BluntM8

Matt,

Some thoughts on the selection process, based on my experiences at both UAS and OASC selection. I'm sure there is a plethora of information in the sticky about joining, but trawling through it is not my job!

It seems to me that the crux of the selection process is two questions, or objectives to prove if you like:

The first part of the interview will cover your life to date, and in this the objective is to prove that you are the kind of person who makes use of the opportunities available to you. So, if you didn't have access to ATC or Scouts, that won't count against you if you can prove that you made use of other opportunities you did have. They can't ping you for not doing something that you couldn't get access to. Use this part of the interview to show them that you will take the opportunity with both hands and use it well!

The second part of the interview (usually conducted by the other board member) will examine the depth of knowledge you have of the RAF. Expect questions on world affairs, the RAF's policies, equipment and current operations, and aim to have a working knowledge of the streams of training for which you are applying (all of them equally - it demonstrates commitment to the serivce as a whole). Your aim during this part is to demonstrate to the board that you have properly considered your future with the RAF (UAS) and are capable of taking a broader interest in world affairs.

In amongst this, there will be one or two mandatory questions (Drugs spring to mind...) and you will be tested to the edge of your knowledge. Don't try to bluff it, say you don't know and be honest.

The apptitude you can't really practice for, except for getting a really good knowledge of times tables from 1 to 20.

Hope this helps,

Blunty.

Uncle Ginsters

Matt,
I've just finished a tour as an instructor on one of the 'new' UAS's. That term alone is somewhat misleading as not too much has really changed.

- You still get to fly as much, or as little (important for some busy degree courses) as you want to.
- The opportunities for Adventurous Training are now greater than ever.
- Again, contrary to popular belief, the primary aim of the UAS is not to recruit pilots for the RAF, rather to develop high calibre young men & women who will be future leaders of industry (someone will have the exact wording and list of all 4 aims, i'm sure )

As mentioned, there is a plethora of information out there, but having recruited for the UAS i would suggest:

a. Research the UAS and the RAF as much as you can.
b. The interview WILL reach the limits of your knowledge - don't ever be afraid to say "I'm sorry, i don't know that", it shows that you know your limits and don't try to bluff (not a good characteristic for potential leaders, allegedly)
c. Try to be up to speed on current affairs.

In terms of entry numbers, every UAS has its own quota to fill each year. Just be the best you can, and if at first you don't get in, try again next year.
Hope some of this helps.

Uncle G

BEagle

"You still get to fly as much, or as little (important for some busy degree courses) as you want to."

So, the story that UAS students are no longer allowed to fly solo aeros, off-aerodrome PFL or even glide circuits is incorrect, is it, Uncle Ginsters?

AngryDave

Hi all
I'm a long time reader, first time poster.

I'm doing my research for OASC - does anyone know where I can get an up to date list of which aircraft are based where. The current RAF info seems a little out of date. Also, when looking at Sqn numbers, what do the letters 'F' or 'AC' mean? In the Air Cadets 'F' always meant one of the first 50 founder sqns and all of the RAF ones with 'F' all seem to be quite low numbers so is there a similar reason behind it?

Pontius Navigator

F Fighter, B Bomber, AC Army Cooperation, R Reserve

I can see how 1(F) flying a bomber, or 18(B) flying helicopters could confuse, 5(AC) flying Sentinel is almost right.

ProfessionalStudent

Mrs Profstude has just been awarded a medic bursary (grades dependant) with the UAS at Wyton that doesn't have the callsign CANTAB on it's list. If there is anyone out there that could point a current medic bursar (or other branch to that matter) from said unit (that's ULAS for the uninformed!) in our direction, a PM would be very much appreciated!

Ta,

Profstude

ALM In Waiting

Hi AngryDave,

I'm currently preparing for OASC too. There is a back issue of 'Air Forces Monthly' which comes with a free poster listing all the major Sqns of the RAF, UAS, and Glider Schools etc with some snazzy illustrations, and details of EAW's, a few dets and aircraft roles . Its still fairly accurate, although Jags are no longer at Coltishall. You can order it from the publishers website. Hope that helps.

Sorry, but can't remember which issue it was, but it says on the image of the cover that the wallchart is in there. Jan/Feb at a guess.

roro

Just a quick one for anyone that knows:

In the OASC interview I have heard from friends that when being questioned about the IOT course, the interviewers like to ask why is it that the Officer Cdts are recommended to graduate at the end of their second term and not later on? Particularly when they can be recoursed at any point in the course.

Can anyone help me?

Cheers

craigJ

At a guess I'd say that by that point they would have either shown the skills required etc. to graduate or not.

As I said 'a guess' ... I stand to be corrected

ProfessionalStudent

Pontius,
Thanks very much. I was chuffed to bits when I found out.
Mrs PS

dagowly

I went to OASC on June 10th and have been accepted also I will be on your IOT course in Nov (18th) Nice to finally meet more people i will be sharing my 9 months with
Got my famil in September, can't wait

dagowly

Nice to see enthusiasm from a young age! Study what you feel you will enjoy. In the end the RAF want to see enthusiasm and a hard worker, so what ever you chose - be GOOD at it! Chose A levels during your GCSE's - get a feel for what you want to do then, see what you're best at or enjoy. Uni - you need to decide when you're older to be honest, i never knew when i was 13 that i was even going to end up at uni!!
Whilst at school, get into clubs and take part in after school sports. It will help a) your fitness and b) show you're a team player when at OASC. Same with College and Uni. If you've got a local ATC sqd, get involved, it'll open up opportunities to you that your friends will envy you for i THOROUGHLY enjoyed it.

In the end, stay honest with what you want to do, stay enthused and get involved
Steve

Pontius Navigator

Dago, very true but 13 is not exceptional. We had one Dad pop in as I think his 11 year old had declared his intentions some 6 months previous and been unwavering in that time.

Certainly making the decision at 13 means you can direct your school studies and ensure you get those vital English and Maths. You can also join the ATC at the earliest opportunity which means you have a fair chance of reaching FS or CWO.

I went to an ATC Dining In Night. A former sqn member in crisp No 5s and in pilot training came back. Excellent example to those who also aspired to join.

dagowly

good point!

I can't remember when i approached my local AFCO first. I THINK it was for my 6th form Scholarship (turned down), then i applied for my RAF Flying Scholarship and got it

Uncle Ginsters

Sorry Beags, i'd love to give you the answer on that but i can't remember the exact extent of the solo auth matrix There are several portions of the full EFT syllabus that aren't included - solo aeros and formation are but two. Maybe a current UAS QFI can fill in the gaps????

When i said "as much or as little flying" i was refering to the hours. A lot has been made of the 10hr annual allocation per student. In practice, however, it works well - the less keen effectively trade-off hrs with the more keen and everyone gets what they want, from what i've seen.

Uncle G

fly_boy_01

Wheyhey first post , well, im 16 and about to start 6th form college with intentions of joining the raf as a pilot upon leaving 6th form, i know that there are scholarships available to students, but i was wondering if anyone could let me know what kind of scholarships are available and the advantages/disadvantages of each, cheers

airborne_artist

Google is your friend

James-004

Hi guys, my name is James and I am hoping to attend OASC next week. I am preparing for my interivews but would like to know about the training that Engineering Officers undergo after IOT. I will be attending university and my first choice is pilot, for which im familiar with the training. I need either places to look or a brief overview on the Engineer officer training After IOT.

Thanks in anticipation,

James.

dagowly

Your AFCO should have given you the appropriate Job sheet for all your choices. I asked mine for ALL 5 of my choices and did get quizzed on all of them in my OASC interview.
Steve

BoYiNbLuE

Hi im 16 and wanting to join the air force, i would prefer to join as an officer, i would like to be a pilot but i am aware of how hard the selection process is and i do have other choices.

Anyway im currently a member of the ATC up north, and im just wandering how people who have been through the IOT training how they delt with home sickness and being away from familiar faces for so long.

Also i would like to know what life in the armed forces is really like is it enjoyable or a total drag!!

cheers..