Next steps after CBAT - ABM and Reg Off questions

Scroll to see replies

I've been told that the Army has better opportunities for infantry-like roles. I did consider RAF Reg Off but at the moment the somewhat specialised roles in the Army seem a bit more interesting. I like that you can start you specialised training straight after Phase 1, whereas I'd assume in the RAF Reg, you would be expected to complete a tour before given the opportunity to train for reconnaissance.

Regarding the Infantry and Royal Armoured Corps. I'm not sure if women are allowed to serve in the Infantry? My information might be outdated though.

I will look into those other suggestions regardless. Thanks.

Reconnaissance is seen as the more "grown up" of jobs so most soldiers will start off in a different trade before specialisation. It's rare for someone to be posted directly in to the job without first having proven themselves in a rifle company/sabre squadron.

The same goes for the artillery, it used to be that a solider would have to do 2 years on the guns before being put forward to do the STA type courses, although due to manning, if a radio operator or driver is needed at the front end then those picked would be the fitter, more intelligent and sensible types.

Reply 21

Drewski

Original post by vodapo

While I appreciate you've said you've researched the roles you're looking at, the fact you keep flipping between non-commissioned and commissioned roles is a little puzzling.

The lifestyles, work load, expectations, etc, across these roles differ greatly, so much so that if one had really interested you it's a little confusing / seemingly unlikely that the other would have as well.

Reply 22

vodapo

Original post by Drewski

With respect, I don't think that I am flipping. I originally made this post to discuss the commissioned and SNCO roles open to me after recently completing the CBAT.

Since then I have done my research and talked to people from the forces and AFCO to discuss options that I hadn't originally considered from the other services.

Thus I decided that the Army had opportunities and careers that were much more suited to me than the Officer roles I had originally felt I was limited to in the RAF.

What I said about Reg Off most recently was in past tense. It is not something I wish to pursue.

I made my career choices for the Army and began my application and put my RAF application on hold. I am happy with my choices and am not really looking to change them. Therefore I made this post in this thread:

Original post by vodapo

All very helpful info, thanks for the replies.

I’ve taken everything that's been said, plus some of my own research into account and right now I think Int Officer is probably the most interesting of my options within the RAF. It was suggested to me that I open myself up to a potential career with one of the other forces.

The RAF and the thought of passing out in front of College Hall at Cranwell has been the dream so I was hesitant. But I took a look at the options open to me elsewhere and I found several roles within the Army in STA which excite me- sadly a lot more than the role of Int Officer.

So after much deliberation I've put my RAF application on hold for now.

I think potential recruits need to think about what matters the most to them. For me, that's serving in the military (doesn't have to be RAF) and doing a job I'm passionate and excited about (even if it's not a officer role).

I believe I could do my first 4 years in the Army and if I decide I want more responsibility I could reapply for a commissioned role in the RAF?

I do feel like I'm having to defend the choices I have made though, and like I am being talked out of them. At the same time, I feel like in defending them I may come across as rude - and I'm not trying to be rude or ignore advice/guidance if it's offered, but I am happy with the enlisted roles I have chosen in the Army, and am aware of the role they have in the Army as a whole.

Thanks

edit: please also note that the part where I discuss changing services and joining the RAF in a commissioned role is not something I'm planning on doing. I was just mentioning that it could be an option open to me should I decide not to continue my career in the Army after my initial service.

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 23

Drewski

Fair enough. Just putting it out there for anyone else who may stumble across it later.

Original post by vodapo

Since then I have ... talked to people from the forces

There is no reason to assume you're not still doing that, for the record.

Reply 24

vodapo

Original post by Drewski

Fair enough. Just putting it out there for anyone else who may stumble across it later.

There is no reason to assume you're not still doing that, for the record.

Of course. I am aware that you are serving, as are many others in this forum. I really appreciate the help and guidance given in this thread and all the others you've replied to. I know I may seem stubborn or stand-offish in some replies but it is not intentional, and all advice is taken onboard.

Thanks again.