thanks so much to all you guys for the hopefully sound advice. I'm glad the majority voted what i instinctively feel is right, and dont worry i dont intend on touching the stuff ever again. Thanks especially to Gingerbread man for picking up on my misplaced vocab. Im supposed to have a degree in English and hate getting stuff like that wrong. No excuses. But seriously, thanks. Will keep you all posted on the response re drugsin a few weeks time. With a bit of luck i won't get a direct question like that, but true about Harry - good point although i think prince status may automatically give him a bit of an advantage somehow! I've really enjoyed reading everyone's comments on here and look forward to some interesting discussions and hope to contribute in the near future.

They definately ask you "what, if any, involvement have you had with drugs". I'm sure it's one of the standard questions, just like the one about whether you've been in trouble with the law. I don't think that it will be a problem being honest about it in this case. This is simply because you've already let the cat out of the bag. Normally I would certainly recommend keeping it under wraps.

Anyway, good luck!

TMA

The Week is a good one.
Speed Distance Time stuff.
Also, if making it onto part two, they assess you (as NCA) mostly on how you perform as a team MEMBER, not a leader. Guy from OASC did a talk at our UAS, and that is what he said. So when not leading, make sure you are concentrating on helping out, and not trying to take over the leader's lead. Seen it happen.
Good Luck!!
TMA

Scud u like; purely statistics chap. get everyone smashed on crack in the bar on friday night I dare say there would be a scrap or two...

returning to the original question, no matter what has happened in the past, you have to be honest; they spot a liar from a mile away. and for me, Integrity and Loyalty are the big two in my bag. If you dont agree with the Queens commision then don't sign up! Im sure the interviewers may value honesty as opposed to disregarding someone for what could be considered in civilian life as an idiscression.(SP i know :-()

Excellent argument ensuing that brings out another perspective on the pre-OASC use of recreational drugs.

In civilian life, low-level drug use (ie cannabis) has little social stigma and nowadays attracts no punishment. So, why all the breast-beating and employment of the "I was young and stupid" or "it was just an experiment" excuses? There is no point in self-justification or self-flagellation, it is more honest and rational to reason that " I am signing up to a way of life with different values to that of civilian life and I undertake to uphold these values; I do not particularly regret smoking cannabis (or whatever) but I understand it has no place in Service life where the consequenses of such actions can be all the more serious and would indicate a contempt for fundamental standards of behaviour."

On second thoughts, I doubt the "mature" line would catch on, and the "I was stupid and experimenting" excuse is the safest! Any thoughts from OASC boarders?

Quote...

The short, medium and long-term effects of illegal drug misuse can have damaging effects on mental and physical fitness and health, and therefore constitude a direct threat both to the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces and to the security and safety of the Service personnel and, potentially, the civilians they protect....

...The Armed Forces recognise, however, that drug misuse is increasingly common in civilian life, particularly amoung the young, and that your may have misused drugs yourself in the past. This will not necessarily prevent you from enlisting, as all applications are considered individually and acceptance into the Services will depend on the frequency of use and the class and type of drug that has been misused. Criminal trafficking or supply of any class will bar entry in to the Services.

Once you have joined the Armed Forces, you must not misuse drugs - you are required to stay clear of drugs and to avoid association with drug misusers and suppliers.

- AFCO Form 5 May 2004
- Application and Information Guidance Booklet for Application to HM's Armed Forces

OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
 

I seem to recall talking to an OiC AFCO a while ago about this, though more to so with OR recruiting than OASC. IIRC an experimentation (but not regular use) with Cannabis (now Class C) was OK-ish but anything higher was a no-no. It was surprising how many people were being binned for thinking that XTC is not illegal, or at the most a Class C drug.

If ever having experienced Cannabis was grounds for being kicked out then my entire JOCC course are gonners, since the DAPO copper lit the corner of the biggest block of Cannabis Resin you ever saw and passed it round during his lecture. Admittedly he did watch to see no-one held on to it for too long: it was "just so we knew what it smelt like".

On the subject of DAPO, bearing in mind when I went through IOT the more generous attitude to drugs had not come into force, the following incident made us all chuckle:

Picture the scene, 80-odd IOT cadets in Whittle Hall for DAPO lecture. Copper says, "Come on you lot, half of you were students so you must have had a go. Anybody had a sniff of Hash?" Whittle Hall always had a soporific effect so I can only assume the person involved was half-asleep, but they raised their hand. 79 pairs of eyes went wide and stared in disbelief at the suicidal gesture (just before collapsing in hysterics), and one person quickly sank very low in their seat and hoped that none of the staff were present (they got away with it - just).

How we all laughed on the way to the serious burns unit!!!!!

Please don't lie. Apart from the fact that you've mentioned it once (which will have been recorded), so long as you don't touch them now, then you don't have a problem. Although I can't remember details, I do remember that they changed the question and the (automatic) reaction some years ago, to allow for such people as yourself. Take your advice from people who are up to date. Even going back to your CIO and asking them EXACTLY what the policy is, may put your mind at rest. After all, CIOs take their guidance from OASC and receive regular policy updates.

Otherwise good luck.

Unmissable.

littlepom,

At the end of the day you cant go back and change things... you tried it and you told the RAF you did. Guarenteed something like that WILL have gone down on your file.

Stick to your story and if it comes up at OASC (which it probably will) then answer something along the lines of

"I did sample cannabis when i was at university but found that i did not like it and have not touched it since. I understand that drugs and service life do not mix and would never dabble in it again as it would be a risk to both myself and others."

Make it clear you understand the RAF's policy on drugs, but also don't go back on what you've said. As pointed out, OASC will respect you for being honest and sticking to your story, but you have to make it 100% clear to them that you understand its wrong and that you wouldnt do it again.

Best of luck :ok:

LP,

I was in a very similar situation to you, I stupidly admitted to the Navy that I had tried cannabis, once, which is true. I later realised that this could potentially look like i was once a regular user playing my habit down. When I got to OASC i stuck to my guns as mentioned before on this thread, but made it very clear that "Yes i have come into contact with cannabis and on one occasion i was foolish enough to try it, but have not touched it since"

What must look a bit suspicious is 10 young guys in suits waiting to be interviewed who have captained their rugby team, climbed mountains, toured Australia and ... not once even seen or smelt cannabis?

One word, "integrity", the RAF love it.

Anyway, what i think is irrelevent, but to answer your question, i got in!

GF:ok:

Hmmm. If you were to say "I did sample cannabis when I was at university but found that I did not like it....", it would merely imply that you might have continued to abuse it if you had "liked it".

I say again, there are plenty of non-drug abusers to choose from, particularly now that recruiters can afford to be very selective. And, out of interest, you might like to know that I never heard of anyone who admitted to a previous instance of drug-abuse ever getting beyond the initial UAS interview.

Maybe not 'liked it', perhaps a change of words? ;)

I think that now he's said it, he'll have to see it through though...a change of story could do your chances more harm than confessing but explaining the circumstances etc.

hey just completed my training in cranners months ago I also came from within.

Go for it really want it because I promise when they put that brevet on you and you are gettin payed loads then you will think I wish i had done this sooner!!!!!!

As for advice has anyone told you about

http://www.airmenaircrew.freeserve.c...e/frameset.htm

try that as a helper

Good Luck M8

OASC Drugs
 

Having been just left a recruiting job in an AFCO very recently. I was chatting with the RAF OC in the office over lunch and he mentioned that use of drugs was pretty much a bar to entry in the RAF certainly as aircrew and any experimentation at all was not acceptable. The RN accept that people experiment and it is not a problem if a person has tried a drug once provided it stopped there. I suggest that you don't lie as the Careers officer will have noted it in your report and they will read it at OASC. If it doesn't work out and you are serious about a career as military pilot, try the RN.

Hope it works out for you.

What cobblers!!
Just tell them the truth, I did! (let us not forget that integrity is a corner stone of being an Officer!)
Yes I tried it (once) didn't like it and wished I had never done it to start with. However, 4000hrs later it hasn't flashed back in my mind nor did it bar me from entry to the air force.
I would rather have a guy who is honest than someone who lies out of his arse! We all have skeletons in the closet, which if they came out might not get us into a UAS and I'll bet the person doing the UAS interview has one too!!!

OH yes I get drunk on the odd occasion too:yuk: :E

Oasc
 

I'm an 18 year old PPL who is going to OASC this sunday. I applied for the sixth form scholorship in 2002, passed the medical and aptitude tests, but failed the interview. Now I have finished taking A-levels, I have decided to apply for direct entry as a pilot and was hoping for some advice on surviving the rest of OASC, particularly the interview. I would also be grateful of some current information on the IOT course, as I was questioned on it last time but my information was out of date.

Thanks

I assume that you've looked here

What feedback did you receive as to why you failed the interview?
Be positive, project yourself and ennunciate, don't bull$hit; if you don't know the answer to something then say so.

It's pretty fast paced, so try and be concise. If one of the boarding officers cuts you off and proceeds onto another topic or area then that was all they wanted to hear and are moving on! Do a dry run in your head beforehand; think about your replies to areas such as participation in team sports, school and university clubs, cadets/UAS, previous demonstration of responsibility and leadership etc. Why do you want to be a pilot? Why do you want to be an officer? Which is more important? What if you fail pilot selection but are offered a ground branch? If you don't want to be a Nav, how do you explain it to the Navigator Sqn Ldr across the desk who is interviewing you? What do you think about recreational drugs?

There are loads more similar to the above. Current affairs and Service knowledge forms a fair chunk of the interview. If you haven't been in the ATC/CCF, or taken part in team sports, then have a reason why. The majority of candidates failing interview at OASC do so because they do not come across as being positive enough.

Good Luck. And try and relax when you're there. :cool:

ST

http://www.timc.clara.net/raf.htm

http://home.clara.net/timc/OASCInfo.htm

http://www.airmenaircrew.freeserve.co.uk/oasc/oasc.htm

Are useful links.

Ensure your aptitude and fitness etc are up to an above-average standard and for the interview, know your current affairs. Aim for about 5 International events and 5 UK ones in depth. Some of these will be chosen to be developed further so make sure you know your facts. As stated above, if you don't know something, say so, don't waffle. The interviewer may give you some brief details and ask for your opinions etc.

Also know your CV off the top of your head. What quals do you have? Grades? Why did you pick those courses? Which did you enjoy? What aspects of each did you find easy and enjoyable? etc. We all have things we dont want to bring up i.e. periods of unemployment, imprisionment etc, but turn them into positives. What did these things teach you and what did you bring from them? Show what you've learned to become a better person, and make yourself come across as the best person for the job. In particular show off times and skills which show you possess the specific qualities they're looking for.

Start the interview with a handshake and as a wise man once said to me "eye contact and a 'how'd you do' goes a long way". If you do this, leave the same way with a handshake. Sit up straight in the chair, dont fiddle (hands in lap however tempting) and look the person you're speaking to in the eye. If you cant do it all the time, do it when they're speaking to you, it shows eagerness and interest.

Theres a few books out on how to improve interview technique, well worth buying... The one i have says that only 7% of your impact on an interview comes from what you say, the rest is appearance and position etc. Take that into account.

Best of luck to ya mate :ok:

Thanks guys, I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I've taken on board what you've told me and looked at the websites, and hopefully I'll make it through this time.

Thanks again

part 2
 

If / when you get through to part 2 and get onto the syndicate work, the biggest piece of advice I can think of is to be assertive. Don't sit back and let someone else take control of the group (especially when you're leading it).
The mistake I made when I came to do my task was not being 100% sure what to do when I got stumped by an obstacle. Make sure you have a plan of attack, don't leave yourself halfway through a task looking stupid.
If you haven't done this already then you're a bit screwed now, but be as fit as possible. Minimum is 9.10 on the bleep test, but aim for 10 or 11.

good luck

Nick

Worth joining the RAF?
 

Hello,

Im 16 just want to ask the RAF pilots in here is it worth it? joinign the RAF as a pilot, the fun? the not so fun the whole package basically.

i am a ex air cadet, left at 15 at the rank of Sgt. I had work experiance at BAE systems at warton got to put missiles on the Eurofighter, tornado, and harrier! Even saw the first flight of the first Eurofighter that would be delivered to the RAF! this was feb last year.

Neways all info would be great.

Nope.

Stupid enough to use illegal substances = not wanted as military aircrew. End of story.

Don't like it? Tough - shouldn't have wrecked your chances. Pass the word around amongst others likely to have weak enough characters not to be able to say no to drugs.

Hard work at times, challenging, but most definately worth it. Its the only job I ever wanted to do and still is....

Great bunch of chaps to work with, exciting but demanding, far better than anything on offer on civvy street (bar F1 driver possibly :-) ).

Oh and the pay aint too bad either, although I would suggest that doing it for the money is not worth it...

Go for it. Its the best sort of flying there is! I know. I did over 42 years and some 12000 hours in 20 different types. Yes it is bloody hard work, frustrating at times dealing with blunties, but...you get to play hard, make lifetime mates and see parts of the world you wouldn't otherwise get to see. Mind you, not all of them in 5* luxury. Even with the contracting RAF there are still the opportunities to progress or keep flying.

Push for what you want, not what they offer, and keep trying, don't take no for an answer. It took me three goes, but from me being an aircraft apprentice to finishing up as a unit test pilot shows anyone can make a go of it.
Good luck!:ok:

Jess, you gave what reads to me like a masterful, cogent, well-argued overview, but I'd like to add something to it.

There is a point, I believe, in trying to see if someone who seeks the Queen's Commission is easily led, or whether they're capable of standing by their own standards even under pressure.

So I'd make a distinction between these two cases:

• "I never liked the idea, but all my friends were taking it, so I did have a go, but I don't do it any more."
• "As a youngster, I never saw anything wrong with it, so I did try it. But now I've matured a little, my attitude has changed, and I've not taken anything for the last two years."

adr

Tell the truth!
 

Been through OASC Pilot selection myself, got accepted. Just say yes you have tried it once but you condone its use etc.. no place for it in the military etc.. they aren't really all that bothered. Pay more attention to knowing everything about your own life (ie be able to answer their questions without hesitiation) and know lots about the RAF (eg they asked me what is special about the Merlin.... 3 engines, inflight refueling, full glass display). oh and show some physical courage in the hanger exercises, dont give up, be the first to volunteer to jump etc..

Yes, but the problem is where is the line drawn? In essence this takes us full circle back to littlepom's dilemma. Do you deny healthcare, or even a career with the RAF, to someone who has tried drugs for whatever reason then had the gumption to bin it? That being the case, we would also have to outlaw healthcare to those who have tried or are using alcohol or tobacco as a blanket ban.

Back to the original point of the thread, I would say that littlepom had better own up to it if asked on the grounds that he already has done at AFCO! BEagle, on a slightly cynical note I do actually wonder how many of your 'clean' and anti-drug UAS students were actually of that stance all the way through their lives to that point...

You could do a lot worse jobs than RAF aircrew! I love it, despite having been in the training system for nearly 5 years. It is hard work, you don't get a fast jet seat by pure ability alone. Money's good, you make loads of really good mates, and you still get to travel the world, well, till Uncle Tony decides we don't need aar of an air force.
Speak to the careers bods, they can lead you in the right direction, though now is a pretty bad time to join, as there aren't many slots available. You might want to consider going to uni, to do a degree that you WANT to do (they don't need you to do engineering!). Whilst you are there, the recruitment system will hopefully sort itself out and we'll need pilots again.
You could also join a UAS, and find out what the RAF is really like (don't pretend any of that air cadets stuff was worth much). Who knows, you might find that you don't like it, and taking a permanent commission is quite a big commitment.

But be positive, get out there and get some info. Your post here is a good start! And keep working hard at school/college, because no qualifications, no job, don't think that because you have 2 arms and 2 legs, you are automatically guaranteed to pass the medicals. In which case, you'll need a back up.

There, lecture over.:ok:

Don't regret a minute of the 15 years I've done, and 4000+ hrs on 10 different types....served with all sorts of units all over the world..........but you've really got to want to do it..and some.

Be motivated, know your onions and be smart.

Good Luck

Huey

OASC again! - Sorry guys!
 

Hey guys,

Needing some advice from all of you already 'in the know'! Basically I attended OASC last year and was unsuccessful (apparently missed out by the narrowest of margins, so I can't have been that far off) and they asked me to re-apply again in a year, which I am doing. I was told that I could not have scored any higher in part I (or the fitness) but part II my leadership let me down. What exactly are they looking for in the leadership?? I thought the whole point of IOT was to teach you leadership?! Does anyone have any good tips as to how I can convince the boarding officers in 2 months time?

I cannot go aircrew as I am not tall enough therefore I am applying for ground branches; Supply, Admin & Flt Ops. Not interested in ATC or Fighter Control - despite numerous attempts from the careers officer to get me to do so saying there's far more chance of getting in if I apply for one of those branches. However, I want to spend 16 years in the Air Force and don't want to spend it in a branch that does not interest me - am I right in sticking to my guns about this?? He suggested I put it down and if I get it, change once I get onto IOT - but the likely-hood of that is about err...0%! Obviously this is not an ideal time to apply at the moment, but at the end of the day the Air Force HAVE to keep recruiting despite defence cuts & I cannot let this get in my way.

Wondering if you have any advice for me on how (2nd time round) I can convince them of how much I want this...to live my dream as an officer in the Royal Air Force.

Little me. :)

Sorry mate, if you had to ask that question, I wouldn't bother!!

The RAF have quotas to fill. If they need one thing more than another, naturally they'll try and get you to change your mind.

Dont let them pursuade you with the story of how its easier to swap branches once you're in, because it's not!. If you want something that bad, you won't change your mind that easilly, and being determined enough to work for it is part of what they're after.

Have a couple of options, but if you're being offered something you really don't want, don't be stupid enough to accept it. Air Force life is great, as im sure most will tell you, but if its a branch you dont want, then its just another 15 years of unhappy work, when you could be on Civvie Street doing something more appealing to you.

:ok:

Have a look at this from the Army's RCB site

practice planning exercise - there's a model answer at the end, - it should take 45 minutes.

Candidates are then expected to present their solution, and take questions.

Little You

You are correct that IOT will teach you leadership (techniques) but OASC must first see the potential. You only have a short time to make a good impression so use it wisely! You must get your point across but not appear bolshy or belligerent (there will be plenty of others who will be that!). In the command tasks, demonstrate confidence and determination to succeed - do not worry if you have no idea how to complete a task, and do not be afraid to ask your fellow syndicate members if they have ideas - the crucial bit here is that you then take that idea and run with it (giving credit where due!)...above all, maintain a sense of humour and smile like you are enjoying it :D The DS are human!

Good luck

I am afraid i tend to agree with the guy above! It sounds as though you have seen a bit of how the RAF works with the ATC so surely you should be as keen as mustard because quite frankly, if you are'nt then dont bother.

In answer to your question, it is a great "job" but therein lies the secret, it isnt a job, it is a way of life, and a very good one too.

DS;)

Do a search for OASC and I am sure you will find enough information to keep you busy until the interview

Good luck

DS

To get back to Ozzib88's question the answer is yes, of course it is worth joining up. ATC experience is a great first stepping stone. There is a lot of seemingly pointless BS to military life, but look past that and you'll see a great career ahead.

Have to go along with Arm out the window on that, not exactly a spur of the moment career the Armed Forces.

Have to agree with what has been said above, if you need to ask then maybe it ain't the thing for you.

Also, as it is bound to be asked if you go for selection, why did you leave the ATC at only 15 :confused:

Mad Mark!!! :mad: