I think this point must be made clear - they (UAS´s) do require the students to commit to joining the RAF by making them apply for sonsorship through University, or simply to join as a graduate after their degree. No student completes the EFT syllabus and then has the option of saying "no thanks"!

Well, once again some good points (its quite good fun to discuss these things). I must say I can´t think of a good reason why students at University should be put through EFT. I dont know enought abou the financial side of things to defend the fact that they are incredibly expensive. However, for ...

Ok, the first official rank as an RAF officer is Pilot Officer. This is held for a certain period of time (depending on the individual) before automatic promotion to Flying Officer. Once agin this is held for a period (slightly longer than before) before automatic promotion to Flight Lieutenant ...

I´m a little worried about people believing the UAS´s are a waste of money. I admit I´m probably biased as I ws a member however I believe there are many good reasons for the UAS (which there must be for the RAF to continue their use in these times of defence budget reviews). Firstly, I´m fairly ...

If what I have heard is correct then its Flying Officer (ie one up from the norm). Either this or you spend very little time as a Pilot Officer. However, dont quote me on this

I would love to be able to quote the percentage of serving aircrew that were University Entrants and those that were Direct Entrants from school...but I cant! All I know is that it is just as possible to gain entry to Officer Training as a school leaver as it is after Uni. The differences however ...

Yes, I can understand fully what your saying. It will be interesting to go into IOT and see what its like. I, like yourself, fell that after completing the course it should put me equally amongst all other serving UK personnel. I can fully understand that the length and physical/mental pressure the ...

Some interesting points there I must say. Yes, I can say that often (although it shouldnt be so) aircrew in the RAF are looked upon as superior, which as you mention is immature and does not reflect the true nature of such an organisation. Without ALL the other branches of the RAF there would be no ...

Hi,
Yes I´m fairly certain when I say that Cranwell will not allow any kind of corrective laser eye surgery. I think it just comes down to the fact that the person does not have the correct eyesight required, and also i fthe operation screws up then the candidate is left worse off than before and ...

Having been through OASC at RAF Cranwell a few times now i have had this discussion with many people applying to fly for the RAF. Looking at it from the RAF´s point of view its simple, they have a large resource of very willing candidates to fly their aircraft so it makes sense to only select the ...

Once again thanks guys - its great to be able to check these little details out with people who know their stuff!

You mentioned the streaming into various fitness groups earlier, when does this occur? Is it during the fitness test during boot camp prior to IOT or at the very start of IOT itself? I ...

Thanks for the excellent advice. It all makes sense. I think I´ll plan to pick up some of the outdoor kit from the shop at Cranwell on my "boot camp" visit this month. With regards to fitness I have heard many people talk about "tactical fitness streaming" (ie aiming to get into lower fitness group ...

Dear all,

I´m soon to start my Officer trainging at RAF Cranwell and have a few queries that some of you who have been through the course may be able to help me with:

1 - The joining instructions contain an extensive list of "items to bring" ranging from tent pegs to ironing boards. Is it necesary ...