ATC or RAFP

[Questionmachine]

Hi,

I'm thinking about joining he RAF. I've been looking at the roles of ATC Officer and RAF Police Officer. I've been looking online for info about the roles. There's some about ATC Officer and next to none about RAF Police Officer. I was hoping someone could tell me more about the roles.

As background about myself, I'm 31 (a bit late to the game), Irish (limiting my options a it) and a degree holder.

thanks

 

[vim_fuego]

What are you doing now or have done in the past? Why the RAF? What caused your interest in those two branches?

 

[PraiseBacon]

Personal opinions - ATC would be a more interesting role if you pass the aptitude tests and training. It also has a more relaxed working environment - controllers are (or were) on first names regardless of rank to create an effective control team.

Provost likely to be more formal (it is police after all!). However, more post RAF opportunity with courses you can go on (I have worked with a number of ex-provost officers subsequently - some were quite nice!)

 

[Max Reheat]

Looking further afield, ATC would be a more lucrative qualification to have when you get out.

 

[Questionmachine]

Thanks for the responses. I've worked in the pharma industry up to now, quality and manufacturing.

I've always been interested in joining the military, but for one reason or another, I didn't or couldn't. Recent events in my life have shown me that I should do something I enjoy, not just chase money. These two branches are the only two I'm eligible for, though they'd be up there on my list anyway.

I'd like to think that I'd have a long career, but in case it's not for me after a few years, what would offer the best post military options? I've heard that the ATC training will exempt you from a few exams, but you still have to do most civilian ATC exams. What opportunities would RAFP offer, as I can find next to nothing about it

 

[chiprafp]

PM sent mate

 

[muttywhitedog]

My suggestion would be to stick with your well-paid career and join the RAF Reserves.

 

[Stevienics]

My suggestion would be to stick with your well-paid career and join the RAF Reserves.

Good suggestion. Try before you buy - lot's of people have done this and it's a quite acceptable tactic.

Problems are,

1. You cannot do it as a commissioned officer without being in for a few years - no direct entry possible.
2. There are no RAuxAF Air Traffic reserves at any grade. Flight Ops is the closest.

 

[SirSaltyHelmet]

Looking further afield, ATC would be a more lucrative qualification to have when you get out.

Different licences and not transferable. You would at worst need to self fund any conversion