset for your absence.
Be advised that the operational deployments are normally for 6 months and with pre-deployment training, leave and post deployment decompression etc, you can find yourself away from your employment for 12 months, not the 3 - 4 months you mention. If you work in the NHS and you join one of the medical RAuxAF units, your deployments are shorter and with less pre-deployment training. I understand that your employer can receive some financial offset for your absence.
I would echo everything that was said on here two years ago. But Trim is spot on with this:
Quote:
TA unfortunately doesn't pay the bills so always has to come second to your main career.
Truer words were never spoken, and too many keen-as-mustard reservists forget this to their cost. The best way is to have a frank chat with your employer. Pls feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.
Quote:
TA unfortunately doesn't pay the bills so always has to come second to your main career.
Truer words were never spoken, and too many keen-as-mustard reservists forget this to their cost. The best way is to have a frank chat with your employer. Pls feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.
Reservists should have a parallel civilian career which offers direct value to the military (eg medics, engineers) and where civilian and reserve career progression is linked.
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TrimStab thought:
I'd offer that this isn't true in my experience, but that what are required are skills - so a friend who was in intelligence reserves and was an electronics engineer during the week was very useful. It's about what you bring to the party - not just about direct equality of career in my experience.
S41
Reservists should have a parallel civilian career which offers direct value to the military (eg medics, engineers) and where civilian and reserve career progression is linked.
S41
I'd offer that this isn't true in my experience, but that what are required are skills - so a friend who was in intelligence reserves and was an electronics engineer during the week was very useful. It's about what you bring to the party - not just about direct equality of career in my experience.
If I can get another job back in the UK I might look into the RAF Reserves. It might make it easier to negotiate weekends out of my schedule if I am doing something that is easier to justify to the employer.
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thanks for that everyone.
My problem is that I work in a small office recently opened so if I went I would have no replacement. I doubt my employer would support me especially if it was 12 months!
I casually asked if there were any reservists already in the company (Canadian company) and there doesnt appear to be any.
Its really frustrating as I am one of those keen as mustard people!
My problem is that I work in a small office recently opened so if I went I would have no replacement. I doubt my employer would support me especially if it was 12 months!
I casually asked if there were any reservists already in the company (Canadian company) and there doesnt appear to be any.
Its really frustrating as I am one of those keen as mustard people!
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Hi,
I am a NHS paramedic aged 39, I am interested in joining the RAF Reserves as a medic, Does the role of paramedic fit in well with the RAF? and where would my base be?
thanks
Keith
I am a NHS paramedic aged 39, I am interested in joining the RAF Reserves as a medic, Does the role of paramedic fit in well with the RAF? and where would my base be?
thanks
Keith
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Keith
You would be based at either Lyneham (prior to moving to Brize) or Leuchars. Both squadrons have different roles and it's for you to choose who you join. Suggest you give them a call and if still interested they will invite you along to see what they do and what they can offer you whereupon you can make an informed decision.
RM
You would be based at either Lyneham (prior to moving to Brize) or Leuchars. Both squadrons have different roles and it's for you to choose who you join. Suggest you give them a call and if still interested they will invite you along to see what they do and what they can offer you whereupon you can make an informed decision.
RM
