Ex Police

[bigjd]

Evening all,

I was on this forum back in 2009 trying to join as Avionics Tech and unfortunately due to medical history I wasn't able to join. Now after 11 years Policing experience I am back and again looking to join the same role. I am currently serving as a light gunner in the Royal Artillery in the Army Reserves and after a lot of thought I felt it was time to finally go for the one thing I always wanted to do!

A few things I want to clear up, I would ask my recruiter however I am yet to be assigned one and it would be nice to hear if anybody currently serving has any experience in this. Being a serving reservist I passed a full Army medical last year and I understand this is tri-service now. Would I have to go through having my previous medical history scrutinised all over again or would this be considered dealt with from my Army medical?

Also what is the general attitude to older recruits? I am turning 34 in a couple of weeks so I imagine it's not the norm to see somebody my age cutting around Halton in basic training!

Looking forward to a career change and I appreciate any advice I can get here!

Cheers!

 

[bigjd]

Well further to my last it looks like everything will be scrutinised all over again as the RAF medical is slightly different to the Army!

Does anybody know how likely Capita are to take in to account my current JMES (Fully Medically Deployable)?. I'm expecting a significant wait and probably a medical appeal knowing my luck!

 

[vim_fuego]

Hi. Capita seem to have been the long pole in many an application and the current covid emergency won't help.

Sorry I didn't see your earlier post until now. Your question around being an older recruit is a good one and how you'll get treated is largely down to your attitude. The instructors want and need the respect from the get-go. Their job is to shape and mould the recruits into something that can handle the professional training to follow and service life. Things that are testing to a 17-18 year old basic recruit will not be to you (especially after your reserve service). This trick is to play the game with the staff and your peers on the course. Do everything with enthusiasm and optimism, do not be the barrack room lawyer at night time, telling the sprogs how 'it should really be' etc. The instructors on having read your file will expect you to help the strugglers. You'll know how to polish and bull, how to get a crease in and how to cope with homesickness. Always be seen as the helpful and compliant chap who plays the game despite probably biting your lip for most of the time. Be that person and you'll do fine. Take the route of challenging the staff and it'll be a difficult time for you...

 

[bigjd]

Thanks for that! I definitely have no intention of trying to be a smart arse, I have been in the Police for 12 years now and I know what it's like getting cocky sprogs coming through. I would expect to just get my nut down and lend a hand to others if and when I possibly can.

I'm genuinely excited to get started. I'm just hoping they don't make the medical too much of a pain in the arse! I'm medically fully deployable with the Army but I have been told the RAF have different standards. I'm just waiting now to see if any spanners are thrown in to the works.

Always appreciate any advice I can get though, it's a different lifestyle to what I have now and I fully expect to have to start from scratch and earn respect by working hard and not being cocky.

 

[stormwell]

Hey, I'm in a similar boat myself at least age-wise (35).

My application is 'on hold' until I get my fitness up, though still got the medical to look forward to.

Dunno far along you are, but might be able to answer a question or two about the application stage at least.

 

[bigjd]

Hey, I'm in a similar boat myself at least age-wise (35).

My application is 'on hold' until I get my fitness up, though still got the medical to look forward to.

Dunno far along you are, but might be able to answer a question or two about the application stage at least.

Nice to see another older candidate here! I had my telephone medical and the doctor wants to see my medical records from the GP. I imagine it will take some time and after the messing about I had to go through to get in the army I expect it to be difficult!

How are you finding your fitness? That is something I'm actually alright at thankfully, it's just getting to that stage!

Just keep plugging away though mate, I'm sure you will get there soon and it will be worth it.

What trade are you going for? Who knows might bump in to you and not be the only grandad of the flight in training!

 

[stormwell]

Nice to see another older candidate here! I had my telephone medical and the doctor wants to see my medical records from the GP. I imagine it will take some time and after the messing about I had to go through to get in the army I expect it to be difficult!

How are you finding your fitness? That is something I'm actually alright at thankfully, it's just getting to that stage!

Just keep plugging away though mate, I'm sure you will get there soon and it will be worth it.

What trade are you going for? Who knows might bump in to you and not be the only grandad of the flight in training!

There on the push-ups and sit-ups, still working on the running for which I went with the Couch to 5K programme.

This is actually my third attempt, tried 10 years ago and had medical and then fitness issue let me down right at the last hurdle.

Cyberspace Communications Specialist/ICT Technician, had the interview which I aced (which helped me a great deal) but need to make sure I can pass the Pre-JFT before I can continue. It's possible, will have to see.

 

[bigjd]

There on the push-ups and sit-ups, still working on the running for which I went with the Couch to 5K programme.

This is actually my third attempt, tried 10 years ago and had medical and then fitness issue let me down right at the last hurdle.

Cyberspace Communications Specialist/ICT Technician, had the interview which I aced (which helped me a great deal) but need to make sure I can pass the Pre-JFT before I can continue. It's possible, will have to see.

Well it sounds like you are very nearly there! I strongly advise anybody who is struggling to try high intensity interval training. I lost 3 stone when joining the Army and I put it all down to that. It's not exactly pleasant but it's quick and it's very effective! How long do you have until you have another crack at it?

 

[stormwell]

Well it sounds like you are very nearly there! I strongly advise anybody who is struggling to try high intensity interval training. I lost 3 stone when joining the Army and I put it all down to that. It's not exactly pleasant but it's quick and it's very effective! How long do you have until you have another crack at it?

Normally would've been a 6-12 months wait since, because of the system, applications can't actually be put on hold and have to be rejected.

Since I aced my interview the 6-12 month wait got waived and it's a case of contacting my local AFCO again when I've managed to pass the test on my own.

So hopefully soon.

 

[bigjd]

It's good that they have applied some discretion for your application. To be fair it sounds like they really want you to pass. Keep us updated with how you get on bud!

 

[busby1971]

Entry medical are different to in service medical

 

[bigjd]

Entry medical are different to in service medical

I haven't had an in service medical before to be fair. I had my Army entry medical mid-2019, I have been informed RAF and Army entry medicals have slightly different standards however. I'm currently TMU awaiting a decision, fingers crossed things go well!

 

[stormwell]

It's good that they have applied some discretion for your application. To be fair it sounds like they really want you to pass. Keep us updated with how you get on bud!

Well, as my recruiter said of my interview it was clear that I'd done my research unlike 16-17 year old school-leavers who knew sod all about the Service. It's what made his decision an even tougher one to make, but we both agreed there was little point going for a fitness test that I'd probably fail. So he effectively put my application 'on hold' until I'm ready, once I am get in touch and pick up from the interview stage.

It's also my third try, so possibly some determination shone through.

Will do and best of luck to you as well.

 

[Ell887]

Well, as my recruiter said of my interview it was clear that I'd done my research unlike 16-17 year old school-leavers who knew sod all about the Service. It's what made his decision an even tougher one to make, but we both agreed there was little point going for a fitness test that I'd probably fail. So he effectively put my application 'on hold' until I'm ready, once I am get in touch and pick up from the interview stage.

It's also my third try, so possibly some determination shone through.

Will do and best of luck to you as well.

It’s great that you’re getting on well, but I’d lower the attitude a notch after ‘acing’ an interview that is designed to make sure you can essentially arrive on time, look fairly smart and show good manners.

Many of your superiors will have been the 16/17 year old school leavers who didn’t know much about the Service... and they’ll still be younger than you.

Training and experience moulds an airman into what the RAF wants.

 

[stormwell]

It’s great that you’re getting on well, but I’d lower the attitude a notch after ‘acing’ an interview that is designed to make sure you can essentially arrive on time, look fairly smart and show good manners.

Many of your superiors will have been the 16/17 year old school leavers who didn’t know much about the Service... and they’ll still be younger than you.

Training and experience moulds an airman into what the RAF wants.

TBH the interview was conducted over the phone, so had to rely more on my answers to make a good impression.

I see the point you're trying to make, though I am aware that the wrong sort of attitude will not get anyone far in the military. My wife's family is effectively a military with members having served in both the Army and Air Force, certainly amongst the advice they've given me going in as an older recruit is NOT be a Mr Know It All or patronizing to the younger recruits. After all, everyone will have enough on their plate focusing on getting through training.

 

[Vushtrri]

I jumped ship after 14 yrs and became a plod till retirement at 50....At 61 I’d quite like to go back in again doing minors and minor* on Hercs.....days and Monday to Friday of course.!

 

[Ell887]

TBH the interview was conducted over the phone, so had to rely more on my answers to make a good impression.

I see the point you're trying to make, though I am aware that the wrong sort of attitude will not get anyone far in the military. My wife's family is effectively a military with members having served in both the Army and Air Force, certainly amongst the advice they've given me going in as an older recruit is NOT be a Mr Know It All or patronizing to the younger recruits. After all, everyone will have enough on their plate focusing on getting through training.

I think you’ll get on really well. Head down through training, although use your experience to guide others through if needed.

After that I’ve no doubt your character and qualities will ensure you progress quickly.

My reply wasn’t meant to come across in a negative manner, just advice to temper your thoughts in an environment where you’re there to learn.

All the best mate. I’m TG4 by the way so please PM me any questions you might have.

 

[stormwell]

I think you’ll get on really well. Head down through training, although use your experience to guide others through if needed.

After that I’ve no doubt your character and qualities will ensure you progress quickly.

My reply wasn’t meant to come across in a negative manner, just advice to temper your thoughts in an environment where you’re there to learn.

All the best mate. I’m TG4 by the way so please PM me any questions you might have.

No worries, sometimes it's easy to misread what somebody is saying with text alone since there's no context.

TG4, that includes the ICT Tech trade right?

 

[Ell887]

No worries, sometimes it's easy to misread what somebody is saying with text alone since there's no context.

TG4, that includes the ICT Tech trade right?

Yeah I’m an ICT Tech

 

[bigjd]

I jumped ship after 14 yrs and became a plod till retirement at 50....At 61 I’d quite like to go back in again doing minors and minor* on Hercs.....days and Monday to Friday of course.!

It definitely raised a few eyebrows with my mates when I mentioned I was intending to join the RAF from the Police, it's definitely unusual! Fair play to sticking with the plod til retirement though, it's not a bad job but I know what I want and my mind is firmly made up. Just got to jump through the hoops and hope things go my way now! Which force did you serve with?