OFFICER and AIRCREW 'CANDIDATES' PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: England
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What do you mean "technical training" and "further training"? If you don't pass CBAT you won't be getting in as a WSOp.
My interpretation was that he meant if he worked his proverbial off and then *just* achieved the pass mark to get in, it would probably indicate he might have similar issues on course.
NDW, that's not necessarily the case. The idea is if you have the aptitude then you would be able to cope with what's being thrown at you, so while I get your point, it might not be as cut and dry as you think.
However, you don't know that until you get in. Let them make that decision for you.
What guidance were you given after your recent test?
NDW, that's not necessarily the case. The idea is if you have the aptitude then you would be able to cope with what's being thrown at you, so while I get your point, it might not be as cut and dry as you think.
However, you don't know that until you get in. Let them make that decision for you.
What guidance were you given after your recent test?
Basically, the offer to re-sit the test in Jan 2018 or look into a ground role. I had improved on areas I fell short of on my first attempt, but fell short on areas I'd done well in first time. If that makes sense?
I have seriously been considering a ground role, however, I'd feel disappointed in myself if I didn't give it one more go.
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Good Afternoon all, I handed my ID card in today after a fantastic 11 years as a Sea King pilot in the Fleet Air Arm. For the past couple of years I've been out of flying and in recruiting, due to a medical downgrade. This has finally seen me discharged via the Medical Board route. I'm posting to announce the launching of my new website www.milprep.co.uk. My aim is offer coaching, mentoring and preparation services to young people who'd like a commission in the UK armed forces. Please check out the website, and if you have any enquiries then please get in touch. Good luck to you all!
Zero need to pay some shyster to pass OASC and they won't be able to help with CBAT that's for sure. All that is needed is some research and application. Then listen to the feedback given at Filter Interview. Plus almost all RAF recruiting areas offer an OASC prep day, so why pay for potentially out of date info?
Join Date: Jan 2002
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I think 'shyster' is a bit harsh to describe someone who has given a substantial amount of time in service of his country, and wants to help those who wish to do the same.
I do agree that paying for a prep service is unnecessary, but that said how many in-service success stories would we have seen without the help of the vast number of commissioning clubs we see across the service? If you have the money (although I don't see any pricing on his website, so can't really quantify that), and you want a helping hand ahead of applying for a commission, then why not?
I would question the use of a foreign frigate (I'm going balls out with a stab at OHP variant, Darwin class maybe?) on a website looking to assist recruiting into the UK armed forces, and the phrase '11 years as a Sea King pilot' - come on Al, 11 years total service maybe......
Good luck to you mate, and sorry to see the med discharge.
I do agree that paying for a prep service is unnecessary, but that said how many in-service success stories would we have seen without the help of the vast number of commissioning clubs we see across the service? If you have the money (although I don't see any pricing on his website, so can't really quantify that), and you want a helping hand ahead of applying for a commission, then why not?
I would question the use of a foreign frigate (I'm going balls out with a stab at OHP variant, Darwin class maybe?) on a website looking to assist recruiting into the UK armed forces, and the phrase '11 years as a Sea King pilot' - come on Al, 11 years total service maybe......
Good luck to you mate, and sorry to see the med discharge.
Join Date: Jul 2008
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It’s nothing new for someone who’s been brought into the world of Recruitment and Selection to subsequently try and exploit their knowledge for financial gain. Their ‘schooled’ candidates are invariably easy to spot at the selection centres and for them it doesn’t always go well. There are plenty of official briefings out there giving potential candidates all the information they need; if they’ve got what it takes, it’ll come through naturally and they’ll be spotted. The AFCO is there to help - use them.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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You can join a ground role and attempt CBAT once you are in as well.
I'd heard from a few sources that this was becoming harder to do, even a few current serving personnel at my recent CBAT mentioned this.
My fear would be that I join a ground role & never get the chance to re-apply for Aircrew.
I'm going by what was briefly discussed on my CBAT.
Thanks.
I'd heard from a few sources that this was becoming harder to do, even a few current serving personnel at my recent CBAT mentioned this.
My fear would be that I join a ground role & never get the chance to re-apply for Aircrew.
I'm going by what was briefly discussed on my CBAT.
Thanks.
My fear would be that I join a ground role & never get the chance to re-apply for Aircrew.
I'm going by what was briefly discussed on my CBAT.
Thanks.
OASC even put on CBAT test days for serving pers to just go and see how they do at CBAT w/o having to go through an AFCO and application process. If they score high enough then they can apply should they choose to.
But it's not bollox that the numbers of serving pers who go through are less than the number of civvies who go through.
At most you're putting yourself in for, what, 25-30% of the slots available, rather than the civvy going in for the 70-75%.
You've got a chance, yeah, but not a particularly big one.
Plus there's the danger of going in with the hope of doing that, failing, and then being 'stuck' in a trade you never wanted.
At most you're putting yourself in for, what, 25-30% of the slots available, rather than the civvy going in for the 70-75%.
You've got a chance, yeah, but not a particularly big one.
Plus there's the danger of going in with the hope of doing that, failing, and then being 'stuck' in a trade you never wanted.
Big push for SA to go through at present.
Of course there is a risk of not getting through, same as he has now. But if there was anything else that interested him it's a reasonable shout.
Of course there is a risk of not getting through, same as he has now. But if there was anything else that interested him it's a reasonable shout.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Utter bollox.
OASC even put on CBAT test days for serving pers to just go and see how they do at CBAT w/o having to go through an AFCO and application process. If they score high enough then they can apply should they choose to.
OASC even put on CBAT test days for serving pers to just go and see how they do at CBAT w/o having to go through an AFCO and application process. If they score high enough then they can apply should they choose to.
Thanks for the info. As I say, It was only briefly mentioned by other candidates at CBAT. Don't shoot the messenger.
But, thanks for the info.
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"Getting through" means:
Fighter pilots on the RAF slow track Too many trainees for RAF?s fast jets - Telegraph
Fighter pilots on the RAF slow track Too many trainees for RAF?s fast jets - Telegraph
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"Getting through" means:
Fighter pilots on the RAF slow track Too many trainees for RAF?s fast jets - Telegraph
Fighter pilots on the RAF slow track Too many trainees for RAF?s fast jets - Telegraph
Looks like VERY old news to me. Recruitment and selection opportunities are as strong as ever.
Nevertheless, the RAF, and maybe the other services, have never been that hot at manpower planning. They seem to go from feast to famine and back again almost without pausing for breath. maybe things have improved now
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: 4 Civvy Street. Nowhere-near-a-base. The Shires.
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Oh yes. I mean no.
SDSR 15 gave us lots of shiny new toys (and spared the axe on some others) but there are no new crews to fly them, a training pipeline that cannot deliver them, and even trying to coax redundees back in isn't proving too successful.
Just where do the airships expect to conjure up 24 Poseidon crews, 60 or more Protector crews, and extra crews for RJ Sentry and Shadow. Thats over 400 new aviators needed just for that last sentence, yet there is no WSO pipeline, and the WSOp one is only feeding a trickle.
SDSR 15 gave us lots of shiny new toys (and spared the axe on some others) but there are no new crews to fly them, a training pipeline that cannot deliver them, and even trying to coax redundees back in isn't proving too successful.
Just where do the airships expect to conjure up 24 Poseidon crews, 60 or more Protector crews, and extra crews for RJ Sentry and Shadow. Thats over 400 new aviators needed just for that last sentence, yet there is no WSO pipeline, and the WSOp one is only feeding a trickle.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Oh yes. I mean no.
SDSR 15 gave us lots of shiny new toys (and spared the axe on some others) but there are no new crews to fly them, a training pipeline that cannot deliver them, and even trying to coax redundees back in isn't proving too successful.
Just where do the airships expect to conjure up 24 Poseidon crews, 60 or more Protector crews, and extra crews for RJ Sentry and Shadow. Thats over 400 new aviators needed just for that last sentence, yet there is no WSO pipeline, and the WSOp one is only feeding a trickle.
SDSR 15 gave us lots of shiny new toys (and spared the axe on some others) but there are no new crews to fly them, a training pipeline that cannot deliver them, and even trying to coax redundees back in isn't proving too successful.
Just where do the airships expect to conjure up 24 Poseidon crews, 60 or more Protector crews, and extra crews for RJ Sentry and Shadow. Thats over 400 new aviators needed just for that last sentence, yet there is no WSO pipeline, and the WSOp one is only feeding a trickle.
Join Date: May 2017
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Waiting a year to retake CBAT
What should I do with this year, I want to join up as soon as possible either as a rockape/driver or even a mover something that doesn't require technical training as I am under the impression I would have to pay back this training with time. I'm essentially looking for a time filler trade. I did bad in one test which stopped me qualifying for multiple roles however overall did very well and I'm confident I will pass on my second attempt. So what should I do in the mean time? After reading some of the above I'm under the impression that the RAF would rather take on civis than a serving airman is that true? Doesn't seem to make much sense to me. Any suggestions are appreciated
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Taff, on your last point, a civvie is someone who demonstrates potential over a short period of time. A Serviceman has been trained and observed over an extended period; he is a know quantity. This may be van advantage or not. What is true is the younger is more trainable.
What Bugs said about aptitude is only partly true. Yes, you have it or you font. A darts player does or doesn't, but they train to hone, improve, or maintain that ability. Similarly a trained pilot has the ability but still needs to hone it.
Although I said technical, I implied avoiding trades such as Regiment, Catering, Admin, Provost etc, all important support trades but further from the aircraft. ATC is one that might be good as you will be more closely associated, especially flight ops side of house which can be demanding for an airman.
What Bugs said about aptitude is only partly true. Yes, you have it or you font. A darts player does or doesn't, but they train to hone, improve, or maintain that ability. Similarly a trained pilot has the ability but still needs to hone it.
Although I said technical, I implied avoiding trades such as Regiment, Catering, Admin, Provost etc, all important support trades but further from the aircraft. ATC is one that might be good as you will be more closely associated, especially flight ops side of house which can be demanding for an airman.
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Taff
I'm pleased you've moved to the OASC thread as it provides a useful trail for all potential candidates to read.
The latest CBAT battery (PB15) has been refined and re-weighted over the last few years to give what is believed to be a very robust indication of a candidate's potential to succeed in an aptitude branch. On average, candidates improve their raw scores in each discipline by around 6% at a second attempt; sure, there is some familiarization that you will have acquired - but at your second and subsequent attempts, the testing equipment will recognize you (by your name and DOB) and clever algorithms make adjustments to remove some of the familiarity gains. It is for this reason that you should never be given a re-test within 12 months.
At point of selection, OASC will be looking for certain numbers of WSOp candidates (driven by their ITT targets) from either Serving Airmen (SA) or Direct Entry (DE). The reason for the split is based on course allocations; i.e., there are sometimes limited spaces at Halton for ITC because that covers all trades whereas the NCAITC at Cranwell could take a greater number of potential SNCOs by drawing them from the SA pool.
Following CBAT, an OASC Boarding Officer should have advised you on options for the way ahead - particularly if you said you were keen to join now then re-sit CBAT in 12 months. Given your interests, I would suggest looking at the Flight Ops Assistant (FOA) role; you will get excellent and very relevant training as you progress through the school at RAF Shawbury and that knowledge will, in itself, help with ground school if or when you achieve your aim of WSOp. Otherwise, Regt could be fun for a while but don't even think about it unless you're already very fit!
Ultimately, by joining ASAP you're also saving time in the long run because you're getting initial recruit training out of the way during the next 12 months.
Bugs
I'm pleased you've moved to the OASC thread as it provides a useful trail for all potential candidates to read.
The latest CBAT battery (PB15) has been refined and re-weighted over the last few years to give what is believed to be a very robust indication of a candidate's potential to succeed in an aptitude branch. On average, candidates improve their raw scores in each discipline by around 6% at a second attempt; sure, there is some familiarization that you will have acquired - but at your second and subsequent attempts, the testing equipment will recognize you (by your name and DOB) and clever algorithms make adjustments to remove some of the familiarity gains. It is for this reason that you should never be given a re-test within 12 months.
At point of selection, OASC will be looking for certain numbers of WSOp candidates (driven by their ITT targets) from either Serving Airmen (SA) or Direct Entry (DE). The reason for the split is based on course allocations; i.e., there are sometimes limited spaces at Halton for ITC because that covers all trades whereas the NCAITC at Cranwell could take a greater number of potential SNCOs by drawing them from the SA pool.
Following CBAT, an OASC Boarding Officer should have advised you on options for the way ahead - particularly if you said you were keen to join now then re-sit CBAT in 12 months. Given your interests, I would suggest looking at the Flight Ops Assistant (FOA) role; you will get excellent and very relevant training as you progress through the school at RAF Shawbury and that knowledge will, in itself, help with ground school if or when you achieve your aim of WSOp. Otherwise, Regt could be fun for a while but don't even think about it unless you're already very fit!
Ultimately, by joining ASAP you're also saving time in the long run because you're getting initial recruit training out of the way during the next 12 months.
Bugs
