Weapon Systems Operator? Royal Air Force.

[FlareAngel]

First off all just wanted to say hi since im new here.

I'm currently 16 and next year i will be leaving school and will have to choose my career path. Ive always wanted to do something in the RAF, and Weapon Systems Operator looked quite interesting, as you work with computer.

So my question is as ill be 17 next year ill also have the minimum requirements, 5 GCSE: Grade 3 Physics, Grade 3 Chemistry at standard grade and Graphic Communication, English and Maths at Intermediate 2 level, standard grade and intermediate 2 are the Scottish equivalent. Any back to my question would i be able to leave school and Apply for this job.

Sorry if i never made sense before. Basically what i mean is what are my chances of getting this job with my grades and would me coming straight from school lower my chances?

[minigundiplomat]

Is this a wah?

[Fake Sealion]

Contact your local RAF careers office in the first instance.

[OneFifty]

Sigh.

Visit your local AFCO.

Or phone them.

Or look on the RAF web-site.

Or look at the READ FIRST thread on this site.

[Pontius Navigator]

And you don't get to work with computers, at least not the way you might imagine.

[OneFifty]

If you like computers, why not ICT Tech...

ICT Technician - Communications and intelligence careers - RAF Careers

But you have already researched that... right?

[fincastle84]

I would join my local ATC Squadron in order to gain a better idea about careers in the RAF. I would also aim to improve my spelling, grammar & use of punctuation marks.

[circle kay]

Fincastle, you are today's duty spelling nazi and I claim my £5.

FlareAngel, have a good read of the sticky thread at the top and do a search for threads with WSOp in the title.

[getsometimein]

The simple answer is, yes you can get in to be a WSOp with those grades. However you may be turned down. Best to get yourself off to college and do maths/science and apply for WSOp in a couple of years.

[Aerouk]

I'm a bit confused with your grades, you suggest you have 5 GSCEs (or 5 Standard Grades) but you only list Physics, Chemistry and Graphic Communication plus two Int 2s in English and Maths?

What happened to the other two qualifications or are these both in English and Maths?

Why don't you stay another year and get your Highers so you can apply for an Officer role?

fincastle84, he's too old for the ATC.

[davejb]

An Int 2 pass is the equivalent of a credit standard grade, hence he's counting as 5 'O' Levels (there's a blast from the past <g>)

More a concern is that those 3 grade 3's are only general grade passes, and I would sincerely suggest you get the Physics (especially) to a better grade than that. The previous poster who suggested you get a few highers made a good suggestion - presumably you are sitting highers this summer?

[Aerouk]

Ah yeah I never thought of that.

I would get yourself some Highers followed by a trip to University for 3-4 years (all paid for by the govt) get yourself into one of the UAS/OTC/URNU/Police Specials/First Aid and then try to join up.

You'll be eligible for Graduate pay plus you'll do a lot of growing up in a couple of years.

(Feel free to ignore the advice, I'm a wannabe myself)

[airborne_artist]

You'll be eligible for Graduate pay

Not as a WSOp, which is an NCA role. Only hociffers get three years seniority on joining as graduates.

[teeteringhead]

fincastle84, he's too old for the ATC.

..... not so! Although he'd be older than the average entrant and so a bit behind the drag curve, it's a way to show his mettle.

Indeed, a number of AFCO "try again later sonny" rejects are directed to the ATC at 17 or even 18.

He is (at most if he's "17 next year") 16y 5m and cadets can serve until 20, albeit they need to show "added value" to stay beyond 18 if not a cadet SNCO.

So do try your local ATC FlareAngel, it'll impress the AFCO in due course, it's good on your CV anyway (particularly DofE silver or gold)....... and you might just enjoy it too!!

[neildo]

AA or anyone else knowledgeable; I am at a Scottish university and in my 4th year. From completion of 3rd year I have a BSc in Chemistry (believe that's known as an "ordinary" degree) and as long as I pass the exams I am about to sit I will have a BSc Hons. To be awarded "graduate pay" and receive the rank progression benefits to Flt Lt what level of degree does one require?

[airborne_artist]

To be awarded "graduate pay" and receive the rank progression benefits to Flt Lt what level of degree does one require?

Hons.

All you get is three years of seniority, so that an 18 y/o and a 21 y/o joining without/with a degree each make Flt Lt at the same age, and on the same basic pay. The only difference is that flying pay will kick in at the same time through the sausage machine for both, so the younger guy will be earning more aged 23 than the grad was at 23.

[Mr C Hinecap]

The only difference is that flying pay will kick in at the same time through the sausage machine for both, so the younger guy will be earning more aged 23 than the grad was at 23.

But they will both be in debt up to their eyeballs if they don't get flying pay as they will have bought their sports car at the same time before getting their wings - on the promise of the pay rise!

[Aerouk]

Not as a WSOp, which is an NCA role.

Sorry, I meant if he was going for an Officer role like I mentioned earlier.

But they will both be in debt up to their eyeballs if they don't get flying pay as they will have bought their sports car at the same time before getting their wings - on the promise of the pay rise!

I think that's something I would stupidly do as well! What sort of cars do the average student officer end up buying?

[Bob Viking]

Fast cars

I know of a guy at Linton who bought a Lotus elise. He was a direct entrant (which made him quite young). By the time he had made his finance payments, insurance payments and covered other monthly outgoings he had £50 a month left to enjoy.
He sold it after a couple of months.
Bless.
BV

[fincastle84]

Circle Kay

Fincastle, you are today's duty spelling nazi and I claim my £5.

I am just trying to help the young person gain entry to the RAF & hopefully enjoy his/ her 30 years service as much as I did. As a potential officer he will have to show an ability to write clearly & concisely, using correct spelling & grammar. Far more is expected from Navs than pilots. Everyone knows that pilots can't write.

I therefore request that you donate your ill gained £5 to the RAF Benevolent Fund!