Royal Aus Air Force assesment day (not OASC!)
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Royal Aus Air Force assesment day (not OASC!)
Hi all,
First off, I have read the various RAAF candidate threads about and the extensive OASC one (what a mission!), but neither really answered my questions. I've studied extensively and know all the bases, wings, force element groups, squadrons, aircraft and their bases aswell as structure, ranks, history, training and selection process .ect. The following, however, I'm not so clear about and I will need to have sorted out by the time my interviews for RAAF Aircrew come around. If some of you could help me here, please do!
What is the role of an officer? I probably should know this well, but can't really find any clear cut info here, and I have looked into it as much as possible (even got their DVD!). As far as I know, Officers are simply those who are recognised as having leadership and management potential, and are chosen to undertake further training to assume leadership roles and greater responsibility within the RAAF. What else does being and officer entail? What have I missed
Why do I want to be an officer? I'd like love to be one and given the choice I'd certainly prefer to have the leadership and management responsibility that comes with it, but lets face it, I'm predominantly applying for the job of RAAF pilot because I'd like to fly for, and be part of, the RAAF (for various reasons) - and officer comes with it. What are they looking for in the interview? I've heard from some you're officer first and pilot second, however, others say the opposite as you may as well apply for something less competitive if officer is your main motivation. I'm sure saying the above wouldn't really impress
(and yes, I won't be bulls***ing them as some of you have pointed out, but we still need to sell ourselfes in interviews, dont we!)
Corp/Muster/Category? Here's another one I couldn't find info on. What corp/muster/category will I belong to? As far as I can tell, each is for their own respective service, and I would be part of the Aircrew Category. Can anyone confirm/deny this?
What is the role of RAAF Pilot? Now you're probably thinking I should move on If I dont know this, but I'll say what I do know, and you guys can correct me
RAAF Pilots are, put simply, instruments of national policy, so they are basically a 'tool' used by the ADF to exercise air power or to serve the country's interest whether it be close air support, releif aid, providing transport for the Prime Minister or forward air control (and so on - each wing, aircraft and squadron has their own role to play). Is there anything outstanding here that I have missed?
I've been working towards this since I was a kid, and there's nothing I wouldn't do to get there, so I'm giving this my best shot. So basically, am I right or wrong about the above, and what are they looking for in the interview? Apart from that I should be right, I have at least three points for each on my CV for leadership roles, community service, and team environments, so that should help. All I need to do is 'wow' them at the interviews, pass the aptitude test/FSP/OSB (which was covered well elsewhere), and I should be good! Oh, and feel free to criticise me, as long as its constructive (I can take it!)
Thanks in advance for any help you guys can offer
First off, I have read the various RAAF candidate threads about and the extensive OASC one (what a mission!), but neither really answered my questions. I've studied extensively and know all the bases, wings, force element groups, squadrons, aircraft and their bases aswell as structure, ranks, history, training and selection process .ect. The following, however, I'm not so clear about and I will need to have sorted out by the time my interviews for RAAF Aircrew come around. If some of you could help me here, please do!
What is the role of an officer? I probably should know this well, but can't really find any clear cut info here, and I have looked into it as much as possible (even got their DVD!). As far as I know, Officers are simply those who are recognised as having leadership and management potential, and are chosen to undertake further training to assume leadership roles and greater responsibility within the RAAF. What else does being and officer entail? What have I missed
Why do I want to be an officer? I'd like love to be one and given the choice I'd certainly prefer to have the leadership and management responsibility that comes with it, but lets face it, I'm predominantly applying for the job of RAAF pilot because I'd like to fly for, and be part of, the RAAF (for various reasons) - and officer comes with it. What are they looking for in the interview? I've heard from some you're officer first and pilot second, however, others say the opposite as you may as well apply for something less competitive if officer is your main motivation. I'm sure saying the above wouldn't really impress
(and yes, I won't be bulls***ing them as some of you have pointed out, but we still need to sell ourselfes in interviews, dont we!)Corp/Muster/Category? Here's another one I couldn't find info on. What corp/muster/category will I belong to? As far as I can tell, each is for their own respective service, and I would be part of the Aircrew Category. Can anyone confirm/deny this?
What is the role of RAAF Pilot? Now you're probably thinking I should move on If I dont know this, but I'll say what I do know, and you guys can correct me
RAAF Pilots are, put simply, instruments of national policy, so they are basically a 'tool' used by the ADF to exercise air power or to serve the country's interest whether it be close air support, releif aid, providing transport for the Prime Minister or forward air control (and so on - each wing, aircraft and squadron has their own role to play). Is there anything outstanding here that I have missed? I've been working towards this since I was a kid, and there's nothing I wouldn't do to get there, so I'm giving this my best shot. So basically, am I right or wrong about the above, and what are they looking for in the interview? Apart from that I should be right, I have at least three points for each on my CV for leadership roles, community service, and team environments, so that should help. All I need to do is 'wow' them at the interviews, pass the aptitude test/FSP/OSB (which was covered well elsewhere), and I should be good! Oh, and feel free to criticise me, as long as its constructive (I can take it!)
Thanks in advance for any help you guys can offer
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Radithor,
How far through the process are you? Regardless it sounds like you are going about things the right way, and obviously trying to get the right information, which believe me is a really good start. I pretty much did everything you are doing, studied the same stuff and asked the same questions, and i am flying Hawks now, so you are on the right track!
First of all, make sure you keep the hard work and study going through the entire process, it really stands out to the people who will interview you, they can see the difference! Believe me, i was on flight screening with people who were still trying to learn where all the squadrons were 5 mins before walking into the OSB, needless to say none of them got in.
If you haven't yet done the aircrew testing, i would recommend trying to find out about the specific tests and looking for some study material, there is a book called "military flight aptitude testing", i think is the name and that will put you on the right track, it isn't however exactly the same as the RAAF stuff. Just don't under estimate those tests, a lot of people don't pass, i didn't the first time, but after a lot of study, passed the second.
As for your questions:
Role of an Officer - Is basically that of a leader. There is a bunch of text book crap that people will go on about, but in the end, you will be the one in charge, and the responsibility is all yours, the buck stops with you! The exact job/role however depends on your mustering. If you were going to be a Blunt, you would be more like a manager in an office with the odd occasion of leadership, but as a pilot you wont be in charge of **** for quite a while. As a Bograt (Junior Officer), the officer side of things is more about the way you carry yourself around the place, as you wont be in command of any troops. I would however suggest contacting OTS and asking to speak to someone about this stuff, its what they do, and they may be able to make it sound a lot more pretty than i did. They will be happy to help!
Why do i want to be an Officer - Dude, that one unfortunately is all up to you. I found these types of questions difficult, because you have to try and make it sound all fancy and **** for the interviewer, but the real answer is so simple, because i have to be one to fly. All i would suggest, is say the right things, but don't come off too fake with what they want to hear, keep it simple and honest.
Corp/mustering/category - For the RAAF, i guess you would be right with the aircrew category. Its not so much thought of like that, thats more of an Army thing, where they belong to the Aviation corp? Where as the RAAF is all about flying, so we belong to a Squadron, and our role/category is as a pilot.
What is the role of a RAAF Pilot - Yeah, i think you have pretty much got that one down, obviously as you said the specific roles change with the different airframes. If you have a reasonable knowledge about those roles then you should be right with that one. Along with that may come questions about the typical day in the life of a pilot? That too varies, depending on what type of squadron you are in or if you are on course?
Perhaps the best advise i could give you regarding your questions above, is to contact actual Pilots. It is always good to get advise from guys that have done it already and succeeded. This site is a great source of info, but there are also a lot of **** talkers out there, and the last thing you need is duff gouge. Don't bother with recruiting and trying to get numbers out of them, just call the squadrons(I would suggest IFS at Pearce) yourself and ask, you will probably find them surprisingly willing to help, as we have all been where you are now!
Anyway, i think i have blabbered on enough! Keep up the good work, as i said a guy who is genuinely keen and working hard towards his goal stands out like dogs balls beside all the half arsers out there, hence why i have replied to you!
Cheers
How far through the process are you? Regardless it sounds like you are going about things the right way, and obviously trying to get the right information, which believe me is a really good start. I pretty much did everything you are doing, studied the same stuff and asked the same questions, and i am flying Hawks now, so you are on the right track!
First of all, make sure you keep the hard work and study going through the entire process, it really stands out to the people who will interview you, they can see the difference! Believe me, i was on flight screening with people who were still trying to learn where all the squadrons were 5 mins before walking into the OSB, needless to say none of them got in.
If you haven't yet done the aircrew testing, i would recommend trying to find out about the specific tests and looking for some study material, there is a book called "military flight aptitude testing", i think is the name and that will put you on the right track, it isn't however exactly the same as the RAAF stuff. Just don't under estimate those tests, a lot of people don't pass, i didn't the first time, but after a lot of study, passed the second.
As for your questions:
Role of an Officer - Is basically that of a leader. There is a bunch of text book crap that people will go on about, but in the end, you will be the one in charge, and the responsibility is all yours, the buck stops with you! The exact job/role however depends on your mustering. If you were going to be a Blunt, you would be more like a manager in an office with the odd occasion of leadership, but as a pilot you wont be in charge of **** for quite a while. As a Bograt (Junior Officer), the officer side of things is more about the way you carry yourself around the place, as you wont be in command of any troops. I would however suggest contacting OTS and asking to speak to someone about this stuff, its what they do, and they may be able to make it sound a lot more pretty than i did. They will be happy to help!
Why do i want to be an Officer - Dude, that one unfortunately is all up to you. I found these types of questions difficult, because you have to try and make it sound all fancy and **** for the interviewer, but the real answer is so simple, because i have to be one to fly. All i would suggest, is say the right things, but don't come off too fake with what they want to hear, keep it simple and honest.
Corp/mustering/category - For the RAAF, i guess you would be right with the aircrew category. Its not so much thought of like that, thats more of an Army thing, where they belong to the Aviation corp? Where as the RAAF is all about flying, so we belong to a Squadron, and our role/category is as a pilot.
What is the role of a RAAF Pilot - Yeah, i think you have pretty much got that one down, obviously as you said the specific roles change with the different airframes. If you have a reasonable knowledge about those roles then you should be right with that one. Along with that may come questions about the typical day in the life of a pilot? That too varies, depending on what type of squadron you are in or if you are on course?
Perhaps the best advise i could give you regarding your questions above, is to contact actual Pilots. It is always good to get advise from guys that have done it already and succeeded. This site is a great source of info, but there are also a lot of **** talkers out there, and the last thing you need is duff gouge. Don't bother with recruiting and trying to get numbers out of them, just call the squadrons(I would suggest IFS at Pearce) yourself and ask, you will probably find them surprisingly willing to help, as we have all been where you are now!
Anyway, i think i have blabbered on enough! Keep up the good work, as i said a guy who is genuinely keen and working hard towards his goal stands out like dogs balls beside all the half arsers out there, hence why i have replied to you!
Cheers
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Australia
Age: 35
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Thanks for the advice and info Keenas! I'll look at contacting IFS and OTS about some of this stuff like you suggested, no doubt they will be able to give me a good perspective on some of those issues. Where I go gliding there's a Hornet FCI that comes in sometimes, so I might try and talk to him sometime, and Amberly is quite nearby, so I'll look at giving those guys a call too.
In regards to the spec testing, I've been before and knocked out on the instrument reading section, but apparently I was quite good on the rest, so hopefully I can get that under control too. Basically its back to Joes now since I haven't been to spec test/assesment day in a while.
In regards to the spec testing, I've been before and knocked out on the instrument reading section, but apparently I was quite good on the rest, so hopefully I can get that under control too. Basically its back to Joes now since I haven't been to spec test/assesment day in a while.
