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Looking for info about RAF - Weapon Systems Operator

Hi there

I am hoping I can get some help, guidence/information on here
I am looking into joining the RAF and really interested in weapon systems operator. I had a look at the MOD site and briefly spoken to someone on the number from the site, he didnt really explain alot and said that it would be better to make an appointment at my local RAF Recrutiment office. I dont want to do that until I have a better understanding generally before stepping in to their office, knowing I def want to do this.

What Im hoping is someone on here can help with ANY initial info really, hopefully from someone who maybe doing that specific job or can just provide info about joining the RAF what the training is like, certain requirements etc
Thanks very much!

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Hi,

If one of the moderators doesn't move it there anyway, you might want to re-post this in the Armed Forces Careers sub-forum here. As you might guess from the name, the forum is there specifically to address any questions you might have, with a few of the frequent posters being current or previous serving personnel.
Reply 2
Thankyou!
Reply 3
Very simply, use the search box at the top right of the window.

Don't be put off by going to the AFCO just because you don't know anything, that's what they're there for.
Reply 4
Murdoch27
Hi there

I am hoping I can get some help, guidence/information on here
I am looking into joining the RAF and really interested in weapon systems operator. I had a look at the MOD site and briefly spoken to someone on the number from the site, he didnt really explain alot and said that it would be better to make an appointment at my local RAF Recrutiment office. I dont want to do that until I have a better understanding generally before stepping in to their office, knowing I def want to do this.

What Im hoping is someone on here can help with ANY initial info really, hopefully from someone who maybe doing that specific job or can just provide info about joining the RAF what the training is like, certain requirements etc
Thanks very much!


EDIT: beaten to it by Drewski but...

The people from the websites are appauling so forget anything they said to you - apart from the advise to go to an AFCO.

Perhaps read through the RAF careers website to have a general idea about the job description.

If you look at the frequently asked questions on this site, youl see a very detailed training outline and job description. More than you need to know anyway.

Either way you could just go into the AFCO anyway - you don't need to know what your talking about before going into a careers office. They will be able to give you plenty of information/DVDs (with WSOp being one of the roles on it) and chat to you about the process.

Good luck Q_M
I apply for this job and went through the selection process. It was incredibly tough to get selected. I passed every test but in the end I failed a cornial scan and cudnt join up all together :frown: (A test I wouldnt of had to do If I was a techie) :frown:

You first need to pass a series of interviews / talks about the RAF in a careers centre. These are so easy its unreal, Once your at Cranwell its really tough.

I went up with 40 other people. The 1st day you do about 8 hours worth of testing on the computer, some is easyish some is very hard. This will test co-ordination, IQ, reaction time, memory, all sorts. Aswell as reading, information gathering and practical thinking skills! AT the end of the day some people were send home, They will also let you know what jobs you are suitable for.

Day 2 consists of a long series of practical activities. First there was a group discussion, just make sure your involved. Team working using barrels and stuff to get from one place to another. It looks easy on the DVD but its not lol. Although I did quite well on this part. We then were taken to rooms and had a sheet of paper with info on it. A situation was described and you had to come up with a plan, you were givein not alot of time and very rushed, to see how you handle the pressure.
At the end of this all 40 if us went into a conference room. They read out about 10 names and they left. We all thought they'd read out more names. Instead they told us the rest of us were unsuccessful. Alot of the people started crying and such, I just sat there grinning because like you should, I went there knowing it would be immensely hard and not very likely to get selected.

Then when I went for my Debrief they told me there was a mistake and the woman had missed my name off the list :O lol! So off I went with the others to do a medical!
I did full medical with a doctor, (lovely chap, so much so he cupped my balls, haha) and had a check over. Also had to take blood and urine for testing. I then sat a hearing test, Eye test and corneal scans. (this is where I had trouble :frown: ) I also had to do an Interview which was terrible for me. About 95% of the people who made it through to the last day like me had been there atleast once before. Only me n 1 other guy were first timers. The details and knowledge expected in the interview was alot more than I expected and quite tough. Aswell as general info.

On the 3rd Day I sat a further blood test in the morning, then in the Afternoon I did a fitness test, Everyone passed so its pretty standard, I trained quite hard but Ive never been that fit so If I can pass then anyone can aslong as they put in the effort. ( I did alot of boxing which was good for fitness aswell as running and ofc do TONS of sit ups and pushups!! )

I then got a lift home with a bloke already in the RAF who happened to be going by my house, so did that rather than catch the train back like I did to get up there. Overall mind I really enjoyed it :smile: Was a great experience.

I would say DO NOT get your hopes up though. Out of the 9 people left on the last day only I was applying for WIZOP, the others were all going for other jobs. VERY SELECTIVE! But best of luck. If you wana go for it then go apply now cos the process takes like 9 months depending when Cranwell take you. Normally around March time. :smile:
Reply 6
Thanks for the advice Q_M, I think the next stop maybe the careers office. Lloyd_Wills thanks also for the insight and what to expect, much appreciated!
Reply 7
I just posted on the other thread before I saw this one, but do what Drewski said!
I'm currently in training as a Wsop and am down at Cranwell. Ive finished Halton and recently finished NCAITC so I am now a sgt :biggrin: If you have any questions mate about any of the training or interviews etc feel free to message me. Good luck!
Acting Sgt?
Reply 10
ProStacker
Acting Sgt?


Oooh, Burn :o:
Reply 11
ProStacker
Acting Sgt?


Cutting that was.
Lloyd_wills
...


A very good post this. Its unlucky that you failed at that little point in the process! What are you gonna do now?
BackDoorEntry
A very good post this. Its unlucky that you failed at that little point in the process! What are you gonna do now?


Also a pity he was applying as a "wizop"... :confused:

:top:
Q_M
Cutting that was.


Haha, but to be fair he's probably one of those that went home at the weekends during Halton and told everyone he met that he was "in the RAF." :wink:

:top:
Reply 15
djmarkmclachlan
Haha, but to be fair he's probably one of those that went home at the weekends during Halton and told everyone he met that he was "in the RAF." :wink:

:top:



Well TECHNICALLY....
Or more technically and more fairly, if you have acting rank you do not mention it in regular parlance. You declare it for pay and administrative purposes (ie it will be written on that paperwork etc) but otherwise you quite correctly refer to yourself as Sgt, Sqn Ldr etc. Acting Pilot Officer is the only acting rank where the word Acting is consistently used when writing/saying your rank.
I have too many valued friends and colleagues who are ex-Corporals to let something like that slide. We must always stick with the facts here for those applicants who desire knowledge!
BackDoorEntry
A very good post this. Its unlucky that you failed at that little point in the process! What are you gonna do now?


Im back in College now studying Maths, Physics and Engineering. Looking to go into Civil Engineering :smile:
ProStacker
Acting Sgt?


lol, I'd get over it buddy, that bitterness will wear you down.

Murdoch - Unfortunately, and due mostly to very recent government decisions, now may not be the best time to apply for WSOp. If I were you I'd definitely get in touch with your AFCO as I believe recruiting is down to a minimum at the moment.

DJMark - Good to see you're banter's still as "quick" as ever...

...right, off to find a new job.