Air Cadets RAFVRT - Officer Selection Course
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Air Cadets RAFVRT - Officer Selection Course
Good morning
I'm a civilian insructor with the local Air Cadets and have been asked early on in my career if I'd like to be nominated for a Commission. At short notice, the Sqd Ldr from Wing is coming down on Monday to 'interview' me before we move on to the next step. I wonder if anyone has any advice / guidance / wisdom?
I notice a similar thread from some years ago; Im asking in case views have changed or the organisation has moved on..
Thanks in advance
sigmet
I'm a civilian insructor with the local Air Cadets and have been asked early on in my career if I'd like to be nominated for a Commission. At short notice, the Sqd Ldr from Wing is coming down on Monday to 'interview' me before we move on to the next step. I wonder if anyone has any advice / guidance / wisdom?
I notice a similar thread from some years ago; Im asking in case views have changed or the organisation has moved on..
Thanks in advance
sigmet
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I was lucky enough to do the whole CI/AWO/VRT trip with the ACO and if you appear to be showing a bit more interest than the average staff member you'll inevitably be asked to put the blue suit on.
Top things to consider. Uniformed service with the ACO is time consuming - there is far more expectation that you will regularly give up your spare time and there will be a minimum hours per month requirement although in my experience that was scarcely monitored but used as a tool to weed out people whose heart wasn't really in it to free up a uniformed slot on a unit.
Next thing is do you have what it takes? Do you have the appearance and bearing that will make you a credible member of the RAFVR(T)? Many on here may tell you about the absolute nightmares of VRT Officers who conduct themselves like arses when on station with an undeserved sense of entitlement. The WSO interview is just the first step, and it is by no means a foregone conclusion that because you are in the process that you will ultimately be successful.
Have you considered going the SNCO route first? This is what I did, so I got to have several years learning to be a leader in a "safe" environment before I went commission. That experience was invaluable because as a Sqn Cdr I had some very real credibility in the eyes of the teams that I helped to develop because I could give sound advice having done it all myself. Those experiences certainly contributed to the GCGI qualification I got before leaving a few years ago.
My advice is to consider what you want to do and don't let WHQ decide for you. They have their own needs to fulfill and nowadays one of those is the diminishing number of Officers. That's their problem, don't sacrifice what you really want to do just to help them out. A single CI turning up two nights a month for twenty years is far better than a single Officer being pushed into uniform to burn out inside five years. Believe me - I've seen both.
Good luck though!!!
Top things to consider. Uniformed service with the ACO is time consuming - there is far more expectation that you will regularly give up your spare time and there will be a minimum hours per month requirement although in my experience that was scarcely monitored but used as a tool to weed out people whose heart wasn't really in it to free up a uniformed slot on a unit.
Next thing is do you have what it takes? Do you have the appearance and bearing that will make you a credible member of the RAFVR(T)? Many on here may tell you about the absolute nightmares of VRT Officers who conduct themselves like arses when on station with an undeserved sense of entitlement. The WSO interview is just the first step, and it is by no means a foregone conclusion that because you are in the process that you will ultimately be successful.
Have you considered going the SNCO route first? This is what I did, so I got to have several years learning to be a leader in a "safe" environment before I went commission. That experience was invaluable because as a Sqn Cdr I had some very real credibility in the eyes of the teams that I helped to develop because I could give sound advice having done it all myself. Those experiences certainly contributed to the GCGI qualification I got before leaving a few years ago.
My advice is to consider what you want to do and don't let WHQ decide for you. They have their own needs to fulfill and nowadays one of those is the diminishing number of Officers. That's their problem, don't sacrifice what you really want to do just to help them out. A single CI turning up two nights a month for twenty years is far better than a single Officer being pushed into uniform to burn out inside five years. Believe me - I've seen both.
Good luck though!!!
Short notice
Sig I would be wary about 'starting off' any involvement based upon 'short notice'.
This is a situation you need be comfortable with and PREPARED.
Therefore if you feel 'rushed' this may not be the best way to get started.
There are plenty of vacancies in the system so better to get your 'recon' done and then apply.
If the visit is based on an 'information session' then fine but i would suggest anything other than that should be prepared.
This is a situation you need be comfortable with and PREPARED.
Therefore if you feel 'rushed' this may not be the best way to get started.
There are plenty of vacancies in the system so better to get your 'recon' done and then apply.
If the visit is based on an 'information session' then fine but i would suggest anything other than that should be prepared.
Gentleman Aviator
And of course, these days a potential VR(T) Officer has to undertake the 2 day OASC at Cranwell, exactly the same as the regulars - less aptitude, medical and fitness tests.
Everything said before is helpful - particularly the caveats about an apparent "rush job". If you do get to OASC, there's plenty of good advice in the "sticky" at the top of the page.
VR(T) OASC Boards are usually Monday and Tuesday, with occasional weekend slots. Final decision is made by a Regional Commandant, acting as overall Board President.
Good luck with whichever path you take.
Everything said before is helpful - particularly the caveats about an apparent "rush job". If you do get to OASC, there's plenty of good advice in the "sticky" at the top of the page.
VR(T) OASC Boards are usually Monday and Tuesday, with occasional weekend slots. Final decision is made by a Regional Commandant, acting as overall Board President.
Good luck with whichever path you take.
Didn't know OASC was involved nowadays.
I was a cadet then became a CI when too old as there were no uniformed adult vacancies on my squadron.
Eventually my CO recommended me for a commission.
This was followed by an interview at Wing HQ with the Wing CO and the Wing AdO.
Next stage was an interview at Regional HQ with the Regional Commandant, Regional Admin Officer and a Wing Commander who wasn't my Wing Commander.
Both interviews were quite friendly as if they wanted you to pass.
Then a letter arrived telling me I was successful.
As soon as possible I booked my 5 day Initial Officers course at HQAC which in those days was at RAF Newton. Staying in the Officers Mess was no problem as I had already done so for about 9 months as part of my civilian occupation as an officer in the Civil Service.
I was a cadet then became a CI when too old as there were no uniformed adult vacancies on my squadron.
Eventually my CO recommended me for a commission.
This was followed by an interview at Wing HQ with the Wing CO and the Wing AdO.
Next stage was an interview at Regional HQ with the Regional Commandant, Regional Admin Officer and a Wing Commander who wasn't my Wing Commander.
Both interviews were quite friendly as if they wanted you to pass.
Then a letter arrived telling me I was successful.
As soon as possible I booked my 5 day Initial Officers course at HQAC which in those days was at RAF Newton. Staying in the Officers Mess was no problem as I had already done so for about 9 months as part of my civilian occupation as an officer in the Civil Service.
Last edited by chevvron; 2nd Mar 2016 at 18:10.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Sigmet, you joined pprune 12 years ago, that makes you at least 26 and probably early 30s. You should have enough life skills and Service knowledge. It is not as if you walked in off the street.
Whoever nominated you must think sufficiently highly of you to recommend that you 'join the club'.
Treat the interview from wing as at least a learning experience. If you put it off then later you would need to explain why you had delayed.
Good luck.
Whoever nominated you must think sufficiently highly of you to recommend that you 'join the club'.
Treat the interview from wing as at least a learning experience. If you put it off then later you would need to explain why you had delayed.
Good luck.
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I am rapidly coming to the end of my time where I am and I would like to continue to 'stag on' in the Cadet Forces. For a variety of reasons, the ATC appeals to me more than the ACF (Officer in a technical Corps), but I really cannot believe that I would have to do OASC (again).
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Even with prior (and extensive) Commissioned service? It'll be 20 years for me this summer...
I am rapidly coming to the end of my time where I am and I would like to continue to 'stag on' in the Cadet Forces. For a variety of reasons, the ATC appeals to me more than the ACF (Officer in a technical Corps), but I really cannot believe that I would have to do OASC (again).
I am rapidly coming to the end of my time where I am and I would like to continue to 'stag on' in the Cadet Forces. For a variety of reasons, the ATC appeals to me more than the ACF (Officer in a technical Corps), but I really cannot believe that I would have to do OASC (again).
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Sadly discussions I was involved in (very peripherally) about fitness standards for RAFVR(T) went nowhere. I would like to see a BMI rule for wearing uniform - simpler than BFT - but there was no appetite for the fallout which might follow. I don't know if fitness is still on the agenda.
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Brown stuff really did hit the fan with that pic! As for fitness tests the problem is not so much people being overweight but having other problems, as it is with me I could not pass until at least I get a kidney transplant which thankfully may be happening in the next few months thanks to a (VR)T friend who has offered to donate one of his for me. I can do normal Sqn activities as the Adj but camps , full days etc have been ruled out for me for the last year or so.
I have seen numerous people , super-fit, look good in uniform etc who are a waste of time as staff whilst others who are maybe overweight ,have a few medical problems etc who are outstanding as officers /SNCO/WO .
As for the OP the chat with the WSO will be just to sound you out as you are the one who has to apply then have your filter interview with the WExO , if you are not happy don't let them push you .
One CWO from a local Sqn is turning 20 later in the year and has applied fpr ASNCO , her Sqn Cdr and WSO were both pushing her for commission but she believes she is more suited to NCO ,she also wants to move to my unit as she ,rightly in my opinion, believes she is better going to a different unit as staff than the one she was a cadet in.
I have seen numerous people , super-fit, look good in uniform etc who are a waste of time as staff whilst others who are maybe overweight ,have a few medical problems etc who are outstanding as officers /SNCO/WO .
As for the OP the chat with the WSO will be just to sound you out as you are the one who has to apply then have your filter interview with the WExO , if you are not happy don't let them push you .
One CWO from a local Sqn is turning 20 later in the year and has applied fpr ASNCO , her Sqn Cdr and WSO were both pushing her for commission but she believes she is more suited to NCO ,she also wants to move to my unit as she ,rightly in my opinion, believes she is better going to a different unit as staff than the one she was a cadet in.
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Even with prior (and extensive) Commissioned service? It'll be 20 years for me this summer...
I am rapidly coming to the end of my time where I am and I would like to continue to 'stag on' in the Cadet Forces. For a variety of reasons, the ATC appeals to me more than the ACF (Officer in a technical Corps), but I really cannot believe that I would have to do OASC (again).
I am rapidly coming to the end of my time where I am and I would like to continue to 'stag on' in the Cadet Forces. For a variety of reasons, the ATC appeals to me more than the ACF (Officer in a technical Corps), but I really cannot believe that I would have to do OASC (again).
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All depends on rank on departure and experience. We had ex-Flt Lt Pilot, left a good 8 years ago, submitted commissioning paperwork thro Wing HQ, telecon with Reg Comdt to check suitability, straight to SCC (no IOC or OASC), came out the other end as Fg Off. And we have an ex-Sqn Ldr going the same route at present.
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Romeo Bravo
I left the RAF 5 years ago after a 35 year career, they put me through an interview with the REGIONAL CDR, and was expected to complete the SCC within two years. I was awarded F/O, then within two months, I found myself taking over Sqn Cdr, did SCC, and was awarded the rank of Flt Lt.
Your experience would be very useful to the Cadets, but I suspect you already know that
I left the RAF 5 years ago after a 35 year career, they put me through an interview with the REGIONAL CDR, and was expected to complete the SCC within two years. I was awarded F/O, then within two months, I found myself taking over Sqn Cdr, did SCC, and was awarded the rank of Flt Lt.
Your experience would be very useful to the Cadets, but I suspect you already know that
Gentleman Aviator
If a potential VR(T) Officer has been commissioned for at least 2 years in any regular or reserve service, then they may be recommissioned without OASC (just interview with Rgnl Comdt). If previously of Fg Off (or equivalent) rank, May be commissioned as Fg Off.
All VR(T) are a maximum of substantive Fg Offs, all higher ranks are acting, some acting paid, some acting unpaid.
Previous service on "Countdown" an advantage ........
Scopie
Whereabouts are you/will you be based? If you wish to PM me I can give you a contact name and number ......
All VR(T) are a maximum of substantive Fg Offs, all higher ranks are acting, some acting paid, some acting unpaid.
Previous service on "Countdown" an advantage ........
Scopie
Whereabouts are you/will you be based? If you wish to PM me I can give you a contact name and number ......
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If a potential VR(T) Officer has been commissioned for at least 2 years in any regular or reserve service, then they may be recommissioned without OASC (just interview with Rgnl Comdt). If previously of Fg Off (or equivalent) rank, May be commissioned as Fg Off.
All VR(T) are a maximum of substantive Fg Offs, all higher ranks are acting, some acting paid, some acting unpaid.
Previous service on "Countdown" an advantage ........
Scopie
Whereabouts are you/will you be based? If you wish to PM me I can give you a contact name and number ......
All VR(T) are a maximum of substantive Fg Offs, all higher ranks are acting, some acting paid, some acting unpaid.
Previous service on "Countdown" an advantage ........
Scopie
Whereabouts are you/will you be based? If you wish to PM me I can give you a contact name and number ......
Avoid imitations
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Appalling standard of dress. The belt should be worn under the beergut and the shirt should be tucked inside the underpants. 