RAF Questions from a girlfriends perspective

My Boyfriend will more than likely get into the Raf and is already going through with the application process.

Previously we had both assumed he would join as an Avionic engineer however he changed his mind and would now be joining as a weapons technician.

I have a few questions purely out of interest and wanting confirmation on things that my boyfriend doesn't know the answers to yet.

First of all, is within his 10 weeks of training will he be able to keep in contact with everyone back home or is there rules against that? It may come across as a stupid question but I only ask as my uncle wasn't allowed to ve in contact with anyone back home during his training when he joined the British Army.

I keep hearing things about a Graduation at the end of the 10 weeks.

What exactly is it?
What happens?
Is there a dress code?
Is it an all-day event?

Other things I was curious about is,

Are there specific foods/drinks they can't consume? Once again this is in reference to my uncle. A few of his friends were kicked out of training for drinking these drinks with a certain additive that they weren't aware of until they were pointed out.

And generally, what's it likes being a girl with a boyfriend in the Raf? I've read and heard so many stories about married couples lives and how they worked through this lifestyle however most of them either met in the RAF or were married long before they joined. I've found it very hard to find something from the perspective of someone younger.

That's all for now

TaeTaeToast

Reply 1

Russ3684

I can’t answer all of these but my brother was a RM Commando. He had some contact with which could be limited at times and impacted depending on training exercise. At the end of his training he had a passing out parade. This involved a presentation on stage, a march/performance outside and then drinks. He also had a family day during his training when we could visit him. It was smart casual from my memory. Bearing in mind if you’re out in the cold!

Reply 2

TaeTaeToast

Thank you so much! I really appricate it :smile:

Reply 3

Russ3684

I should imagine there are aspects that will be difficult. But think long term and remember this is his dream and you can be a fantastic source of support as it is very tough. Wishing you lots of luck xx

Reply 4

TaeTaeToast

That's really kind of you! Thanks again!!

Reply 5

Surnia

Original post by TaeTaeToast

I have a few questions purely out of interest and wanting confirmation on things that my boyfriend doesn't know the answers to yet.

First of all, is within his 10 weeks of training will he be able to keep in contact with everyone back home or is there rules against that? Yes, but only at certain times, because of the training programme. If he's not doing anything 'official' on the course he could be cleaning accomodation, ironing, polishing boots, revising or chilling because he is absolutely shattered! Make allowances for him potentially being tired and grumpy.

I keep hearing things about a Graduation at the end of the 10 weeks. What exactly is it? What happens? Is there a dress code? Is it an all-day event? No specific timings on here for security, but smart/warm dress (for being outdoors) and there's a parade with prizes, the option of a meal and recruits are then free to pack up and may be able to go home for a quick break or have to move on for the next training course. If they have a long wait between courses they'll be given an interim job somewhere.

Are there specific foods/drinks they can't consume? Just nothing illegal! The use of energy drinks is discouraged during the selection process as it can result in raised heart rate and can cause delays in passing the medical or fitness test ( I worked in recruitment and saw this happen).

And generally, what's it likes being a girl with a boyfriend in the Raf?
His specialist training is around 12 months and is much more relaxed than Basic, with free weekends and longer breaks for Christmas/summer holidays. After that, it depends on where he is posted; he can express a preference, but will be sent where he is needed and that could be anywhere in the UK and he could move maybe every 4 years. He could work Mon-Fri, could do weekends, could do shifts, he will have leave he can apply for, but it's not guaranteed. He could do a few weeks somewhere on exercise or a few months on a deployment overseas. He will also be expected to do further courses, guard duty, parades, stay fit and take on extra activities with clubs and societies for his career progression, all of which will eat into free time. So, once he's settled you could see him regularly, have opportunities to visit, maybe even for formal social functions, or be relying on phone and Facetime. Sorry, it really is that vague!

Ex-RAF and added some answers in bold. Also, have a look here, including the Guide and Qs further down; it's not just for family and will give you some useful insight:

https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/parents-guardians

There's also a TSR Armed Forces Forum, with similar posts or search this site for 'raf girlfriend'. If you use it, be aware of the security rules that are on a sticky, and don't put too much personal stuff online showing connections to the military. It's not just for being safe, your boyfriend could need further security checks and they do look on his social media for anything against the rules.

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=96

Happy to chat further!

Reply 6

TaeTaeToast

Thank you so much! Your name rings a bell for some reason and I'm not sure why. Maybe you had responded to one or my posts id posed previously. I foubd this really helpful :smile:

Reply 7

Surnia

Original post by TaeTaeToast

Thank you so much! Your name rings a bell for some reason and I'm not sure why. Maybe you had responded to one or my posts id posed previously. I foubd this really helpful :smile:

I replied the previous time you asked about your boyfriend and the RAF - before Ikaruss and I hijacked your thread for a Christmas greetings love-in :biggrin: