Pre Cranwell help needed
 

Could anyone tell me the difference between NCA and a SNCO. Also what secondary duties would a WSOP have? Any help would be greatly appreciated, these are the last gaps in my research, so when I get this I can start translating my scribbles!

NCA - Non-commissioned aircrew? Basically, any aircraft crew member from the non-commissioned ranks i.e. not an officer.

SNCO - senior non-commissioned officer. Any non-commissioned rank from sergeant upwards.

A WSOP could have pretty much any secondary duty going, I guess, be it at Station or Squadron or any other level!

Pretty much as MrB Said, but for clarification, All NCA are SNCOs, but not all SNCOs are NCA!

What you might add is that all NCA are SNCO of sgt rank on appointment. This means you can be a sgt NC aircrew at 20 odd whereas a a non-aircrew sgt is likley to be in his 30s. There is a gulf of experience between the two.

I was a non-aircrew Sgt at 25, but maybe promotion is slower since the '60s - either that or I was a smart-@rse.

Thanks for the above help. Still unsure on secondary duties, would guard duty be one? Also what qualities would the RAF be looking for in a SNCO?

Secondry duties can be many. As an illustration i was promoted to Sgt at 1000hrs and became the treasurer of the Rugby Club a minute later. On returning to my section I was then presented with a large expensive inventory!
CS

Inventory holder, ic a hobby, ic a sport, ic buildings (favourite), ic dogsbody, may be Recce Training, CS training, etc etc

Yep! NCA (and SNCOs) undertake the role of Orderly Sergeant just as junior officers undertake Orderly Officer or Station Duty Officer so the guardroom would beckon on most units.

May I ask, peculiar, whether you have visited a flying RAF station? If not, your research is based on hearsay. Go and talk to those (air and ground crew) who do it day by day. Then, and only then, will you (perhaps) understand.

I think I'm right in saying that secondary duties are now known as additional duties; possibly to do with legal implications/insurance. Further, there is a distinction to be made between additional duties and associated duties. Additional duties are generally unconnected to your primary duties i.e IC Rugby Club, whereas associated duties are essentially add-ons i.e. work place inventory.

A good knowledge of the galley and pies is essential in NCA.:rolleyes:

Straight from the BTEC Public Services Diploma resource book:
 

"NCA are promoted to Acting Sergeants as soon as they pass their Airman Aircrew Initial Training Course.
In each of the 3 NCA specialisations you undergo extensive professional training, from which you emerge as a full Sergeant.
Once this is completed you are awarded your flying brevet and posted to an OCU for more training on your specific aircraft type or role.
Many NCA go on to become Commissioned officers."

Phew, stupid PSP keyboard :p

oldpeculiar

I have a young friend from Preston who is about to start the Cranwell course in March; if you'd like to PM me, I can relate (or put you in touch with her) her pre- Cranwell selection experiences.

Nice to see lots of help from those above - including Elite's input!