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Calling all WSOp's
Can anyone out there please confirm that this is correct?
I have two completly different versions now. Think this one is probably correct, just don't want to learn it wrong.
Cheers for any replies,
QM
First off is RTS - Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton, for 9 weeks; if successful you pass out as an Aircraftsman in the RAF,
Second is a Sergeant's Course at RAF Cranwell for 10 weeks, teaching you how to be a leader/manager amongst your fellow RAF personnel; if successful you become an Acting Sgt,
Third is NCAITC - Non-Commissioned Aircrew Initial Training Course, still at RAF Cranwell, for 6 months, where you are taught a generic curriculum for Aircrew - survival training, aircraft systems, radio procedures, and the like; if successful, you are then streamed onto one of the following NCA trades:
1a. WSOp (Crewman) - Fixed Wing - A further 4 months at RAF Cranwell, followed by 5 months at either RAF Lyneham or Brize Norton learning how to manage/transport/store loads on large RAF transport aircraft, as well as other in-flight assistance to the crew and passengers. If successful, posted to an Operational Conversion Unit
1b. WSOp (Crewman) - Rotary Wing - 9 months at RAF Shawbury, learning how to handle cargo and passengers on helicopters. If successful, posted to an OCU
2. WSOp (Electronic Warfare) - 7 months at RAF Cranwell, learning about RADAR systems, detecting other aircraft and ships and learning how to integrate this into an overall battlefield situation. If successful, posted to an OCU (either Kinloss for Nims or Waddo for E3Ds)
3. WSOp (Accoustic) - 7 months at RAF Cranwell, learning about SONAR, oceanography, torpedoes, and how to hunt subs. If successful, posted to an OCU (Kinloss)
4. WSOp (Linguist) - 24 months learning how to speak a foreign language, and translating enemy intercepted transmissions. If successful, posted to an OCU (Waddington I think).
[Not too sure about this one, not something Im going for but still its good to know]
I have two completly different versions now. Think this one is probably correct, just don't want to learn it wrong.
Cheers for any replies,
QM
First off is RTS - Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton, for 9 weeks; if successful you pass out as an Aircraftsman in the RAF,
Second is a Sergeant's Course at RAF Cranwell for 10 weeks, teaching you how to be a leader/manager amongst your fellow RAF personnel; if successful you become an Acting Sgt,
Third is NCAITC - Non-Commissioned Aircrew Initial Training Course, still at RAF Cranwell, for 6 months, where you are taught a generic curriculum for Aircrew - survival training, aircraft systems, radio procedures, and the like; if successful, you are then streamed onto one of the following NCA trades:
1a. WSOp (Crewman) - Fixed Wing - A further 4 months at RAF Cranwell, followed by 5 months at either RAF Lyneham or Brize Norton learning how to manage/transport/store loads on large RAF transport aircraft, as well as other in-flight assistance to the crew and passengers. If successful, posted to an Operational Conversion Unit
1b. WSOp (Crewman) - Rotary Wing - 9 months at RAF Shawbury, learning how to handle cargo and passengers on helicopters. If successful, posted to an OCU
2. WSOp (Electronic Warfare) - 7 months at RAF Cranwell, learning about RADAR systems, detecting other aircraft and ships and learning how to integrate this into an overall battlefield situation. If successful, posted to an OCU (either Kinloss for Nims or Waddo for E3Ds)
3. WSOp (Accoustic) - 7 months at RAF Cranwell, learning about SONAR, oceanography, torpedoes, and how to hunt subs. If successful, posted to an OCU (Kinloss)
4. WSOp (Linguist) - 24 months learning how to speak a foreign language, and translating enemy intercepted transmissions. If successful, posted to an OCU (Waddington I think).
[Not too sure about this one, not something Im going for but still its good to know]
Reply 1
No, the NCAITC is the 10 week Sgt's course, the next 6 months is the generic WSOp course on 55(R) Sqn at Cranwell.
The WSOp FW course is 3 months at Cranwell, the WSOp RW course is 10 months (possibly 12) at RAF Shawbury. I don't know the ins-and-outs of the Sensor courses.
I would go into more detail, but at this point I haven't got the time. Except to say that the Rotary course is a lot more involved than just 'handling cargo and passengers'.
The WSOp FW course is 3 months at Cranwell, the WSOp RW course is 10 months (possibly 12) at RAF Shawbury. I don't know the ins-and-outs of the Sensor courses.
I would go into more detail, but at this point I haven't got the time. Except to say that the Rotary course is a lot more involved than just 'handling cargo and passengers'.
Rizza Razzu
No, the NCAITC is the 10 week Sgt's course, the next 6 months is the generic WSOp course on 55(R) Sqn at Cranwell.
The WSOp FW course is 3 months at Cranwell, the WSOp RW course is 10 months (possibly 12) at RAF Shawbury. I don't know the ins-and-outs of the Sensor courses.
I would go into more detail, but at this point I haven't got the time. Except to say that the Rotary course is a lot more involved than just 'handling cargo and passengers'.
The WSOp FW course is 3 months at Cranwell, the WSOp RW course is 10 months (possibly 12) at RAF Shawbury. I don't know the ins-and-outs of the Sensor courses.
I would go into more detail, but at this point I haven't got the time. Except to say that the Rotary course is a lot more involved than just 'handling cargo and passengers'.
Damnit. Ok I'll dig up the other one to see if thats right.
Ok found another one, any better?
Airman Aircrew Initial Training Course (AAITC)
After completing initial recruit training at the Recruit Training Squadron (RTS) at RAF Halton, aircrew cadets join their service re-role counterparts and attend the 10-week Non-commissioned Aircrew Initial Training Course (NCAITC). On successful completion of the NCAITC students are promoted to the rank of acting Sergeant (unpaid) and remain at No 3 Flying Training School, RAF Cranwell Lincolnshire, for professional WSOp training.
WSOp Generic Training Course
The 24 week Generic Course builds the foundations of aircrew skills and knowledge. Instruction in basic survival training and aviation medicine is followed by a short but important maths/science package. This leads to instruction on electrical theory and aircraft systems, as well as developing communications procedures and flight planning prior to a 20 hour Dominie flying training package. SNCO development and operational skills feature throughout the course and students are able to plan and participate in adventurous training. After this phase has been successfully completed the students will be streamed and remain at No 3 Flying Training School RAF Cranwell. WSOp Linguists, who are pre-streamed, will move to the Defence Special Signals School at Chicksands in Bedfordshire to complete specialist Language training.
General Service Training
Throughout professional training the student continues with a variety of General Service subjects. Current affairs, defence studies and combat survival and rescue are all covered in preparation for service as both an SNCO and an aircrew member. All sporting activities are encouraged and project works within the local community are used to build team spirit. The Sergeants' Mess figures prominently in social activities during the course, with social and formal evenings where members learn to live together in a Service community.
Specialist Training
Specialist Training for the WSOp (EW) concentrates on radar, electronic warfare and communications, including synthetic training and a further Dominie flying phase. The student learns to operate one of the most modern radar systems in service, practices communications using voice and radio-teletype procedures, learns to analyse radar parameters and improves his/her airmanship. On successful completion of their specialist phase WSOp (EW) students are awarded their Brevet and appointed to acting Sergeant (paid). They continue training on their respective Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). This could be on the Nimrod MR Mk 2 at RAF Kinloss; the Sentry AEW Mk 1 or Nimrod R at RAF Waddington; or on Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopters.
During their specialist phase the WSOp (Aco) studies oceanography and the propulsion systems of surface and sub-surface vessels (which generate and transmit noise through seawater). Analysis of this acoustic information to locate and identify individual friendly or potential enemy vessels is also practised. Efficient use of a modern acoustic detection system requires a great depth of knowledge and the maximum use of information obtained. Students also get a further Dominie flying package within this phase. On successful completion of their specialist phase WSOp (Aco) students are awarded their Brevet and appointed to acting Sergeant (paid). They continue training on their respective Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). For most, this will be the Nimrod MR Mk 2 on No 42 (R) Sqn at RAF Kinloss in Scotland; although some will be posted to Sentry AEW Mk 1, Nimrod R or Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopters.
Professional language training for WSOp (L) is undertaken at the Defence Special Signal School at Chicksands in Bedfordshire (or exceptionally at the Defence School of Languages at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire) and takes up to 19 months depending on the assigned core language. Students then move directly to 51 Sqn to complete the 5-month Special Operators Course (SOC). WSOp (L) are awarded their brevet and granted the acting rank of Sergeant (paid) on completion of the SOC.
Students Streamed WSOp (Cmn) Fixed Wing are taught basic aircraft systems, weight and balance, aircraft systems, contact skills, loading and restraint and cargo handling. The theoretical classroom lessons are reinforced with practical demonstrations and exercises in a purpose built practical training area that simulates the Hercules aircraft. Students also undertake specialist first aid training instructed by DMSTC, Keogh Barracks staff. The FW course contains a specialist flying phase which develops the students ability to operate as a WSOp (Cmn) in the practical flying environment. On completion of training the FW student moves to an operational Conversion Unit (OCU) either at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire for a 14-week course or to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire for a 16-week course. On successful completion of their OCU students are awarded their Brevets and appointed to acting Sergeant (paid).
For students streamed WSOp (Cmn) Rotary Wing the next phase of training is a 34-week crewman course at Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire. This includes 105 hours on the Squirrel and the Griffin helicopters and covers all aspects of helicopter operations. On successful completion of their training, students are awarded their Brevets and appointed to acting Sergeant (paid). Those students posted to the Chinook go to RAF Odiham in Hampshire and the Puma or EH101 at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.
Airman Aircrew Initial Training Course (AAITC)
After completing initial recruit training at the Recruit Training Squadron (RTS) at RAF Halton, aircrew cadets join their service re-role counterparts and attend the 10-week Non-commissioned Aircrew Initial Training Course (NCAITC). On successful completion of the NCAITC students are promoted to the rank of acting Sergeant (unpaid) and remain at No 3 Flying Training School, RAF Cranwell Lincolnshire, for professional WSOp training.
WSOp Generic Training Course
The 24 week Generic Course builds the foundations of aircrew skills and knowledge. Instruction in basic survival training and aviation medicine is followed by a short but important maths/science package. This leads to instruction on electrical theory and aircraft systems, as well as developing communications procedures and flight planning prior to a 20 hour Dominie flying training package. SNCO development and operational skills feature throughout the course and students are able to plan and participate in adventurous training. After this phase has been successfully completed the students will be streamed and remain at No 3 Flying Training School RAF Cranwell. WSOp Linguists, who are pre-streamed, will move to the Defence Special Signals School at Chicksands in Bedfordshire to complete specialist Language training.
General Service Training
Throughout professional training the student continues with a variety of General Service subjects. Current affairs, defence studies and combat survival and rescue are all covered in preparation for service as both an SNCO and an aircrew member. All sporting activities are encouraged and project works within the local community are used to build team spirit. The Sergeants' Mess figures prominently in social activities during the course, with social and formal evenings where members learn to live together in a Service community.
Specialist Training
Specialist Training for the WSOp (EW) concentrates on radar, electronic warfare and communications, including synthetic training and a further Dominie flying phase. The student learns to operate one of the most modern radar systems in service, practices communications using voice and radio-teletype procedures, learns to analyse radar parameters and improves his/her airmanship. On successful completion of their specialist phase WSOp (EW) students are awarded their Brevet and appointed to acting Sergeant (paid). They continue training on their respective Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). This could be on the Nimrod MR Mk 2 at RAF Kinloss; the Sentry AEW Mk 1 or Nimrod R at RAF Waddington; or on Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopters.
During their specialist phase the WSOp (Aco) studies oceanography and the propulsion systems of surface and sub-surface vessels (which generate and transmit noise through seawater). Analysis of this acoustic information to locate and identify individual friendly or potential enemy vessels is also practised. Efficient use of a modern acoustic detection system requires a great depth of knowledge and the maximum use of information obtained. Students also get a further Dominie flying package within this phase. On successful completion of their specialist phase WSOp (Aco) students are awarded their Brevet and appointed to acting Sergeant (paid). They continue training on their respective Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). For most, this will be the Nimrod MR Mk 2 on No 42 (R) Sqn at RAF Kinloss in Scotland; although some will be posted to Sentry AEW Mk 1, Nimrod R or Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopters.
Professional language training for WSOp (L) is undertaken at the Defence Special Signal School at Chicksands in Bedfordshire (or exceptionally at the Defence School of Languages at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire) and takes up to 19 months depending on the assigned core language. Students then move directly to 51 Sqn to complete the 5-month Special Operators Course (SOC). WSOp (L) are awarded their brevet and granted the acting rank of Sergeant (paid) on completion of the SOC.
Students Streamed WSOp (Cmn) Fixed Wing are taught basic aircraft systems, weight and balance, aircraft systems, contact skills, loading and restraint and cargo handling. The theoretical classroom lessons are reinforced with practical demonstrations and exercises in a purpose built practical training area that simulates the Hercules aircraft. Students also undertake specialist first aid training instructed by DMSTC, Keogh Barracks staff. The FW course contains a specialist flying phase which develops the students ability to operate as a WSOp (Cmn) in the practical flying environment. On completion of training the FW student moves to an operational Conversion Unit (OCU) either at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire for a 14-week course or to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire for a 16-week course. On successful completion of their OCU students are awarded their Brevets and appointed to acting Sergeant (paid).
For students streamed WSOp (Cmn) Rotary Wing the next phase of training is a 34-week crewman course at Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire. This includes 105 hours on the Squirrel and the Griffin helicopters and covers all aspects of helicopter operations. On successful completion of their training, students are awarded their Brevets and appointed to acting Sergeant (paid). Those students posted to the Chinook go to RAF Odiham in Hampshire and the Puma or EH101 at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.
Reply 4
Yeah, that seems more like it.
A few minor points though...
The AAITC is actually now called NCAITC.
And WSOp Cmn Rotary students do not fly any hours on the Squirrel at DHFS. It's all Griffin.
A few minor points though...
The AAITC is actually now called NCAITC.
And WSOp Cmn Rotary students do not fly any hours on the Squirrel at DHFS. It's all Griffin.
Reply 8
does anyone know how long you would spend at each particular
area of the wsop after you have been streamed and where you
would be based?
x
area of the wsop after you have been streamed and where you
would be based?
x
Reply 10
You'd be based with the aircraft you operate on. It kind of works like that in the RAF.
Also - read more of this thread. The answers you seem to seek are there.
Also - read more of this thread. The answers you seem to seek are there.
Reply 11
Q_M
Check out 22gps website. I think it's on there.
Are you putting your application in Q_M?
Ruhr_Phantom
Are you putting your application in Q_M?
Keeping pretty quiet about what a I'm doing, where I'm doing it and who it's for this time dude. When I went to Cranwell about half the board knew me already as Q_M and had all the notes/questions I've written on here!
Not saying anything on here basically, lol.
Reply 13
Q_M
Keeping pretty quiet about what a I'm doing, where I'm doing it and who it's for this time dude. When I went to Cranwell about half the board knew me already as Q_M and had all the notes/questions I've written on here!
Not saying anything on here basically, lol.
Not saying anything on here basically, lol.
Makes perfect sense, good luck with whatever you decide to do!!
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