SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Hi all, i know i havnt been working at Audi for that long but i have been seriously thinking of joining the RAF or the Navy... I have been thinking this for a while but in order for me to join one of these two forces, i will need to go back to colleges to get 2 A-levels as i already have my GCSE's which are required... Now i have spoken to my parents for advice, and my dad served in the Navy as was in the Falklands war and he doesnt want me to join the RAF or the Navy as he is basing that on his experience's and he thinks i wont last 5 minutes in the forces. I am swaying towards the RAF but i would like some advice as to what any of you would do... Stay in Audi and a have a chance of a career or join the RAF or Navy and pass all the tests that are requires and do the dream job that i have always wanted to do from a young age... To do this, i will have to quit Audi, go self employed as a courier for a while (already been offered the job) and work the job around night school... What would any of you do in my position?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest StevieG Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 If its what you wont to do go for it,thats if you dont want to be an old man regretting that you didnt some day? Im gunna join the army when Im about 20 and ye I know its a long time away but I've always wanted too since I was 7:d Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathew Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 if its your dream job then its a no brainy really. i, personally, could never join any of the forces. to much time away from home and it would feel as though im missing out on other things. im working away from home 5 days a week now and even that is getting to me. so months on end away with the forces would leave me suicidal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heckler Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Hi all, i know i havnt been working at Audi for that long but i have been seriously thinking of joining the RAF or the Navy... I have been thinking this for a while but in order for me to join one of these two forces, i will need to go back to colleges to get 2 A-levels as i already have my GCSE's which are required... Now i have spoken to my parents for advice, and my dad served in the Navy as was in the Falklands war and he doesnt want me to join the RAF or the Navy as he is basing that on his experience's and he thinks i wont last 5 minutes in the forces. I am swaying towards the RAF but i would like some advice as to what any of you would do... Stay in Audi and a have a chance of a career or join the RAF or Navy and pass all the tests that are requires and do the dream job that i have always wanted to do from a young age... To do this, i will have to quit Audi, go self employed as a courier for a while (already been offered the job) and work the job around night school... What would any of you do in my position?? what would you want to do job wise in the RAF - i dont care about been stuck on a boat - been there, done that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyT Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 It takes a long time to get through the interview process, security background checks etc. Positives are, that you will get more opportunity, more training academic and physical, and more security long term. You have to work the system and be proactive throughout to earn respect. End of the day it can be a great career. Personal favourite would be the RAF. I work closely with the Navy and I wouldn't put up with the amount bs at the top. You'll end up lost in the crowd and the politics are cr4p. Each to their own though. I know individuals who have faired extremely well in the Navy too. Why would you need to leave Audi to do night school? That'd be a shame. Anyway, I hope it goes ok Shane. Keep us up to date with the progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franko Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Hi all, i know i havnt been working at Audi for that long but i have been seriously thinking of joining the RAF or the Navy... I have been thinking this for a while but in order for me to join one of these two forces, i will need to go back to colleges to get 2 A-levels as i already have my GCSE's which are required... Now i have spoken to my parents for advice, and my dad served in the Navy as was in the Falklands war and he doesnt want me to join the RAF or the Navy as he is basing that on his experience's and he thinks i wont last 5 minutes in the forces. I am swaying towards the RAF but i would like some advice as to what any of you would do... Stay in Audi and a have a chance of a career or join the RAF or Navy and pass all the tests that are requires and do the dream job that i have always wanted to do from a young age... To do this, i will have to quit Audi, go self employed as a courier for a while (already been offered the job) and work the job around night school... What would any of you do in my position?? I made this decision a few weeks back also mate, i decided i either wanted to join the Army or Marines as i didnt want to be stuck behind a computer on a boat or anything, When i was 17 i passed the aptitude tests, physical tests medicals and everything and was due to get the train to Luton to join the Marines but playing for my football team my knee decided to give way. Had to have an operation and it took a few years to recover, so i became "tubby(fat). 3 weeks ago i realised that i really wanted to join the Marines again so i have been in training again, Hour long runs in the morning, gym at night for upper body strength. Cant wait, i have given myself about 6-8 months to be ready again. If its something you want to do that much you wont even think twice about it. Dont listen to what people say its all about you and in your head. The head is more valuable to anyone than a really fit guy with no brains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franko Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Why would you need to leave Audi to do night school? That'd be a shame. Well from this i gather he wants to be an Officer rather than a normal recruit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 what would you want to do job wise in the RAF - i dont care about been stuck on a boat - been there, done that Well this is probably what everyone wants to do do in the RAF or Navy is to train to be a pilot. As i have said, you need 5 GCSE's and 2 A level's. I have the GCSE's but not the A levels... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 Well from this i gather he wants to be an Officer rather than a normal recruit Exactly... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 I made this decision a few weeks back also mate, i decided i either wanted to join the Army or Marines as i didnt want to be stuck behind a computer on a boat or anything, When i was 17 i passed the aptitude tests, physical tests medicals and everything and was due to get the train to Luton to join the Marines but playing for my football team my knee decided to give way. Had to have an operation and it took a few years to recover, so i became "tubby(fat). 3 weeks ago i realised that i really wanted to join the Marines again so i have been in training again, Hour long runs in the morning, gym at night for upper body strength. Cant wait, i have given myself about 6-8 months to be ready again. If its something you want to do that much you wont even think twice about it. Dont listen to what people say its all about you and in your head. The head is more valuable to anyone than a really fit guy with no brains. That is very true Franko, im just jumping from job to job not knowing what i want to do in life. Deep down, ive always wanted to join the RAF or Navy and i feel i could do that sort of job. Its just my parents diagree and feel that i would be just wasting my life... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 It takes a long time to get through the interview process, security background checks etc. Positives are, that you will get more opportunity, more training academic and physical, and more security long term. You have to work the system and be proactive throughout to earn respect. End of the day it can be a great career. Personal favourite would be the RAF. I work closely with the Navy and I wouldn't put up with the amount bs at the top. You'll end up lost in the crowd and the politics are cr4p. Each to their own though. I know individuals who have faired extremely well in the Navy too. Why would you need to leave Audi to do night school? That'd be a shame. Anyway, I hope it goes ok Shane. Keep us up to date with the progress. I just dont particularly enjoy this job all that much and if i was self employed, i could work my job around getting my grades at college. Plus, i can be my own boss...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 If its what you wont to do go for it,thats if you dont want to be an old man regretting that you didnt some day? Im gunna join the army when Im about 20 and ye I know its a long time away but I've always wanted too since I was 7:d Go for it matey... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 if its your dream job then its a no brainy really. i, personally, could never join any of the forces. to much time away from home and it would feel as though im missing out on other things. im working away from home 5 days a week now and even that is getting to me. so months on end away with the forces would leave me suicidal. It just making a big jump from civvy street into the RAF or Navy but i do want to do this... Does anyone know what life is like in the RAF or Navy?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heckler Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 It just making a big jump from civvy street into the RAF or Navy but i do want to do this... Does anyone know what life is like in the RAF or Navy?? might do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heckler Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 if you are coming to the basingstoke meet - can have a chat if you want about the RAF side of stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swampy442 Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Current RAF employee here. Firstly how old are you? Secondly the dreams of being a fast jet pilot are sadly quickly dashed as only the very few are good enough. But theres multi engined transport and helicopters to chuck round the sky Whats life in the RAF like.... Well some of the forces members on here might disagree but from what Ive seen in my 17 years in morale has fallen to rock bottom, the amount of time overseas can be up to 6 month of the year, maybe more, theres no spares, tools or clothing (and Ive been employed in one of the supposed best jobs in the RAF), and now they cant recruit to fulfil a manning shortfall because the amount of people leaving volunteraly is at a high... There are more lows but thats strictly trade specific i.e. mine lol. But the best thing is you can still go to work and have a good old laugh, suppose the forces humour is a bit specialised lol All the above are observations of an aircraft engineer, might be different in the upper echelons of officerdom But good luck in your career choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heckler Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Current RAF employee here. Firstly how old are you? Secondly the dreams of being a fast jet pilot are sadly quickly dashed as only the very few are good enough. But theres multi engined transport and helicopters to chuck round the sky Whats life in the RAF like.... Well some of the forces members on here might disagree but from what Ive seen in my 17 years in morale has fallen to rock bottom, the amount of time overseas can be up to 6 month of the year, maybe more, theres no spares, tools or clothing (and Ive been employed in one of the supposed best jobs in the RAF), and now they cant recruit to fulfil a manning shortfall because the amount of people leaving volunteraly is at a high... There are more lows but thats strictly trade specific i.e. mine lol. But the best thing is you can still go to work and have a good old laugh, suppose the forces humour is a bit specialised lol All the above are observations of an aircraft engineer, might be different in the upper echelons of officerdom But good luck in your career choices. yup been in 7 years - sounds about right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Do any of the entry tests involve the use of the multiquote button? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraAyf Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 What would any of you do in my position?? I would certainly stay on track to be a commissioned officer. The end product is worth its weight in gold as it certainly sets you up for the future. The only thing that I would say is that wanting to be a pilot and an officer is probably the hardest of all the career possibilities open to conventional mainstream personnel. All 3 services allow you to fly rotary-wing aircraft but the RAF is the only fixed wing option if you should want to follow that route. As an example but if you wanted to attempt Army Officer Pilot selection then here are the estimated timelines from first applying to the time you receive your rotary-wings:cool: The bracketed figures are the accumulated number of months from start to finish: 1. Apply via Careers Information Office. 2. Initial interview and assessment phase - (2) 3. Familirisation phase where you choose a cap badge (Army Air Corps or alternative) (6) 4. Pre-Regular Commissions attendance to see if you are potential officer material (8) 5. Regular Commissions Board Proper (the actual 3-day officer selection phase) - (12) 6. Waiting for next officer training intake - (14) 7. 12-month Army Officer Commissioning Course (26) 8. Young Officer Course following Sandhurst (29) 9. The wait for the next pilots course (29 - I have amalgamated the timelines with serial 8). 10. 15-month Military Rotary-wing course (44) 11. Apache AH-64WD Conversion course (56) The above is approximate but not far off. I would say that is would take between 44-months for a conventional heli appointment (i.e. Lynx) to 56-months in the case of the Apache qualification. The RAF and Navy take up to 12-months less as the selection & training for Army officer is a lot longer. The failure rate for rotary pilots is approx 40% during training and the drop out rate at Sandhurst is 35% (My course started with 340 guys and 212 finished but that's when it was a hard course LOL:d) Finally, you will have to undergo rotary-pilot assessments prior to you commencing the expensive training phase as no one wishes to spend 300k on a fool:rolleyes: Hope this helps mate;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 Do any of the entry tests involve the use of the multiquote button? The multi-quote doesnt work on this stupid computer at work because otherwise, i would be using it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Be realistic. You're not going to make it as a jet pilot. You don't even have the starting qualifications yet. It's nice to have a dream but try to make it something you have a chance of achieving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 Current RAF employee here. Firstly how old are you? Secondly the dreams of being a fast jet pilot are sadly quickly dashed as only the very few are good enough. But theres multi engined transport and helicopters to chuck round the sky Whats life in the RAF like.... Well some of the forces members on here might disagree but from what Ive seen in my 17 years in morale has fallen to rock bottom, the amount of time overseas can be up to 6 month of the year, maybe more, theres no spares, tools or clothing (and Ive been employed in one of the supposed best jobs in the RAF), and now they cant recruit to fulfil a manning shortfall because the amount of people leaving volunteraly is at a high... There are more lows but thats strictly trade specific i.e. mine lol. But the best thing is you can still go to work and have a good old laugh, suppose the forces humour is a bit specialised lol All the above are observations of an aircraft engineer, might be different in the upper echelons of officerdom But good luck in your career choices. Thanks Swampy, i'm 21 but i have high ambitions. I know it' very hard but i can only give it a go and see where it gets me. I would absoulutely love to fly fast jets... However, im still not sure which would be the better option; RAF or the Navy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 The multi-quote doesnt work on this stupid computer at work because otherwise, i would be using it... Will you say that about your "shooty missles" button too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlotte Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Be realistic. You're not going to make it as a jet pilot. You don't even have the starting qualifications yet. It's nice to have a dream but try to make it something you have a chance of achieving. What about aiming high? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 Be realistic. You're not going to make it as a jet pilot. You don't even have the starting qualifications yet. It's nice to have a dream but try to make it something you have a chance of achieving. Well, i have the GCSE's but not the A-levels. To be able to apply for a Pilot, you need 5 GCSE's and 2 A-levels. To me, that is very achievable and that's why i was thinking about going to night school or something similar to get my A-levels. The latest age for the RAF as a pilot is 23... The latest age for the Navy as a pilot is 26... Obviously should i get in, then it becomes much harder but im willing to try... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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