my application has been forwarded to OASC at RAF cranwell!!!!!

I'm soo happy, the filter was where i tripped last time, now i can get stuck in with the fitness even more to get ready if i'm successful in getting to selection

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Chris, well done, but don't make the mistake of concentrating on any one area. Also have a look at the Janet and John story in OASC, now that gives you a very good idea of what they think of a suitable fitness standard.

Well done, best of luck with the rest of it!

Oasc
 

Having been told I had successfully got through my filter interview for Pilot at the local careers office, what kind of time periods have people been subjected too before hearing from cranwell with invites to attend OASC?

Just speaking from my experience at OASC.
They had a chart on the wall with all the treadmill times that would achieve you an amber pass, but not green. One of my group even asked and they just said that those were the amber guide speeds and that was a pass.

And not_so_sis, the times can vary greatly. Some people have to wait 2-3 months, some only a few weeks. Personally I had to wait around 3 weeks.

Post Deleted.

Apologies for question asked

Apologies for punctuation and the thread. I'm writing it from an iPod touch and it has messed up in the last thread.

I will try and edit it again later.

The main message is clear enough though.

Thanks

I think the two of you need to grow up and get a life. End of the day if you're both sh*t neither of you will get in regardless of how many stripes you get in the ATC.

How long does it take to arrange a filter interview at the careers office (i.e. how long is the average waiting list?)? I've had my initial interview so my papers are ready to be sent (once I give the office the clearance letter from my doctor which should be coming through the post in a few weeks).

ES,

Are the RAF letting you go forward with the whole Asthma thing we've discussed in the past?

Keep us updated with how you get on.

ES, after the initial interview you need to book a P2 Presentation, which run pretty frequently (at least once a month as far as I know).
After the P2 Presentation you have to book the filter and general waiting time for that varies between AFCOs but should generally be no longer than a month.

Thanks for your help!

Decision finally made!!!
 

Evening All

I've finally made my decision to go forth with applying to the RAF as a WSOp, I have a brief chat on Wednesday coming and have asked for an Application Form to there ready and waiting for me.

Spoken to the parents :} about how they feel about me joining up and they are more than happy with my decision (well they feel more comfortable about me joining the RAF than the Royal Marines like my older brother.


I have spent many hours searching up and down this forum regarding WSOp and Interviews and Applications etc, and finally I'm going for it.

I may not have the best educational qualifications by any means, but I feel that I have the ability to work as a great team-member but also individually and produce fantastic results, and if given the oppurtunity to go to OASC, I shall prove that!!! (Sounds abit like a quotation from a C.V.)

My bosses from my work (My local flying school) are more than happy to give a reference for me, along with an old High School teacher (Who is infact ex-RAF).

My fitness has dramatically improved (in my eyes) and my inner confidence and self discipline has most deffinately improved also.

I'm going to hopefully make a good impression on my chat on Wednesday, and I know that its only a chat, but first impressions do count. :ok:

So fingers crossed that this time next week I will have the application form and finally be taking that step towards the greatest career in my life.

I would also like to thank everyone that I have nagged and most probably annoyed with question upon question on this forum, but hand on heart many thanks for all your help and advice, and I hope that in the near future I will be able to help spread some advice to future wannabe's.

Nathan (NDW)

You wont get an application form on Wednesday. IF you satisfy the initial eligibility criteria, you'll be invited to call the Careers Information Line in order to be placed in the wait list. Once a place becomes available for you to bid for, you'll be e-mailed the application forms.

OASC Bulletin 18
 

In the last bulletin, John had completed all aspects of the Selection Process at the OASC and was waiting for notification as to whether he had been successful or not. He also knew that he would need the ‘all clear’ from his blood tests, ECG and the primary care questionnaire that was sent to his GP. This week, we conclude the OASC aspect of the selection process.

After a wait of about 3 weeks*, John received a letter from the OASC. This stated that he had been provisionally selected for commissioned entry to the Royal Air Force leading to a Permanent Commission as a pilot. The letter went on to say that the provisional offer was subject to attainment of a suitable security clearance, confirmation of his medical fitness and the maintenance of his personal physical fitness level sufficient to meet the required standard (Amber) of the Fitness Assessment to be conducted during a forthcoming Familiarisation Visit. Pending final approval of his entry, a place had been provisionally reserved on a forthcoming IOT and that, when his clearances were successfully processed, he would be notified of his terms of entry and conditions of service. The letter also made it very clear that John should not terminate any employment with a current employer until he had received his final confirmation of entry.

Next, the letter outlined the Familiarisation Visit that all candidates had to attend. It stated that, during the Visit, he would be given a better idea of the Initial Officer Training (IOT) Course and the RAF College facilities. He would also be fitted and issued with boots so that he could break them in prior to commencing IOT. However, the main emphasis was on the fitness assessment, which highlighted that all candidates would be expected to undertake a similar fitness test to that taken during OASC, except the 1.5 mile run would be conducted outside on this occasion. All candidates were advised that maximum effort was expected and the levels that needed to be achieved were outlined in the ‘Fit to lead’ booklet. Further briefings and advice on how to train successfully prior to IOT would be given by the physical education staff.

The letter concluded by outlining timings and kit to bring followed by a request to fill in an enclosed Familiarisation Visit form and return it using an envelope, also enclosed. With the letter was John’s OASC Board Report and debrief. John filled in his form carefully and sent it back to the OASC straight away and then took the time to read through the feedback that he received about his performance during the OASC selection process. While he waited for the Familiarisation Visit date to arrive, John continued to work very hard on increasing his fitness levels to prepare himself for the fitness assessment and IOT.

* 3 weeks is the earliest you would be notified; however, it could be up to 12 weeks depending on the competition from other candidates for you particular branch choice(s). You should only contact the OASC if you have not heard after 12 weeks from the date of your OASC Board.

Next week, we will follow John through the Familiarisation Visit before leaving him to go start his IOT course.

For more information regarding any of these areas highlighted, please contact your AFCO and they will be able to give you more detailed information regarding specific cases.

Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only.

Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers

Officer and Pilot training
 

I wonder if anybody could help?

I recently had a filter interview at my local AFCO but unfortunately was asked to go back in 6 months time. A lot of positives came out of the interview and some very good feedback was given. I wasn't recommended for the OASC because I couldn't fully answer some questions about officer and pilot training.
So I've got a few questions that I need answers to, can anybody help?

How long does Elementary Flying Training on the tutor last? And how are the 62 hours split up?

In IOT, what do Exercise Military Aid and Exercise Decisive Edge involve exactly? Has anybody got a breakdown or a brief?

Again in IOT, what kind of things do you do on the carrousel section of the third term?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

EFT details can be found via google, so I'm not giving them out.

As for IOT, I'm pretty shocked that you need the exact details about exercises. I can understand you thinking that because you didn't know about them for the filter you'd want to know them next time, but if the Officer there has told you to get them, they're being pretty naive. I've done both exercises a couple of times and they're never the same. The basic principles are similar, but having a brief or breakdown for either would be pointless, as it'll change by the time you get there.

Basic terms, Mil Aid is a leadership and followership practise environment, using MACA (Military Air to Civil Authorities) as a vehicle. You are being taught, not assessed.
Decisive Edge mimics a DOB in theatre. It uses force protection as it's vehicle. You are being assessed.

Thanks for that muppetofthenorth. The officer did ask me directly about the exercises, and then in the feedback after the interview he told me to research IOT more, including the exercises involved as I couldn't answer the questions. So possible naivity, possible over-eagerness on my part.

I have searched google etc. for details about EFT. The most comprehensive site details the EFT that international pilots training with the RAF go through. Can I assume that this is exactly the same course (apart from the english speaking courses) that RAF pilots go through?

Thanks

I'm with MoM - to ask and expect detailed answers on these type of questions is anal to a degree. The filter interviewer should be looking at a much higher level than this, in my opinion, if they are to be sending good guys/gals to OASC. Asking how many rivets there are on the tail-fin of a Grob is frankly ridiculous.

I'll check on another forum to see if the RN does the same with its potential aircrew. I think I know the answer already, however.

Training
 

Good morning gents,
I am new but have been reading for a while. Been mainly on ARRSE but was suggested to try here.

I two am applying for WSOp at the moment and have a few quick questions i thought i would try here before trying the AFCO:

Reading the thread from OASC its stated that the fitness is a 1.5 mile run but the RAF Careers website states its the bleep test... anyone know which one?

Also, im trying to revise up on the training program for what i would do if successful. Ive got as far as Shawbury (Im aiming for Crewman rotary) and then it states OCU? can anyone clarify? I assume this stands for something like Operational Conversion Unit or suchlike?

Any help would be great.
Cheers!

This is a good test of your ability to evaluate different sources of information. Which is more likely to be up to date? Which is more likely to be accurate?

Final question, where would you do the 1.5 mile run?

Pontius Navigator,

Well this was my thinking, I would surmise that the fellow posting on behalf of OASC is the more up-to-date source. But then the question as you stated is where would this 1.5 mile run take place? On a treadmill? That i feel is hardly a test of endurance. Though i wouldn't be one to complain if that is the case.

Either way it makes very little difference as i am training for all eventualities. I was mearly being curious, always nice to know what your up against.

FUBAR,

Just want to throw my two pence worth in to your query above.
I'm currently applying for pilot and when I enquired at the AFCO they gave me a free DVD showing the application process for officers and NCO aircrew and 'a day in the life of an officer/NCO aircrew/aircraftsman'. Also quite a detailed look into the OASC.
I'm sure if you go down to your local AFCO they'll be happy to give you said DVD. They seemed to be throwing them at people when I was there.

It's on a treadmill and at a zero degree incline. That's what it states in my blue info book sent to me the other month for my own date at the OASC. Not the hardest of physical tests I agree but at the end of the day you go to the OASC to show your potential.

You'll not start sweating blood and tears until the actual course and that's if you get through. I am aware that on the first day of NCAITC all students must complete the 1.5mile run outside in the same time as decreed by the required standards for their age and sex.

@Spearmint
Yeah that is true, it is only a snapshot of your potential.

I was on my SSIC course at Cranwell (Im an Adult NCO with the ATC) and the RAF REG WO that was taking us on the course also took candidates on NCAITC and he said on the first day he liked to start them off with a running tour round the station with their bed packs. Thats got to be a good 2miler with the awkward bulk of a bed pack in your arms! :eek:

@Jamias
Thanks for the advise, might try that! I haven't been into my AFCO yet. Ive only spoken with CIL and got the email application so i think i need to go down and have a good chat with them.

bit of a setback as of late, my appendix decided it had had enough of my body and wanted to leave, so i'm literally back to fitness training this week, but it'll put cranwell back by 2/3 months at the least

but everything else is now done, ed certs, medical questionnaires etc, just awaiting cranwell now, booked a visit to the station, and my manager at my current job has got an odiham visit sorted pretty much

turns out he was a group captain in the RAF, really useful guy to have around :D

Group captions can be useful.

Group captions. Good to remember it's a team game!

Apache.
 

Hi all,

I was just wondering if anybody could give me some advice on application to be an Apache pilot? I was umming and aaring about whether to go rotary or fast jet in the RAF and have decided to go rotary, but i want to fly the Apache and that is an AAC helicopter... I was just wondering what the route would then be if i wished to fly the Apache?
Any advice would be great...

Thank you :)

apache
 

onrey, if you look at the Army Air Corp thread lower down the page it will answer some of your questions. And the chances? Slim to non-existent, but don't let that put you off.

Cheers Nav for the advice... And why slim to non existent? :uhoh: I presume its because they arent recruiting for pilot?

What happens if they end up putting you on a Lynx instead of an Apache? You don't get to choice.

typo corrected :)

It's slim to non-existent across the board at the moment apart from certain priority roles. The recruitment tap has been tightened to but a drip. A job in HM Forces (at the moment) is seen as a safe option compared to menial part-time non-secure work on Civvy Street.

need some gen as psf are not really answering me
 

I'm also applying for WSOp, my application is on hold, still awaiting the e-mail/link to fill in the application for filter and P2 interview, this should be when the trade re-opens. I've been posetd to our basic training at RAF Honington with the expectation that I'll soon be looking at an FT3 (Sgt Gunner) course in 2011.
From what I could gather from our clerk, I'll be stuck as a gunner doing what effectively is a mini return of service as a Sgt, and would be unable to apply for Aircrew. I've been to my chief clerk, PSF and spoken to the drafter about this and none of them would give me a yes/no answer. If I turn down an FT3 while still a gunner I can expect all sorts of fall-out from this. If I take it, then find out I can't apply for aircrew then I'd not be happy stuck as a gunner for 2 years waiting (I'd be 32 by then, with only 8 years left to serve which is why I'm applying now.)
Any gen or a different point of view would be appreciated as my lot aren't happy with what they see as me abandoning my trade.
Thanks in advance.

i know, it's like i'm bad for wanting to better myself.

OCU info
 

Hi, I've been watching this forum since around February but never joined up until today (don't like joining every forum under the sun if I can help it).

I'm taking my filter interview for pilot at the end of the month and currently researching all the info to cover the military awareness part of the interview, but one thing I don't seem to be able find an answer to is what the OCU squadron numbers and locations are for RW and ME branches; assuming they have dedicated OCUs that is? The RAF website lists them for FJ branches but not RW and ME. Could anyone help me out with that?

Thanks,
Simon

Spuk, have a look at this thread http://www.pprune.org/military-aircr...1-000-a-3.html

You should find information there that will help you help yourself.

OCU
 

Spuk,

Its a few years out of date but i dont think its changed much

Armed Forces - r4a2 - RAF Air Command - Operational Conversion Unit (OCU)

Also (Please correct if needed) many Squadrons like 27SQN (Chinooks) have OCF's Operational Conversion Flight's. In which case, they wont be listed with the other SQN's like 203(R) OCU Sea King.

Hope that helps,

FUBAR

Dude 2/10 see me!
 

Gd luck but sort ya english out for pete's sake!:=