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RAF CBAT score for Air Ops Space and Flight Ops only

Good evening everyone, I’m new to the forum and thank you if you’ve taken the time to read this.

So I’m currently in the RAF as a SAC, and I failed OASC last year at the last hurdle and I have learnt many lessons and in the process of reapplying.

I recently took my CBAT today, which I only passed for Air Ops Systems for Space or Flight Ops (which are non-aptitude).

My choices are the same as last year, which are as follows:

Air Ops Systems
Logistics Officer

When I attended OASC last year I didn’t need CBAT for any part of Air Op Systems. However, this year I got told I had to do CBAT even for Systems, specifically for the Surveillance part of the role.

What I’m worried about is does this affect my chances of becoming an Officer in Air Ops Systems, for only being able to do 2/3 of the roles. On the other side of that, does it in fact increase my chances for becoming a Air Ops Systems or Logistics Officer in OASC for reapplying, showing commitment and doing CBAT and having “some” form aptitude.

The Officer I spoke to at Cranwell was pretty new to the restructuring of Flight Ops/ABM/ATC into Air Ops and said I can still carry on after checking with his colleague.

Any advice or help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Reply 1

Fast74

Original post by MikeKel

You now have to take CBAT as part of the Air Ops Systems selection process to consider you for the most appropriate part of the branch to be streamed to; streaming within both Air Ops branches occurs whilst you are at IOT. If you fail the Air Ops Systems CBAT, it means that you will not be selectable to the Identification Officer (IDO) role, but space (when it opens) and Flt Ops will be available. However, Systems is a very sought-after branch and, as a result, very competitive, therefore those who have passed for all areas of CBAT within the Systems branch will be ‘weighted’ over those who have not. That said, it is still worth progressing your application because the CBAT score is only one factor that is taken into account at point of selection. Additionally, having a solid second choice gives the selectors options. Bottom line, don’t give up - you can still progress. Work on the areas that let you down at your last visit and give it your all during your next visit. Best of luck with your application. Hope this helps.

Reply 2

WedgeAnt

Wow I was just quoting your reply to a similar question I asked, Fast74, now I see where you get the name. I recently sat my CBAT and passed for AirOpsSystem but rather embarasingly it was my lowest score despite being my first choice role - hopefully the selectors see this as me being truly passioante for the role.

To Fast74, do you have any information as to when Space will open and to what form it's training to Combat Ready status (apologies if that's not a used term) will take? Still got my hopes on being streamed Space assuming OASC selects me.

Reply 3

MikeKel

Original post by Fast74

Thank you! That’s what I needed to hear. I’m going to go back when I can with all barrels blazing. Last time nerves got me down, but this time at CBAT I felt more relaxed and more confident when I got to Cranwell.

When I go back for OASC I’ll be more competitive than ever before and it make so they can’t say no to me.

Thank you again, that advice was exactly what I needed to hear.

Reply 4

Fast74

Original post by MikeKel

My pleasure! People that go back for a re-attack who really want the job that they’re applying for in the RAF tend to do better on their second attempt. It’s a tough process for very good reason therefore there is no shame on not passing the first time - many don’t. Just learn from your first experience and go for it! You might want to refer to other threads on here regarding the new process to aid your preparation.

Reply 5

Fast74

Original post by WedgeAnt

I’m sorry, I don’t know for sure. All I know is that Space is a burgeoning area that will grow over the coming years. If you get selected to Systems, keep stating your interest to that area and then hopefully you will achieve your aim. For more information ask your AFCO for a point of contact in the Air Ops Specialist Recruiting Team.

Reply 6

MikeKel

Original post by Fast74

The new process being OASC is one full day now instead of two?

I will look into it now anyway, I’ll be ringing the AFCO up when I can and book my FI and crack on with the studying to impress.

Reply 7

MikeKel

Original post by WedgeAnt

I know they have the space centre at RAF Fylingdales. I would look into that and try and book a visit there. That’s what I’m doing myself.

Reply 8

venet

Some up-to-date gen on Air Ops Systems and Space.

Currently there is no Phase 2 for Space, there are plans to introduce it eventually, but as it stands Space is Phase 3 only. No ETA on when that will be. Streaming for Systems is decided during IOT, you submit your choices in order of preference (assuming CBAT success, also bearing in mind service need). For those interested in Surveillance its still a high priority and likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. Chances are if you put it as first choice you'll be snapped up regardless of how "competitive" your CBAT pass score was. Flight Ops is the most sought after of the two at the moment.
Not trying to put anyone off Space however, its expanding quite significantly at the moment and if you haven't done OASC yet there's reasonable chance a Phase 2 training programme might have been implemented by the time you're finishing IOT. The streaming choices and branch briefs will come up in Term 2, its at that point you'll find out if Space is Phase 2.

Unless you have DV you won't be getting into RAF Fylingdales I'm afraid.

Reply 9

WedgeAnt

Thank you for your reply Venet

Is Phase 3 training a blanket term for all post phase 2 training or does it mean something more specific (and if so, what?) and what training courses exist for it currently?

A few months back I heard November as a potential date for the start of the Space phase 2 course so I hope by the time I'm hopefully selected it'll be an option for me.

Reply 10

venet

Original post by WedgeAnt

Is Phase 3 training a blanket term for all post phase 2 training

Precisely that. To give you a rough timeline as an Air Ops Systems officer you'll do your Phase 2 training and spend perhaps 2-4 years performing that professional specialisation. After that period on the "shop-floor" so to speak, you'll move into Phase 3 roles. This might be further specialisation in Flight Ops/Surveillance, a move to a different specialisation (currently where Space would come in), or potentially something quite different. As just one example, roles within JFACHQ (which is responsible for planning and carrying out operations) are open to officers from any branch so long as they've completed the appropriate courses. Phase 3 also includes any general post-Phase 2 training, some of which may take place before the rank of Flt Lt, for instance a few of the Intermediate Officer Development courses.

At the moment officers interested in Space take a short foundation/conversion course before moving into that role. I haven't heard anything to suggest a November start date for Space Phase 2 but I'll have an ask around and see what I can root out. Rest be assured however that whether its Phase 2 or Phase 3 you'll almost certainly be doing Space at some point if you're set on it.

Reply 11

WedgeAnt

Thank you Venet for the information and for asking around, looking forward to hearing what you find out

Reply 12

venet

Original post by WedgeAnt

Thank you Venet for the information and for asking around, looking forward to hearing what you find out

Apologies for the late reply, I've made a few enquires but essentially the situation is still the same as in my last posts. There's no Phase 2 Space course in November and it's still Phase 3. However, I've been informed that the foundation course is now a part of the CAOM (Combined Air Ops Module; takes place during your hold between IOT and Phase 2), so this will speed up Phase 3 Space conversion. Things are definitely moving towards a Phase 2 course, but RAF's expansion into Space needs to cement itself before that can be implemented.