OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
Join Date: Oct 2004
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I recently passed my AIB for pilot and got 11.12 in the Bleep test. They said that this is a good pass, however the emphasis was placed more on effort than actually score. We were informed that it is more a test of motivation. Obviously the higher level you attain the better, however, someone who reaches level 9 and cannot physically take another step will score better than someone who reaches 12 and decides he/she has done enough. My advice would be, run until you can't run anymore ... then run a little harder. No pain, no gain!!
best of luck
Nick
best of luck
Nick
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.
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.
I think the Rocks still run the Potential Regt Officer Aquaint Cse (PROAC) at Honington. Even if he's certain this is the branch for him, going on this vist shows keeness; if he can get on some other visits for other branches, that would give him an idea of what to go for if the Regt recruiting taps are off at the moment and further show willing.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Many thanks for your advice and encouragement guys 
I think even 5 miles will be pushing it initially! But yes, stamina in running is something I could definitely do with more of. Strange thing is, I can't run to save my life at the moment, yet I can cycle 150+ miles on my racing bike! 
So the bonus points for physical fitness are awrded on effort rather than achievement?
Cheers,
Ox
I think even 5 miles will be pushing it initially! But yes, stamina in running is something I could definitely do with more of. Strange thing is, I can't run to save my life at the moment, yet I can cycle 150+ miles on my racing bike! So the bonus points for physical fitness are awrded on effort rather than achievement?Cheers,
Ox
Join Date: Dec 2005
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RogerBucks,
As a serving member of the RAF Regiment I echo a lot of the posts on here regarding your son putting his first choice first.
I applied for RAF Regiment as my first choice (also put Loadmaster as a second choice). When I was at school I had applied for a Flying Scholarship but was told that my eyesight was not good enough. After a few years I started to set my sights on the RAF Regt. 7 years after my first experience I decided to apply to join having discounted Pilot/Nav on the grounds of my previous medical. I was sent to a ground board (back when they did separate air and ground assessments, think it is all in one again now). With my heart set on joining the RAF Regt, the Medics told me that my eyesight was good enough for pilot. As you can imagine, this awakened all sorts of quandaries in my head. I was fairly confident I would pass OASC for RAF Regt (cocky I know), however, should I bin it a re-apply for an air board? I decided to stick it out. Got accepted RAF Regt so decided to write a letter to OASC stating that I wished to be considered for aircrew in light of what I had been told during my medicals. OASC didn’t even grace me with a response. I decided not to rock the boat and joined up as RAF Regt.
I have to say I haven't regretted my decision to join the RAF Regt and have thoroughly enjoyed my time and would recommend it to anyone and the PROAC, which it would appear that your son is already attending, will give him a good insight into what we do. For me however, the question will always remain, would I have got in as aircrew.
The moral of the story is, always apply for what you want to do regardless of what has happened in your past. Let the "experts" decided what you can or can't do.
As for Chicken Leg's rather lame comment, surf pprune, e-goat and Arrse to get complete cross section of why people should or shouldn't join the RAF Regt or the Army.
As a serving member of the RAF Regiment I echo a lot of the posts on here regarding your son putting his first choice first.
I applied for RAF Regiment as my first choice (also put Loadmaster as a second choice). When I was at school I had applied for a Flying Scholarship but was told that my eyesight was not good enough. After a few years I started to set my sights on the RAF Regt. 7 years after my first experience I decided to apply to join having discounted Pilot/Nav on the grounds of my previous medical. I was sent to a ground board (back when they did separate air and ground assessments, think it is all in one again now). With my heart set on joining the RAF Regt, the Medics told me that my eyesight was good enough for pilot. As you can imagine, this awakened all sorts of quandaries in my head. I was fairly confident I would pass OASC for RAF Regt (cocky I know), however, should I bin it a re-apply for an air board? I decided to stick it out. Got accepted RAF Regt so decided to write a letter to OASC stating that I wished to be considered for aircrew in light of what I had been told during my medicals. OASC didn’t even grace me with a response. I decided not to rock the boat and joined up as RAF Regt.
I have to say I haven't regretted my decision to join the RAF Regt and have thoroughly enjoyed my time and would recommend it to anyone and the PROAC, which it would appear that your son is already attending, will give him a good insight into what we do. For me however, the question will always remain, would I have got in as aircrew.
The moral of the story is, always apply for what you want to do regardless of what has happened in your past. Let the "experts" decided what you can or can't do.
As for Chicken Leg's rather lame comment, surf pprune, e-goat and Arrse to get complete cross section of why people should or shouldn't join the RAF Regt or the Army.
Yeah, that seems to be how it works.
In my experience of the RAFFT [limited, ill admit] those who have sauntered to 11-odd have got less marks than those who've busted a gut and got to 11dead.
As for the press-ups and sit-ups, aim for between 10 and 20% more than they 'want'. Should give you a reasonable cushion.
In my experience of the RAFFT [limited, ill admit] those who have sauntered to 11-odd have got less marks than those who've busted a gut and got to 11dead.
As for the press-ups and sit-ups, aim for between 10 and 20% more than they 'want'. Should give you a reasonable cushion.
Join Date: Oct 2004
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A little trick,
If he puts down more than one branch it is more to learn for the interview as they should question on all branch choices.
However, if he does make it through to past the interview, you have an 'admin' interview and at this point you can add extra branches, without actually having to chat about them at interview level - that is the point to stick down any extra if you really desire.
There are many pages of advice for Filter/OASC on the Armed Forces section of The Student Room if your son is interested.
All the best
If he puts down more than one branch it is more to learn for the interview as they should question on all branch choices.
However, if he does make it through to past the interview, you have an 'admin' interview and at this point you can add extra branches, without actually having to chat about them at interview level - that is the point to stick down any extra if you really desire.
There are many pages of advice for Filter/OASC on the Armed Forces section of The Student Room if your son is interested.
All the best
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Best advice (which proved successful) I was given was:
‘If you’re gonna be tested on the bleep test, sit ups and press ups, then the training is simple: practise the beep test, and do press ups and sit ups a few times each week!’
Will get you the exact boundaries for the MSFT and press/sit up results and post them tomorrow for you. The manner in which OASC assesses you is slightly different than the annual fitness test for the rest of the RAF, in that there are 4 grades, with different results required.
I, like you am a relatively fit lad, have always been a good sprinter & cyclist, but poorer at longer distances. So I ran a 3mile route 3 times a week using the ‘Fartlek’ technique. If you Google it you’ll find out more but basically it involves running at a gentle jog for a while, picking up the pace a little, then sprinting to a gate/lamp post/grid/tree a hundred metres or so ahead, then walking at a fast pace to get your breath back and repeating the cycle over and over. I hate running as its boring but it really helps break the monotony and increases your stamina relatively quickly.
Would do this Mon, Wed, Fri (takes about 30 mins), then swim on a Tue & Thurs to break up the running and give my knees a break. With press/sit ups I’d do as many as I could in a minute before bed 3 times a week. Then on a Saturday (after having got the bleep test off ebay and stuck it on my ipod) would do the full 3 tests at a local empty school playground.
Sounds a lot but it REALLY helped improve my fitness, also means you can keep track of your improvements. I know it improved because I’m now back at uni, and after a heavy freshers month, I’ve stuck on 2 kilos and I'm knackered after my usual run!
Will get you the boundaries tomorrow A.M.
Hope that helps
RTA
‘If you’re gonna be tested on the bleep test, sit ups and press ups, then the training is simple: practise the beep test, and do press ups and sit ups a few times each week!’
Will get you the exact boundaries for the MSFT and press/sit up results and post them tomorrow for you. The manner in which OASC assesses you is slightly different than the annual fitness test for the rest of the RAF, in that there are 4 grades, with different results required.
I, like you am a relatively fit lad, have always been a good sprinter & cyclist, but poorer at longer distances. So I ran a 3mile route 3 times a week using the ‘Fartlek’ technique. If you Google it you’ll find out more but basically it involves running at a gentle jog for a while, picking up the pace a little, then sprinting to a gate/lamp post/grid/tree a hundred metres or so ahead, then walking at a fast pace to get your breath back and repeating the cycle over and over. I hate running as its boring but it really helps break the monotony and increases your stamina relatively quickly.
Would do this Mon, Wed, Fri (takes about 30 mins), then swim on a Tue & Thurs to break up the running and give my knees a break. With press/sit ups I’d do as many as I could in a minute before bed 3 times a week. Then on a Saturday (after having got the bleep test off ebay and stuck it on my ipod) would do the full 3 tests at a local empty school playground.
Sounds a lot but it REALLY helped improve my fitness, also means you can keep track of your improvements. I know it improved because I’m now back at uni, and after a heavy freshers month, I’ve stuck on 2 kilos and I'm knackered after my usual run!
Will get you the boundaries tomorrow A.M.
Hope that helps
RTA
Join Date: Apr 2004
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A agree with the post a few up from here, either go for Pilot or join the Army. Leave Regiment out of it. He'll spend his life doing admin for CCS for the rest of the RAF whilst everyone else laughs at how hard he had to work to get there!
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The Cooler King
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Get him to join the French Foreign Legion.
Great training - still not afraid to "backhand" you!
Learn a new language. Travel the world. Do stuff that never makes the papers.
All he needs is a ticket to Paris or Marseilles (or any one of about another 10 recruitment spots) and his passport.
You won't hear from him for about 6 months, but after that contrary to myth, if he wants to contact you, he can.
Minimum contract is 5 years.
Great training - still not afraid to "backhand" you!
Learn a new language. Travel the world. Do stuff that never makes the papers.
All he needs is a ticket to Paris or Marseilles (or any one of about another 10 recruitment spots) and his passport.
You won't hear from him for about 6 months, but after that contrary to myth, if he wants to contact you, he can.
Minimum contract is 5 years.
Do enough to pass, but only just enough. Then rush around like a keenie telling everyone in earshot that you're determined to do better...
'They' are stupid enough (must be, knowing some of those who were Flt Cdrs) to believe that their 'system' must have worked when you do better the next time!
'They' are stupid enough (must be, knowing some of those who were Flt Cdrs) to believe that their 'system' must have worked when you do better the next time!
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Many thanks guys, that's helped a lot RTA details of those test boundaries would be much appreciated, and this fartlek technique sounds very useful as I ,like you, find running somewhat boring! I'll give it a try tommorow afternoon.
Thankyou all for your help so far
RTA details of those test boundaries would be much appreciated, and this fartlek technique sounds very useful as I ,like you, find running somewhat boring! I'll give it a try tommorow afternoon.Thankyou all for your help so far
Join Date: Nov 2005
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Jobs in the RAF
Hi, I’m not in the military. I’ve just finished my commercial training at a very reputable FTO and have got a MEIR/CPL/MCC out of it and now starting the tedious exercise of job hunting. Looked on the RAF website the other day and they were saying they need pilots urgently. Was wandering what my chances of joining the
RAF was with these qualifications. I have applied in the past, before my flight training, and was told no due to having asthma as a child, and having reading glasses, however my fitness now is fine and only wear the glasses when trying to look sophisticated! Do you think it would be wise to try the recruitment people again?
Thanks for the advice.
CJH
RAF was with these qualifications. I have applied in the past, before my flight training, and was told no due to having asthma as a child, and having reading glasses, however my fitness now is fine and only wear the glasses when trying to look sophisticated! Do you think it would be wise to try the recruitment people again?
Thanks for the advice.
CJH
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Oxeagle,
apologies for the late posting.
If i recall correctly (check your PMs), the boundaries are as follows:
Male 17-24
Bleep Test
Good 11.07+
Creditable 10.06-11.06
Meets Std 9.10-10.05
Below Std <9.05
Press Ups
Good 35+
Creditable 21-34
Meets Std 13-20
Below Std <10
Sit Ups
Good 46+
Creditable 41-45
Meets Std 35-40
Below Std <35
Your overall score i.e. Good, Creditable etc, is taken from the lowest of the three grades you achieve, annoyingly! So while it may look good to keep beasting the bleep test, once you've comfortably met the standard you're aiming for there's no point knackering yourself further as you've the press/sit ups to do next.
When I did it, the PTI's don't give a monkeys about effort, nothing like that is noted down, simply your name and score. There was one officer from the selection board overseeing the process, although I don't think he was there in any official capacity, dressed in his PT kit I think he was more checking in on the procedure for fairness before going on to use the gym himself.
With that said, it never hurts to give it your best shot, just don't excel at one area at the expense of another. You will always do a little more on the day with the adrenaline pumping and the rest of your board cheering you on anyway.
Best of luck with the application, let us know if you've any other questions.
RTA
apologies for the late posting.
If i recall correctly (check your PMs), the boundaries are as follows:
Male 17-24
Bleep Test
Good 11.07+
Creditable 10.06-11.06
Meets Std 9.10-10.05
Below Std <9.05
Press Ups
Good 35+
Creditable 21-34
Meets Std 13-20
Below Std <10
Sit Ups
Good 46+
Creditable 41-45
Meets Std 35-40
Below Std <35
Your overall score i.e. Good, Creditable etc, is taken from the lowest of the three grades you achieve, annoyingly! So while it may look good to keep beasting the bleep test, once you've comfortably met the standard you're aiming for there's no point knackering yourself further as you've the press/sit ups to do next.
When I did it, the PTI's don't give a monkeys about effort, nothing like that is noted down, simply your name and score. There was one officer from the selection board overseeing the process, although I don't think he was there in any official capacity, dressed in his PT kit I think he was more checking in on the procedure for fairness before going on to use the gym himself.
With that said, it never hurts to give it your best shot, just don't excel at one area at the expense of another. You will always do a little more on the day with the adrenaline pumping and the rest of your board cheering you on anyway.
Best of luck with the application, let us know if you've any other questions.
RTA
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Ox
"I can't run to save my life at the moment, yet I can cycle 150+ miles on my racing bike"
I'm the same. I run regularly- nothing special, but about twice a week for 30-40 mins cross country. Then I buggered up my knee, so I bought a mountain bike- terrific fun . With the knee rested over the summer, I tried running again- and felt completely shattered, which was painful and demoralising 
. An ex RM mate then advised that running and cycling use completely different muscles- hence my three month lay off had atrophied my running muscles. I'm now well back to the old routine though and feeling fine- for a creakey 44 year old!
Just to pick up on an earlier poster, in my experience (various army selection stuff) they look for determination- so just don't give up nomatter how crap you are at a particular exercise- but get out and do some running anyway and leave the bike in the shed for a few months?
Good luck!
"I can't run to save my life at the moment, yet I can cycle 150+ miles on my racing bike"
I'm the same. I run regularly- nothing special, but about twice a week for 30-40 mins cross country. Then I buggered up my knee, so I bought a mountain bike- terrific fun
. With the knee rested over the summer, I tried running again- and felt completely shattered, which was painful and demoralising . An ex RM mate then advised that running and cycling use completely different muscles- hence my three month lay off had atrophied my running muscles. I'm now well back to the old routine though and feeling fine- for a creakey 44 year old!Just to pick up on an earlier poster, in my experience (various army selection stuff) they look for determination- so just don't give up nomatter how crap you are at a particular exercise- but get out and do some running anyway and leave the bike in the shed for a few months?
Good luck!