Joining up...

[whomper]

Hey!

I thought I'd post on here just to get some general opinions on joining the RAF.

I'm going into my final year at uni and I'm looking at joining as an Intelligence Officer when I graduate but I'm debating about when to do it.

I don't mind signing up for the amount of years that the RAF requires but I wondered whether it would be best to get a bit of life experience outside of education first or if I should just jump in and join as soon as I leave?

I wondered if anyone else was considering doing the same thing or if they did go in straight after uni if they thought it was a good decision to make.

I know the RAF is definitely for me but its just a case of when to go in as realistically I have to make the decision in the next couple of months.

Also if anyone else is trying out for IntO it would be great to find out how they've found applying so far.

Thanks. DT_Xtremez_28:

 

[stan_smith]

If you want it mate then go for it. However i was the same as you to be honest and waited a couple of years and now i know im bang up for it and ready. Life experience is good and i hope it will stand me in good stead for the rest of my application coming up.

 

[pie sandwich]

To be honest, I dont think it matters that much, it is all done to what sort of person you are.

I know plenty of people who joined up from school and were fine, myself included (I joined at 17).

So I would say if you feel you are more than capable of doing everything the role requires from the trade work to man management, but remember the people you will be in charge of will have a number of years under their belt and you will have to work hard to earn their respect.

 

[PingDit]

Sounds like you're thinking about it too much. Just join up now. We'll teach you about everything as you go along.

 

[soon2bCivi]

I applied to Cranwell a few months after uni, although it did take 18 months from first enquiry at the AFCO until the day I started so i got a bit of work/life experience after all.

 

[planesailing]

Joining up...

Just do it old son! If you have a yearn for the Blue suit nothing else will do, you won`t loose, it will be an experience you won`t regret DT_Xtremez_28: (probably)

 

[whomper]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all your comments. I think nerves are just kicking in now the time to apply is coming up. You're probably right, best just to jump in and see how it goes.

18 months though... thats a quite a bit longer then I was expecting it to take!!

Well fingers crossed in that case all goes well, best start swotting up for those gruelling interviews now then!

 

[pie sandwich]

18 months might sound like a long time, but what you have to remember is, it will take that long not just to process your application but for the RAF to make sure you are what they are looking for and the correct person for the role you are applying for, but also it gives you time to be sure the RAF is right for you too.

A great number of people think it will be the correct choice for them, but as time passes they do change their mind and pull out.

The best thing to do is use that time to better yourself and to improve your chances of getting through the process of joining the RAF and doing well during your training.

I hope it all goes well for you.

 

[soon2bCivi]

Can take longer than 18 months, can take shorter. My application as an example:

November - I first went to the AFCO
December - Had my filter interview
January - Application forwarded to OASC
May - Attended OASC
June - Informed that passed OASC and on a selection board
August - Informed that unsuccesful, will be considered again on next board
October: Offered place starting May

All depends on how well you do at selection, how fast your AFCO works, how many people are going for the same branch and how many of them pass OASC etc etc

It would be good to start now - you might even get lucky and get a place withing 6 months, it can happen.

Good Luck!