First posting to TCW

[hairyback]

Joined this lovely forum during my application, and now look at me, all ready to shake the OIC 1RS's hand and smile for the camera in May - so I suppose I either thank some of you for the advice, or shake my fist in rage and wish I'd gone for that job at Subway

Anyways, got my posting to - surprise surprise - 90SU yesterday, and suddenly all the endless PowerPoint and poking Fluke meters into things seems a little irrelevant.

So what can I expect, and any advice? I'm a damn sight older than the average LAC (nearly 30...), but I'm still fresh out the wrapper and yet to foul things up. My posting also requires, er, a few 'extras' to be finalised. Anyways, seeing as I've not met anyone even vaguely enthusiastic about TG4, I'll see you at the bar.

 

[JAFAD666]

Fair comment. I`m one of the biggest critics of TG4 (que calls of "what would you expect from a techie"). But only because it was and OK idea, with an appauling application. 18 months of Locking written off with the stroke of a pen. TG4 should`ve been IT only. A completely new trade where everyone with the desire or apptitube could remuster in to it. Not shoehorning TG11 and TG3 into something they didn`t want. However back to your point. TCW and the AD equivilant Rapier are fantastic opportunities. Hard work yes, but great rewards too. I have know loads of lads on both who absolutly loved it. One lad was posted to Nth Luff and lasted 3 days before Gen apping to go back(and got it).
It`s what you make it ! I think one of the best way a mate put it to me was ...
" On a station you have a best mate. On Sqn or the Wing you develop friends for life." There`s more Esprit de corps (sorry for the frog lingo) more unit identity, because, put simply you`re all in it together. I`m guessing you`ll fit right in. Because of your age/experience I doubt you`ll get tagged as a wet nose sprog. Keep an open mind ! DT_Xtremez_22:

 

[NFTR]

I`m one of the biggest critics of TG4 (que calls of "what would you expect from a techie"). But only because it was and OK idea, with an appauling application........... However back to your point. TCW and the AD equivilant Rapier are fantastic opportunities. Hard work yes, but great rewards too...............On Sqn or the Wing you develop friends for life." There`s more Esprit de corps (sorry for the frog lingo) more unit identity, because, put simply you`re all in it together.............Keep an open mind ! DT_Xtremez_22:

Wise words indeed. TCW (or rather 90 SU) is in a period of flux at the moment as they try to juggle a Unit move from South to North whilst supporting current ops and maintaining operational readiness.

The tempo of current ops is relentless. It's not everyones cup of tea but as JAFAD666 said, the rewards are tangible. The first year will be a blur as you get up to speed, but you have the advantage of having age on your side, get stuck in. It will be a strain if you are married (especially so if you have little' uns) and the wing are not renowned for family support whilst depolyed. I wish you all the best of luck mate, not only with your first post, but with the rest of your RAF career.

 

[wally375]

Joined this lovely forum during my application, and now look at me, all ready to shake the OIC 1RS's hand and smile for the camera in May - so I suppose I either thank some of you for the advice, or shake my fist in rage and wish I'd gone for that job at Subway

Anyways, got my posting to - surprise surprise - 90SU yesterday, and suddenly all the endless PowerPoint and poking Fluke meters into things seems a little irrelevant.

So what can I expect, and any advice? I'm a damn sight older than the average LAC (nearly 30...), but I'm still fresh out the wrapper and yet to foul things up. My posting also requires, er, a few 'extras' to be finalised. Anyways, seeing as I've not met anyone even vaguely enthusiastic about TG4, I'll see you at the bar.

Just don't be one of those that just sit in the tea bar!
Get out there and get involved, aks how it all works and think for yourself (if they let you these days). You sound like a grown up anf if you act like one they will look out for you and treat you as a grown up. Enjoy it, 3 tours and I would go back Monday!DT_Xtremez_30:

 

[JAFAD666]

Just don't be one of those that just sit in the tea bar!
Get out there and get involved, aks how it all works and think for yourself (if they let you these days). You sound like a grown up anf if you act like one they will look out for you and treat you as a grown up. Enjoy it, 3 tours and I would go back Monday!DT_Xtremez_30:

Big hand for Ali G`s brother everyone. "Coz I is part ov da wing massive innit"

Sorry couldn`t resist. DT_Xtremez_30:

 

[watchnshoot]

So what can I expect, and any advice? I'm a damn sight older than the average LAC (nearly 30...), but I'm still fresh out the wrapper and yet to foul things up. My posting also requires, er, a few 'extras' to be finalised. Anyways, seeing as I've not met anyone even vaguely enthusiastic about TG4, I'll see you at the bar.

Wally 375 has the right words for you. Hiding in the tea bar or bowling alley gets you nowhere. Although making yourself 'available' for work and arse kissing is a fine line it's the only way (in my opinion) of getting on. Make sure you are the first person they would turn to if they wanted something done. TCW need people who are dependable and get on with it, it's that simple. I had the best tour of my career there and I look forward to going back at a later date.
There are plenty of 'been there done that' personalities that love to spout off about how good it was way back when and how much it's changed. My Sqn prided itself on being new, with fresh ideas and we proved without doubt we were the best Sqn on TCW (incoming!) and I stand by that. Good luck with your tour, keep your head down, keep busy (no doubt about that one) and enjoy it.DT_Xtremez_28:

 

[chumpzilla]

the welfare isn't as bad as everyone makes out, my kids got an easter egg each for (ahem) easter, ands they reguarly have activities on. If you are married, then you wife should be ok, as all spouseseseses are in the same boat. Bloody good 1/4's oop north as well, even if they are in the middle of nowhere

 

[3OCLOCKFINISH]

Wally 375 has the right words for you. Hiding in the tea bar or bowling alley gets you nowhere. Although making yourself 'available' for work and arse kissing is a fine line it's the only way (in my opinion) of getting on. Make sure you are the first person they would turn to if they wanted something done. TCW need people who are dependable and get on with it, it's that simple. I had the best tour of my career there and I look forward to going back at a later date.
There are plenty of 'been there done that' personalities that love to spout off about how good it was way back when and how much it's changed. My Sqn prided itself on being new, with fresh ideas and we proved without doubt we were the best Sqn on TCW (incoming!) and I stand by that. Good luck with your tour, keep your head down, keep busy (no doubt about that one) and enjoy it.DT_Xtremez_28:

Ahhhh watchnshoot, you well?

--

If you go there with the intention of enjoying yourself, learning from the experience and not joining the 'PVR club' you will do well.

 

[hairyback]

Good stuff, cheers everyone.

And to end speculation about my marital status, there will be no Mrs Hairyback and sprogs to worry about leaving behind, much to my mother's dismay.

It does sound like a good way to get amongst it, and that's primarily why I picked it. A lot of folk on my course based their choices on how long it would take them to get home...

 

[3OCLOCKFINISH]

Good stuff, cheers everyone.

And to end speculation about my marital status, there will be no Mrs Hairyback and sprogs to worry about leaving behind, much to my mother's dismay.

It does sound like a good way to get amongst it, and that's primarily why I picked it. A lot of folk on my course based their choices on how long it would take them to get home...

When do you start? Do you know where you will be working yet?

 

[hairyback]

Next month. I know what sqn I'm on - for now. I haven't spoken to anyone down there yet, only got the notice through last week.