OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Help Please! (My son wants to join the RAF)
May I ask some advice from you good people?
Eldest lad (21) has recently finished Uni with a good economics degree. He was an Air Cadet for 5 years prior to that, and loved every minute. He was fortunate enough to get into Nottingham UAS, but was booted out of flight training after 7 hrs (as were many of his pals) for the usual reasons.
My question is twofold:
He is still determined to join the RAF (as a 'groundie'), and his preference is the RAF Regiment. He has a four-day aptitude at Cranwell next January, with a three-day RAFR famil. next month. He still hankers after flying, but has informed me that if he applied for pilot entry, and failed at any stage of the tests, he would blow any opportunity for a comission in a ground branch?
Please could I have your feedback on the RAFR, or any other suggestions?
Many thanks!
RB (One worried dad)
Eldest lad (21) has recently finished Uni with a good economics degree. He was an Air Cadet for 5 years prior to that, and loved every minute. He was fortunate enough to get into Nottingham UAS, but was booted out of flight training after 7 hrs (as were many of his pals) for the usual reasons.
My question is twofold:
He is still determined to join the RAF (as a 'groundie'), and his preference is the RAF Regiment. He has a four-day aptitude at Cranwell next January, with a three-day RAFR famil. next month. He still hankers after flying, but has informed me that if he applied for pilot entry, and failed at any stage of the tests, he would blow any opportunity for a comission in a ground branch?
Please could I have your feedback on the RAFR, or any other suggestions?
Many thanks!
RB (One worried dad)
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As far as I am aware, when you go to OASC, you will be considered for your first career choice. If for any reason that is not available (because, for example, your aptitude results are not good enough), then you will be considered for the next one, and so on.
When I went through, those who did not pass certain aptitude tests were offered the option of changing their preferences. So those that failed pilot were allowed to add navigator, air traffic, fighter controller, regiment etc etc as they saw fit.
The number of people who are in the RAF who wanted to do something else initially is legion. My advice would be for him to put down what he wants, and then if he doesn't pass the aptitude tests for that branch, he can always have his application considered for something else. So if he really wants pilot or regiment, then put both down, in his order of preference.
Just a word of advice: if he puts down a branch on his application form he'll be expected to know all about it. So don't put down pilot, nav, atc, fighter controller, engineer, int, regiment, if all he wants to do is regiment or pilot.
SBW
When I went through, those who did not pass certain aptitude tests were offered the option of changing their preferences. So those that failed pilot were allowed to add navigator, air traffic, fighter controller, regiment etc etc as they saw fit.
The number of people who are in the RAF who wanted to do something else initially is legion. My advice would be for him to put down what he wants, and then if he doesn't pass the aptitude tests for that branch, he can always have his application considered for something else. So if he really wants pilot or regiment, then put both down, in his order of preference.
Just a word of advice: if he puts down a branch on his application form he'll be expected to know all about it. So don't put down pilot, nav, atc, fighter controller, engineer, int, regiment, if all he wants to do is regiment or pilot.
SBW
Just make sure he researches thoroughly and then thinks long and hard.
I joined as an Engineer looking for sponsorship through University (I was a qualified electrical engineer), failed miserably at the theory after Year 1 (
)and looked for Pilot. Passed evrything but the medical (eyesight weakness) and so went for the RAF Regiment. Put it down as my third because it looked like fun but did not really think it would come to that. Went to Catterick and had a thoroughly miserable time crawling through sh!t from dawn til dusk. I left near the end of the course.
Get your son to go to the CIO and organise visits to these places, I think they are called 'Realistic Job Previews' and last for a few days.
Final thought, looking way to the future. If he has a degree in economics, why not go for Logistics (Supply). That combination should ensure bountiful employment at the end of his commission.
Whatever happens, Good Luck.
I joined as an Engineer looking for sponsorship through University (I was a qualified electrical engineer), failed miserably at the theory after Year 1 (
)and looked for Pilot. Passed evrything but the medical (eyesight weakness) and so went for the RAF Regiment. Put it down as my third because it looked like fun but did not really think it would come to that. Went to Catterick and had a thoroughly miserable time crawling through sh!t from dawn til dusk. I left near the end of the course.Get your son to go to the CIO and organise visits to these places, I think they are called 'Realistic Job Previews' and last for a few days.
Final thought, looking way to the future. If he has a degree in economics, why not go for Logistics (Supply). That combination should ensure bountiful employment at the end of his commission.
Whatever happens, Good Luck.
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I knew several pilot and nav students transfer to ground branches, notably engineer, air traffic control, fighter control and even admin.
Indeed one who went admin got an ADC's appointment from which, for having been a good chap, got back into Nav training again, passed and went to fly F4s.
I must say going RAF Regiments is a new one on me though.
Indeed one who went admin got an ADC's appointment from which, for having been a good chap, got back into Nav training again, passed and went to fly F4s.
I must say going RAF Regiments is a new one on me though.
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This is indeed a difficult decision to make for any aspiring youngster as if you make a wrong decision now, it is highly unlikely that he will get into a pilot job in the RAF, AAC or RN - mainly due to age limitations and quotas, as these things tend to drag on. As an example my daughter wanted to follow in dad's footsteps and join the RAF as pilot, however, even though she was an ATC cadet for 4 years and a 'natural flyer', I think that's the term everyone uses! She was told by the RAF Careers chaps (who frequently drop in and drag youngsters off to trades in the RAF they don't really want - probably not fair, but there's some truth) that the RAF was not looking for pilots at that time (even women) and she was better off going for catering or logistics. Obviously this is the usual story, fill in the trades that have shortages and tick your box, and onto to the next victim.
Bearing in mind what she had been told, I discussed it with her after going back to Cranwell a few months earlier myself and talked to some of the young 'hopefuls' that had arrived at Sleaford station. Their stories were somewhat grim. A few were 'first-timers' but, the majority were coming back for re-interview and assessment after waiting up to 18 months for the chance to do better. It seemed that things weren't too well for the new aircrew as cost cutting was being mentioned in most conversations and even the first-timers thought that a return visit was almost assured whereas the others seemed to think this was their last chance.
I kept this to myself for quite a time until my daughter asked me for advice, I told her to go for Cranwell and if she didn't make it, go for the AAC or RN - even as a non -commissioned rank in the AAC you can fly. This is obviously a slightly different route from a commissioned role but the end result -tofly- is the same. She said she'd go straight for Sandhurst and go for the AAC route as she had heard similar things about RAF aircrew applications and that she wanted to fly helo's anyway! Nevertheless she is taking a gap year now and plans are still going ahead.
Whatever your son wants to do, don't be fobbed off with a trade he doesn't want, or is useless in civilian life, it is the case that sometimes you just can't remuster in the RAF for whatever reasons they tell you. If the forces are no longer an option, it's probably best to hit the commercial side of flying as soon after all else fails - if that's what is required. Many have followed that route and it doesn't make you a worse pilot for it.
Andrew.
Bearing in mind what she had been told, I discussed it with her after going back to Cranwell a few months earlier myself and talked to some of the young 'hopefuls' that had arrived at Sleaford station. Their stories were somewhat grim. A few were 'first-timers' but, the majority were coming back for re-interview and assessment after waiting up to 18 months for the chance to do better. It seemed that things weren't too well for the new aircrew as cost cutting was being mentioned in most conversations and even the first-timers thought that a return visit was almost assured whereas the others seemed to think this was their last chance.
I kept this to myself for quite a time until my daughter asked me for advice, I told her to go for Cranwell and if she didn't make it, go for the AAC or RN - even as a non -commissioned rank in the AAC you can fly. This is obviously a slightly different route from a commissioned role but the end result -tofly- is the same. She said she'd go straight for Sandhurst and go for the AAC route as she had heard similar things about RAF aircrew applications and that she wanted to fly helo's anyway! Nevertheless she is taking a gap year now and plans are still going ahead.
Whatever your son wants to do, don't be fobbed off with a trade he doesn't want, or is useless in civilian life, it is the case that sometimes you just can't remuster in the RAF for whatever reasons they tell you. If the forces are no longer an option, it's probably best to hit the commercial side of flying as soon after all else fails - if that's what is required. Many have followed that route and it doesn't make you a worse pilot for it.
Andrew.
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Talk to the CIO and get your son on the Potential Regiment Officers cousre so he can see it first hand. The RAF Regiment is not exactly how it looks on the brochure. Make sure he knows what he is letting himself in for first.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
The opportunities for pilot and regiment next year are good so don't worry about lack of places. It is apptitude and ability that matter.
While aircrew/ATC/FC are natural bedfellows and Regiment seems the odd one out, the fact remains that many chopped aircrew end up going regiment. Clearly there is a certain appeal in this hands-on branch.
Opportunities after sqn ldr are also good as a Regt sqn ldr can be OC Ops Sqn on a frontline flying unit.
The suggestion for logistics is a good one and there should be opportunies to get grit under the nails. Post military opportunities are also good.
While aircrew/ATC/FC are natural bedfellows and Regiment seems the odd one out, the fact remains that many chopped aircrew end up going regiment. Clearly there is a certain appeal in this hands-on branch.
Opportunities after sqn ldr are also good as a Regt sqn ldr can be OC Ops Sqn on a frontline flying unit.
The suggestion for logistics is a good one and there should be opportunies to get grit under the nails. Post military opportunities are also good.
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A few questions
First off well done for getting in. (and as a pilot) good stuff.
Can i also ask you what qualifications you had n general stuff like fitness and what you did before hand n everything
Again well done
Dave
Can i also ask you what qualifications you had n general stuff like fitness and what you did before hand n everything
Again well done
Dave
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Rogerbucks,
Been a while since I went through all this. I would advise your son to only put those trades in which he would truly be happy working onto his application form. Problems can arise when certain secondary or tertiary options are undermanned at the time of selection. The applicant (as hppened to several of my friends) can end up not being offered pilot, for example, even though they'd passed the aptitude and medical tests (chronic shortage of fighter controllers at the time). The Service can get away with this because there are always more applicants for pilot posts than places and, accordingly, the acceptance scores can be massaged. They have increased over the years. If your son has one partcular trade in mind, I would suggest he puts that, and that alone, on the form - and then be ready to robustly defend his position. Remember he is interviewing the RAF as well - it has to be right for him.
Been a while since I went through all this. I would advise your son to only put those trades in which he would truly be happy working onto his application form. Problems can arise when certain secondary or tertiary options are undermanned at the time of selection. The applicant (as hppened to several of my friends) can end up not being offered pilot, for example, even though they'd passed the aptitude and medical tests (chronic shortage of fighter controllers at the time). The Service can get away with this because there are always more applicants for pilot posts than places and, accordingly, the acceptance scores can be massaged. They have increased over the years. If your son has one partcular trade in mind, I would suggest he puts that, and that alone, on the form - and then be ready to robustly defend his position. Remember he is interviewing the RAF as well - it has to be right for him.
Join Date: May 2006
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Good advice. That GPY is precisely what happened to me in the dim past, and how I ended up Nav instead of at least having a crack at Pilot. First offer on 6th Form Scholarship was Eng.
It boiled down to how full lists were on the day - just takes experience, which the young don't have - to know the game.
It boiled down to how full lists were on the day - just takes experience, which the young don't have - to know the game.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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RAF OASC Fitness Tests - how best to prepare
Hi guys,
I have just been notified of the date if my RAF selection tests at OASC RAF Cranwell - 21st of January 2007. My main concern is the fitness tests, more specifically the multi-stage fitness test (bleep test). What is the best way one can prepare for a test such as this? Should one concentrate on endurance or sprinting? Don't get me wrong, i'm not unfit, just i've never been any good at running!
Also, I know the minimum levels for each of the fitness tests (32 situps in a minute, 13 pressups) but to gain a bonus point what should I be aiming for?
Cheers,
Ox
I have just been notified of the date if my RAF selection tests at OASC RAF Cranwell - 21st of January 2007. My main concern is the fitness tests, more specifically the multi-stage fitness test (bleep test). What is the best way one can prepare for a test such as this? Should one concentrate on endurance or sprinting? Don't get me wrong, i'm not unfit, just i've never been any good at running!
Also, I know the minimum levels for each of the fitness tests (32 situps in a minute, 13 pressups) but to gain a bonus point what should I be aiming for?Cheers,
Ox
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When I was in the RNLAF we had to do the same sort of physical test.
The best way to prepare yourself is just to practice your situps and pushups, just start and see how many you can do in a minute.
I you don't have any troubles doing the required amount, just do same more, it won't hurt your condition!
If there is some sort of bonus attached to the extra amount of excercises just trie to go any further but just don't overdo it, don't make yourself crazy for the test.
When I did the beep test, I had to go as far as step 6.5, I tried to go further but at 7.5 I just had enough of it.
Good luck with the preparations.
The best way to prepare yourself is just to practice your situps and pushups, just start and see how many you can do in a minute.
I you don't have any troubles doing the required amount, just do same more, it won't hurt your condition!
If there is some sort of bonus attached to the extra amount of excercises just trie to go any further but just don't overdo it, don't make yourself crazy for the test.
When I did the beep test, I had to go as far as step 6.5, I tried to go further but at 7.5 I just had enough of it.
Good luck with the preparations.
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Perhaps best not to be to focused on this one test, you should think about Cranwell and your general level of fitness for the future. Lots of regular, medium-distance running, swimming or cycling will keep you fit and stop you becoming a fat old git like me...
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Get a copy of the Bleep test; "Google it to find out where" and keep practising it 2 or 3 times a week. Practise does 2 things; teaches you how to pace yourself and gives you a good idea of your fitness and believe me it will improve as you keep trying it.
The advice about your general fitness is sound too but for OASC just focus on the tests required. Im sure you will get a better general fitness once you have been selected.
When I went to IOT, I could have been fitter. But you will acheive the required fitness once you are there regardless of how much trg you put in. As long as you put the effort in of course.
The advice about your general fitness is sound too but for OASC just focus on the tests required. Im sure you will get a better general fitness once you have been selected.
When I went to IOT, I could have been fitter. But you will acheive the required fitness once you are there regardless of how much trg you put in. As long as you put the effort in of course.
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What level do you have to get to?, set up some cones/objects 20m apart and practice it, i usually do normal running (couple miles) with the odd 100m sprint, never failed yet!
Red On, Green On
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At 18 you should be able to get fit just by reading about it! To succeed at the bleep test you do need some stamina, so start off with longer slower work on the running. Say 5 miles at an 8m/mile pace. When comfortable at that then alternate between a longer run at a slightly quicker pace, and some fast rep work, say 400m reps x 10, building to 15. If you put the work into the reps you'll build speed, and a six miler at 7 min/mile will build the stamina. Work up to three of each/week.
How about some swimming as well? Junior #2 thinks nothing of 70 lengths in about 50 mins.
How about some swimming as well? Junior #2 thinks nothing of 70 lengths in about 50 mins.