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RAF ICT Specialist - All Questions Answered!

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Oh I forgot, if you do need to find out any info re time off then just call up the base and they'll look into it for you. You'd probably be best asking to speak to holding flight personnel because peeps aren't getting sent to Radio School until nearer their start date atm which would be a long way away for yourself i'm guessing. I doubt very much they'd have your timetable already set out but the guys on holding flt should be able to help - ask at Halton for the extension no. xp
Reply 41
Does anybody know what the daily working life of an ICT Specialist is?
Reply 42
Well it would vary immensely as there are various specialisations within that trade.
Reply 43
Oh ok dont worry then,thanks anyway,I was just wondering.
Reply 44
Hi, Im thinking of applying to join the raf as an ICT specialist but I was just wondering what the academic side of the raf is like.. As I was wondering whether it is possible to study for an IT degree whilst doing this job so that it makes you more employable after you leave the raf so that you have the job experience and qualifications combined?

Thanks.
Reply 45
Alright Dan, i can answer this one :smile: Like all trades in the RAF, after a certain amount of time served you will pick up civi qualifications, as for ICT specialist you can find the ones you earn on this link here; http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs/ictspecialist.cfm , as for extra qualifications the RAF will support your interests. Best of luck in the future!
Reply 46
Yeah i think i understood that part once you sent the link :smile: Would the raf pay for the degree or would you have to pay for it yourself like you would do as a normal student?

Also I have one more question for now, Is there an officer equivalent of the ICT specialist role? because I already have A-levels but i couldnt see on the website about an ICT officer anywhere.. and if there is would it be possible to join as a 'normal' ICT specialist and gain a few years worth of experience and then apply to become an officer 3 or 4 years down the line?

Thanks for the quick replies and the advice!
In the Armed Forces you get an education allowance and Enhanced Learning Credits - you use them to subsidise qualifications - some people get about 80% of their fees back.
There is an Officer Branch within the RAF, divides into AS and CE - with CE being in charge of all comms/IT aspects. You need a relevant degree or other suitable qualification (HND etc) for that. It is possible to apply for a commission (officer) from the ranks, but it isn't easy and should not be seen as an 'alternative' route to being an officer. It is better to get your degree before joining if that is what you want from the start.
Reply 48
Oh right ok, One final question for now.. Once you have completed all of the training and are ready to start the first tour are you able to reqeust to be involved with one certain part of the job (e.g. looking after local networks) on a regular basis instead of just changing round all the time?

thanks.
Nope - you do what you are told. You move on as the Service requires and to develop you in your Trade.
Reply 50
At what age did all you ICT specialists join up?
Reply 51
17
Reply 52
Hi all,

This is my first post, i'm quite far through my selection process now, as im going down to Halton for my PRTC, i just wanted to get some extra knowledge on what happens after the PRTC, is there another interview etc?

Also after the RTC in Halton providiing i get that far, i will be based in Cosford, i was just wondering what sort of personal belongins can you take with you (i.e laptop etc)

Thanks in advance for any information.
Reply 53
This is just a quick message regarding this trade for those looking to apply. The AFCO have told me that the RAF will not be recruiting IT Technicians until October 2010.
Reply 54
0strich
Hi all,

This is my first post, i'm quite far through my selection process now, as im going down to Halton for my PRTC, i just wanted to get some extra knowledge on what happens after the PRTC, is there another interview etc?

Also after the RTC in Halton providiing i get that far, i will be based in Cosford, i was just wondering what sort of personal belongins can you take with you (i.e laptop etc)

Thanks in advance for any information.

PRTC Is to give potential recruits the idea of what it will be like during their 9 weeks down at Halton, also gives you a chance to get to know some people who may be on the same start date as yourself. PRTC Involves walking down to stores to pick up your combat boots which i would suggest wearing in as soon as you get home to avoid blister problems during RTS, also a few briefs of what they expect from you whilst your down here and give you a little info of what the RAF is about.

As for Cosford, your most likely to be on THF (Holding flight) for a while, this means staying in plaish block, although that could change! You will recieve a green bith badge to show personnel that your a recent graduate from Halton, also stops you from leaving your personal items out such as laptops and such, however feel free to bring them down but make sure you put them away before an inspection, also TV's require a tv license, 1 license for each room (4 people per room). Once your on course you move into another block which is what you will stay in until you finish the CIS OM course (12 months), on your 5th week you will be inspected by the Warrant Officer, if your course manage to pass then you can customize your room IE: Leave laptops out on your desk. However if you fail to mantain the standards after passing they can simply give you the badge back.
Reply 55

Hi Hammeh.

I start at halton as ICT guy in March, is THF the same as ADF (airmen development flight)?
Reply 56
wly
Hi Hammeh.

I start at halton as ICT guy in March, is THF the same as ADF (airmen development flight)?

ADF is involved during the course, as it looks at other peoples values and your own, also makes you more aware of whats around you, initially its there to help develope you into the military life, whether thats home or abroad. THF is just waiting until your course starts, majority of time your find yourself helping the civis move offices and helping SNCO's, every now and then you may go to other bases to see what they do there.

Yes, THF is boring at times, but just make sure you stay focused and try to make the best of it :smile:
Reply 57
Cheers for the Information hammeh, after the PRTC is there a final interview i will need to attend aswell?

Cheers
Reply 58
Yeah its just a few things, nothing major, stuff like what to expect during RTS and your trade (How long is it etc)

Usually about 2 weeks before RTS.
Reply 59
Can I ask what the social side of life is like in a role such as ICT Specialist or the RAF in general?

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