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I would go for RAF. 
Heh you need to find out - go speak to both, arrange visits for both and that will help. We can't decide for you (sadly).
Ive been on the websites and theyre both like "Join the army its best" or "Join the RAF its better!"
That made me chuckle!!
I applied for the army and went through the medical and everything and decided theres more dicks in it than there is over the RAF Regiment, which I have met many soldiers in the RAF Regiment because I was in the Cadets. So when I'm done with this year at college I'm off to the RAF Regiments' training, by then I'll be 18. Not that you needed to know what I intend to be doing. But according to research the pay and quality of life in the RAF and Navy is much better than the Army, and apparently they treat you better too. But the big decision is up to you.. A contract of 4 years in the Army which you can add to? Or 9 years. Hope I've helped in some strange way because all I seem to have done here is go on with myself, I don't even know when i put the last fullstop in.
That made me chuckle!!
I applied for the army and went through the medical and everything and decided theres more dicks in it than there is over the RAF Regiment, which I have met many soldiers in the RAF Regiment because I was in the Cadets. So when I'm done with this year at college I'm off to the RAF Regiments' training, by then I'll be 18. Not that you needed to know what I intend to be doing. But according to research the pay and quality of life in the RAF and Navy is much better than the Army, and apparently they treat you better too. But the big decision is up to you.. A contract of 4 years in the Army which you can add to? Or 9 years. Hope I've helped in some strange way because all I seem to have done here is go on with myself, I don't even know when i put the last fullstop in.
mrmancunian
Ive been on the websites and theyre both like "Join the army its best" or "Join the RAF its better!"
That made me chuckle!!
I applied for the army and went through the medical and everything and decided theres more dicks in it than there is over the RAF Regiment, which I have met many soldiers in the RAF Regiment because I was in the Cadets. So when I'm done with this year at college I'm off to the RAF Regiments' training, by then I'll be 18. Not that you needed to know what I intend to be doing. But according to research the pay and quality of life in the RAF and Navy is much better than the Army, and apparently they treat you better too. But the big decision is up to you.. A contract of 4 years in the Army which you can add to? Or 9 years. Hope I've helped in some strange way because all I seem to have done here is go on with myself, I don't even know when i put the last fullstop in.
That made me chuckle!!
I applied for the army and went through the medical and everything and decided theres more dicks in it than there is over the RAF Regiment, which I have met many soldiers in the RAF Regiment because I was in the Cadets. So when I'm done with this year at college I'm off to the RAF Regiments' training, by then I'll be 18. Not that you needed to know what I intend to be doing. But according to research the pay and quality of life in the RAF and Navy is much better than the Army, and apparently they treat you better too. But the big decision is up to you.. A contract of 4 years in the Army which you can add to? Or 9 years. Hope I've helped in some strange way because all I seem to have done here is go on with myself, I don't even know when i put the last fullstop in.
You've really done your research haven't you
Aymzski
I can't decided!
Ive been on the websites and theyre both like "Join the army its best" or "Join the RAF its better!"
Id like to join as a student nurse to one of them but i dont really know which one id prefer more. whats the difference, anyone know?
Ive been on the websites and theyre both like "Join the army its best" or "Join the RAF its better!"
Id like to join as a student nurse to one of them but i dont really know which one id prefer more. whats the difference, anyone know?
While the career might be similar there will be differences. Ask for the paperwork specific to nursing in both, then check out the training, pay, likely roles and progression (what will your primary roles be, how much influance will you have on your career progression, what are the promotions like for your specialisation), lifestyle (how often will you move? deploy? where might you be based?), etc. Then arrange visits (plural) to see nurses working for both the army and raf. Ask questions.
Then apply to the one you feel best suits you. There is no right or wrong answer - it's personal.
Oh - and you can apply to both if you want and then see which offer suits you better.
Good luck!
I faced a very similar decision a few years ago, and quickly realised that I looked much better in green than in light blue. I'm still firmly of the opinion that RAF tropical dress is the finest order of dress for ladies, so I think that should have a bearing on where you decide to go.
More seriously, my impression is that the RAF is a more "modern" organisation that the Army. As you develop into your career, the RAF will concentrate more on management, whilst the Army is more focused on leadership. I think you do need to be slightly more robust in the Army, physically and mentally. So really it depends entirely on what you want, and how you fancy living.
Also, most field hospitals on operations nowadays are tri-service, so no matter which service you join, you will almost certainly end up doing the same job in the same location.
More seriously, my impression is that the RAF is a more "modern" organisation that the Army. As you develop into your career, the RAF will concentrate more on management, whilst the Army is more focused on leadership. I think you do need to be slightly more robust in the Army, physically and mentally. So really it depends entirely on what you want, and how you fancy living.
Also, most field hospitals on operations nowadays are tri-service, so no matter which service you join, you will almost certainly end up doing the same job in the same location.
Hey,
I have just qualified as a nurse and am now joining the RAF. I really wish i had looked into training with them!
All of the student nurses in the armed forces go to Birmingham University, so the course will be the same and you will probably all live/socialise together etc.
re; which service to join, a few points i would mention are:
(1) In the army you are a soldier, then a nurse.
(2) Your role as a nurse in the RAF also involves aeromedical evacuation roles. You can be called to travel anywhere in the world to bring home forces personell and entitled civillians who are unwell. (lots of travel opp!)
You have not mentioned the Navy, what is making you choose between the army and the RAF
As FFS mentioned above, MDHU's and field hospitals are tri-service anyway.
personally i didnt even look at he army or the navy. I had experienced the RAF lifestyle through my partner and i was hooked!
Good luck.. x
I have just qualified as a nurse and am now joining the RAF. I really wish i had looked into training with them!
All of the student nurses in the armed forces go to Birmingham University, so the course will be the same and you will probably all live/socialise together etc.
re; which service to join, a few points i would mention are:
(1) In the army you are a soldier, then a nurse.
(2) Your role as a nurse in the RAF also involves aeromedical evacuation roles. You can be called to travel anywhere in the world to bring home forces personell and entitled civillians who are unwell. (lots of travel opp!)
You have not mentioned the Navy, what is making you choose between the army and the RAF
As FFS mentioned above, MDHU's and field hospitals are tri-service anyway.
personally i didnt even look at he army or the navy. I had experienced the RAF lifestyle through my partner and i was hooked!
Good luck.. x
I agree with Lady Venom, go and get a taste of both. Station/Garrison visits are your best bet for this, your local AFCO will be able to advise more.
I'm RAF and stayed at an Army garrison for 3 weeks recently. The Army mentality is very different and you need to experience both if you're going to make an informed decision.
I'm RAF and stayed at an Army garrison for 3 weeks recently. The Army mentality is very different and you need to experience both if you're going to make an informed decision.
I'd recommend that you go on some insight course and familiarisation visits so that you've experienced both and then make your decision. I've been on loads with the army and they're really good fun so I would strongly recommend going on some. Personally, I'd say go for the army 
, but then I'm going to be biased.
, but then I'm going to be biased.
Have you looked into doing look at life/work experience weeks with both?
Ask yourself why you want to become a nurse first of all? (Anobvious biggie for the interview!)
Then ask yourself why you think you might like to be a nurse in the armed forces?
What attracts you to being a nurse in the Army?
What attracts you to being a nurse in the RAF?
This post seems to be becoming a bit Army vs RAF, but i think that you should think more about the difference in the roles of a nurse in the Army and a nurse in the RAF. They are different! What oppertunities are there to develop in your nursing career?
Although people have mentioned station visits etc, do remember that you will not be working on a station but rather in an NHS hosptal with military staff and it will not be truly representative of your future role. Maybe try and visit the tactical medical wing at RAF Lyneham.
Have you been to any presentations at your local careers office? I'd day get yourself booked on a nursing presentation with the RAF. they are very informative!!
I would advise you (if you haven't already) to also maybe consider some hospital work/care work to get some hands on experince as a bit of a taster to see if its for you. It definately isnt for everyone!
After your basic training, be it with the army or raf, you are going to be going to uni for three years! What do each offer whilst you are at uni? in your uni holidays etc?
Sorry this post is a bit all over the place. Im a bit tired. Only had an hours sleep after nightshift and trying to get myself back to days.
Ohhh.. youve got all this ahead of you. But its worth it!!
x
Then ask yourself why you think you might like to be a nurse in the armed forces?
What attracts you to being a nurse in the Army?
What attracts you to being a nurse in the RAF?
This post seems to be becoming a bit Army vs RAF, but i think that you should think more about the difference in the roles of a nurse in the Army and a nurse in the RAF. They are different! What oppertunities are there to develop in your nursing career?
Although people have mentioned station visits etc, do remember that you will not be working on a station but rather in an NHS hosptal with military staff and it will not be truly representative of your future role. Maybe try and visit the tactical medical wing at RAF Lyneham.
Have you been to any presentations at your local careers office? I'd day get yourself booked on a nursing presentation with the RAF. they are very informative!!
I would advise you (if you haven't already) to also maybe consider some hospital work/care work to get some hands on experince as a bit of a taster to see if its for you. It definately isnt for everyone!
After your basic training, be it with the army or raf, you are going to be going to uni for three years! What do each offer whilst you are at uni? in your uni holidays etc?
Sorry this post is a bit all over the place. Im a bit tired. Only had an hours sleep after nightshift and trying to get myself back to days.
Ohhh.. youve got all this ahead of you. But its worth it!!
x
Speak to actual nurses from both.
Do not rely on recruitment centres, or presentations. They will give you the pressure sell. I don't know the recruiters' incentives, but they won't paint a balanced picture.
I was in the Army, and shared an RAF base for a good while. I noticed a big difference. Treated better, funded better and more relaxed but still very professional.
Also restaurant standard food! I really missed it when they eventually left. Army catering is a joke (my experience).
Do not rely on recruitment centres, or presentations. They will give you the pressure sell. I don't know the recruiters' incentives, but they won't paint a balanced picture.
I was in the Army, and shared an RAF base for a good while. I noticed a big difference. Treated better, funded better and more relaxed but still very professional.
Also restaurant standard food! I really missed it when they eventually left. Army catering is a joke (my experience).
The choice is your own and no1 can help you with that being Army my self and having wored with the RAF, i can hands down say the Army lifestyle is more mentaly and physicaly demanding but you do get treated more grown up in the RAF but all services very. This is just my own opinion on these 2 but i will be a little bias
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