Clarification
 

Thanks for all your replies!

Just to clear this up, back in 2008 I was successful at OASC and was provisionally accepted pending the medical history checks. That's where I fell down. Thanks to a chest infection back in 2007 the GP wrote in my records there was a slight wheeze in one of my lungs which disappeared and never came back. This was enough to bar me for 4 years. I was prescribed an inhaler but fortunately managed to appeal that as irrelevant and a mis-prescription. I then got a letter from the president of the medical board stating that I would not be eligible for ground-crew (I applied for Admin, now Personnel support) until May 2011. I was inquiring as to whether this "4 years clear" policy had changed in the last 2 years. Thanks for all the feedback though! Just have to go through the rig-ma-roll of the applications process again at the end of the year!

Also the letter from the president of the medical board stated the reason why my one week wheeze posed a problem was that to put a candidate with a history of respiratory issues through IOT posed an unacceptable risk and after 4 years free of symptoms those issues were deemed to of subsided. That's pretty much verbatim.

WSOp Closed again?
 

Hi everybody.
I am currently on the RAF careers E-mail system for WSOp and just had one question. I was travelling around New Zealand at the time applications re-opened in June and subsequently could not follow through at that stage. However now this option appears to be closed again!
Anybody have any idea when WSOp applications will re-open?

Thanks,
H9

MRA4 2 actually but given a fleet size of 9 that is 18 bodies with no more than a further 18 as staff and replacements. On Sentiel I don't know but if so it would be even fewer.

Given that the MR2 had far more WSO than this and there are dozens on the GR4, there are more than enough WSO in Service to satisfy immediate requirements and probably enough in the pipe for some time too.

Only after the SDSR will it be known if more WSO are needed in the short term.

ElS, while mentioning fitness, I checked an old fitness diary in the RCAF 5x. As I was approaching 30 I was able to do the 1.5 mile run in 10min 50sec. That was not measured over a mile and a half but as part of a 5 mile run in 36 minutes. A few years later, in my mid-30s, they introduced a quarterly 1.5 mile run for aircrew. From an unfit cold start I could clock about 12-10 which was comfortably under the target. Over 11 minutes for a potential racing snake at Cranditz is strictly low average. 12 minutes is gasping and out of sight.

To put this in context, in my 40s we did a mass station run with the racing snakes clocking under 9 minutes. One racing snake was an ATC Cadet. The rest of his group managed times in the order of 15-17 minutes. That is indicative of the capability of many school boys and school leavers.

Guitarwillie - pretty much as PN says. Whilst the MRA4 plot is probably already sorted given the number of WSOs already in the system, I wouldn't pin too many hopes on the Sentinel - or even the SKASaCs come to that.

The Sentinel fleet is tiny - I believe only 5 ac total, with only one or 2 on ops at any one time - and there are only 3 mission crew down the back. Of those 3 mission crew, 2 are Imagery Analysts with the 3rd being a Mission Commander. The MC would more than likely be a WSO but I would hazard a guess that you might also get the odd AEO filling a slot too - I believe a recent V(AC) Sqn boss was an AEO.

Then again, if you were feeling very brave or speculative, you could always go FC and pray that the RAF follows the USAF route and makes all its Sentinel mission controllers FCs as per the USAF's JSTARS ;)

Has the RAF embraced E3 FC as a proper job? A while back it was seen as a diversion from the real FC world underground. An FC had to serve a sentence at Neat or wherever before getting an E3 slot if actually aircrew fit.

There was then no promise that they would remain within the AEW Force and retain their flying pay. I know that many did indeed manage extended 'detachments' to the AEW Force but often at the expense of promotion.

PN - I guess it all depends who you ask that question to! Whilst not being an FC myself, the general feeling seems to be that the FCs on the jets consider themselves to be bona fide fully fledged aircrew :suspect: whilst the rest of the RAF and probably a good proportion of the rest of the bunker dwellers see them for what they actually are, namely Mission Specialists on a flying tour.

Unlike the USAF FCs who actively join up to fly as airborne controllers, ether on E3s or JSTARs, for RAF FCs a tour on E3s is just another tour, albeit with certain perks. But as I understand it, RAF FCs go to the AEW fleet with the prospect that they will have their wings clipped at some point in order to maintain a through flow of experience.

Melchett, that was my understanding too. For promotion you needed a bunker tour which of course got you posted from the E3.

When I was at Tinker they were recruited as AWAC crew and considered themselves as aircrew. One reason could have been the declaration that there was 'no air breathing threat' to ConUS and thus no need for an Air Defence setup; got that one wrong.

In the UK, given that the number of airborne seats is very few the gene pool would be too small to follow the USAF route; bit like the WSO(Nav) pool which is rapidly drying out.

WSOp open, but clock is ticking!
 

@Hanger_9
Now!

Yup got my email today rushed home from work early to fill it in as my local AFCO said once they received the required number of applications the online site would close!

So managed to get my application filled in and sent off. They said someone should contact me within 10 days. Any guesses on roughly how long until p2 presentation and filters?

Time to go for a run...

Re-filled my out on the Online form also today. I checked my emails as soon as it appeared on my hotmail list, and re-applied almost instantly.:ok:

Lets hope that some of us hear from the RAF/AFCO soon.

All the best

NDW

OASC Bulletin 21
 

ASTHMA AND RAF SELECTION

There have been a considerable number of threads recently regarding the employment of Asthma sufferers within the Royal Air Force. This thread is intended to detail the current rules which were updated in April 2010.

Asthma is a disease of the medium sized airways characterised by inflammation of the airway wall, constriction of the muscle of the airway wall and excessive mucus production. These all conspire to narrow the airway impeding the entry and exit of air into the lungs. The onset of symptoms is often unpredictable and can be either gradual or extremely rapid. To make things a little more difficult asthma is not a single entity but a continuum of disease ranging from nocturnal cough, cough on exercise or in cold weather to intermittent wheeze requiring treatment with inhalers to life threatening disease requiring emergency treatment. Asthma or wheezing diathesis in childhood is common and up to 30% of childhood sufferers will go on to have further episodes as an adult, identifying who those 30% are is extremely difficult hence the current policy on asthma as laid down in AP1269A Leaflet 5-03 para 4.


ASTHMA AND SELECTION FOR AIRCREW

The Asthma policy for those seeking a career in any of the Aircrew branches is as follows:

(1) Candidates with a current or past history of asthma are to be made permanently unfit for aircrew duties.

(2) Candidates with a history of a single episode of wheeze in association with a respiratory tract infection after their 5th birthday are to be referred for specialist assessment. Those with a negative assessment on formal testing may be acceptable for aircrew selection. Those with demonstrable bronchial hyper-responsiveness after the infection has resolved are to be made permanently unfit aircrew duties.

An accurate history is the most useful tool OASC has in deciding whether a candidate has had asthma in the past; this is gleaned from both the candidate on their medical form, and their general practitioner who provides OASC with a report.

NOTE: If you are unsure whether you have had disqualifying asthma you should fill in an asthma Medical Supplement leaflet via your AFCO which will then be assessed at OASC.

ASTHMA AND SELECTION FOR GROUND BRANCHES

The policy on asthma for ground branches is less stringent than that for aircrew, but has become stricter following a review in April of this year. Once again the diagnosis will be based upon the candidate’s medical history. If the candidates answers YES to any of the following questions then they will be considered unfit for entry:

(1)Are you currently on any treatment for asthma?

(2) Have you had any asthmatic symptoms including nocturnal cough or exercise-induced wheezing in the past 5 years or since the age of 16 years?

(3) Have you used any inhaler (continuously or intermittently) for control of asthma or wheeze for a period > 8 weeks in the 5 years before application?

(4) Have you required oral steroids for asthma or wheeze since the age of 5 yrs?

(5) Have you required admission to an intensive care unit for asthma at any time in your life?

(6) Have you required a hospital admission > 24 hours for asthma or wheeze since your 5th birthday?

In addition to the above questions if the candidate’s GP report shows that he/she has had more than 2 distinct episodes of wheeze after reaching the age of 5 or any recorded peak expiratory flow rate readings less than 80% of the lower limit of the predicted range for age and gender he/she will also be found unfit for entry. As for aircrew, applicants for ground branches who are unsure whether they have had disqualifying asthma should also complete an Asthma Medical Supplement Leaflet which is submitted to the Medical Board via their AFCO.

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

News of N.C.A positions via Online Application Form
 

Afternoon,

Just a quick post regarding if anyone has heard any news about the RAF NCA Application form (Online).

The position re-opened this week (Thursday 9th September) and it stated for a limited time only.

I applied again the Thursday just gone (9th September) for WSOp in particular WSOp (Crewman) and WSOp (Electronic Warfare), however as I am fully aware this won't be taken into consideration just yet until streaming take place.

All the best

NDW

RAF Pilot wannabe
 

Hi, I'm 18 years old, 19 in February, in second year of 6th form and really want to be a pilot in the RAF on either multi-engine or rotary-wing preferably, and wanted to ask for any tips on what would make me stand out when applying, I know it's not a walk in the park and realise i'll be pushed to my limits and then beyond them, so I've got about a year until I'd join and am making sure from now that i'm in good enough shape for it and keeping up with all my studies.
So if anyone has any advice, or just general info then that'd be great thanks

Dan

Good Evening Dan,

If you look at the thread regarding OASC at the top of this forum, there will be hundreds of tips and advice in there for you.

I myself am 18, and have recently applied for WSOp, however I finished my A levels early and was only awarded 2 x AS grades, so best advice is to stay on and complete your full A levels (unlike me :ugh:).

As I have been told by many on this forum (Who's advice is priceless by the way :ok:) get good leadership experience and try and get yourself in a sports team.

Hope this helps, but please be aware I am only a wannabe also there are many current and ex. Military aircrew on this forum who I am more than sure will be happy to help.

All the best

NDW

Read the OASC sticky at the top.

Go to uni so you have a back-up.

Get fit, prepare well, and enjoy.

Just do it
 

It's true what the famous brand says. "Just do it" All I ever wanted to be was a pilot, ever since I was a kid. I went to the Air Training Corps at fourteen. Went to college then university then joined the RAF. I've been all over the world and loved every minute. If I had to do it all again I wouldn't change a thing. My advice would be to devote yourself and do your very best, focus and the reward will come. I still wear my top gun flight suit now and again when I feel like it as it brings back so many memories.

Yeah, I've read part of the OASC already and got some info off there, but as for sports team, thats a bit harder because although i'm not unfit, i'm not really good at sports :/

I can swim well and ski well, but not really much else really..

also on the leadership side, I've done an ILM level 2 award in Team Leading, just signed up for the Level 3 In Line Management course, and am going to sign up to do my PADI Divemaster too, so that should all be on my side, shouldn't it?

Dan

It won't hurt....

But - why no DoE Gold / Silver? Why no ATC experience?

And why on earth wouldn't you want to fly fast jets? 250ft at 420 KIAS - bl**dy terrific! Nothing else comes close - and don't believe anyone who tries to tell you otherwise!

Good luck!

Sentry,

If it was I who was mad keen to join up I would have read and digested ALL of the thread at the top. I would have to ask why you have only looked at some of it.

As Beags suggested, it would also be interested as to why you aren't interested in fast jets.

Ultimately, you can read about it and prepare as much as you can but you've either got what it takes to be selected/make it through IOT/pilot training or you haven't.

Latest Fitness Test Timings
 

Hi, a friend of mine recently went to OASC (and passed, as pilot) and said that for the fitness test everyone was told to run at 13.9km/h. This equates to a time of 10m22s approx for the 1.5mile, he said that the times have recently been revised so the 'old' green time has now become the 'amber' time i.e. just to pass nowadays the time is 10m12s.

As you can see, this is conflicting information (as my friend passed, which according to the above he should not have). As far as I know; based on my OASC letter (dated 7th Sep) and what I was told at filter interview; the amber time is 11m11s and the green time is 10m12s. Can someone confirm if this is still the case?

Many thanks.
Simon

Spuk, 10-12 is not startling. Don't worry about the standards, just aim at 9-30 and you will be OK.

Looking at my chart on the wall which arrived with my invite to the OASC, an under 30yr old male does indeed have to run the 1.5mile in at least 10min 12secs for a green pass.

I'm shortly leaving to attend the OASC later today so by Friday I'll have the most up to date info if it has indeed changed.

The problem is OASC and OACTU do not always sing off the same hymn sheet.

Thanks
 

Pontius- that's my problem, I can only manage 11m36s at the moment! At best I think I will get below the 11m11s time in the next 5 weeks.

Spearmint- good luck, and it would be much appreciated if you can shed some light on the above. My OASC letter (I'm going in 5 weeks) also says the same as yours.

Spuk87, you have 5 weeks to get that time down. Use it wisely.

I thought I was fit before I started with my training for a Wannabe WSOp what with station circuits 3 times a week, being a boxercise instructor and the odd run. I was also quite comfortable with my running although when I realised just how fit you had to be (55(R)Sqn was a real eye opener!) just to get noticed I soon changed my regime.

So 5 months ago, out went the booze and crap foods. Off came 11Kg in weight and the running got a hell of a lot easier. 11 weeks ago, half way through my new regime I was running the 1.5mile in 11mins 12secs, I now do it in 9mins 45secs. I'm still cracking out 60 press ups in a minute if I push my self and around 45 sit-ups so I know I've dropped the right kind of weight. My Wife appreciates it as well! ;)

So just get out there and get running. Plot a 1 mile route to a hill which takes you a minute to get up it, jog there and sprint up the hill 10x then jog back. Go for nice long runs as well to build up your stamina so you do have something in reserve when called for on short distance runs.

Find a running track and run laps around it at a 1min 32sec pace. Try 1x lap, 30 sec rest - 2x lap, 30 sec rest - 4x lap, 30 sec pace then 6x lap, collapse.

If you want to pass hard enough you will put the effort in. Best of luck. :ok:

Spot on Spearmint. My comfortable weight is around 82kg but my racing weight a long time ago in my early 30s was 69kg.

A doc once gave me some dietary advice as I was up to around 89kg in my early 20s. He started by asking what I had for breakfast - it totalled near 3500 calories - after lunch, tea and dinner, a few pints of the amber nectar rounded off the day. He gave me a traffic light calorie sheet and told me I should cut back to 1000 cal per day.

It was hard but it worked.

I no longer take sugar in drinks. I do not drink sugary drinks. I do not add salt to my food.

So Spuk, in your own hands be it - just keep the food out of your hands.

Hiya all, I'm currently 19, just finished off my a levels and was about to start uni doing a pilot studies course until it hit me how much it was actually going to cost (although I probably could have continued with the amount I had already). I've decided to take a gap year and find some work (which hasnt been successful) to gain experience. mainly cause i had social anxiety until around a year ago and havent got any, if at all, experience in anything. I have now started contemplating joining the RAF to become a pilot as I don't really mind how I become any type of pilot as long as I am in the air and around aircraft. I know it might sound like I havent done research into all the options, but I have and at the moment the RAF is sounding like a really suitable choice for me, but what I'm worried about is the physicals and am worried about failing the many steps (other than physical, as I can run 1.5 miles in less than 10 mins) involved in becoming a pilot within the RAF. Anyone got any advice and information on well anything within the pilots training within the raf? Also how would it fit with someone who hasn't had much social experiences but is willing to start fresh?

what about my nickname? whens the next time I can apply?

WSOp Application Form update : 14/09/2010
 

Good evening all.

Received some good news this afternoon regarding my WSOp application form in which I applied for online.

My application has been forwarded to my local AFCO and I should hear back within two days regarding selection tests.

They also supplied forms for me to complete, which I have completed :ok:.

Fitness is improving and I feel ready for the challenge ahead.

Thanks again

Nathan

good luck Nathan :D

KF :)

Awesome, just awesome!:E:D

Spuk, et al, I just dug out my RCAF 5BX exercise plans. It has a graduated series of exercise with a number of charts. Between ages of 20-29 it is recommended that 2 days is spent at each level. Would be applicants for aircrew would be expected to achieve the required level for in about 4 months. There are 5 levels in a chart and aircrew under 25 should attain Chart 5 level B+. However if you have trouble at any level then you should remain at that level until you can easily move up to the next level.

This plan has been around for 60 years but bears a close similarity to what is required for the RAF Fitness tests.

So, what is the maintenance exercise regime for young aircrew?

The first exercise lasts for 2 minutes and execises 2-4 follow on immediately and take one minute each. Exercise 5 lasts 6 minutes and the whole should take only 11 minutes.

Exercise 1 is a warm up.
Chart 5 level B+

It starts with 28 reps of stretching, touching the outside the left foot, between the feet and press once, outside the right foot, swing up, circle bend backwards and repeat, reverse after 14.

exercise 2 is a sit up with your arms behind your head, touch your right elbow to left knee and reverse each rep - 36 in a minute.

exercise 3 is lying face down, full length, raise arms and raise legs, thighs should come completely off the floor. 47 reps.

exercise 4, press ups, claping your hands in each rep, 40 in a minute.

exercise 5 may be a stationary run for 6 minutes. Knees waist high, with 10 semi-spread eagle jumps every 75 steps (one step every left foot) 465 which therefore includes 60 jumps.

An alternative was a one mile run in under 6 min 12 sec.

Warning:
Things change - the current fitness industry has labeled some of the exercises unsafe

http://gregsadetsky.com/_files/5bx-plan.pdf

Spuk87, I agree with Spearmint-R33 that you'll need to spend your 5 weeks wisely.

I'm also getting fit for selection at OASC and about 6 weeks ago I did a bleep test and got 9.8, which is pathetic. I then started interval training.

I warm up for around 4-5 mins with a gentle jog, sprint for 30 secs and then jog for 60 secs, repeat this 12 times, then cool down for 4-5 mins. It should take around 30 mins including warm-up and cool-down and when done properly you should berely be able to walk by the end of it.

I've been doing this for about a month, 2-3 times a week, and have seen a dramatic increase in my fitness. Doing this has cut my 3 mile time down by 1.5 mins to 20.40 and my 1.5 mile by about a min to 10.07, these times definitely weren't possible 6 weeks ago.

This is very similar to Spearmint's advice to find a hill to run to and then run up 10x. I just thought I'd reinforce how good this training is. It will increase your speed over a short distance which is good for OASC because as far as I'm aware long distance runs aren't done there. Another benefit is that it's a lot more interesting then just running at the same pace which usually means that you'll stick at it.

If you want any more info on this and have got a spare half hour then just google interval training, there are loads of good websites.

Best of luck :ok:

Quick update from me again.

AFCO have been in touch and I've been booked in for Aptitude testing for WSOp next thursday.

Ball is finally rolling.

I shall let you all know how I get on then.

Thanks again

Nathan

OASC Bulletin 22
 

In this bulletin, we would like to clear up a couple of issues that have been raised recently regarding medical, fitness and aptitude aspects of the selection process.

Medical

We see recurring comments about eyesight standards and anthropometric measurements for prospective aircrew. The bottom line with both of these areas is that you, as an individual, cannot do anything about your size or eyesight. Therefore, we will not be publishing the anthropometric measurement criteria in this thread because, unless you are a qualified medical technician and have the appropriate measuring equipment, they are meaningless. Clearly, we would not want to encourage individuals to take their measurements using a tape measure in order to help them make a decision as to whether they should apply for a career in the RAF. Likewise, we will not be publishing eyesight standards because, again, they are meaningless unless you are a qualified optometrist. However, the medical staffs at OASC have recommended that individuals, especially those who think that their eyesight might be of concern, should go to a reputable high street optometrist and have their eyes assessed. Then, the individual should send their results, through their AFCO, to the OASC medical staff who will be able to assess them and provide an opinion as to whether it is worth pursuing an application in a chosen branch.

Aptitude

Recently we received an enquiry about whether a set of aptitude scores for the Royal Navy would count towards an RAF application. The answer to this question is yes in part. The RN and Army employ exactly the same aptitude test batteries for pilot but have opted to not employ the revised RAF pilot aptitude battery yet. This means that for an individual who has undertaken the RN/Army pilot aptitude batteries and subsequently wants to apply for RAF pilot, then they would need to revisit the OASC to undertake the additional RAF pilot tests. Please note that aptitude results last for 12 months before they expire and a retest is required – unless an individual is selected for training beforehand. Equally, a candidate may not re-take any of the aptitude tests within the 12 month period. The latest information regarding the revised RAF Pilot aptitude test can be found at OASC Bulletin 30 (#587).

Fitness

Earlier this year, we published details of the OASC Selection Fitness Test (SFT) in Post 79; the SFT replaced the standard RAF Fitness Test as the physical fitness selection tool on 1 Apr 10. All of the information in Post 79 is still current; moreover, we require candidates to achieve at least an Amber standard before they will be considered suitable for selection. However, you should strive for the best performance in order to make yourselves as competitive as possible and give yourselves the best chance of sustaining your fitness throughout training and your career.

The OACTU Fitness Assessment (OFA) is slightly different in that the 1.5 mile run is undertaken outside on grass (rather than on a treadmill as at OASC); this is slightly more difficult than running on a treadmill – but otherwise the standards required for a pass are unchanged. Nevertheless, OACTU staff will expect individuals to have prepared to such a level where they are aiming to achieve the Green standard - although Amber is still classed as acceptable. Consequently, the more fitness preparation that an individual puts in prior to Initial Officer Training, the more likely they are to succeed because they will have more reserves of energy and are potentially more resistant to injury.

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

KF,

I should have probably made it slightly clearer, my apologies.

I have to take an A.S.T (Airman Selection Test) to determine whether I have the right aptitude for WSOp.

If successful, I shall attend the P2 presentation and after that if I wish to continue with my application, book my Filer Interview.

OASC still do their own Aptitude, Medical, Fitness & leadership training, I think the AST is a new test that has been taken (Please correct me if I'm wrong).

All the best

NDW

It might be, on paper, 'acceptable, but if you're on IOT and consistently only getting Amber, you will not be highly regarded and you will be warned - facing possible sanctions - for poor performance.

This is from direct, recent experience of the OACTU system (and I'm not for one minute suggesting that it's a bad thing, either, just letting people know).

Acl repair
 

I was applying as a pilot but have just had my application terminated before my formal briefing as i have had acl repair surgery. Despite mentioning this through the entire process right from the beginning, any all recruitment officers saying it was absolutely fine, it is now apparently not.

Since then (Thursay 16/9) i have been looking online and found various articles stating that the RAF had changed it policy along with the army and now looked at ACL repairs on a case by case basis. THese are just rumers and there is nothing on the website, it just states that is (subject to single Service policy) which is exactly what it says on the Mod application form and does not state the RAF serivce policy.

So i was wondering if you could help me clear this up, i dont want to miss out on this opertunity just because of the possiblity of my recruitment centre being behind the times.

Ask your AFCO to enquire with the President of the Medical Board at OASC as to the official, current, rules.

You could ask yourself, but not without learning how to spell 'rumours' or 'opportunity'. Don't be surprised, however, if they come back with a no, the RAF is taking fewer people than it has for a long time and it can afford to be very picky.

Whatever you do, do it quickly, as you're running out of time with regards to your age.

WSOp Aptitude Test / RAF Officer Aptitude Test - ADVICE NEEDED!!!
 

Good Morning all,

I undertook my WSOp aptitude test with a dissappointing outcome, I was out of the score zone by 7 marks :mad:!!!!

The AFCA advised me if I wanted to re sit the test, I can do in 6 months time, but I was wondering what are the RAF Officer Aircrew selection tests like? Are they mainly computer based (Joystick, rudder pedals, moving dot)?

I am dissappointed but I have learnt a great deal and I'm not giving up just yet :ok:.

Would it be possible for me to complete my A Levels, apply for WSO and if selected at P2 stage, go to Cranwell to undertake my Aptitude Testing there?

OR

Is it the end of the road for me as a Aircrew career?

Many thanks for all help and guidance

NDW