RAF or A levels

Hi, if you've seen my previous post I'm still a bit unsure on what I would wish to join but I'm wondering if I was to join the RAF Reg should I do my apprenticeship or should I do my a levels then join (not as an apprenticeship) thanks

Reply 1

Tsrsarahhhh

19

A levels then join? Then if it doesn't work out or you decide you want a change in the future you can fall back on your a levels.

Reply 2

Kevlar123

1

You will have to have your parents permission to join at 16. I would recommend contacting your AFCO and trying to go on an acquaint course with the Raf Reg and/or Marines/Paras since they are very different infantry roles. They will run you ragged so make sure you are fit. Despite what the RAF tell you, getting civilian recognised qualifications in the RAF Reg is difficult. Most of the course you go will be weapon systems but there are some driving and leadership courses as well. Doing A levels before won't put you at any disadvantage, some new joiners will be in their 30's and A levels will potentially be career enhancing in your future career. Bear in mind that in the RAF Reg promotion is painfully slow with an average time of almost 7 years to make CPL and almost 14 years to make SGT, but other internal opportunities are available such as transfer to air crew or loadmaster which are only recruited internally.

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 3

Drewski

19

Original post by Kevlar123

but other internal opportunities are available such as transfer to air crew or loadmaster which are only recruited internally.

Er. Not true. WSOp is recruited externally and if they're roles somebody wants they should apply directly for them.

Re-mustering to a different trade is possible, but it's harder and there are limited opportunities.

Reply 4

user73867

19

I would do your A-levels first. I think the extra maturity helps a lot.

Reply 5

AlwaysWatching

11

Why the RAF reg? You could do anything, be anything, specialise in anything (if you get the right qualifications), and you have picked the RAF reg. Why?

If you've got a brain in your head (which I guess you have being on a student website,) then look at the Royal Marines if you want to be in a infantry job but with the ability to specialise in many different things. If not, get a trade in the RAF, Navy or Army. Signals, logistics, engineers, chefs. Something that wont bore you to death.

Unless sitting around a base looking busy and spending Friday afternoons weapon cleaning (even though you haven't been on the ranges for weeks) for the rest of your career is something you actually want to do?

The RAF reg have a role in the armed forces, yes. But I fail to see why anybody in their right mind would WANT to join the RAF reg as a first choice job.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 6

ewaqairavoka

10

Yo, Hold up. what is that even supposed to mean?? Ive been wanting to join the RAF most of my life to apply for a role as an RAF medic or Student Nurse, Its really not that deep. I just suggest you really apply if your 100% sure of yourself. The RAF offer you so many oppurtunities as well as challenges that no regular civilian job could offer, enriched with numerous skills that could be gained along the way.
If you want to go for it then go ahead.

Original post by AlwaysWatching

Why the RAF reg? You could do anything, be anything, specialise in anything (if you get the right qualifications), and you have picked the RAF reg. Why?

If you've got a brain in your head (which I guess you have being on a student website,) then look at the Royal Marines if you want to be in a infantry job but with the ability to specialise in many different things. If not, get a trade in the RAF, Navy or Army. Signals, logistics, engineers, chefs. Something that wont bore you to death.

Unless sitting around a base looking busy and spending Friday afternoons weapon cleaning (even though you haven't been on the ranges for weeks) for the rest of your career is something you actually want to do?

The RAF reg have a role in the armed forces, yes. But I fail to see why anybody in their right mind would WANT to join the RAF reg as a first choice job.

Reply 7

Drewski

19

Original post by ewaqairavoka

Yo, Hold up. what is that even supposed to mean?? Ive been wanting to join the RAF most of my life to apply for a role as an RAF medic or Student Nurse, Its really not that deep. I just suggest you really apply if your 100% sure of yourself. The RAF offer you so many oppurtunities as well as challenges that no regular civilian job could offer, enriched with numerous skills that could be gained along the way.
If you want to go for it then go ahead.