Melchett01

Sounds about right I'm afraid. Whilst boards and interview questions will vary, the standards will all be very similar and it is currently a hirer's market - hence you will need to show a good understanding of the RAF, its kit, where it is, what it does etc etc as part of a demonstration of your interest in the service.

Look on the brightside - as we get smaller and smaller, you'll have less places to try and remember on the map and less Sqns to learn about!

Go to the RAF Careers website and have a look at the RAF locations page - it should have exactly that - a map with all the various units on it by type IIRC.

Goood luck

Talking Radalt

Have we still got ten RAF stations?


Edit: I geddit. It was a map that began at Saudi and ended at Pakistan!

Climebear

We nearly have apart from
2 are owned by the Army (Aldergrove and Benson)
and
to be very pedantic, RAF College Cranwell is not a station but an establishment - it is located on RAF Cranwell(along with CFS, 3FTS, ...)

anotherthing

Ratty1 -

methinks Pontious does not understand sarcasm and irony!!

Yeargh

Hello all

- rather than start a new thread I thought I would join this big general thread instead.

I was hoping that some of you guys could give me some specific advice planning for a future career as a military aviator. (Hopefully!!)

Basically, like the vast majority here, I have wanted to be a military pilot for a looooong time... Problem was that until I moved to university I was unable to actualise my dream - due to passionately anti-military parents blocking me from joining the ATC etc - you know the sort.

But now, I am 19 and in my second year of university, and for the past year enjoyed independence and began making some positive career steps. I applied for the Cambridge University Air Squadron, but alas, did not get called up for interview - looking back on it, I can see why. Apparantly I needed to get more things down on paper - such as rather than just playing musical instruments - take some grades, and do belted martial arts rather than unbelted fighting systems etc. That gave me a kick up the bum to get myself on the right track. I joined the Officer training corps instead and am doing well, I am being fast-tracked for MTQ 2 (if that means anything to anyone here). Should be qualified to do solo sky diving as well by the end of easter, through the OTC, which would look quite impressive.

My A-levels were not particularly good, but am doing well at my degree (political science) and am on target for a decent 2:1 - possibly 1st if I work super hard!

I wanted to know.. do I have a chance? and if so where should I go from here.. I have 1 and a half years left of University to get myself - pilot employable.

I was thinking of taking a year off to get a job and begin work towards a PPL, get my drivers licence, get a decent level in a martial art (still doing the R.A.I.D system which is unbelted) and getting some grades on several of my more proficient muscial instruments (bass and classical guitar). Plus it would give me an extra year with the OTC so I could get into a position of responsibility, which would be great for OASC.

So basically, what would be my best approach given what I have to offer? What should I get done before I leave uni? AND, if I take a year out, giving me 2 and a half years at university - and the CUAS requires 2 years minimum left of HE to apply, would I be able to apply on a gap year? - Although if I do take a year out I will be 22 when I graduate - a whole year closer to that cut off at 24. - is it worth it?

(My flying experience extends merely too a few times in a glider and taking controls occassionally in a cesna since I have been at University - but I loved every minute of it and am again saving for my next glider trip!)

I appologise for the sheer length of this, didn't realsie how long it got! I wil appreciate any and all responses - Thank you

ProfessionalStudent

I'm sure Pontious will have something to share with you, but it sounds like you're doing all the right things to get yourself noticed by OASC. UAS attendance is not obligatory (though it would be interesting, Pontious, to know how much of an advantage it gives) and joining the OTC shows you have the mettle for the military life. It certainly seems you have a better and more enthusiastic attitude than many wannabes that post here and I for one wish you luck.

I would go with Mike though, ditch the idea of a gap-year. The max age for entry INTO TRAINING is 24 (so you must have completed IOT before hand). Carpe Diem and all that.

I'm not sure that a PPL would add anything to your application, other than showing that you are keen. Whilst many candidates will have theirs, a PPL is a reflection of one's means, not one's ability and not all candidates will have that means. If you read the rest of the posts, you will see that often a PPL can be seen as an encumberance during mil flying training as you have to learn it all again the military way. Spend the money on beer and women like a real student should!

Anyway, good luck to you.

Then of course, there's always the AAC...

Pontius Navigator

Nothing really to add here at all. About the UAS thing and lack of ATC, all I would expect is that you would have to have good answers at interview why you did not join the ATC, why you failed to gain a place at UAS, what you learnt, what you learnt from OTC and what advantages will your time in OTC bring to you and your future career.

Simply they are all 'begging' questions for which you should prepare answers.

The answer you gave for ATC will be an openner for further probing questions:

What did your parents think about you joining the OTC? What do your parents think about your application to join the RAF? They would not, I guess, expect you to say you hadn't told them.

No, you are doing all the right things which goes some way to answer the what you learnt question good luck, don't bust a gut for a 1st at the expense of your life.

Neeps

Just remember that at OASC or even filter interview level you may be asked what your family think of you joining the RAF.

Tranx

Hello everybody,

I'm considering joining the RAF as a pilot or if thats not possible then a weapons operator.

I'm 21, nearing 22, and want to make my application ASAP so as to beat the age restriction. After completing my college course I worked for 2 years in IT support and recently started a foundation year in science with the outlook to begin a degree in Marine Biology next year. However since I started this course I've been thinking greatly about what I want from life and I don't believe I can find it in a desk job. I want to make a difference, have an active job and not be stuck doing 9-5 with the highlight of my day being a lunchbreak. Will this rather dis-jointed history make a bad impression on my application? I have to say that its only recently that I've come to terms with what I want from my life and what's important. Is this usual or will I stick out like a sore thumb?

I've just been sent an information pack with a form to request a meeting with my local AFCO. This is being sent back promptly. Is there anything I should know or do to prepare before this meeting? I've been reading up on the RAF and improving my fitness. As far as I have read on the RAF careers website this first meeting is informal and if I decide to join they will then give me an application form. What standard of "casual" dress are they expecting? T-shirt/jeans, shirt/trousers, shirt/tie?

Ive been speaking to a friend of mine who is currently in IOT and with several older folks who have left the RAF after a long service and everything I have heard has sounded perfect for me. Even the long runs and early mornings sound fun.

The posts a bit long but I've tried to get my situation across and express my concerns.

Cheers and thanks hearing me out.

Pontius Navigator

What would you wear if you were selling computers in PC World or Dixons?

Jacket and Tie is safe and conventional. Jeans are not worn in messes and the staff you meet will be dressed in clean, well-pressed uniform (or they should be) - dress to match is safest.

Pontius Navigator

I believe there is a published dress code for OASC, that said, it is not unknown for the Boarding Officer overseeing the candidates to have to remind them of dress and deportment.

Tip for OASC and as applicable to AFCO: do not have a late night the night before - keep off the Coke, alco pops, caffeine etc. Relax but not so far as to fall off the chair.

Also, new for 2007, NO SMOKING.

Tranx

Thank you for the advice everyone. I'm not sure what you'd wear to sell computers in PC World, my experience has been as a support analyst where on site calls to customers or meetings to discuss project spec's would always be shirt and tie afairs. Guess I just answered my own question.

I've got some good answers about why I chose to do what I've done. I've also got good answers for why I want to join the RAF. Late night is off the cards, wouldn't be stupid enough to risk it all like that anyway.

Those videos look great as an introduction. Trying to learn the aircraft types, the roles of the RAF and where they are based is coming along nicely. Current affairs seems quite hard to track down decent information for. The BBC News website seems a bit sparse and while I read The Times I'd like somewhere to look for past history as well as todays events. Any suggestions?

Yeargh

Thank you very much for all your advice, it has really helped me visualise what I should be aiming to achieve in the next year and a half . - I have decided to scrap the year out idea and instead save up some money to rejoin the glider club (stopped attending due to finances - self-funded studenting is expensive work) and have plenty of air time for my final year.

Professional student - on the flyer the UAS was handing out at the fresher's fair, it said that 60% of the RAF's pilots come from UAS , so I guess it is somewhat of an advantage.

Considering I am scrapping the year out idea, I am not going to bother with a PPL, but would it be advantagous to get a few hours of lessons over the summer? or should I go and try and get gliding under my belt?

Concerning not joining the ATC, would saying my parants would not allow me cut the mustard? I mean it doesn't sound very good, but I guess it can't be helped at the age of 14.

And just one more thing, would a 1st make much of a difference when applying, as apposed to a 2:1? Because to get a first, I would probably have to drop some hobbies and social life to work harder at my course

Thanks a lot for the help you guys, it has really been helpful!

And Tranx - Give it your all and Good luck!!

Pontius Navigator

And 40% don't!

[quote] PPL, but would it be advantagous to get a few hours of lessons over the summer? or should I go and try and get gliding under my belt?{/quote]

I would go for either whichever is meaningful or whichever is less expensive or whichever you enjoy more. For instance if you could get wings with one or the other it marks an achievement.

Not so much what your parents said then but how will your family relationship develop now.

I met two graduates, same first class university, same degree course, in training about the same time. The one with a 1st was a bit slow and I don't think he graduated. The one with a 3rd passed had a rowing blue and passed through the training system with ease. Without irony even his peers knew he was destined for higher things. Last I heard he was a wg cdr.

Can you work out a course of action from that?

Tranx

Cheers Yeargh, must say that after your post I felt a little under-qualified! I can only do my best though and with a lot of hard work I'm sure I'll be able to make it in.

Neeps

Not necessarily, it's a lot to do with how you come across and how commited you now are to joining the RAF. Your time certainly doesn't sound too disjointed to me.

Is this the P2 presentation, or just an informal chat? Either way, dress smartly. You may be the only one there in a suit or slacks and a shirt but first impressions count. Both the P2 and an informal chat are just for you to ask some questions and to get to know a bit more about the RAF without any commitment.

Yeargh

Thanks for the reply

I think I will go with the university's gliding club and get as much out of it as possible, make the most of it while I am still a student! .

I think that my parents view on the military is turning into a success story. I have been working on them for years now, and they are slowing seeing the more positive sides of the armed forces. They did not object tooooo much when I joined the OTC. Since I joined they have seen a great boost in my confidence and myself in general and I think it is changing their opinion about the armed forces. I believe that by the time I will be face to face with the interviewer, that I could say, at least that, my parents will be supporting my decision to join, while not being overstruck on the idea.

Cheers again - I won't go too mad chasing a first, although it would be great, I will be more than contented to apply with a 2:1!

Tranx, just do your best and make the most of your time!

cynicalint

Tranx,
current affairs always causes concern for OASC. It takes up a small portion of the interview but takes a lot to prepare for. Reading the Economist is a good start; it gives a brief summary of domestic and international affairs in the first few pages and more in depth articles throughout. It is usually a good idea to pick a story from each continent and three or four domestic issues and research the background of those and follow them through to the day of your interview. Try to avoid the obvious areas like the war in Afghanistan or Iraq as everyone will mention that, but look at different and interesting aspects such as NATO's contribution (or not depending on your outlook) to Afghanistan. The internet and broadsheets are also good sources, - often worth reading those on both sides of the political divide to get a balanced perspective; from this you can form your own opinions on the issues, but be able to back them up with reasoned argument - there are no right and wrong answers, but rather fewer 'right' approaches to expressing your opinions and why you hold them and many 'wrong' ways of doing it. It is a measure of your ability to hold interesting conversations on various subjects, without rubbing people up the wrong way, while still presenting your own thought process without following the flock and repeating 'parrot-like' the fashionable bandwagon 'wisdoms'.

Yeargh

I have run a search on the forum for the buttock to knee measurement, and what is the maximum and minimums. I feel that this may be an area that will prevent me from joining because I have quite long thieghs.

If anyone knows of what the specific requirements are for this measurement, I would be most grateful. Thanks

Neeps

What are you going to do, get out a tape measure? Don't bother with knowing the requirements for that. You'll only do it wrong and get yourself into a panic.