Being a WSOp...
 

Hi All,

I've recently joined the RAF as a WSOp, passed out at Halton and am currently on hold until I go to Cranwell.

I have been thinking about my future career, and am aiming toward the crewman side of things (I know I don't get much say in the matter! - there's always hope). I'm stuck between aiming for fixed wing or rotary, and was wondering if anyone could tell me the pro's and con's of the job from their point of view. For fixed wing Herc's interest me, and I really don't know about rotary (Merlin?).

Like I said, I know I'm told where I'm going, but an insight would be nice as we really don't get told that much. Also, if anyone out there is acoustic/electronic etc, some info about your job would be good too?

Thanks.

PS: I'll only be replying at weekends!

Radbrit am not being funny but would it not have been a good idea to find these things out before you joined up?

I'm with toddy, How the **** did you get selected? :mad:

I am stunned at your lack of knowledge...Please don't think we are having a go as you have the level of knowledge that someone in the recruiting and selection chain allowed you in at...

Please tell us some more of your filter interviews and what you were asked/had to answer to get this far...In return I'll slip you some info on the EW/Acoustic side of things...

??????
 

I'm in the 'flabbergasted' club also fella. I remember being asked numerous questions, at P2 and during OASC, wrt my desired future employment.

I can only assume that you are looking for a personal edge to what you already know. During your training on 55 Sqn, you'll be sent on a couple of station visits before you are streamed - it's a bit like Bullseye, you know, look at what you could have won. These will provide opportunity to get a brief feel for the different branches.

Might be worth doing some homework in the meantime though. Best of luck.

:}

Check your PM's mate.

Spam

I completely agree, you should have done your homework first.:ugh:

The question has been raised in the past by those interested in becoming a WSOp BEFORE being selected:

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...highlight=wsop

Hi all,
I've been accepted as a WSOp and will be starting at Halton soon, but have a few questions about a rumored change to the WSOp selection procedure since I was accepted.
When i went through OASC in feb i had to pass both the Crewman and AEOp aptitude tests just to get a look in. However, i was informed by a reliable source recently that you can now apply to be either a Crewman or AEOp at OASC and only need to pass the relevant aptitude tests, therefore being pre streamed at Cranwell before the start of training. I was wondering if anyone on here could inform me whether this is true or not? Also, if it is true, how will it affect me, will there be others like me who are eligible for both routes or will most be pre streamed? It could be slightly frustrating that some will know they have their preffered route whilst going through training, while others such as myself will have to wait until completion of the 55 sqn course and their choice of where they think I should go!
Any info would be helpfull
Cheers!
R

Rath89

Don't worry about it to much.

a) You can't change it.

b) Work hard, come top of the course, and you should get your choice.

c) See a)

Perhaps that didn't come across as it was meant too.

I know a lot about the different trades, as I did do my homework. All I really wanted was a personal insight into what your jobs (Crewman, Aops etc) are like - i.e what you go through on a day to day basis.

I didn't mean I don't know anything about rotary, I meant I didn't know which type interested me more. So don't be "stunned at my lack of knowledge", as you might be suprised to know that we don't go and speak to every WSOp in the Air Force and find out exactly what they do.

That post was on behalf of quite a few people on my course as we just wanted to know a bit more, but obviously you're all more interested in piss taking. We've tried finding out, but the only truthful information you get is word of mouth (a forum perhaps?), but seems they're not that helpful either.

Cheers for your help though Spam, much appreciated.

I thought you said you would only reply at the weekends ?

Well do tell !

(v slow day in the office)

:uhoh::uhoh:

Helped out at Horse Guard's yesterday, so I'm free today.

Maybe you could ask your instructors at Cranwell. They might just have some idea.

I doubt they have been pre-streamed on there aptitude score results. Regardless of which branch you would prefer to go the pass mark is 90 for all WSOp, 110 for WSO and 120 for pilot.

OMG what a damn fine idea. I wander who thought of that and I bet he got promoted.

Radbrit, I am replying not just to you but to lots of others who post in the same vein.

Say what you mean. If you had first said what you said here then the responses would have been different. There are lots of examples of improperly drafted questions that are an open invitation to banter.

On the thread of say what you mean, there are also instances where someone posts for 'a friend of a friend' etc and only tell half the story, the good half!

A considered post with all the relevant information will ellict a more considered reply - things like nationality, age, educational qualifications, reading and quoting from the 'joining the RAF' thread all help to identify the line of question and the amount of self-held already undertaken. The answers to many questions can be found by posting the exact same question into Google. True, that is where we get many of the answers we feed back to people.

Radbrit , you'll have plenty of practice saying what you mean when we see you in Jul !! .
I have to agree a poorly worded question WILL get a poor answer.
RATH89
The selection process and apptitude tests are all the same for WSOp no matter how you get streamed later in training.
Anyway nothing is for life, ask the four Accustic guys who got pulled from training to go Rotary c'man !!!! last month.
I have to ask the question to any wannabe C'man , WSOp , do you really fully reasearch what your letting yourself into, when applying for our unique career path. ? Don't believe everything you see on the news or read in the papers, go ask the crews at airshows and go to Cranwell and visit the station , talk to the trainees and staff and ask all the questions there. Every last thu of the month there is a brief, just ask your PD clerk or AFCO to organise it through 55 Sqn.

I agree with what you say completely Rude C'man! I just heard the rumour from a crewman instructor on 60 sqn as I live near Shawbury. Also there's a guy on my RTS course who claims to only have passed the Crewman tests and be accepted. Anyway, i'm sure il find out when I start. The crewmen on the sqns do give a very different picture than the AFCO and OASC. Was definitely worth talking to them, as the glossy booklets appear to have missed out the numerous tours to sandy places!

WSOP
 

I'd like to know when we are gettting the "Weapons Systems" to "Operate."

Of course Browning 9mm.