Raf?

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Sorry for a non-wildlife post

Been thinking about joining the RAF and trying to get a Engineering type career with them. Just wondered if there is anybody on here who has any experience of the RAF and could share any thoughts about it

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Lincs Yellowbelly

Sorry for a non-wildlife post

Been thinking about joining the RAF and trying to get a Engineering type career with them. Just wondered if there is anybody on here who has any experience of the RAF and could share any thoughts about it

When my eldest son comes back from the Falklands in 6 weeks, he may be able to help you.
He's been in the RAF for 3 and a 1/2years now and enjoys most aspects of military life.One thing though, you've got to enjoy discipline and one or two pints of beer .

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Thanks for the reply Jules

I wanted to do something like this(engineering) when i was at school but never achieved the grades, i didn't take to school life particularly well and never had the concentration required to revise and study properly. But i suppose people change and now i seem to be ok at learning new things. And it's come to a point where i'm fed up doing basic jobs like Warehouse and Driving and want to push myself and do better than i am doing, i'm nearly 27 and time is running out Maybe the RAF would be the way to go, i'm not sure how i'd get along with discipline because during my whole working life i've never had it, but i'm sure i'd be fine with it.

[Beryl]

Worked with them when based at Nothwood whils in the WRNS.Nice chaps. can't tell you about experice thogh. Good carea move, You will enjoy it I know that

[Garden Carpet]

I was born, raised and married into the RAF... only one thing to say... Go For It!!!
jaki

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Thanks for the comments, if anybody has any others i'd be glad to hear them

[Gill Catton]

My fella is in the RAF he's an electrican and I know he loves it, has done some fantastic travelling and learnt a lot. He joined when he was 18 though I think, I'll ask him tonight what it is like if you join later in life.
He's is the only man I have ever known who has accidentally stood on an elephant seal (hidden in very long grass in the Falkands!!) and that was while in the RAF.

My grandad was in the RAF and my Dad was for a bit so I'm proud to be with him and happy to wait for him to come home, but I know some girlfriends / wives / mothers find it very hard. So if you have any of those you'll probably want to discuss it!!

[Tormentil]

Joining the RAF will fit in with your love of nature LY, as it is known to the rest of the forces as "Crab Air" and its members as "Crabs".

[Seajay]

Originally Posted by Lincs Yellowbelly

Sorry for a non-wildlife post

Been thinking about joining the RAF and trying to get a Engineering type career with them. Just wondered if there is anybody on here who has any experience of the RAF and could share any thoughts about it

Ex army myself, 7 years in the Royal Corps of Signals but was stationed many times with the RAF and they were a good bunch of lads as indeed were the personell in all branches of the Services. All of them could give you excellent trade training. Your best bet is to go along to a recruiting office (many of them are now combined and hold all three of the Services) so you could have a chat and see what each has to offer. You would be assessed and they would advise you which hole would suit you. Try, if you can, to choose a trade that will be of use to you when you finally leave the service. 40 years ago some of the trades were not recognised in civvy street - I do not know if that is still the case. My time in the British Army I look back on with great fondness and it set me in good stead for the remainder of my life but remember some times are hard - espescially when its your round in the NAAFI! My son-in-law is serving with the Royal Anglians and has now a 2 year tour in a recruiting office so I can find out some more for you at the weekend when he comes home if you like. His office covers all three services though of course he,ll be biased towards the Army. If I were young again I would choose the Royal Navy as the overseas postings have shrunk to what they were. The other thing to consider of course is your partner - it can be very hard on them whilst you are away but no doubt you will have considered issues such as that.

[nightshade]

A lot of people I work with are ex RAF discipline but fun is the general opinion
Go for it!

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Really appreciate all the comments everyone. Going to give it some serious thought and hopefully fix up a chat with them to answer any questions i've got obviously it's a big decision and a massive lifestyle change so i need to be sure i would be making the right choice

[Billy Wobble Dagger]

I'm currently in the RAF, and have been for the last 22 years. Like every thing there are ups and downs. I do know people who have joined late some into their 30's. Have you decided if you want to be an officer or airman. The officer side you generally need a degree of some sort, where as the airmen side you can basically walk in off the street. I to will be biased and tell you not to consider the navy or army. The RAF is by far the best, and there is still scope to travel the world, and not just to Iraq and Afganistan. I'm currently in one of the safer parts of the Gulf on a 4 month detachment, which is why I haven't commented on many threads recently, in case any one had missed me!!!
Please PM me if you want any other information, but do try your local careers office and there is a RAF web site.
Most RAF stations also have a conservation/environmental team of some sort. Good luck anyway.

BWD

[AlphaZeroOne]

Originally Posted by Lincs Yellowbelly

Sorry for a non-wildlife post

Been thinking about joining the RAF and trying to get a Engineering type career with them. Just wondered if there is anybody on here who has any experience of the RAF and could share any thoughts about it

I spent 24 years in the RAF (8 spent with the Army). Some of my best memories of that period is the access to wildlife - a typical military airfield is a sanctuary - Adder watching, Snow Buntings - orchids, Bog Bean. I was even allowed to study bird movements in the local air traffic control where I had access to the spare radar display. I was lucky enough to be able to write a paper on starling behaviour which, at that that time was completely unknown. Three weeks studying the food chain of humming birds, renovating weather shelters in the Shetland ... I could go on and on but at the end of the day it it your decision and you could do a lot worse and I don't regret a single day. Good luck!

[Boddie]

In contrast to most I did not enjoy the time I spent in the RAF. No individuality - you are, and always will be, a number. Scant chance to shine - very political and someone always considers you a threat. Poor pay - considering hours worked. Discipline was not really a problem, but it helps if you are fit.

In my opinion there are no good postings anymore. And those that are good are more for detachments, and therefore not really family friendly. Most folk I know cant wait to get out but reallly struggle to adjust when they do so as too much structure makes for anally retentive individuals. Luckily I was earning more money at the weekend than I was taking home with the RAF so bailed from what was meant to be a dream job - Avionics Technician. Best move I ever made.

Just my opinion by the way and I have been military and non military.

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Originally Posted by Boddie

In contrast to most I did not enjoy the time I spent in the RAF. No individuality - you are, and always will be, a number. Scant chance to shine - very political and someone always considers you a threat. Poor pay - considering hours worked. Discipline was not really a problem, but it helps if you are fit.

In my opinion there are no good postings anymore. And those that are good are more for detachments, and therefore not really family friendly. Most folk I know cant wait to get out but reallly struggle to adjust when they do so as too much structure makes for anally retentive individuals. Luckily I was earning more money at the weekend than I was taking home with the RAF so bailed from what was meant to be a dream job - Avionics Technician. Best move I ever made.

Just my opinion by the way and I have been military and non military.

Thanks alot for the reply Boddie

This is what i was wary about to be honest. That the person i am will become squashed down, by nature i'll always do my job depending on what i feel is important at the time, rather than what my bosses feel is important and always question things i'm told to do if i don't think it's the right way to go about it This I think wouldn't go down to well in a more military environment.

[AlphaZeroOne]

Originally Posted by Boddie

In contrast to most I did not enjoy the time I spent in the RAF. No individuality - you are, and always will be, a number. Scant chance to shine - very political and someone always considers you a threat. Poor pay - considering hours worked. Discipline was not really a problem, but it helps if you are fit.

In my opinion there are no good postings anymore. And those that are good are more for detachments, and therefore not really family friendly. Most folk I know cant wait to get out but reallly struggle to adjust when they do so as too much structure makes for anally retentive individuals. Luckily I was earning more money at the weekend than I was taking home with the RAF so bailed from what was meant to be a dream job - Avionics Technician. Best move I ever made.

Just my opinion by the way and I have been military and non military.

Although I agree with the gist of what you say Boddie I can't agree to the your main thrust. Sounds like you had some bad experinces and, perhaps, some poor managers. This can happen to anyone in any career, don't you agree?

I did 24 years - I have been 'normal' now for 13 years - and I had not one problem with leaving the RAF and adjusting. The secret is that you just view it as a job - any job - with some unusal aspects and perks - but a job nontheless. Maintaining individuality is as much a problem in a factory, IT or the city. At the end of the day we are all the sum of our experiences - good and bad. But you are right on one thing - all the really good postings have gone. But, it IS possible to maintain your own identity without becoming a clone. No issue - just seeking a balance.

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by Lincs Yellowbelly

Thanks alot for the reply Boddie

This is what i was wary about to be honest. That the person i am will become squashed down, by nature i'll always do my job depending on what i feel is important at the time, rather than what my bosses feel is important and always question things i'm told to do if i don't think it's the right way to go about it This I think wouldn't go down to well in a more military environment.

Its a pleasure mate. Funnily enough I do actually feel that they should bring back National Service. I think everyone should do a couple of years as it does stand you in good stead, and it does teach you discipline and a methodical approach to things. You do mature greatly during the training stages, really from boy to man, but get out on a squadron and its a different matter. If you are already a mature adult I think you will struggle mate as there is little room for flair or imagination, or using ones initiative.

As I said, I have seen both sides. I dare say folk will come back and contradict me, so each to their own but its telling just how many want to get out, and then, as I said, its telling how few are able to adjust or are unable to get decent jobs as they retain THAT mentality.

[Boddie]

Although I agree with the gist of what you say Boddie I can't agree to the your main thrust. Sounds like you had some bad experinces and, perhaps, some poor managers. This can happen to anyone in any career, don't you agree?

I never had any bad experiences, infact I was favoured, having an old man who was very well known and who also had 42 service. I would agree it can happen in any career but in civvy street you are your own man. In the RAF, you are owned.

[eeyore]

i think it depends very much on your personailty type - out of agroup of four of my freinds two were washed from officer training for being "unable or unlikely to submit well to military discipline" while the other two are now a highly sucessful and decorated officers in the infantry.

My thoughts are that if you are already having doubts about your suitability then you might do well to listen to what your subconcious is telling you..

[Garden Carpet]

Originally Posted by eeyore

i think it depends very much on your personailty type - out of agroup of four of my freinds two were washed from officer training for being "unable or unlikely to submit well to military discipline" while the other two are now a highly sucessful and decorated officers in the infantry.

My thoughts are that if you are already having doubts about your suitability then you might do well to listen to what your subconcious is telling you..

Despite having said go for it in and earlier post I do agree with eeyore on that if you have doubts it probably isnt for you. That goes for most things of course. Get the literature... talk to the careers bods .. talk to serving members especialy those in the trades you are considering, talk to your partner and then decide.

Doesnt someone have a signature along the lines of 'if in doubt leave it out'

best wishes whatever you choose
jaki

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Once again thanks to everybody for there comments, it has been a real help

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by Garden Carpet

Despite having said go for it in and earlier post I do agree with eeyore on that if you have doubts it probably isnt for you. That goes for most things of course. Get the literature... talk to the careers bods .. talk to serving members especialy those in the trades you are considering, talk to your partner and then decide.

Doesnt someone have a signature along the lines of 'if in doubt leave it out'

best wishes whatever you choose
jaki

Oh I don't know! I think some people are just natural doubters! I think I've doubted almost everything I've ever done in terms of life changes, sometimes I've been right to doubt and sometimes I've been wrong!
For me I'd rather give it a go and not be left with 'what if'?
I guess it would depend on what your 'plan B' to get into engineering would be or what job you would otherwise do...

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

For me I'd rather give it a go and not be left with 'what if'?

true but then if you do give it a go whatever "it" is in each individual case , you are then left with an equal what if as in what if i hadnt

its like the film "sliding doors" - for every choice we make whether big or small there will be another option we could have taken

I guess what jaki was saying was that if LY has doubts already then signing away two (or more) years of his life might not be the most sensible route.

I have freinds who are very happy in the forces - my mate paul is now a brevet Lieut colonel - but then again my mate ian says that getting washed from sandhurst was the best thing that ever happened to him - he now runs a chain or mercedes dealerships

and my mate jamie took two in the chest in afganistan last week so the chances are good that he might be regretting his career choice now (fortunately hes okay as the rounds were sufficiently slowed down by his chestprotector not to do that much damage)