OFFICER and AIRCREW 'CANDIDATES' PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
 

This a new thread. Enjoy!

OASC Bulletin 1
 

User name ‘OASC’ is a new member to the PPRuNe forum website. It represents the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC) and will provide official comment from the RAF about officers and aircrew selection. The OASC has decided to become a member of this forum site because we want to give users, who are interested in a career in the RAF, clear and accurate information in response to general questions that regularly arise. We will monitor this ‘sticky’ to get a flavour of the issues that people have about the OASC selection process and related issues. We will then collate the themes and publish generic statements on a periodic basis, which should give users clear guidance. Obviously, we won’t be able to respond to all issues straight away but, over time, the ‘sticky’ will accumulate a significant amount of valuable information. However, it should be noted that policy does change from time to time and therefore information submitted will be correct at the time of submission – but we will update it when appropriate to do so; moreover, the information provided is for guidance only. Although we are eager to generate clear and accurate advice on a general basis, we will not engage with individuals on personal issues; we recommend that any such matters be taken up directly with the nearest Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO). We hope that this initiative will be useful and informative.

Ambiguity
 

It has been said that an attribute of a leader in the Royal Air Force is the ability to "handle ambiguity". Ironically, this statement in itself seems a little ambiguous. My questions are:

1) What sort of situations involve this ambiguity?
2) Are there any examples?
3) What does this mean from the point of view of OASC candidates, IOT Off Cdts, and junior officers within the Royal Air Force.
4) Why is this attribute so important.

Thanks for any help...

RK

Any situation that involves choice.

Do you take action A which might ensure minimum risk to your own forces or action B that might minimise risk of collateral casualties but pose a higher risk to own forces. The ambiguity may arise from your orders to minimise risk to own forces whereas international law imposes a duty to avoid causing unnecessary civilian casualties.

One step at a time. At OASC you may be given a situation and directed to form a plan. Your plan must address all the criteria given but the criteria may include ambiguities. It is for you to identify these and make your assessment of the best course of action. There may well be no correct solution or several possible solutions.

It will and enable you to issue unambiguous orders so that your intentions are carried out accuratly and keep you legal.

Does the selection process for RAF sixth form scholarship still involve the 3 days at OASC. The 2007 forms about it on the website say that candidates do, however I've heard that for the last couple of years, the OASC stage doesn't happen any more. Could you tell me if it still goes on? Thanks

WSOp recruitment
 

Dear OASC

I am currently in the recruitment process for WSOp, hopefully crewman, (presentation in May). I am really excited at the opportunity to join the RAF. However I have noticed a few forum posts over various military sites that RAF has stopped recruiting WSOp until maybe January 2011. My careers office did not mention anything on time of application.

Is this true or is it dependant on individual applicants. For example if RAF think you are not suitable then they advise that the branch is closed for applications, but remain open to successful candidates?

Any official comment on this would be great. Also if you could comment on eyesight requirements for WSOp that would be great too.

Thankyou

Chris

Risk_Is_Adventure

The Weekly Recruitment Brief number 05/10, dated 12 Feb 10, sent out to all AFCO's, states that all WSOp applications, unless they had been handed off to OASC, are to be discontinued. The WSOp branch will remain closed 'for the foreseeable future'. Applicants are to be advised of other branches that are currently open (ATC being mentioned), otherwise they are to be directed back to register with Call Credit (The 0845 number) to register their interest for WSOp and to expect a very long wait.

I just enquired about joining as WSOp.

Got told that, and was told to expect an email when the position is recruited again.

Any idea how long that might be? The chap on the phone told me 'Shouldn't be to long, this is a position we usually recruit year-round. So this is being done so current applicants can be dealt with'. Any further details abotu how long anyone?

Was probably the biggest phone call of my life and I am dissapointed at the wait.

Any help is genuinly apprieciated,
Jaymie Clifford.

Questions
 

Hi guys, would just like to ask a few questions concerning joining as aircrew. I have 5 gcses all at B grades (includes English and maths) Im currently studing physics, geography and psychology as levels. I'm really not enjoying college. Should I carry on and get the a levels or drop out and join up?

1. What is the timescale of the application process

2. What are good tips for during the application process?

Thanks guys

I think I know what you want us to say. Well part of the answer already lies in the messages immediately above this one.

If you read the other closed thread that will probably answer the rest of your questions.

Just one final question for you. How does 'drop out' demonstrate perseverance and academic ability?

It is slightly concerning the amount of people wishing to be told what they should do. The only person that can decide which is the best course of action for them is themselves! No one here will tell you that you should leave uni or stay at uni or anything else. Only YOU can make that decision.

However, out of the thousands of applications for pilot received at the AFCOs, only a few will actually get there. Are those odds worth dumping your degree for? If you are doing an engineering degree, have you considered Engineering Officer? Have you trawled through the information on the previous, now closed thread? Have you spoken to anyone at an AFCO to determine whether you are eligible to make an application to the RAF in the first place? That may make your decision for you!

All the Services are looking for people who can make the best of the situation they find themselves in - if you are having problems "with the university life" is it likely you'll find something big to whinge about when you are in a blue suit?

My advice - man up, get the degree and apply to the RAF in your third year. Leaving now, with the high probability of not getting past OASC will leave you up the proverbial watercourse with no means of propulsion.

Interesting statement. What form do these problems take? What makes you certain that these problems will not occur in a military environment?

The essence of a military career is variety and many times being made to do things and act in a way, that given a free choice, that you would never do as a civilian.

If I was interviewing someone that had dropped out of whatever I would need to be convinced that it was for the right reasons.

PN - Snap!

I would say uni life is way easier than military life. So if your having problems with uni life then..........????

Which is probably a lot harder than doing a degree at university with no other pressures. Don't forget that graduates get three years seniority on joining, so they are paid £28,000 pa from the day they join.

anom - I joined without a degree. My advice to you - get a degree before you join. Do it when you are supposed to and not when you think you'll have time. You won't.

Get your education out of the way first mate, it's easier when you're younger. I've got 4months left of my degree then I'm going to march into the AFCO and get things rolling.

I've hated University but I'm so glad I've finished it, I've done a lot of great things. I don't think University is hard, it's the motivation which is the hard part.

Aerouk, good advice but one for you. Don't wait for 4 months and join the herd. Go now.