“If you failed in gaining a commission, would you consider an NCO position?”.....

With all due respect, HBCs experience isn't very relevant. Of course he's loving it, because it is all new, challenging and well paid. What you need to be researching if you are considering an NCA career is what people on their third or fourth tour feel about it. Once the newness and initial challenge has worn off and they have decent expereince levels, are they still being challenged, are they still learning new skills, or are opportunities limited, are they looking at doing the same old same old for the next 12 years?

Agreed.

It may not occur to someone going through the selection process now, but at a later stage someone may find themselves stuck in a work that they don't enjoy anymore.

And that won't happen for a pilot or WSO? Believe it or not there are other opportunities for NCA to move around, the same in that there are for commissioned aircrew, such as ground tours at home and abroad, changing aircraft types, etc.

Don't get me wrong I agree with the possible frustrations and limited promotion opportunities but there are options to move around and do new things. I'm not saying some of it won't be boring but that's life.

It's not about the opportunity to "move around", but i think we are talking about the level of responsibility that they are given; and how someone would cope if it's limited scope when they are wanting to get more while opportuinites may not be there!

I just feel that the NCA role gets a lot of bad press on here.

I believe that you referred to someone being "stuck in a work that they don't enjoy anymore". Yes this may be related to levels of responsibility but what I'm saying is that a guy who is NCA and on, for example, his fourth flying tour will have a certain level of responsibility directly related to his experience level and will probably be responsible for newer guys as well.

Just to put this into some context and to give it credibility I am NCA already currently in the process of applying for a commission. I understand what you are saying with regards to responsibility, the levels are definitely different between myself and an officer, but I can't think of many of my superiors (NCA) that find themselves in a job they don't enjoy anymore. The opportunities are there and I just feel that the NCA role gets a lot of bad press on here.

I believe that you are applying for Commission because you think you are capable of being an Officer. But do everyone who wants get the opportunity to apply for commission?

I hope it makes things clear.

All the best with your application by the way.