Rafp

[MILZ]

Hi, just wondering if anyone could enlighten me a bit on some aspects of the RAFP... originally I wanted to be a WSOp, but I missed out by a couple of points on the AST, which was very very gutting.

So, now I am trying to reassess my options, I am leaning towards RAFP.

I understand there are still some good chances to fly and travel with RAFP.. can anyone elaborate? as well as chances to 'specialise' eg. criminal intelligence, dog handler etc, it seems there is quite a wide variety of tasks involved in the job, which would suit me.

Can anyone tell me about the shifts, I know normally you get 6 weeks pais leave per annum plus weekends etc, so when everyone else doesn't go in to work at the weekend, do the RAFP work shifts over the weekend?

Any info very much appreciated.

 

[Reformed Scribbly]

You will have the opportunity to specialise in certain areas as you suggest during your career, but you will also need to maintain your core policing skills, which happens with through life training. It is very operational these days, with a major emphasis on force protection duties on operations as well as training and mentoring local police.

In terms of shift work there is generally a duty copper on hand to ensure coverage of the unit, this can vary in num,ber and role depending on the unit your would be based at.

 

[MILZ]

many thanks for your reply, do you have any idea how long it takes to get into a specialised role.. ?

If you went for a commission, would you be more of a manager and sat behind a desk for large hours of the day? I am told I have qualifications for a commission but the last thing in the world I want to do is sit behind a desk, I am a practical, hands on person.

Overall, is the RAFP a good trade to go into, I have looked at others in detail and it is the only one that I believe would suit me, since I can't go for Aircrew which was all I wanted to do.... missing out by a couple of points was gutting, and I can't re-take in 6months either, because I am a reservist and had to take an AST to get in to RAuxAF. so that is my 2 chances gone.