RAF roles

Hi, I've completed the DAA and have been offered 23 roles which is a bit overwhelming. I initially applied as an officer and passed the CBAT for Air Operations Systems Officer but failed at the final OASC. I'm 18, physically very fit, like to be busy using my brain as well as body and would love to travel. The roles offered I've narrowed down to Air Operations and Space Specialist, Physical Training Instructor, Vehicle Mechanical Equipment Technician and Mover. Can anyone give me advice on the roles, pros and cons, prospects etc.

(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 1

Okanagan

5

Some stats on relative average times to promotion (table 3b) amongst other things here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1147839/FOI2023-00707_-_Request_for_data_on_the_2021_and_2022_RAF_regular_personnel_statistics_compendium.pdf

Reply 2

JTol

OP

1

Original post by Okanagan

Some stats on relative average times to promotion (table 3b) amongst other things here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1147839/FOI2023-00707_-_Request_for_data_on_the_2021_and_2022_RAF_regular_personnel_statistics_compendium.pdf

Thank you so much.

Reply 3

Surnia

20

Is there a reason for you not reapplying as on Officer? What was your report from OASC?

if you are undecided, don't just join the RAF to get in. You've picked very diverse roles; look at the Recruitment website, see about visits to bases.

Reply 4

JTol

OP

1

Original post by Surnia

Is there a reason for you not reapplying as on Officer? What was your report from OASC?

if you are undecided, don't just join the RAF to get in. You've picked very diverse roles; look at the Recruitment website, see about visits to bases.

Hi, I cant reapply for another year. The roles I were given were indeed very diverse as I scored over 50% on all areas but my strongest was spatial awareness.
The OASC was tough and I didnt have the insider knowledge on what was going to happen. All the other candidates were going for Pilot and were already in the RAF. Tbh I did feel that I needed more experience and to be more assertive and it was quite overwhelming.
I have visited bases and I previously completed a Uniformed protective services course so I know where my passion is and that is the RAF. I definitely feel I have a better chance once I'm in the RAF, then I can have another crack at Officer.
I have decided to go for Air Ops as I was allocated this role from the CBAT which gives an indication to be my strongest area.

Reply 5

greg tony

16

Original post by JTol

Hi, I cant reapply for another year. The roles I were given were indeed very diverse as I scored over 50% on all areas but my strongest was spatial awareness.
The OASC was tough and I didnt have the insider knowledge on what was going to happen. All the other candidates were going for Pilot and were already in the RAF. Tbh I did feel that I needed more experience and to be more assertive and it was quite overwhelming.
I have visited bases and I previously completed a Uniformed protective services course so I know where my passion is and that is the RAF. I definitely feel I have a better chance once I'm in the RAF, then I can have another crack at Officer.
I have decided to go for Air Ops as I was allocated this role from the CBAT which gives an indication to be my strongest area.

Just be mindful that the air and space ops role is very sedentary, so you may struggle a lot if you like being active (i know i did). I did it for 9 years and its basically an office job looking at a screen. You are primarily UK based also, as UK defence is your core role. While the space part sounds fun also, its just another screen and is very, very boring (from all my colleagues experiences). Id be more than happy to fill you in more if you want.

Basically the takeaway from me, is if you really want to be an officer dont join as a junior rank. It wont be quicker or easier, as your time during first few years will be full with training and you wont have as much time or energy to do it.

Take care,

Gerry

Reply 6

JTol

OP

1

Hi Gerry,
Thank you for your reply.
I don't desperately want to be an Officer, I just thought I would give it a go as didnt have anything to lose. I'm really happy to go in as non-commissioned but I want to mindful of going into a role/area that will give me opportunities when I eventually come out of the services (dont get me wrong as I plan on staying in for a long time) . Argh I didnt realise Air Ops was that sedentary which most definitely wont suit me, out of the roles I've listed plus Communications Infrastructure Technician, RAF Medic and RAF Police which do you feel would be a good start?

(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 7

Surnia

20

Original post by JTol

Hi Gerry,
Thank you for your reply.
I don't desperately want to be an Officer, I just thought I would give it a go as didnt have anything to lose. I'm really happy to go in as non-commissioned but I want to mindful of going into a role/area that will give me opportunities when I eventually come out of the services (dont get me wrong as I plan on staying in for a long time) . Argh I didnt realise Air Ops was that sedentary which most definitely wont suit me, out of the roles I've listed plus Communications Infrastructure Technician, RAF Medic and RAF Police which do you feel would be a good start?

You aren't going to get the variety of people on here that can give you insight into every role you've chosen.

As above, people say they want to join up to 'travel' and yes, there's opportunities with adventure training and sometimes with the job, but it depends which role you do, where you go on exercise/deployment, what hours you work and the risk in the location. In my first 12months on a fast-jet flying squadron I did 1 week in Norway and 3 weeks in Lincolnshire and that was it away from base!

Also, it's good advice that you could wait a year and go officer or be an airman for several years and still not get to a commissioned role. The AFCO will see your previous application, so how would you answer the (rhetorical, on here) question about why you've gone from officer to airman?

Reply 8

JTol

OP

1

Thank you so much Surnia, your help is really appreciated. It's probably going to be a matter of gut feeling as to which role and then just embrace it.

Reply 9

Surnia

20

Original post by JTol

Thank you so much Surnia, your help is really appreciated. It's probably going to be a matter of gut feeling as to which role and then just embrace it.

Try a different tack.

I'm an ex-RAF Recruiter. I've seen people ace the DAA (AST, back in the day) but they went into it with a good idea of what they wanted to do. Some surprised themselves by scoring highly for a job that was a third choice because they didn't think they'd get it. So, when you decided to go down the airman route, which roles were you hoping to get into? Sometimes too much choice is a bad thing; just because they are now available to you doesn't mean you have to consider them all.
And what is your back-up plan if you don't get in?

Remember, whilst selection can be a lengthy timescale, the actual days spent doing it are relatively few, so keep occupied over the coming months.

Reply 10

JTol

OP

1

Hi Surnia,
Thanks for your message.
I was originally going in for WSOp which isn't in the offing or anything like it 🧐. I've passed the medical, physical and interview so I'm literally at the choosing stage ready for training. I'm so pleased that Gerry gave me a true insight into Air Ops as that would drive me crazy doing that sort of role! I'm swaying to the engineering role as it would keep me physically active as well as mentally. I'm definitely better at hands on.

RAF roles

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you