Evening one and all,

Seems almost like I've never been blessed to even apply for WSOp.

Had my compulsory ophthalmic supplement (this is what is required before Being able to continue with the application for Aircrew (except RPAS)) filled in by my local opticians, and passed everything (or was found to be well within limits of all requirements) bar the stereopsis - having previous eye tests, some just months ago, never ever found a problem, but on this occasion, I was just off what is required, however with corrective eyewear, I meet the criteria again well within the requirements.

I fully understand OASC Medical Board will have the final say (and I'm preparing myself for a negative result) however, could there be an opportunity that OASC may re-test me if one gets that far? It would be nice for some good luck for a change :} It was all going so swimmingly.....

Been there done that.

Passed the eye test at 16 "tests in advance" and 17 "Flying Scholarship tests",
failed it at 18 when applying proper. Luckily they let me resit at CME (after some coaching from an opthalmist who was married to OC Flying Selection Squadron). I passed :)

Many years ago (late 50s!!) when I had my Flying Scholarship/Cadetship medical I was found to have a latent squint - CME fixed me an appointment at UCH I think it was, 3 months of exercises moving a point from a foot out in towards my nose and "Bingo"!

Cheers chaps!

I'm going back for a retest on Monday to double check, I'm certain (without gloating) I've passed the TNO test prior!

Anyway, onwards and upwards! Thanks.

Update!
 

Afternoon all,

Had my P2 presentation today, and incredibly excited to hopefully proceed to the next step. Good to meet others going for other roles, including one going RPAS (who is currently an Intel Analyst at Marham).

Next step should be CBAT at Cranwell :ok:

Does anybody know whether the recruitment process takes place during the week or over weekends?

Cheers to anybody taking the time to reply.

During the week. What's the issue?

Are AFCO's not open on Saturday then?

According to Google Lincoln is M-F though there is an AFCO phone manned 7 days a week.

AFCOs are not open on sat/sun.

Like I said, the phones are manned Sat/Sun:

BY PHONE

Call Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm; Sat: 9am to 6pm; Sun: 10am to 4pm

FULL TIME
REGULAR
0345 605 5555

SPARE TIME
RESERVE
0345 606 9069

Not by AFCO personnel. Civvy call centre that pre-screens applicants.

Still AFCO.

Nope. Civvy call centre in Brizzle. Not a blue suit in sight.

Why do they not open Saturday?

Surely the footfall in (or near) the High Street is greatest on that day.

Or is this no longer the place where the Services recruit - all online now?

I'm sure some won't believe me, but it's been done in the past, and recently looked at again, and the numbers don't add up. The vast majority of walk-ins and appointments happened/requested were during the working week.

Further, millenials (as the target demographic are now known) aren't really bothered by an AFCO. They want all the info on line, on facetube or twatter and minimal human contact. Their parents on the other hand....

Quick question, and I only need a ball-park figure. What percentage of officer aircrew come from state-funded schools and independent schools?

SS, OASC were not interested in such stats and it was not something generally talked about.

When i had access to student documents it was a part of their records I never looked at.

Applicants came from across the age range and academic backgrounds: direct entrants at 18, graduates from 22, internal recruits from wherever. Unless an internal recruit made a point of it we were not really interested in that either. Regiment officers and ex NCO aircrew tended to stick out.

Asthma
 

About two weeks ago I received a PM that disappeared into the ether.

It was, IIRC, from an 18 year old at university reading Engineering and wishing to join the UAS. In his past he had been prescribed medication but that was a long time ago.

He visited his doctor to see get details and see if he could be accepted by the UAS.

He had a shock.

It seemed that his brother also suffered badly and his parents had been collecting repeat prescriptions for both brother and himself 'just in case'. Looks as if he is going to have a hard time proving he is clear.

The lesson for parents though is that any sniff of asthma is likely to be a big hindrance in many careers.

[QUOTE]Further, millenials (as the target demographic are now known) aren't really bothered by an AFCO. They want all the info on line, on facetube or twatter and minimal human contact[QUOTE]


Spot on! As a 'user' of bookface - I recently noticed a post on the RAF Recruitment page asking 'what's the RAF recruitment phone number?' and with a rather angry reply from Recruitment stating 'the one you just rang us on' - was a rib tickler!!


As for the Applications; as CS I think mentioned; all are done online now - I'm not entirely sure the AFCO's still accept paper apps!!!