Advice needed about career in the RAF

[Benihana]

As the title suggests, i'm looking to start a career in the RAF, before I head down to the careers office in Reading, I thought i'd ask if anyone here has experience working with/for the RAF and whether there is any advice you think I would benefit from.

I'm looking to join as a Photographer (a role which is listed on the RAF website http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs/photographer.cfm)

I'm currently in a photography role at a clothing company, but am looking for something more dynamic (not hard) and I love the idea of a job that will allow me to travel and build me up as a person (confidence, ability etc)

I'm aware that there is a minimum 6 year commitment, but I could be in any other job just as long.

All advice appreciated!

FYI I'm based very close to Strike Command in Naphill, and Daws Hill is nearby.

 

[AtticusFinch]

So long as you don't mind being shot at or sent to war in Afganistan, Iraq or wherever else the military is interfering then fill your boots.

I wouldn't expect this to be a job which is "not hard" and it will probably be a long 6 years if you're not fully prepared for a demanding and active job.

 

[Benihana]

So long as you don't mind being shot at or sent to war in Afganistan, Iraq or wherever else the military is interfering then fill your boots.

I wouldn't expect this to be a job which is "not hard" and it will probably be a long 6 years if you're not fully prepared for a demanding and active job.

I'm not expecting this to be an easy career, currently I sit alone in an office, unchallenged and bored, I want a job that pushes me, something I can look back on and say was worthwhile and benefitted me as a person.

At the moment I'm not even sure there will be a position for a photographer, but I wont know until I visit them (apparently the helpline is useless) and if all goes well I'd need to go back for a full interview.

 

[Geckovich]

First thing you need to do is get to your local Armed Forces Careers Office. Just because a certain role is listed on their website it doesn't mean that there will definitely be vacancies.

Oh and the joining process is very long indeed. I applied in October last year, my final assessment is in September and if I pass I wont start training until March.

 

[Benihana]

Couldn't have put you stupid point across in a more stupid way tbh. Such an immature and rude way to look at the military.

In all seriousness though OP its a very long process and seeing your local RAF careers advisor is your best place to start! He'll give you all the info you need etc. So just go down when you're free and ask away

Also I don't know if its the same for the RAF but the army have people online you can talk to as well, good luck!!

I've not seen anything like that online, but will have a look. Just thought the people in the RAF on OCUk might be a little more honest and unbiased!

 

[Benihana]

First thing you need to do is get to your local Armed Forces Careers Office. Just because a certain role is listed on their website it doesn't mean that there will definitely be vacancies.

Oh and the joining process is very long indeed. I applied in October last year, my final assessment is in September and if I pass I wont start training until March.

Wow, I didnt realise it was that long. I'm looking to go down on Thursday (not that it makes a great difference if it takes that long) What does the process involve (i.e medicals etc)

 

[ntg]

That's going to be funny.

Hot blonde: So, what are you into?
You: I'm in RAF
Hot blonde: (gets really excited) really? OMG (the manly man I always wanted - in a uniform too!)
You: I'm a photographer
Hot blonde: ?"??";;;1??? :////

 

[Benihana]

That's going to be funny.

Hot blonde: So, what are you into?
You: I'm in RAF
Hot blonde: (gets really excited) really? OMG (the manly man I always wanted - in a uniform too!)
You: I'm a photographer
Hot blonde: ?"??";;;1??? :////

Ha ha! I've thought of a conversation like that already. Maybe i'll just keep quiet about the specifics.

If she asks if I've ever shot anyone I wont have to lie! Camera's at least are non-lethal

 

[Benihana]

The military is a brilliant career mate just very hard work. My dads been in the Army for over 35 years now since he was 16, managed to become a Lieutenant Colne colonel a couple years back ! Army has looked after him and us very well.

This is one thing I keep coming across, that you're well looked after even after your career with them has finished, usually find its easier to get a job once you've served with the forces.

 

[Geckovich]

Wow, I didnt realise it was that long. I'm looking to go down on Thursday (not that it makes a great difference if it takes that long) What does the process involve (i.e medicals etc)

How long it takes depends entirely upon the role you want and when they can fit you in for various selection processes. I was waiting a few months for them to get the numbers up enough for a group presentation, another few months as there was an issue with my medical/background screening at RAF Cranwell and a further month or so for an Officer to return from abroad to conduct my filter interview.

I can't really say what your process will be for you as I'm entering as an Officer which entails jumping through a fair few more hoops.

 

[Benihana]

Thanks Gekovich, maybe its something to ask about after seeing if a position is available. Best of luck with your application

 

[Geckovich]

Thanks very much.

As has already been said your first step is to go to the Careers office for a friendly chat. Find out if life in the RAF is what you really want and then see which of the available career paths you're qualified for. If nothing takes your fancy then walk away knowing that at least you looked into it, you can always drop in every month or so to see if the situation has changed and new positions have opened up.

If you do see something you like then go home and research it, if you decide you want to go through with it then get back ASAP, you don't want to miss the opening and potentially have to wait months for another.

Once you're application is under way (there's no commitment to join until the very end of all this, don't worry about getting tied into it) you'll have a ton of forms to fill in ranging from education/work experience/personal statements/tattoo and piercing forms/criminal records/medical history.

Once all these have been ticked off you may have a few more chats at the office, however, the next official stage is a P2 presentation (group presentation). This is a formal presentation covering current operations and the RAF in general. At this stage you will be expected to know basics about your role (training bases, where you could be deployed to etc) and will likely be asked a few questions along these lines.

Next up is the filter interview, this is the super formal interview which decides if you're worth them taking a risk on putting you forward for further assessment. Be prepared to talk about why you want to be in the RAF, what your goals are, past achievements are etc (I was asked how I'd feel if I was ordered to take a life during service so perhaps be prepared to answer more "in depth" questions if you're going for a front line role).

That's all I can help with really as at this point the Officer and non-commissioned candidates do different things.

 

[AtticusFinch]

Nothing immature or rude about it

Couldn't have put you stupid point across in a more stupid way tbh. Such an immature and rude way to look at the military.

In all seriousness though OP its a very long process and seeing your local RAF careers advisor is your best place to start! He'll give you all the info you need etc. So just go down when you're free and ask away

Also I don't know if its the same for the RAF but the army have people online you can talk to as well, good luck!!

In defence of my point (in case you missed it) was that joining any military branch requires you to put yourself in harm's way - and that this is not an easy job it is hard work and no-matter what your "advertised" role you may be in danger.

The military does interfere in the affairs of other nation states as it is directed by Government. The point (in case you missed it again) is that you do not have an element of choice in where you are sent and that you have to follow orders (largely) whether you agree with them or not.

 

[Vulcan]

Wow, I didnt realise it was that long. I'm looking to go down on Thursday (not that it makes a great difference if it takes that long) What does the process involve (i.e medicals etc)

It doesn't always take that long, you could be in in 3-6 months from now.

I'm not in the RAF, but if you want to apply, they will arrange a group presentation where they will explain a bit about the process and about the history of RAF. From there they'll arrange for you to come in for an interview. You'll need to do a lot of research for the interview, and the presentation too, since they ask voluntary questions, and you don't want to be the shy quiet one in the corner not answering anything - they're always watching you.

But you should go for it anyway, I've yet to meet anyone in the RAF who doesn't love their job. 6 years is nothing, you'll learn so much, and be given lots of opportunities to explore the World and get paid for doing it.

 

[AtticusFinch]

Good for you then

I'm not expecting this to be an easy career, currently I sit alone in an office, unchallenged and bored, I want a job that pushes me, something I can look back on and say was worthwhile and benefitted me as a person.

At the moment I'm not even sure there will be a position for a photographer, but I wont know until I visit them (apparently the helpline is useless) and if all goes well I'd need to go back for a full interview.

So long as you go into a committment with eyes wide open, then do what seems good for you.

 

[Benihana]

I'm probably quite naive about it, thinking there won't be a great need for photographers in the thick of combat, but at the end of the day you are trained to be a soldier beneath it all.

I think i'm fairly balanced in my opinions of the forces in general, but its a career I can be proud of, which is not something I've been able to say about any other job i've had so far.

 

[Benihana]

You'll need to do a lot of research for the interview, and the presentation too, since they ask voluntary questions, and you don't want to be the shy quiet one in the corner not answering anything - they're always watching you.

the next official stage is a P2 presentation (group presentation). This is a formal presentation covering current operations and the RAF in general. At this stage you will be expected to know basics about your role (training bases, where you could be deployed to etc) and will likely be asked a few questions along these lines.

Out of curiosity, how many people are in these groups?