OFFICER and AIRCREW 'CANDIDATES' PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Ledbury
Age: 33
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As you are aware, OASC are not looking for new recruits.
I was hoping to join as a WSOp. This may not be a possibility until perhaps far into next year.
I am looking at my other options at the moment, one of them is joining as an Engineer and then transferring A.S.A.P. No doubt it is easier to type than do, but could somebody help me, or fill me in on the details of how it can be done.
Would be forever in their debt.
Kind regards,
Jaymie Clifford.
I was hoping to join as a WSOp. This may not be a possibility until perhaps far into next year.
I am looking at my other options at the moment, one of them is joining as an Engineer and then transferring A.S.A.P. No doubt it is easier to type than do, but could somebody help me, or fill me in on the details of how it can be done.
Would be forever in their debt.
Kind regards,
Jaymie Clifford.
Transferring trades?
Complicated, long-winded, not guaranteed. Very risky gamble to take. What if it took 3,4 or 5 years? Could you handle being in a trade you, quite obviously, didn't want to be in for that long?
It has been done, of course, but that doesn't mean it will continue to be done. And you'd still have to go through the application procedure - OASC - and risk failure. What then?
If WSOp is what you want, stick with it. Use the extra time to get yourself better prepared.
Complicated, long-winded, not guaranteed. Very risky gamble to take. What if it took 3,4 or 5 years? Could you handle being in a trade you, quite obviously, didn't want to be in for that long?
It has been done, of course, but that doesn't mean it will continue to be done. And you'd still have to go through the application procedure - OASC - and risk failure. What then?
If WSOp is what you want, stick with it. Use the extra time to get yourself better prepared.
Red On, Green On
Join Date: May 2004
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You stand a lot more chance of joining the RN as an Observer and transferring to the RAF than you do of transferring within the RAF. Plus the uniforms of the RN are smarter, and you won't get confused for an RAC patrolman 
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Thanks for the advice.
So my best bet is either to wait, or join RN or Army? Is the latter; How soon can I leave/transfer? Or does it depend on the job?
Thanks again.
So my best bet is either to wait, or join RN or Army? Is the latter; How soon can I leave/transfer? Or does it depend on the job?
Thanks again.
Join Date: Apr 2009
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Transfering trades
Be careful. Notwithstanding the advice already given, if the AFCO get even a hint that you are using a trade choice to just 'get your foot in the door', your application will not get further than the first interview. It is understood how frustrating it can be, but the best advice to you has already been given... wait out and use the time to your benefit by doing further preparation: research and fitness.
Last edited by OneFifty; 15th Jul 2010 at 22:35.
Join Date: Jun 2007
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I've heard today from a mate of mine that he was the only person out of 16 to pass his AIB a couple of months ago, and another acquaintance of mine from my Culdrose POAC course had everyone on his board fail as well. The former is off to Dartmouth (Warfare Occifer) in a couple of weeks, the intake consisting of only 60-70 cadets, rather than the usual 100+.
It seems that either nobody has been of the required standard of late, or that the RN are seriously cutting back on officer entry at the moment.
It seems that either nobody has been of the required standard of late, or that the RN are seriously cutting back on officer entry at the moment.
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If the RN were cutting down on the amount of officers they require, why would they still put those applicants through the board? Surely it would cost money that could be spent elsewhere?
Red On, Green On
Join Date: May 2004
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Not unusual to fail the lot, or pass the lot. Look at a standard distribution bell-curve and you'll see why. I think my board had a slightly less than 50% pass rate.
The RN operate a pool system for those who pass the AIB, and you can stay in the pool for twelve months. Each BRNC intake is drawn from those in the top of each pool by specialisation, so you can be in the pool but not go further. To re-join it you have to re-do AIB.
It's certainly cheaper to have an excess in the pool than it is to have spare places at BRNC, particularly as the number get smaller, as the fixed costs of running BRNC haven't shrunk with the reduced intakes.
The RN operate a pool system for those who pass the AIB, and you can stay in the pool for twelve months. Each BRNC intake is drawn from those in the top of each pool by specialisation, so you can be in the pool but not go further. To re-join it you have to re-do AIB.
It's certainly cheaper to have an excess in the pool than it is to have spare places at BRNC, particularly as the number get smaller, as the fixed costs of running BRNC haven't shrunk with the reduced intakes.
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Huddersfield
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FAT's
A few questions about FATs relating to the application process. I passed my FAT's in April 2008 but failed to meet the AIB standard for entry into the FAA. I have recently re-applied and have some questions about a second attempt:
1. would I have to retake my FATs as part as the application process?
2. Could I retake my FATs to improve my score?
3. If I was to fail my FATs on a second attempt, or achieve a lower score than the previous attempt, would it be possible to revert back to the original score achieved in attempt 1?
4.would this second attempt be classed as my second and final attempt at FATs forever?
Was just looking for a heads up before meeting my liaisons officer.
Cheers
Andy
1. would I have to retake my FATs as part as the application process?
2. Could I retake my FATs to improve my score?
3. If I was to fail my FATs on a second attempt, or achieve a lower score than the previous attempt, would it be possible to revert back to the original score achieved in attempt 1?
4.would this second attempt be classed as my second and final attempt at FATs forever?
Was just looking for a heads up before meeting my liaisons officer.
Cheers
Andy
Last edited by andyrik; 16th Apr 2010 at 00:47.
Join Date: Feb 2010
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OASC Bulletin 9
Last week we introduced our fictitious character who was re-applying to the RAF for pilot after being unsuccessful 2 years previous. This week we will take him through the process to get to the OASC.
After registering his interest with the CIL, John received an email with a link to the online registration process. He read through all of the instructions carefully and duly completed all of the required areas and submitted his application. Within a week, he received another email which contained information regarding the next steps and a number of forms including a formal RAF application, a medical declaration form and a Rehabilitation of Offenders declaration form. He was also advised of his nearest AFCO. John printed off all of the forms and carefully filled them in taking care to use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. When he filled in his Rehabilitation of Offenders form, he recalled having smoked cannabis (Class B drug) once during his time as a student at university. As integrity is a key quality of anybody wishing to join the RAF, he wrote down the occurrence knowing that if he didn’t, he would probably be found out anyway, which would end any chances of him being successful. In the meantime he was contacted by his nearest AFCO inviting him to attend a RAF Officer (P2) presentation the following week.
John attended the presentation taking with him all his completed paperwork, his original education certificates, a proof of identification and his eye test results (from his voluntary eye test undertaken in the previous submission). The presentation gave a brief overview of the process that lay ahead, after-which he was asked whether he was still interested in continuing with his application for pilot. John stated that he was still interested and completed an application supplementary information form. His day was concluded by being booked into an RAF Officer (P2) filter interview for the following week. Now very motivated, John continued working on his fitness as well as his military and branch knowledge preparation so that he could deliver his best performance during the filter interview.
On the day of the interview, John checked over his application one last time, paid particular attention to his deportment and made sure that he had all the required paperwork. He got to the AFCO in good time, introduced himself and waited for the interviewer to collect him. The interview, which lasted about 45 minutes, was split into 2 parts. The first part covered personal information like family circumstances, hobbies and interests, activities inside and outside of school, responsibilities and any employment. The second part included questions on why he wanted to join the RAF, what he had done to gain a further understanding of the branch, what he knew about the branch, knowledge of the Service and military awareness. He answered all questions thoroughly paying particular attention to speaking clearly and concisely. Although quite nervous initially, John was surprised how quickly the 45 minutes passed. Towards the end of the Interview, the Interviewer made a statement about the Armed Forces policy on drug abuse. ‘Drug or solvent misuse is not tolerated in the Armed Forces and can attract disciplinary action, including discharge from the Service. However, the Service acknowledges that applicants may have been involved with drugs in the past and do not routinely exclude them from selection because of that’. It was at this point that John’s previous unfortunate encounter with cannabis was raised and discussed. The Officer Commanding the AFCO felt that John performed very well and stated that he would forward his application onto the OASC for further consideration. Before he knew it, he was walking back home very excited.
A week later, John received a letter from the OASC inviting him to attend a selection procedure in 3 months time. The letter contained a medical form and some notes for guidance on attending the selection procedure. He filled in the medical form very carefully and put it in a safe place. He would take his medical form with him to the OASC later on in the year. John spent the following 3 months preparing for his selection board. He read and absorbed his notes for guidance, he maintained his fitness programme and he continued his research into his chosen branch, the RAF, NATO and current affairs. He also arranged through his AFCO to visit his local RAF base in order to gain a deeper understanding of his branch and the officer way of life.
In the next submission, we will follow John through the first part of the selection process.
For more information regarding any of these areas highlighted, please contact your AFCO and they will be able to give you more detailed information regarding specific cases.
Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only. Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers
After registering his interest with the CIL, John received an email with a link to the online registration process. He read through all of the instructions carefully and duly completed all of the required areas and submitted his application. Within a week, he received another email which contained information regarding the next steps and a number of forms including a formal RAF application, a medical declaration form and a Rehabilitation of Offenders declaration form. He was also advised of his nearest AFCO. John printed off all of the forms and carefully filled them in taking care to use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. When he filled in his Rehabilitation of Offenders form, he recalled having smoked cannabis (Class B drug) once during his time as a student at university. As integrity is a key quality of anybody wishing to join the RAF, he wrote down the occurrence knowing that if he didn’t, he would probably be found out anyway, which would end any chances of him being successful. In the meantime he was contacted by his nearest AFCO inviting him to attend a RAF Officer (P2) presentation the following week.
John attended the presentation taking with him all his completed paperwork, his original education certificates, a proof of identification and his eye test results (from his voluntary eye test undertaken in the previous submission). The presentation gave a brief overview of the process that lay ahead, after-which he was asked whether he was still interested in continuing with his application for pilot. John stated that he was still interested and completed an application supplementary information form. His day was concluded by being booked into an RAF Officer (P2) filter interview for the following week. Now very motivated, John continued working on his fitness as well as his military and branch knowledge preparation so that he could deliver his best performance during the filter interview.
On the day of the interview, John checked over his application one last time, paid particular attention to his deportment and made sure that he had all the required paperwork. He got to the AFCO in good time, introduced himself and waited for the interviewer to collect him. The interview, which lasted about 45 minutes, was split into 2 parts. The first part covered personal information like family circumstances, hobbies and interests, activities inside and outside of school, responsibilities and any employment. The second part included questions on why he wanted to join the RAF, what he had done to gain a further understanding of the branch, what he knew about the branch, knowledge of the Service and military awareness. He answered all questions thoroughly paying particular attention to speaking clearly and concisely. Although quite nervous initially, John was surprised how quickly the 45 minutes passed. Towards the end of the Interview, the Interviewer made a statement about the Armed Forces policy on drug abuse. ‘Drug or solvent misuse is not tolerated in the Armed Forces and can attract disciplinary action, including discharge from the Service. However, the Service acknowledges that applicants may have been involved with drugs in the past and do not routinely exclude them from selection because of that’. It was at this point that John’s previous unfortunate encounter with cannabis was raised and discussed. The Officer Commanding the AFCO felt that John performed very well and stated that he would forward his application onto the OASC for further consideration. Before he knew it, he was walking back home very excited.
A week later, John received a letter from the OASC inviting him to attend a selection procedure in 3 months time. The letter contained a medical form and some notes for guidance on attending the selection procedure. He filled in the medical form very carefully and put it in a safe place. He would take his medical form with him to the OASC later on in the year. John spent the following 3 months preparing for his selection board. He read and absorbed his notes for guidance, he maintained his fitness programme and he continued his research into his chosen branch, the RAF, NATO and current affairs. He also arranged through his AFCO to visit his local RAF base in order to gain a deeper understanding of his branch and the officer way of life.
In the next submission, we will follow John through the first part of the selection process.
For more information regarding any of these areas highlighted, please contact your AFCO and they will be able to give you more detailed information regarding specific cases.
Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only. Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
To kill or not to kill, that is the question. There is rarely a simple answer but many variations and uncertainties. Also times change and collateral damage (killing civilians) is increasingly contentious. I shall give some examples:
In The Cruel Sea, Jack Hawkins was prosecuting a possible submarine. Asdic had a solid contact classified as a submarine but visually they could see a line of men in the water. To attack the submarine and kill the men or resuce the men and risk being sunk? Fiction but a dilema.
Or an interdiction target, a bridge deep in enemy territory. There may be people in or around the bridge. If you do not destroy the bridge the enemy might launch a devastating attack. Not fiction but what did the crew do? (Gulf War 1)
Or friendly troops in contact but civilians in close proximity to hostiles. Not to attack could endanger own troops. Again, not fiction, Ed Macy in Apache.
However you would not be the first to be either uncertain or actually opposed to HMGs policies. There was a recent courts martial where a member of HM Forces decided that he could not support the war in the Middle East.
There was an earlier case during the Suez campaign where a Canberra pilot was also in disagreement and retracted his undercarriage on take-off. At least that was the story at the time.
Any suggestion, at the interview stage, that would might harbour consciencious objections would probably lead to an instant objection unless you could create a very strong arguement.
Join Date: Apr 2010
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Length of 'hold'?
Hi,
I wondered if anyone might be able to tell me what the average hold length is looking like for pilots post IOT and post EFT at the moment?
Many Thanks
I wondered if anyone might be able to tell me what the average hold length is looking like for pilots post IOT and post EFT at the moment?
Many Thanks
Join Date: Jan 2008
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It's been 2 weeks to 3 months for the guys that graduated in Feb. The guys graduating...oh today..will be 3 weeks to around 6 months. There seems to be a fair few EFT courses - the snow earlier on the year delayed some training.
Can't answer post EFT holds - I am not that far yet!
Can't answer post EFT holds - I am not that far yet!
Join Date: Apr 2010
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Nca Osac
I have a new question. I know everyone is saying WSOp isn't open but im going to ask anyway. The selection process at OASC is it the same process as for potential officers and pilots? Do the aptitude tests contain a lot of physics based questions and a "flying" test?
Thanks
Thanks