RAF Navs (WSO) - the future
 

After info/advice,
My son attended OASC (going for pilot), passed app tests/interview etc but failed on eye sight, borderline shortsighted in right eye. Been offered Nav. Whilst pleased, and very proud of him, am unsure of what the future holds. GR4 for a while yet but other than that.......
What are current nav mates planning on? No need for any Maccy D jokes please!

Tell him to get amongst it!!!!! He's being offered a life most lads his age can only dream of. Although the branch is on the way out and many if not all of its present members might advise him to push harder for pilot, another branch, RN or Army, the GR4 has plenty of life left in it yet.

If I was in his shoes, even given the present situation, I reckon I'd still go for it.

Swallow your pride in the light blue, and point him in the direction of the Senior Service. His mum and girlfriend (and his girlfriend's mum...) will love the uniform, and he will have loads of fun.

AA

He is fixated on fast stuff at the moment. What are the chances of such in the RN short term? I am aware of JSF, and feel free call me cynical, but don't expect to see it (apart from air displays) for another 10 years minimum.

I know no more than you, perhaps less. RN still saying 2012, which is clearly nonsense. Given the lead time they'll be streaming post-JEFTS for JSF sometime from 2009 onwards I'd guess, but how many and when is the critical point. My EFTS course in 79 was the second to stream 1 x FW for the SHAR.

Any chance he could go to university - and join in 2010? In the interim it also seems probable that the RN will want/have to take successful first/second tourist RW Ps onto an FW/JSF stream to have some more experienced guys around.

There will be a job for him on the Nimrod MR2 and it's replacement when/if we get it. If he's a bit skinny then send him up to Kinloss and we'll beef him up. Dairy Cream Sponge anyone?:ok:

Can't comment on the future role of Navigators, but I believe the Navy have lower eyesight limits having seen an old Uni buddy turned away from RAF for the very same reason but being snapped up by RN.

50% ish of Joint Force Harrier is now Navy so if he's good he'll have a chance of something fast in the short term future, if not being a rotary pilot has got to be better than Nav-ing!

Ref JSF i'd be surprised to see it before the late 20 teens, and that's if it's not delayed anymore! I'm pretty sure it won't be in service when the new carriers arrive!

PS I'd advise him to join up ASAP, while he still can; ie before his eyesight deteriorates further....Going to Uni before joining up not advised in these circumstances.

Did someone say DCS?:}

Are they still restreaming Aircrew O's?

TEO an offer in the hand is worth more than could of, should of, would of, if he likes girls it would be unwise to send him dark blue:= .
Charlie sends

CL Plus others,
Thanks fellas, will ensure that he gets the benefit of your years of exeperience. Agree that at 18 attitude should be - who gives a ****, live life n enjoy it. Wish I had his 'worries'........Carpe Diem

WSOs
 

Tonks,
Check your PMs.
Regards,
JR

Tonks

How much does your son want to be RAF or how much does he want to fly? The reason I'm asking - and I never thought I'd find myself advertising the WAFUs (come on, I'm advertising here - had to get some sort of dig in :E), however, if your son wants to fly more than he wants to be in the RAF, he shouldn't discount the FAA. They have different selection standards - not lower - just different, and he may find that they would be keen to snap him up.

I only say this as I had a chum on the UAS that applied to Cranwell for pilot and was told in no uncertain terms that he would never make a pilot. Was a bit of a shock to then bump into him again almost 10 years later flying Junglies in Basrah. He went for a debrief and then walked across the AFCO from the RAF to the RN desk and they bit his hand off.

Like I said, different ...... sometimes very different and difficult to understand (the RN procedure for asking to pass the salt has to be heard to be believed!), but still a bloody good bunch and certainly worth a punt if he wants to fly rather than be in a specific branch of the military. However, if he mentions AAC, then I suggest you threaten to write him out of the will :E

Fattagator

DCS, that takes me back. I was in our engineers line office last week and I noticed them eating a DCS. Hadn't seen one for years and had to ask for a slice. Mmmmm:) Do you still eat a whole one each per trip?? :yuk:

What is the difference between a Gay and a WSO(N)...












..A Gay has a future in the Royal Air Force.:)


Harrier Pilots like the single seat cockpit, room for themselves and all their friends...:ooh:

Yep, its been a long day:zzz:

biddedout
 

Sadly the days of DCS have now passed. They are no longer available for our in-flight feast. We have to make do with jam donuts and muffins. Terrible isn't it? I used to be able to eat a whole DCS in one, but now I have to make do with a tray of donuts instead. :p