AC-NCO-commision/degree.

[AndyCarter]

Hi. Im joining up as an AMM. One thing I would deffinatly like to do at one point is possible become a commisioned officer. I am wondering what the critiria is to move from an NCO rank to a commision. I have also been toying with the idea of obtaining an engineering degree while in service. I was wondering how this works. Iv had a look on the RAF website but couldn't find anything. My attestation date is 3rd of march.

 

[Warwick Hunt]

My advice to you at this stage, young Padwan, is to concentrate on the 9 weeks at RTS and your subsequent trade training instead of getting caught up in something that will not be open to you for a while yet. But then again, there's nothing wrong with forward thinking and knowing what you want!

However, should you still wish to be commissioned in the future, when you have been posted to your first unit approach your Flt Cdr, the FDS staff and OC PSF. You can commission under the Basic Entry Scheme, but you will be in competition with other more experienced/qualified technicians. To be an Eng Officer you will require an accredited engineering degree. Speak to the FDS staff on station and they will provide you with all the gen you need. But as I said before, concentrate on what is coming up in March - learn to walk before you can run.

 

[AndyCarter]

I assure you my main focus is my 9 weeks at RTS. It's good to know that a commision is something i can approach people about rather than waiting to be considered for it. Thankyou for your advice i shall heed it.

 

[busby1971]

It depends what you want to do

It depends what you want to do

If it's not just engineering officer then the criteria are not set that high once the RAF have had a good look at you. You've still got to be found suitable and this can start from day one, best effort all the way will result in some good ticks in boxed along the way and shows a level of commitment and enthusiasm.

Good Luck with Halton, hopefully it will have warmed up by then.

 

[Stevienics]

........and you are going to need glasses at some point. All engineering officers have glasses (it adds gravitas).

 

[TrickyTree]

If you're aim is, as you say, ultimately to become commissioned then my advice would be, at this stage, to tell the RAF to stuff their offer of service. Get into a decent (ie not an ex-poly) university, do your engineering degree (preferably a 4-year MEng) and then, if university life hasn't turned your head to tempting propositions in industry, try again for service, this time as an officer.

My opinion, as a miserable scrote of a SNCO with 24 years service in the bag, is that all this talk of "well i quite fancy being an erk and then being commissioned, it makes you a better officer" is a load of horse s**t. Two of my schoolfriends did similar to what I am suggesting whereas I joined up straightaway. I have no regrets, I've had a brilliant time, but it is food for thought that both of my old muckers are now group captains, one commanding a front-line flying station.

 

[AndyCarter]

........and you are going to need glasses at some point. All engineering officers have glasses (it adds gravitas).

I currently were glasses. Actualy it's the reason I could never apply to be a pilot.

I was under the impression that you had to obtain a commision in your trade. So for my trade (AMM) it would be engineering officer.

I did originaly apply to be a fighter control officer but i was turned down at the filter interview. Im also not sure right now if i would like to go straight into a high pressure managment situation. I would rather adapt to military life and get that sorted then think about a commision.

Thankyou all for your advice. One last question. Which other officer trades would be a suitable proggresion from AMM.

 

[Warwick Hunt]

I currently were glasses. Actualy it's the reason I could never apply to be a pilot.

I was under the impression that you had to obtain a commision in your trade. So for my trade (AMM) it would be engineering officer.

I did originaly apply to be a fighter control officer but i was turned down at the filter interview. Im also not sure right now if i would like to go straight into a high pressure managment situation. I would rather adapt to military life and get that sorted then think about a commision.

Thankyou all for your advice. One last question. Which other officer trades would be a suitable proggresion from AMM.

That's not strictly true mate. You can apply to be commissioned in any branch provided you meet the criteria (age/quals/medical standard, etc) for that branch. a very good mate of mine in Pers (Spt) has just been accepted for a commission as a Engineer Officer. He went out and gained the appropriate qualification, applied and was selected.

With regards to your last question, well that's up to you. What would you like to be commissioned in? As I said before, as long as you tick the boxes, then you can commission into pretty much any branch. A lot of engineers go on to become Pers Spt, Logistics, even Aircrew. It all depends on you.

 

[TrickyTree]

That's not strictly true mate. You can apply to be commissioned in any branch provided you meet the criteria...

Indeed. I met a fellow just before Christmas who 20 years ago I knew as a particularly nasty scrote of a liney, the sort who makes today's lineys all look like gayers (which isn't hard, no pun intended) and yet now he's wearing mars bars underneath his barcode.