OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Pontious Nav,
Thanks, I have read this thread among others (prior to merging) completely.
Im talking recently as in the last week, to gauge how busy OASC are at the moment. Your advice is probably better aimed at those who persist on posting far, far more repetitive questions than mine, direct answers to which are available on these very forums.........
Thanks, I have read this thread among others (prior to merging) completely.
Im talking recently as in the last week, to gauge how busy OASC are at the moment. Your advice is probably better aimed at those who persist on posting far, far more repetitive questions than mine, direct answers to which are available on these very forums.........
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PN - although warfare is indeed the "executive" branch of the RN and the most likely way to attain command, the process of arriving at that point (if you're picked up) is one who's merits I will not begin to try to describe here; suffice to say everyone I know bar perhaps 2 or 3 people currently in mid career warfare appointments cannot wait to get out.
If you want front line employment, I would strongly suggest that the only flavour of warfare that might please is in the Submarine Service. Surface units are vanishing like snow off a dyke, as are command and senior appointments. Deployments are now rarely global and interspersed with long periods alongside undergoing whatever maintenance your particular war canoe might or might not be entitled to before it too is mothballed.
Transfers from core warfare (or X) appointments to the FAA are extremely rare and hard won; joining as P or O directly however might promise a really excellent career IF the carriers appear, IF the surface unit rot slows, and IF etc...
If you want front line employment, I would strongly suggest that the only flavour of warfare that might please is in the Submarine Service. Surface units are vanishing like snow off a dyke, as are command and senior appointments. Deployments are now rarely global and interspersed with long periods alongside undergoing whatever maintenance your particular war canoe might or might not be entitled to before it too is mothballed.
Transfers from core warfare (or X) appointments to the FAA are extremely rare and hard won; joining as P or O directly however might promise a really excellent career IF the carriers appear, IF the surface unit rot slows, and IF etc...
Join Date: Apr 2007
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H_H I am slightly disappointed, but not suprised that you found some RAF Admin officers who didn't rate their careers. Over my time in the RAF I've come across many people from many branches, aircrew included, who didn't particularly enjoy what they were doing or felt they were not satisfied in the RAF.
My point is don't let yourself be put off by the moans of some people. My experiences, as an Admin officer have been fantastic, and I continue to enjoy my postings. I have served in 7 countires away from mainland UK; some great beer drinking places and some a little hotter and not quite as social. I have had a good range of jobs, serving on flying stns and in HQs/MOD, and worked closely with the RN and Army. I would certainly say that I am not unique in my Admin career profile to date.
My advice would be to have a close look at all the branches that the RAF offer and see what you think you are best suited to. In my experience any air force job is what you make of it and the great people you meet along the way.
Good luck!
My point is don't let yourself be put off by the moans of some people. My experiences, as an Admin officer have been fantastic, and I continue to enjoy my postings. I have served in 7 countires away from mainland UK; some great beer drinking places and some a little hotter and not quite as social. I have had a good range of jobs, serving on flying stns and in HQs/MOD, and worked closely with the RN and Army. I would certainly say that I am not unique in my Admin career profile to date.
My advice would be to have a close look at all the branches that the RAF offer and see what you think you are best suited to. In my experience any air force job is what you make of it and the great people you meet along the way.
Good luck!
While other jobs may be more exciting admin is what my degree is about and it makes more sense to apply for that. I'm not looking to join just for the training then leave but as Pontius said at least i will have good skills if i ever decide to try a civilian job.
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While other jobs may be more exciting admin is what my degree is about and it makes more sense to apply for that.
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I think H_H should give it a go and see if he enjoys it - there are lots of very happy ground branch officers out there in there in the big-wide air force, as well as happy aircrew. My advice would be to give it a go, and if you don't like it what have you lost, apart from a couple of years of your life? I can guarantee that you will gain a load of good mates, some really good memories, and it will never do you any harm to have military admin experience on your CV.
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My advice would be to give it a go, and if you don't like it what have you lost, apart from a couple of years of your life?
.RAF Administration.
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S-Matt, give it a rest and let the poor chap make a reasoned decision, beyond the baby-pilot drivel of 'pilots are better than ground crew', which I'm guessing you grow out of when you graduate from Linton
H_H There are loads of good jobs in the Admin Branches - admittedly there are some bad jobs as well, but that's the same throughout the military...even for aircrew.
H_H There are loads of good jobs in the Admin Branches - admittedly there are some bad jobs as well, but that's the same throughout the military...even for aircrew.
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RAF as a pilot
Hey, im new in this web site.
I am 15 years old, was born in England (Guernsey), but now live in Madeira (Portugal).
I am going to apply to the RAF as a pilot, but i still need to know some information of the pre-joining tests...
I already know that i need to have grade C at Maths and English lauguage or equivelent in my case.
Can someone tell my more information about the pre-joining tests and interview as a pilot?
Thanks a lot
Alex
I am 15 years old, was born in England (Guernsey), but now live in Madeira (Portugal).
I am going to apply to the RAF as a pilot, but i still need to know some information of the pre-joining tests...
I already know that i need to have grade C at Maths and English lauguage or equivelent in my case.
Can someone tell my more information about the pre-joining tests and interview as a pilot?
Thanks a lot
Alex
Red On, Green On
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From this page:
"
You must have lived in the UK for at least the three years before you apply to join.
In exceptional circumstances, there is a chance that if you don’t meet these requirements exactly, you could still be considered for service.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please call the advice line on 0845 605 5555."
You'll need A levels to at least 140 UCAS points (where 120 = A, 100 =B etc)
"
You must have lived in the UK for at least the three years before you apply to join.
In exceptional circumstances, there is a chance that if you don’t meet these requirements exactly, you could still be considered for service.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please call the advice line on 0845 605 5555."
You'll need A levels to at least 140 UCAS points (where 120 = A, 100 =B etc)
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Alex, where you live at the moment is not a problem. i see you were born in Guernsey, that is not a problem either, but are you British?
You will also need 3 other GCSE Grade C or higher, or equivalent and 2 A-levels or equivalent.
Assuming you are British you could write to an AFCO and ask for information, I don't have a suitable address. Also you may be eligible for a 6th Form Scholarship to help during your final year in the 6th Form. To get this you would have to attend selection at the OASC.
You will also need 3 other GCSE Grade C or higher, or equivalent and 2 A-levels or equivalent.
Assuming you are British you could write to an AFCO and ask for information, I don't have a suitable address. Also you may be eligible for a 6th Form Scholarship to help during your final year in the 6th Form. To get this you would have to attend selection at the OASC.
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AlexHi.
Thanks very mucyh for your help
Yes i am British.
I have the British Passport.
Yes i know that i will need to have more 3 subjects.
Your GSCS here in Portugal is 2 years of School.
And the A Levels is the last year of school here in Portugal.
Do you work for the RAF?
Thanks for the information you gave my
Alex
Kind Regards Sir
Yes i am British.
I have the British Passport.
Yes i know that i will need to have more 3 subjects.
Your GSCS here in Portugal is 2 years of School.
And the A Levels is the last year of school here in Portugal.
Do you work for the RAF?
Thanks for the information you gave my
Alex
Kind Regards Sir
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Nin43 - I had my filter interview last month and received my Cranwell date within two weeks. It was just over twelve weeks overall from the date of my P2 interview to the date I am due to attend Cranwell.
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Aircrew and eyesight
Not strictly a direct recruiting question in the typical sense but was hoping someone here would be able to provide me with some advice or info. Currently a serving officer in the Ops Spt branch and have always wanted to be aircrew but my eyesight is outside the stipulated limits.
Someone recently informed me that they thought it was still possible to commence flying training with corrected eyesight if you were already a serving officer. Is anyone able to shed any light on whether this is true (provide any details on precedent etc.)? My eyesight when corrected is better than average and my aptitude for aircrew was very high when I went through OASC.
Would be grateful for any PMs from anyone who can help me realise something I've always wanted but never thought was possible.
Someone recently informed me that they thought it was still possible to commence flying training with corrected eyesight if you were already a serving officer. Is anyone able to shed any light on whether this is true (provide any details on precedent etc.)? My eyesight when corrected is better than average and my aptitude for aircrew was very high when I went through OASC.
Would be grateful for any PMs from anyone who can help me realise something I've always wanted but never thought was possible.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
DT, old adage, don't ask don't want, don't want don't get.
Only way to get authoritive advice is ask the experts at AFCO. It may be possible to get advice from PSF but it is not in their direct expertise and, as someone pointed out earlier, you are as likely to be met with an LAC barely out of training.
Only way to get authoritive advice is ask the experts at AFCO. It may be possible to get advice from PSF but it is not in their direct expertise and, as someone pointed out earlier, you are as likely to be met with an LAC barely out of training.
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DT,
Been through this one myself. Unfortunately the regs for someone who is undergoing trg - i.e already selected for aircrew - are different the someone yet to be selected. Your eyesight at the time of selection is what you are judged on. If your eyesight deteriorates after initial selection you carry on - with glasses etc.
Hard rules I know.
PM me for more if you need it.
Rgds.
Been through this one myself. Unfortunately the regs for someone who is undergoing trg - i.e already selected for aircrew - are different the someone yet to be selected. Your eyesight at the time of selection is what you are judged on. If your eyesight deteriorates after initial selection you carry on - with glasses etc.
Hard rules I know.
PM me for more if you need it.
Rgds.
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Pilot Training
Hi, I wonder if anyone can help me. Can any users tell me details of pilot training. e.g. How long at EFTS and what you fly and where? What happens after that (Toucano/KingAir/Squirrel etc). I have a vague idea but with OASC looming, I can't find specific details about locations and course lengths.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Thanks in advance for your help.
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Andis,
In regards to your question here is what I am aware the answer is
IOT- 33 Weeks split into 3 stages
EFTS- 62 Hours on the Grob Tutor
You’ll then spend one week at Henlow doing G-Force testing
All the above will be taken into consideration and you will then be streamed Fast Jet, Multi's or Rotary
Fast Jet- 21 Months Training, A/C- Tucano, Hawk, to OCU (Tornado F3/GR4 Etc)
Multi's- 10 Months Training, A/C- Firefly, King Air, to OCU (Herc etc)
Rotary- 18 Months Training, A/C- Squirrel, Griffin, to OCU (Chinook etc)
Remember buddy there will be holds in between each course.
The above is to the best of my knowledge.
Take it easy and Good Luck
Snoopy
In regards to your question here is what I am aware the answer is
IOT- 33 Weeks split into 3 stages
EFTS- 62 Hours on the Grob Tutor
You’ll then spend one week at Henlow doing G-Force testing
All the above will be taken into consideration and you will then be streamed Fast Jet, Multi's or Rotary
Fast Jet- 21 Months Training, A/C- Tucano, Hawk, to OCU (Tornado F3/GR4 Etc)
Multi's- 10 Months Training, A/C- Firefly, King Air, to OCU (Herc etc)
Rotary- 18 Months Training, A/C- Squirrel, Griffin, to OCU (Chinook etc)
Remember buddy there will be holds in between each course.
The above is to the best of my knowledge.
Take it easy and Good Luck
Snoopy
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Hi mate.
Im Alex, 15 years old, born in Britain, but live in Portugal.
I will apply to the RAF as a pilot.
I already know that IOT is 33 weeks.
That 33 weeks is to get into the military life?
And after the IOT, who chooses the kind of pilot you will be is the RAF or yourself?
Example: Jets, Rotary engine, or multiengine.
Thanks,
Kind regards, Alex
Im Alex, 15 years old, born in Britain, but live in Portugal.
I will apply to the RAF as a pilot.
I already know that IOT is 33 weeks.
That 33 weeks is to get into the military life?
And after the IOT, who chooses the kind of pilot you will be is the RAF or yourself?
Example: Jets, Rotary engine, or multiengine.
Thanks,
Kind regards, Alex
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Alex, you may express a preference but what you get will depend on your initial assessment and how you perform in elementary flying training. Above all however will be the needs for 'into productive service' at the time you are expected to finish training; that will be in 2011 to 2015.
I wish it was possible to predict the requirement for when you join but we can't even predict what aircraft might be available to you other than Typhoon, C130J and Merlin.
Airborne_Artist published this a few days ago:
<<The number of RAF and Royal Navy pilots going through the elite training programme has more than halved over the past five years, according to new figures.
Last year, 45 pilots entered the specialist fast jet training scheme, compared to 110 in 2002-03.
The sharp fall comes as the Ministry of Defence estimates it needs a total of 790 fast jet pilots this year, even though only 680 were available during the past year.
At the same time, ministers are planning to reduce the official requirement for fast jet pilots to 750 over the next four years.>>
I wish it was possible to predict the requirement for when you join but we can't even predict what aircraft might be available to you other than Typhoon, C130J and Merlin.
Airborne_Artist published this a few days ago:
<<The number of RAF and Royal Navy pilots going through the elite training programme has more than halved over the past five years, according to new figures.
Last year, 45 pilots entered the specialist fast jet training scheme, compared to 110 in 2002-03.
The sharp fall comes as the Ministry of Defence estimates it needs a total of 790 fast jet pilots this year, even though only 680 were available during the past year.
At the same time, ministers are planning to reduce the official requirement for fast jet pilots to 750 over the next four years.>>