EngO Advice

[Melchett01]

Originally Posted by Moi/

EngO BES scheme is open again and short of numbers. Certainly thinking about it however could i go through the hassle of the 12-14 months at Cosford, then 30 weeks at Cranwell, then 30 weeks at Engineer Officer Training.

Thats even if i manage to get selected and get through OASC. Currently signed on for LOS 30, served 17 out of 30. I wonder what the Return of Service is for the BES Scheme.

In all honesty, probably not unless you really really want it and can see yourself wearing Flt Lt rank slides and being content to leave the hands on spanner work to others whilst you do all the other bits and pieces associated with keeping things running. Regardless of Branch, none of them are easy options, and you first need to convince yourself that you should be there before trying to convince OASC who will ruthlessly exploit any chinks in your armour to see how you respond . You probably can do it, but you need to train yourself to believe that first.

[Slow Biker]

Melchett you have it. I once did the Biggin Hill bit without giving it proper thought; good candidate they said but try again next time, but I didn't. When thinking about reapplying I realized I did not have, and never really did have, the necessary burning desire, which cannot be faked, and as you say, it will show. Life went on to a full and satisfying career with no regrets.
EngO2017, good luck, you are making the right moves.
MOI/, think long and hard. then go for it.

[thegndeng]

Don't go in all all guns blazing! Take your time to assess what go's on, who's who etc.

Be a leader, not a micro manager.

[Moi/]

The main "hassle" is the back to "Day 1" stuff at IOT Cranwell. I guess this could be why the BES scheme uptake is low.

Definately Definately no financial benefit to the jump, probably would not see a pay increase for 6 years* or until i reached 3-year Flt Lt (under current NEM Pay Scales). *Assuming 1yr Cosford, 1 year Cranwell, 1yr as Fg Off, 3 year in rank as Flt Lt.

EngO was something that i wanted to become 12 years ago ish, betwen now and then "the family" came along and priorities changed. I became "busy" with work (and life). Now i look around and see its possibily time to try something new/rock the boat/do something i wanted to do years ago, before its too late.

I'll think about it....

[The Oberon]

Sorry about the drift. BES scheme? Is that a new name for what I knew as a Branch Commission?

[superplum]

Originally Posted by The Oberon

Sorry about the drift. BES scheme? Is that a new name for what I knew as a Branch Commission?

No, unless things have changed. The BO route was replaced by the Commissioned Warrant Officer scheme. BES is just the route for the younger airmen and NCO's etc. BO's were "binneed" because they were too expensive (as told to me by my ex--Desk Officer).

[downsizer]

BES is Basic Engineer Scheme whereby members of TG1 and 4 can gain an engineering degree at cosford and commission as EngOs.

[ICO]

Don't go for JEngO first tour, even the best struggle trying to learn all about being a Flt Cdr alongside the engineering decisions - it will not be much fun if you're topping out on capacity. It's much better to cut your teeth as an OC GEF or 2nd Line Bay where you learn all about the Flt Cdr role without the pressure of delivering x number of ac for the flying programme.