Let's talk RN vs RAF.

Its worth noting that a friend of mine is currently going through selection for the RN in the Comms trade and is have a hell of a time getting a start date just to get into basic training. he was due to go, after passing all the selection criteria and pre-service fitness tests, early 2010. Then, due to the SDR, was put back to October/November 2010, then pushed back to May 2011 and had to do a requal for his fitness tests as the original had expired (they are only valid for 12months) Now he has been told it could be December 2012 before he gets in.

In these times of uncertainty especially with HM Armed Forces, I would say go for it if thats what you want to do. but be prepared for a long wait and have a backup plan if you are unsuccessful. You never know the trade you want may suddenly open up.

Thats what happened to me back in about 1990. I applied for the Royal Air Force as a ‘sooty’, passed the selection phase, just and waited for a callup date as the trade was closed. I went to college to finish a course I started as a YTS apprentice to gain a HNC, then halfway through my final year I got the call to go with about 2 months notice.

Keep your options open

Martin

Thanks, Flatcat. 🙂

My English is very good, I got B/B in Lit/Language, and D@A-level. You’re right, I will maybe need those anyway one day. I think I might be entitled to some sort of adult learning grant from the college, will have to look into it.

You need those GSCEs anyway for civvy street. Perhaps you can them sponsored somehow whilst you go in at a low level/alternative means? Your English seems ok, innit?

I can’t answer definitely but from my experiences if you are in the right place/have the right contacts, at the right time then you will get a chance to work on the new equipment. Remember any place of work, but in particular the military obviously, has a rank structure, and to safely operate all levels of the structure need training on the new equipment. More so the senior members of the structure will get the first lot of training as they have the experience to underpin the training on the new equipment. (not to mention RHIP 😀 )

So as a general rule, the SQN Leaders/FLT LT’s will receive initial training over Pilot and Flying Officers, and WO’s, FLT SGT’s and SGt’s will get training over the baggies.

As hard as it is at this stage you need to look at what you want further in life and also the life style you want. As mentioned the two services provide different lifestyles while you are in the service, while they also will open different doors when you leave. Not an easy choice, but also one that you can’t get too wrong.

ps. The day that you made a poor decision to press on in your bug smasher and now find yourself lying in a clagged in gully hurting in the cold, wet mist you’ll have never seen a more beautiful AIRCRAFT than you fling wing friend with the winch hovering above.:diablo:

I couldn’t believe it when I noticed that the RN will allow you to apply as an aircraft technician with no formal qualifications required – not even the basic maths, english and science.

True, but they do require a higher standard for trainee aircraft techs than they do for pilots, whose only requirement is the ability to walk without dragging your knuckles across the deck….. 😉

Plenty of Helicopters, they are counted as aircraft. 😉

Not in civilised circles.

Moggy

You might feel differently if you were in trouble and on the end of a rescue winch. :diablo:

…

You really need to try and talk to people that are doing the same job as you want to do in the respective services at the moment.

You’re right. What I really want to know is – will I have the opportunity to train on the new kit once it’s entered service – i’ve always been more interested in fixed-wing over rotary. A trip to the Careers Office is in order, Monday is the first opportunity. I’ll let you know what they say.

I thought we are only getting one aircraft carrier? the other will only be used as a amphibious assault ship.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6888962.ece

baz

I would say that the lifestyle is probably the biggest difference between the two, as both jobs will in theory provide you with similar training, technical experience, and the skills when you leave.
With the RN you will need to accept being at sea for periods, but you will probably travel around more, the RAF has less stations these days, so won’t routinely travel around so much, but then there are the ‘hot’ deployments.
Although the RN doesn’t have carriers or fixed wing fast-jets at the mo you could be joining at an interesting time as they are entering a new era of naval aviation with the two new carriers and F-35, they will need to build up and train for the new kit.

You really need to try and talk to people that are doing the same job as you want to do in the respective services at the moment.

Literally any advice or input is appreciated – i’m racking my brains here, just can’t decide what to do – very unlike me.

I think the Hawks and King Airs are all maintained by civies, the good Dr will know more on those.

I know the Hawks are for sure, odd set up really, RAF Aircraft, on loan to Navy, operated by Babcocks for FRADU, my old chum Monkey Boy works for them.

Even more constructive, if you can travel this Wednesday is Culdrose air day be well worth a visit and a natter to the bods down there.

Edited – CoC Rule 15

Thank you, at last a constructive reply! 😎

After reading over in the Naval aviation sub-forum, It got me thinking. If I was to join the RN and train on rotory wing a/c, when/if the Navy does re-equip with fixed wing types, would I have an opportunity to convert to those units and re-train? Would I be given priority over new recruits? Or would it work the opposite – would they rather recruit a fresh flock for those types?

I think you will find the Navy would be a great place to do the same trade, have you visited Yeovilton or Culdrose? They both knock most RAF bases into a cocked hat!
Plenty of rotarys (ignore Moggys simplistic comment, a Merlin is more tech than a lot of fixed wing types), fixed wing is a bit scarce at the moment, I think the Hawks and King Airs are all maintained by civies, the good Dr will know more on those.
Personaly I would seriously consider the Navy.

I always knew the Navy had rubbish techies – now we know why!!:diablo:

Plenty of Helicopters, they are counted as aircraft. 😉

Not in civilised circles.

Moggy

but surely there are plans to equip or create squadrons with new fixed-wing jets? JSF?

Oh my….not the JSF 😮 not here, not in GD 😮

Go to that very dangerous topic area “Modern Military Aviation” for all you’ll never want to know about the dreaded F35/JSF 😀

I know the FAA now consists of rotary wing aircraft (or Helo’s) since the Harrier’s retirement, but surely there are plans to equip or create squadrons with new fixed-wing jets? JSF?

How about

The navy hasn’t any aircraft, nor will they have for years?

Moggy

Plenty of Helicopters, they are counted as aircraft. 😉

That would explain the slack requirements :p