Weapon system officers

[F4_Phantom]

I want to join the RAF as a WSO and no matter how much I research I cannot find out what oppotunities there will be for them in the future considering the retirement of the tornados, vc10s and nimrod upgrade. Just wondered if anyone could fill me in as to what WSOs will be doing in the future in the RAF ?

Any info would be appreciated and thanks in advance

[Future Hunter]

From what I can see, the WSO will move away from the old name of 'Navigator' and become somewhat of a mission specialist.

In terms of aircraft opportunities - you will be looking at ISTAR platforms first and foremost - mission commander on Nimrod or Sentinel; assessing threat, tactics and generally where to put the plane.

The fast jet age seems to have passed for the WSO - with Tornado going within 10 years in lieu of JCA/JSF or whatever they call it this week. So unless they decide that having an extra brain at low level is a good idea, looks like ISTAR (as always) is the way forward.

But as always, try your local AFCO for more info. I see from your name you're in the Lincoln area. Below the level crossing on the high street in Lincoln, or try and arrange a visit to 55(R) sqn at Cranwell and ask the subject matter experts (this will show initiative and all the other buzzwords should you want to join up).

[F4_Phantom]

Thank you very much for your reply. I am going to the AFCO quite soon and I know a navigator who is a squadron leader from waddington who will probably help me. Thanks again

[L J R]

Have you heard of the term Unmanned Aerial Systems....?

[Pontius Navigator]

F4, no matter how much you cut the cake, the Navigator/WSO will be a very small group. There will be pressure from today's fast-jet WSO as well as new entrants.

The numbers being recruited will be a fraction of the number of pilots. One has to ask the question, why WSO and not Pilot? It was asked of me and at the time we were recruiting 20 navs per month and perhaps 4 times that number of pilots.

[27mm]

A very small group indeed, but while we're at it, congratulations to Simon Bryant, WSO on F4/F14/F3, newly promoted to ACM and appointed C-in-C Air Command - can't recall offhand any other WSOs to have made it that far, but it shows that it can be done....

[Abbey Road]

it shows that it can be done....

... in an air force that has a lot fewer pilots than it once did!

[Seldomfitforpurpose]

And both of the last two posts show precisely why as a service were doomed

[NDW]

This is the exact same position that I am in.

I'm visiting my local AFCO hopefully tomorrow for more information regarding future Aircrew positions.

Does anyone know what the RAF Interviewing boards would want to see more of in a candidate for Aircrew e.g. either gaining work experience in working enviroments or would they rather see you as a member of a local sports team?

I'm currently working at my local airport, but I've never participated in any outside school sports (which I've heard the RAF look more at).

Many thanks

NDW

[Pontius Navigator]

Originally Posted by NDW

what the RAF Interviewing boards would want to see more of in a candidate for Aircrew e.g. either gaining work experience in working enviroments or would they rather see you as a member of a local sports team?

It depends upon the work experience and the sports.

If the work experience involved working within a team then that would be beneficial. If the sport involved being a team player that would be equally advantageous.

Where sport might have the edge is if you took the opportunity to be more than a member of the team. You might be the captain or membership or secretary or fixtures coordinator etc.

never participated in any outside school sports

but even within the school setting you might have been able to exercise an element of leadership.

[NDW]

Thanks P_N,

In regards to the Work Experience, Im currently working at my local Airport as an Operations Assistant, and there is a certain
amount of teamwork needed in the Flying School.

I have been a member of the Air Training Corps reaching the rank of Cadet Sergeant, I was in charge of the subscriptions which needed to be paid by the cadets and I was also in charge of my own flight of cadets.

In school I was part of the Rugby team, but that was for the last 1 year before I finished school.

I hope that the AFCO interviewing board will see that as reasonable experience in teamwork.

Thanks

NDW

[VinRouge]

I want to join the RAF as a WSO and no matter how much I research I cannot find out what oppotunities there will be for them in the future considering the retirement of the tornados, vc10s and nimrod upgrade. Just wondered if anyone could fill me in as to what WSOs will be doing in the future in the RAF ?

Well, cant tell you what they will be doing in the RAF, but does this give you a clue?

[F4_Phantom]

I do not have perfect vision so that eliminates pilot, it's damn close to perfect but not RAF pilot standard WSO seems like a good alternative if I fail aircrew I'd settle for pretty much any other RAF officer role I just really want to be a part of the RAF !

[NDW]

F4_Phantom,

Regarding the vision, that's the same issue I have.

However as I'm only going to take 'no' as an answer from OASC Opticians regarding eyesight for RAF Aircrew.

Thanks

NDW

[steve wilson]

If you want to get into the Air as comissioned aircrew and are worried about your eyesight, have a think about Fighter Control. You are looking at being a ground based FC for 2 tours (3 to 4 years approx) once you have become fully Combat Ready. You can then apply to go onto the E3D.

Steve

[Aerouk]

What about RN OBS?