Career in the Forces? (IT Related)

Dist said:
Captain Planet since you seem to be in the know can you answer me this, is there much chance of a late entry commission in the RAF, and is it like the army where you need to be a WO (which could be 20 years in, leaving little time for advancement if you become an officer).
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I'm sorry I don't fully understand your question. What do you mean late entry? Do you need to be a WO to progress to officer? No. Explain your train of thought and I might be able to help you more :)

Will said:
Why, am I to assume the former trades are well-manned or 'over-subscribed' in terms of applicants, and the latter are in great demand?

I am pondering my next step with the RAF...I went to OASC last month but didn't get in as an IntO, I failed the aptitude test :( - needed 6 more marks to reach the required standard. Fancy re-applying as an officer, since I have a degree, Flight Ops this time, but I'm also pondering the airman route as well - considering Flight Ops assistant, Weapons Tech or some engineering trade.
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Because the former list, in my opinion, are not very good jobs. Now this is not to say some people in those trades aren't loving their jobs but to me they provide a lack of interest and challenge. Of course say if you enjoy cooking then chef could be perfect for you. Most people in those trades who I have spoken to have clearly not enjoyed their jobs though, Flight Ops especially at airman level.

Delvis said:
And sitting here isn't exactly helping me. :p
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At least you're sitting here thinking about it. A trip to the AFCO for an initial chat and to pick up some literature is a good step to help you choose direction.

Hedge said:
My application for Avionics Technician is now in.

Aptitude test on January 7th, medicals around that time too. If all goes to plan and I pass each phase I could potentially start as soon as April/May

Sweet :)
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Good luck! Keep us informed of how it went and what you had to do. It will be helpful for others too :)
 
Captain Planet said:
I'm sorry I don't fully understand your question. What do you mean late entry? Do you need to be a WO to progress to officer? No. Explain your train of thought and I might be able to help you more :)
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Well i have read on the army.mod.uk site that there is 2 ways of becoming an officer (which i assume is the same for the other armed forces, its hard to tell as the navy, RAF and marine websites dont have as much info as the army site), Direct Entry and Late Entry.

Direct entry being the most common route, where you start off as an officer, and late entry meaning someone who is already soldier in the 'other ranks' and then gets their commision and becomes and officer. Thats the way the army website explains it, it also says that to get a late entry commision you need to be a WO.

So if i decided to join the RAF but not as an officer, if a few years down the line i decided i would like to become an officer would i only have that oppertunity if i was a WO? or does the RAF allow the lower NCO ranks to be commisioned (assuming they are suitable for becoming an officer that is). Also does becoming an officer in this way have the same educational requirements as directly becoming an officer, or do they go easy on them requirements in light of already being in the RAF for several years?
 
If you join the RAF not as an officer, you can still apply to be an officer a few years down to line.

The army can do the same,however unlike the RAF where once you get to a Warrent Officer you don't get promoted, the army get promoted from warrent officer > officer
 
Dist said:
So if i decided to join the RAF but not as an officer, if a few years down the line i decided i would like to become an officer would i only have that oppertunity if i was a WO? or does the RAF allow the lower NCO ranks to be commisioned (assuming they are suitable for becoming an officer that is). Also does becoming an officer in this way have the same educational requirements as directly becoming an officer, or do they go easy on them requirements in light of already being in the RAF for several years?
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In the RAF you can commission from any rank, however you will be put up against and judged equally against Direct Entrants at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre. As for educational requirements I don't know, perhaps Captain Planet has some experience with the 'Commissioning Club' as I don't.
Andr3w said:
The army can do the same,however unlike the RAF where once you get to a Warrent Officer you don't get promoted, the army get promoted from warrent officer > officer
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Warrant Officers can commission in the RAF (rarely I think these days), they go to Cranwell to do a quick Knife and Fork course, drink some port and then get given their commission.
 
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Stringy said:
In the RAF you can commission from any rank, however you will be put up against and judged equally against Direct Entrants at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre. As for educational requirements I don't know, perhaps Captain Planet has some experience with the 'Commissioning Club' as I don't.
Warrant Officers can commission in the RAF (rarely I think these days), they go to Cranwell to do a quick Knife and Fork course, drink some port and then get given their commission.
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I ment they do that out of choice, not just a normal promotion :)
 
Andr3w said:
The army can do the same,however unlike the RAF where once you get to a Warrent Officer you don't get promoted, the army get promoted from warrent officer > officer
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It's Warrant (not Warrent), you ought to know better ;). Nope, the army don't 'promote' WO's. Late entry commissions have to be applied for, (often they are recommended but individuals still have to apply) by WO1's and exceptionally, depending on Regt or Corps WO2's or SSgts.

A few years ago it was common for RAF WO's to fast track into a commission, as Stringy said a knife fork and spoon course, and here's your scroll. Not so common now, but there are currently lots of WO's filling JO's roles. Also, retention (a further 3 years service) has been offered for those leaving in the next year or so. Although, rumour has it they will be taken out of trade (to be SWO's or possibly work in recruiting) to keep promotion flowing. Much concern over retention and recruiting at the moment, especially in the 'pinch-point' trades (ICT falls into this bracket).
 
PRTC next week, flying down - extra bonus that they paid for the flights :).

I am arriving the day before, is it best to arrive in trousers and shirt or full suit?

Doesn't mention anywhere.
 
Trousers and shirt is fine, but if you'll bemore comfortable in a suit then just wear that. You won't look out of place in either.

I'm graduating on Tuesday, so I won't get to see you there, but nevertheless good luck.
 
Wow I didnt realise this thread was still going...though i am still thinking about joining the forces one day.

Currently got a job part time in a small computer repair shop and i have to look after the shop when engineers go to call outs and get repairs done in the shop. Boss said once im trained i will go full time and get more pay and be doing more stuff so i guess ill wait and see.
 
A.Sat in a little shop 5 days a week.
B.Running, shooting, Adventure training, visiting the desert, combat training, combat exercises, lots of different people, trips abroad, continuous professional training, etc etc.

I choose B.

As for commissioning mentioned earlier, A'levels are a must but a degree is desireable but when going for a commission as a ranker I believe they look less at your educational grades, can't remember!
 
Captain Planet said:
...........but when going for a commission as a ranker I believe they look less at your educational grades, can't remember!
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Correct, they look at the whole package, experience so far but mainly the potential for commissioning. Anyone can apply, obviously the more technical trades have a head start but over the years people from many different trade groups have took the commissioned route.
 
Captain Planet said:
... but when going for a commission as a ranker I believe they look less at your educational grades, can't remember!
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Thats good to know. Once i finish my degree i still wont have the minimum requirements to join as an officer, so hopefully if i work hard in the lower ranks for a few years (And i also intend to keep on getting some qualifications as well during that time) then i should have a shot at a commission.
 
Zefan said:
Trousers and shirt is fine, but if you'll bemore comfortable in a suit then just wear that. You won't look out of place in either.

I'm graduating on Tuesday, so I won't get to see you there, but nevertheless good luck.
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Thats went in really quick! Well done mate. :)
 
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