Air Operations Branch Explained

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This is very informative thanks Bunker! I had my P2 presentation this morning and was told Air Ops (Systems) didn't require me taking the CBAT and I obviously missed that on this even though I've read your post a good number of times prior to memorise the training and locations. So I was wondering at what stage would they do the CBAT for Surveillance? If they did it after I've been admitted into the RAF (when they're streaming me) and I failed that, would then mean I'm limited to the 2 specialisations?

Reply 21

WCFLK

I can't see that you wouldn't take the cbat? Surely if they didn't use it for systems, you could end it with the branch being very top heavy in certain areas and not in others as people have not got the aptitude to conduct certain roles

Reply 22

SmutsReport

Yeah I completely agree, but my AFCO and the CO specifically stated otherwise so I'm a bit unsure / confused. I was preparing for CBAT so I'm slightly disappointed as I would have liked to see what I could achieve. Hoping someone can help clarify this for me.

Reply 23

username158373

Original post by SmutsReport

I believe you get CBAT after the first core module of Phase 2 in order to be streamed Surveillance as opposed to Space/Flight Ops.

Reply 24

WCFLK

So that's after CAOM?

Reply 25

username158373

Original post by WCFLK

So that's after CAOM?

I believe so, I’ll do some digging.

Reply 26

venet

Not long ago I was speaking to someone applying Air Ops Systems who had recently graduated from IOT, I asked about whether there was any Phase 2 aptitude streaming for surveillance/space/flight ops and it seems that isn't the case; in Term 3 the Systems cadets simply submitted their choices in order of preference. The last time I'd heard any info on this was summer last year, and that indicated one's Systems stream would be decided by aptitude testing, but until I find out more it now appears to be cadet choice/service need.

Now of course what I've written here is just based off one short conversation in a mess, I'd be interested to learn more about what AlphaTango has mentioned above.

Reply 27

kbfrufc

Hi I have my oasc in May and was just wondering if anybody knows where exactly the 3 branches of Air Ops Systems train? Also how long is the specialist training? In my interview my knowledge of the specialist training was the only thing I got negative feedback on so any help on this would be great

Reply 28

WedgeAnt

Original post by kbfrufc

Hope it went well

Have you found out any new information about Air Ops Systems? I've applied for the role and due to it's infancy it'd be great to hear how it's progressing.

Reply 29

DeltaCharlieKilo

Also interested to hear how this has progressed. I recently passed my CBAT at Cranwell for Ops and Systems but at this early stage I can’t decide which way to go. Both have routes of interest to me :confused:

Original post by WedgeAnt

Hope it went well

Have you found out any new information about Air Ops Systems? I've applied for the role and due to it's infancy it'd be great to hear how it's progressing.

Reply 30

WedgeAnt

Hey DeltaCharlieKilo

Could you please post or send me the CBAT cutoff and Aptitude Score requirements such as those pictured in the CBAT blog https://rafcbat.wordpress.com/results-and-scores/ for Air Ops Systems

Original post by DeltaCharlieKilo

Reply 31

DeltaCharlieKilo

I'll have a look when I get home. Although I must warn you, you have no idea how you're doing throughout the day. It all just merged into one big head mash for me. I've never quite experienced anything like it!! :s-smilie:

Original post by WedgeAnt

Reply 32

WedgeAnt

I get that but I think it'll be useful to know what they're looking for

Original post by DeltaCharlieKilo

Reply 33

DeltaCharlieKilo

I've just checked the link you posted as well as my scores and results. It only shows the same information that is shown on that blog. I have no new information to help.

Original post by WedgeAnt

I get that but I think it'll be useful to know what they're looking for

Reply 34

WedgeAnt

You said you passed CBAT for Air Ops Systems but I've heard there is no CBAT for Air Ops Systems so which role is for Systems on your results? Is it the "Air Ops Branch (Info Only)"?

Original post by DeltaCharlieKilo

I've just checked the link you posted as well as my scores and results. It only shows the same information that is shown on that blog. I have no new information to help.

Reply 35

DeltaCharlieKilo

I’m glad you asked that. This was confusing me too. I assumed it was Air Ops 2 but I may be wrong. I spoke with an officer yesterday at the AFCO and she said that because I’ve just done my CBAT, it means I’m good for Control or Systems....so to be honest I’m rather confused. I’m sorry, I feel like I’m not helping you at all!

Original post by WedgeAnt

You said you passed CBAT for Air Ops Systems but I've heard there is no CBAT for Air Ops Systems so which role is for Systems on your results? Is it the "Air Ops Branch (Info Only)"?

Reply 36

WedgeAnt

No worries!

From what has been said previously, that Systems does not have CBAT, is likely still true and what the officer said can be interpreted that because you've sat and passed the CBAT for control then you are eligible for it and Systems too by default as it has no CBAT requirements

Original post by DeltaCharlieKilo

Reply 37

WedgeAnt

As an update, I've just had my P2 presentation and I'm being sent for my CBAT in a weeks time D: for Air Ops Systems. I also heard from someone serving that as of "2 or 3 weeks ago" AirOpsSystems candidates get CBAT tested now so that timeframe seems to be when you sat yours DeltaCharlieKilo. As to what the cutoffs are for this specific branch, I'm non the wiser but hopefully soon I'll know

Original post by DeltaCharlieKilo

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 38

Fast74

All Air Ops Systems candidates are now required to complete aptitude testing to ascertain whether they have the aptitude for the Identification Officer (IDO) part of the branch. Unlike other branches, the aptitude test for Systems is not pass/fail; more career informing. If you want to go IDO but you fail the IDO battery, you will not be eligible for that role, but Space and Flt Ops will still be available. However, you might not be as competitive as others applying for Systems if you don’t have an IDO pass. Please bear in mind that Air Ops Systems is an increasingly competitive branch therefore a CBAT pass will really help with your selection. The cut off for IDO (Systems) is currently set at 90.

Original post by WedgeAnt

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 39

WedgeAnt

Thanks for this info Fast, just what I was looking for. Yeah Space is my preferred role of the 3 but yes of course will try my hardest for those CBAT scores, for my application and further career choices down the line. Wouldn't happen to know how I could bolster my chances for getting streamed into Space would you, other than letting the board know my preference when it gets to Phase 2 training.