OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
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Pontius Navigator, you say:
"Although pressed to get a commission by his officers he is content with his lot. His dad is content too."
Don't let me give the impression for one minute that I am anything other than a content dad! Actually I'm highly impressed by his son's humble approach in seeking a Royal Air Force career. My angles are:
1. I'd like to understand my son's career choice
2. I think it is important for him to know if he's been wisely advised by the officer/s he's spoken to, and from what your colleagues say, the concensus is that he has not!
3. I know he will read and take on board what you 'the experts' have to say, so thanks to everyone for the valuable feed back.
"Although pressed to get a commission by his officers he is content with his lot. His dad is content too."
Don't let me give the impression for one minute that I am anything other than a content dad! Actually I'm highly impressed by his son's humble approach in seeking a Royal Air Force career. My angles are:
1. I'd like to understand my son's career choice
2. I think it is important for him to know if he's been wisely advised by the officer/s he's spoken to, and from what your colleagues say, the concensus is that he has not!
3. I know he will read and take on board what you 'the experts' have to say, so thanks to everyone for the valuable feed back.
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Advice for 17 year old sons
Before getting into the merits or otherwise of current RAF recruitment targets etc., the problem for this young man's father is where I was many years ago.
Before any young person can realise his/her potential they need to have a target that they themselves need to identify. Aim at nothing and you stand every chance of hitting it!
Good parental advice can sometimes go OTT and be mistaken for pushing in a particular direction whereas the role is one of personal adviser and helping them to see ALL of everyone's shop windows, whilst having a good understanding of where their best skills lie.
Having arrived at a target, then the only way the target can be realised is to have internal self motivation - without this, all is lost - no matter how hard parents try.
Been there, done it, seen the video - mine was lazy but talented, until finding his target, then how things changed and his hunger for success was without limit.
I've spent years flying and training many future RAF and civil pilots in HM's private airline, and many, with a lot of non-politically correct motivational words have gone on to be just what they wanted to be. The secret is good honest broker advice, good balanced information, and assisting in making their plans work. I'm proud to have done my bit for those who have succeeded.
At the end of all this, if the RAF figures in their plan, then THEY need to gather advice on a wider basis and, as many have said in this thread, remember that recruiters have targets to achieve, and they may have their own motives for recommends. Caveat Aviator !!!
All the best in your endeavours
Before any young person can realise his/her potential they need to have a target that they themselves need to identify. Aim at nothing and you stand every chance of hitting it!
Good parental advice can sometimes go OTT and be mistaken for pushing in a particular direction whereas the role is one of personal adviser and helping them to see ALL of everyone's shop windows, whilst having a good understanding of where their best skills lie.
Having arrived at a target, then the only way the target can be realised is to have internal self motivation - without this, all is lost - no matter how hard parents try.
Been there, done it, seen the video - mine was lazy but talented, until finding his target, then how things changed and his hunger for success was without limit.
I've spent years flying and training many future RAF and civil pilots in HM's private airline, and many, with a lot of non-politically correct motivational words have gone on to be just what they wanted to be. The secret is good honest broker advice, good balanced information, and assisting in making their plans work. I'm proud to have done my bit for those who have succeeded.
At the end of all this, if the RAF figures in their plan, then THEY need to gather advice on a wider basis and, as many have said in this thread, remember that recruiters have targets to achieve, and they may have their own motives for recommends. Caveat Aviator !!!
All the best in your endeavours
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Sapco2, Content?
I think I meant that there was no parental pressure. While dad my think son should be an officer if son thinks that a ranker is better then so be it. In the cases cited there was no pressure from dad.
I was intending my comments as generic rather than aimed at you.
Now for three opposite cases.
1. Daddy was an AVM; son was not selected!
2. Daddy was a ch tech; daddy wanted a son who was an officer. Son was not selected.
3. Daddy was a sqn ldr; son was not selected. In fact son was slung out of the family home. However dad became unemployed not long after for being slung out of the air force.
These all suggest parental pressure to succeed when the desire was not there in the son.
I think I meant that there was no parental pressure. While dad my think son should be an officer if son thinks that a ranker is better then so be it. In the cases cited there was no pressure from dad.
I was intending my comments as generic rather than aimed at you.
Now for three opposite cases.
1. Daddy was an AVM; son was not selected!
2. Daddy was a ch tech; daddy wanted a son who was an officer. Son was not selected.
3. Daddy was a sqn ldr; son was not selected. In fact son was slung out of the family home. However dad became unemployed not long after for being slung out of the air force.
These all suggest parental pressure to succeed when the desire was not there in the son.
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Eureka!
Sorry Pontius Navigator but you've got me totally wrong because I am actually a total pacifist!
The feedback here has been absolutely excellent; it has helped me to understand things a little better but more to the point, it has made my son realise he's being conned!
Sorry Pontius Navigator but you've got me totally wrong because I am actually a total pacifist!
The feedback here has been absolutely excellent; it has helped me to understand things a little better but more to the point, it has made my son realise he's being conned!
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May I touch on something that hasn't been mentioned so far?
These days we shield our kids from the world: ferry them to school, vet their friends, encourage them to stay in, control when they're out - and then suddenly expect them to make mature informed decisions when they're 17/18. That's totally unreasonable. They can't do that until they've seen a bit of it first - and I don't mean on the telly or from a car window. No wonder so many
seem un-motivated at that age, they're nearly all in handcuffs and chains.
I was like the other kids of my generation. I walked over a mile to school on my own at 8, was taking the train to the next town alone at 11, standing outside engine sheds hoping to cadge a ride at 13, hitch-hiking to the coast at 15, lucky enough to go flying at 17. By 18 I was totally street-wise and able to say I'd seen enough of the world of work to know that flying was better than all the alternatives. Kids don't have the freedom to do all that now - anyway they'd be put in Care if their parents let them.
I'm not saying we were smarter than kids today, far from it, but circumstances required us to stand on our own feet much earlier and gave us the experience to do so.
This generation will get there too, it just requires a little longer. That's why university is such a good opportunity for them - to gain some independence before making career decisions. Part of that process is making mistakes, changing your mind, pulling yourself out of the hole you've just dug and gaining confidence on the way.
Unfortunately you can't do that (change your mind etc) if you've just joined the Services for x-years!
Please, think twice before encouraging your kids to sign on under the age of 20 unless they really, really know what they're about.
Age 20 now is about equivalent in experience to when you were age 17 - in the days when kids were allowed out occasionally.
These days we shield our kids from the world: ferry them to school, vet their friends, encourage them to stay in, control when they're out - and then suddenly expect them to make mature informed decisions when they're 17/18. That's totally unreasonable. They can't do that until they've seen a bit of it first - and I don't mean on the telly or from a car window. No wonder so many
seem un-motivated at that age, they're nearly all in handcuffs and chains.
I was like the other kids of my generation. I walked over a mile to school on my own at 8, was taking the train to the next town alone at 11, standing outside engine sheds hoping to cadge a ride at 13, hitch-hiking to the coast at 15, lucky enough to go flying at 17. By 18 I was totally street-wise and able to say I'd seen enough of the world of work to know that flying was better than all the alternatives. Kids don't have the freedom to do all that now - anyway they'd be put in Care if their parents let them.
I'm not saying we were smarter than kids today, far from it, but circumstances required us to stand on our own feet much earlier and gave us the experience to do so.
This generation will get there too, it just requires a little longer. That's why university is such a good opportunity for them - to gain some independence before making career decisions. Part of that process is making mistakes, changing your mind, pulling yourself out of the hole you've just dug and gaining confidence on the way.
Unfortunately you can't do that (change your mind etc) if you've just joined the Services for x-years!
Please, think twice before encouraging your kids to sign on under the age of 20 unless they really, really know what they're about.
Age 20 now is about equivalent in experience to when you were age 17 - in the days when kids were allowed out occasionally.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
sapco, I think you will find most of us are pacifists here too. May be robust pacifists but pacifists never the less. We hoped to talk softly and carry a big stick.
Now, unfortunately, in wars of choice, our political masters have chosen to use the stick rather than to talk. The trouble is once you use the stick you discover it is not big enough.
So, he knows he has been conned, what is he considering now? Will 'sapco's son' be coming on here himself?
Now, unfortunately, in wars of choice, our political masters have chosen to use the stick rather than to talk. The trouble is once you use the stick you discover it is not big enough.
So, he knows he has been conned, what is he considering now? Will 'sapco's son' be coming on here himself?
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Joining RAF as WSO
Hi.
My intentions are to join the RAF in a few years as WSO
My Problem is that I've never had the chance to join Air Cadets, because I moved to Spain at age 9. I've barely been able to join a sports team, apart from doing a couple years of Taekwondo and a few years of Athletics with the local team because I live in a very small town.
I've thought that going to University (and hopefully joining the University Air Squadron) would, at least partly, replace the lack of activities I have due to never going to ATC or Scouts, or any of that sort.
What sort of activities at Uni should I aim at doing in order to get a better chance of being accepted by the RAF?
Thanks
My intentions are to join the RAF in a few years as WSO
My Problem is that I've never had the chance to join Air Cadets, because I moved to Spain at age 9. I've barely been able to join a sports team, apart from doing a couple years of Taekwondo and a few years of Athletics with the local team because I live in a very small town.
I've thought that going to University (and hopefully joining the University Air Squadron) would, at least partly, replace the lack of activities I have due to never going to ATC or Scouts, or any of that sort.
What sort of activities at Uni should I aim at doing in order to get a better chance of being accepted by the RAF?
Thanks
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It's good we can can agree, and finish on a conciliatory note Pontius Navigator.
As for a response from my son; he's read the thread, so I'll leave the question of any further input entirely with him.
Thanks once again folks.
As for a response from my son; he's read the thread, so I'll leave the question of any further input entirely with him.
Thanks once again folks.
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MattD
In regards to what activities to do at Uni to help build your port folio for the RAF, simple answer: anything you enjoy.
The UAS will give you so much and you really have to make the most of the opportunities. The flying is fantastic, the adventurous training is amazing, the sport is brilliant and the guys/ gals you'll meet will be friends for life.
When I started Uni I also decided to take up some charity/ volunteering work, It has totally changed the way I look at life, some of the people I get to work with are tremendous individuals who have taught me some very valuable lessons. It takes up only 4 hours of my week and it really is worth looking into.
Best of Luck
Snoopy
In regards to what activities to do at Uni to help build your port folio for the RAF, simple answer: anything you enjoy.
The UAS will give you so much and you really have to make the most of the opportunities. The flying is fantastic, the adventurous training is amazing, the sport is brilliant and the guys/ gals you'll meet will be friends for life.
When I started Uni I also decided to take up some charity/ volunteering work, It has totally changed the way I look at life, some of the people I get to work with are tremendous individuals who have taught me some very valuable lessons. It takes up only 4 hours of my week and it really is worth looking into.
Best of Luck
Snoopy
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mattd, rephrasing whatsnoopy said:
Anything you enjoy that will also broaden your CV as a team player. Also look for the opportunities to be a leader rather than a simple follower. Whatever happens, in the service or not, the more you can do to broaden your CV and raise your profile.
My daughter got several job interviews on the basis that she had been the 'womens' officer.' Although several interviews implies she was unsuccessful she had the interviews as a temp and got almost every job on the table. She now works for a publishing house in HR.
Anything you enjoy that will also broaden your CV as a team player. Also look for the opportunities to be a leader rather than a simple follower. Whatever happens, in the service or not, the more you can do to broaden your CV and raise your profile.
My daughter got several job interviews on the basis that she had been the 'womens' officer.' Although several interviews implies she was unsuccessful she had the interviews as a temp and got almost every job on the table. She now works for a publishing house in HR.
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Ha Ha! Found it at last! May I just thank everyone for their input here. There have been a lot of suggestions and some good common sense advice. There will be some sort of family discussion coming up, and results day awaits!!
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RAF general qualifications
Hello.
I'm planning on joing the RAF in a few years (like many on this forum), and I'd like to know your opinion on what the RAF is looking for.
Because I live in a very small town in Spain, I haven't been to Air Cadets or scouts and I haven't been able to be very active in sport teams (I compete with the local athletics team, Ive done a couple years of Taekwondo,...), and I've had a couple of part time jobs here and there during my A levels.
I'm going to do a physics degree back in England, and i'll join the University Air Training Squadron. I'll do as many sports as possible.
How much would speaking fluent Spanish help me joining the RAF?
Would Uni and Uni Air Sqd cover up the qualifications I've lost by not going to ATC?
Would having a lot of Flight Simulator experiance be a good thing to mention to the RAF?
Any other general hints for the interview?
Thanks. (P.S: Ive recently sent a similar topic, but I think there was an error, so if both topics are now around; I do apologize)
I'm planning on joing the RAF in a few years (like many on this forum), and I'd like to know your opinion on what the RAF is looking for.
Because I live in a very small town in Spain, I haven't been to Air Cadets or scouts and I haven't been able to be very active in sport teams (I compete with the local athletics team, Ive done a couple years of Taekwondo,...), and I've had a couple of part time jobs here and there during my A levels.
I'm going to do a physics degree back in England, and i'll join the University Air Training Squadron. I'll do as many sports as possible.
How much would speaking fluent Spanish help me joining the RAF?
Would Uni and Uni Air Sqd cover up the qualifications I've lost by not going to ATC?
Would having a lot of Flight Simulator experiance be a good thing to mention to the RAF?
Any other general hints for the interview?
Thanks. (P.S: Ive recently sent a similar topic, but I think there was an error, so if both topics are now around; I do apologize)
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matt,
when you get your physics degree, you might find employers trying to throw money at you!! In my opinion, all of the activities you mentioned should help you in ANY job interview. And they cant penalise you for not joining the ATC when the option was not available to you. Finally good luck in whatever you choose to do.
when you get your physics degree, you might find employers trying to throw money at you!! In my opinion, all of the activities you mentioned should help you in ANY job interview. And they cant penalise you for not joining the ATC when the option was not available to you. Finally good luck in whatever you choose to do.
Red On, Green On
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How much would speaking fluent Spanish help me joining the RAF?
There was a shortage of Spanish speakers 25 years ago, but right now it's of no use.
Would Uni and Uni Air Sqd cover up the qualifications I've lost by not going to ATC?
Yes
Would having a lot of Flight Simulator experiance be a good thing to mention to the RAF?
Highly beneficial. Make sure you tell them.
There was a shortage of Spanish speakers 25 years ago, but right now it's of no use.
Would Uni and Uni Air Sqd cover up the qualifications I've lost by not going to ATC?
Yes
Would having a lot of Flight Simulator experiance be a good thing to mention to the RAF?
Highly beneficial. Make sure you tell them.
AA You're a cruel cruel fella!
Todd, Don't think it's quite as bad as you make out! OK so things right now are not the best, and the mob may not be the most caring sharing place in the world to work, but couldn't ask for a finer bunch of colleagues! (Except maybe at 2am on a saturday morning....)
You're a cruel cruel fella!Todd, Don't think it's quite as bad as you make out! OK so things right now are not the best, and the mob may not be the most caring sharing place in the world to work, but couldn't ask for a finer bunch of colleagues! (Except maybe at 2am on a saturday morning....
)
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I'm not asking anyone what the RAF will be like.
Anyway, I don't know why my post made you think that you know me, Todd.
Telling me what the RAF is looking for helps, but telling me that I'm in the wrong era is bloody useless mate; you can tell that to somone that's interested
.
AA, bwfg3, thank you, you've been helpful.
supwoods, I've done allsorts of sh**y jobs, and have had all sorts of bosses; I'm used to be bossed around, and I can make decisions by myself.
See, I'm not interested in the aptitude tests (not much i can do to improve my aptitude), it's the interview and my non-official qualifications (such as sports and jobs) that I'm interested in.
Anyway, I don't know why my post made you think that you know me, Todd.
Telling me what the RAF is looking for helps, but telling me that I'm in the wrong era is bloody useless mate; you can tell that to somone that's interested
.AA, bwfg3, thank you, you've been helpful.
supwoods, I've done allsorts of sh**y jobs, and have had all sorts of bosses; I'm used to be bossed around, and I can make decisions by myself.
See, I'm not interested in the aptitude tests (not much i can do to improve my aptitude), it's the interview and my non-official qualifications (such as sports and jobs) that I'm interested in.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Don't denigrate Spanish. In the short term it may have no obvious utility. In the longer term it would suit you to international postings either at a NATO HQ or in an International HQ where the Spanish Air Force is also deployed. It would also open up embassy jobs in the distant future.
As for flight simulator, I can't see why that would be a hindrance.
"What have you done to further your interests in a career in the Royal Air Force?"
I am surprised no one has told you to trawl through the sticky at the top of the page. Please do that too.
As for flight simulator, I can't see why that would be a hindrance.
"What have you done to further your interests in a career in the Royal Air Force?"
I am surprised no one has told you to trawl through the sticky at the top of the page. Please do that too.