SteveH

Anyone in the forces/know anyone in the forces? specifically the RAF? Whats it really like? The website surely wont be giving me the true picture?
I'm seriously considering applying to the RAF as non commissioned aircrew. I'm newly single, fit, healthy, enjoy anything and dont have any major commitments to think about (like a mortgage etc) so why not? I'm working as a chippy at the minute. I do like it, its paying well, and you dont take it home with you, but i'm starting to think i'll regret it if i dont go in the forces. Its better to regret something you have done, than something you haven't.
TBH i've put it off for the last two years for the sake of my girlfriend, she never told me not to go it was my decision, but i'm not sitting round shithole leicester for the rest of my life wondering what it would be like.

So, sell it to me, i've got no reason NOT to go, so what are the perks? World travel, money (32k+) further training, prospects, secure future, fat pension. sounds good, thanks i will!

Anyone know anyone then? Comments appreciated

Steve

Nash

iTrader: (3)

I am an ex chippy and joined the RAF Regt about 5 years ago and it was the wrong choice for me tbh. Like you say when you finish work thats it till the next day, you dont get that in the Forces. Being away from friends and family aint easy even if you think it will be trust me. You do get to do some fucking cool stuff that most people will never get the chance to do.

Having said that Aircrew is a shit hot job in the RAF, you you are high enough up the food chain to be past alot of the bull shit. Tbh i cant tell you what to do as its totally different to what i do and £35K a year as soon as out of training Plus all extra money you get from going away somewhere dusty. If you enjoy your current job and earn good money i would its a very hard one, not many people are in a job they enjoy and it is a rare thing.

SteveH

Cheers nash, what do you do in the regt? what made it the wrong choice?

I do enjoy my job but its looking a bit bleak for the building at the minute, it gets worse every jan, we're damn lucky we have anything tbh. Plus it has its downsides, work in all weathers, following idiots who make it hard to get going (dodgy plastering/boarding, shite 1st fix etc) and no sick pay. That said i dont hate it, but i've been umming and ahhing about the RAF for near on 6 years now and i'm thinking its time to just fook off and do it before its too late?? hmmm

Ste

Nash

iTrader: (3)

SteveH
Used to blow shit up and shoot at things, but smashed my knee a while back so dont get to play anymore.

The joy of having a trade behind you is, if you think its shit just put papers in and get out and go back to it. Alot of people join with nothing to fall back on which forces them to stay alot of the time. Like i said Air Crew is a shit hot job and you will get to go all over the place, but it will have its shite sides like anything.

I would gen up on everything to do with it before you go for it though.
1. So you know what you are getting into.
2. Looks good at the interview if you actually got off your arse to look into the job.

Also current afairs so that means no more Sun or Sport and getting the telegraph or Times. Also teams sports are looked at as very good as shows you can work with others. Also any management things you have done, if needs be Lye a little but only on stuff they cant find out lol.

SteveH

I didnt know you could do that? I know you can cop out after basic training but min length of service says 12 years which made me think if i dont like it i'm screwed lol.

Yeah thats part of the reason i was asking about on here, to get a real servicemans point of view and experience.
I've been through the tests on the raf website and read it top to bottom so i hope i know what to do lol.

Ste

Paddy

Our very own poster pin up boy Radders is in the RAF.

SteveH

Nash

iTrader: (3)

SteveH
Yeah would be 12months or 6months depending on trade.

You also sometimes have to work with people like Radders. I actually enjoy this as lightens the mood and also means they are allways in the shit[litterally], and you can get away with Murder[not litterally].

SteveH

does look like fun, i just watched this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPloO...eature=related

and the related ones are funny too!! I know its a serious job, but it genuinely looks like they work hard and play harder!!

boy_in_blue_x

alright fella, i'm in the same situation as you are, stuck in the building game as a tacker, and i always wanted to join the forces. well last year i went through with it, just doing the enrolment process now. but im joining the royal marines not the raf. hopefully it will be a good laugh. as you said you can only regret doing it rather than never going through with it and always wondering

SteveH

radders looks like he has fun!
i think its something i've gotta do really, i've got nothing holding me back, i'd rather do it now than wait and have it too late!

Nash

iTrader: (3)

SteveH
This is the RAF Regt mate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDHQO6QHFsc

boy_in_blue_x
Couldnt and wouldnt do Marines training for a couple of reasons, 1. Being i cant do pull ups for shit. 2. I would be proper fucked off going through all that shit and then being made a Chef

SteveH

Nash

That video is quality

Nash

iTrader: (3)

Madbradz

Im also looking into this.... but the only thing im unsure about is what happens if you join up and hate it..... there does'nt appear to be buch info on that...

Looking at Aircraft Technician (Avionics)

Nash

iTrader: (3)

Madbradz
If you are still in training it doesnt take long to get out. After this though you are expected to do 3 years, with 12months from the date you put your papers in till the time you can get out.

SteveH

Nash

Just thought of something else, more a social thing than work related, what about getting laid? if you're on a 3month stint in iraq or somewhere i cant imagine you throw on some shorts and flip flops and go drop dick on the locals?

Wardy257

SteveH,

To be non-comission aircrew you are going to have to pass a strict medical and go to OASC. You will need to be good at maths and have a good aptitude to get throught the selection process. There is a lot of competition for places so be ready for it. As aircrew you will have a good life, its like a different RAF to the ground trades. Aircrew can get away with a lot more than the rest of us.

Nash

iTrader: (3)

Steve as for getting laid on Det, theres the odd waff that looks like something from deliverence thats been hammer and hammered, and then hammered again. Even if i didnt have a missus i would just stick to having a wank, much cleaner and tbh more enjoyable

Being a Joiner he will piss the maths and aptitude as you are allways problem solving and working things out, keeps you sharp. Belive it or not i flew through mine, i just said i wanted to be a rock as they showed me the video of stuff blowing up and i was hooked Fitness i cant comment on but you want to be hitting about 10.5 atleast to make a good impression.