Life in the RAF?

[Harris921]

Hi all, Im a 24 year old male and very interested in joining the RAF. Im a vehicle technician at the moment working on Volkswagen cars and vans so Im really interested in Air Tech(mechanic) and Weapon Tech.

Shortly after leaving school I spent 12 months in the army, I passed out at ATR pirbright so I know all about basic training. I would like to know more information on llife in the RAF once phase one and phase two training have been completed. I would particuarly like to hear from air techs and weapon techs What are your daily tasks? Whats a typical day for you guys?

How does the RAF affect your personal life? Do you see much of your wife/partner and children? For single personnel do you find it hard to meet women because your always stuck on an operation somewhere like Iraq? Do you find much time for hobbies like the gym, football, kickboxing? How much leave do you get?

Would just appreacheate any general RAF feedback.

[davidemmerson]

Mate, there is a NCO in the RAF who posts on MFAT. She should she this post and will deffo be able o give you the feedback. I saw your post in the RN section, don't really get a lot of people on here who are joining the Navy, so it's fairly quiet.

[Harris921]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I am interested in both services but am trying to get an idea of both life styles before I even enter my local careers office. The jobs in the Navy are very appealing to me but Im not sure about the life style(being stuck at sea). I have always been interested in the RAF as I have friends in the service but I dont have GSCE maths and they will not take an NVQ Level 3 in automotive engineering and maintenance. Frustraiting really that a school leaver who has never held a spanner or stripped an engine would be accepted over myself because he's got a C!

[Hyperlithe]

Do you mean me David?
Harris921, I've been in the RAF for 4 years now, joined up as a WSOp, which is why I'm a Sergeant already.
Everyone's experience of the service is different, but personally I really enjoy it. We get 30 days of leave per year, which equates to 6 weeks off, though obviously you probably wouldn't be able to take it all in one go! Unless you're out on det. you'll most likely find you're working 8-5 most days, with sports afternoons on a Wednesday, so that should give you plenty of time for hobbies, socialising etc. A lot of people finish at lunchtime on a Friday as well...
There is a massive difference between life in a training establishment and life on an operational base.

I really would advise getting your Maths GCSE, I think there are short courses that you can do now so it shouldn't take too much effort.

If you've any questions, feel free to ask...

[Brett B]

Hi Harris,

May i ask what Dealer your from in VW? i Work for VW, as a parts advisor. also joining the RAF as MTD though.

seeing your partner and getting time off depends on what job you do.
why not let into MT? or regiment, if you dont have that good a grades.

brett

[Hyperlithe]

I'm fairly sure you need GCSEs in Maths and English at least, whatever trade you go for Brett. Don't quote me though.

[broders120]

Im in Flt Ops and don't need anything but a pass in the AFCO to get in specially now controller is direct entrant. and we put your flight plans in lol

[803troop]

My twin is an Armourer (Wep Tech). He has been in since Nov 2001.

He loves it. Plenty of leave and social life. Normal 8-5 day for him. Used to be based at Colt working on the Jags and Tornadoes until it closed, then went to Oman for 6 weeks training on the Typhoon and went to work at Coningsby, though living in Officers Quarters at Cranwell (He's not an officer and they pay for his travel each day).

He didn't enjoy basic and nearly quit because of his girlfriend, but after chatting to me (Had been in RM training) I convinced him to stay. He is now with said girlfriend as a Husband/Wife combo with 2 children and everything ahead of them and is always grateful that I talked him out of quitting.

The lifestyle won't be for everyone, but it is a good one.

Baz

[Hyperlithe]

Does he know his alphabet?
We had a former armourer on my Aircrew course at Cranwell, think he used to get a bit narked at the song...