Air Loadsmaster/weapons system operator/para

[TA_soldier_abernethy]

If anyone has seen my previous posts you can see I am stuck with what to decide to do with my life!
After speaking to lots ofpeople being a loadie or WSO sounds very attractive, and I was wondering is any of you can help.
I want to be involved in SAR doing the rescuing itself, excitement etc so which route should i take?
I want lots of travel etc, which would be better?
If possible I would like to be involved in special forces, any ideas?

I was also looking into RAF Police but apparently jsut jacked up security guards, or Firefighter but jsut decided against it. I am still keen on being a gunner though especially as a para so if anyone has any info about that please help!

Many Thanks
Joe Abernethy

[rawli]

To actually do the rescuing is sar you need to join as a loadie, you would get lots of travel as a loadie, but a lot less on sar. you can join no.7 spec forces flt and work on chinooks doing the fun stuff. raf police dont do a lot except drink tea and lift up the barrier. the cpu can be quite interesting though!

[TA_soldier_abernethy]

Thanks mate. What are the requirements like to be a loadie?

[Rob B]

Thanks mate. What are the requirements like to be a loadie?

Ever thought about looking at the RAF Careers website ?

I believe they still value initiative in recruits.

Go loadie btw.

Rob B

[Biggles1211]

Requirements:

Airloadmaster = 5 x GCSE C+ (incl Maths and English)
WSOp = 5 x GCSE C+ (incl Maths, English & Physics based Science)
WSOp (Linguist) = 5 x GCSE C+ (incl Maths, English and Modern Language)

PLUS, the small matter of passing OASC.

To go SAR, you need to be selected after you finish your initial specialist training.

To work with SF, you need to find yourself working on the SF flights of either Chinook or Hercules (normally for more experience and very capable aircrew).

There are some MAJOR changes in the pipeline regarding the recruitment of Non-Commissioned Aircrew, so you should visit your AFCO sooner rather than later.

If you ask at the AFCO, they can organise a briefing and/or trip to see Aircrew at work (ask for the contact details of the Airmen Aircrew Liaison Team).

[Biggles1211]

RAF Regt are crying out for high quality candidates.

You have to pass the Test, Medical and Interview at the AFCO - before attempting the Potential Gunner Recruit Course at RAF Honnington (be fit!).

Your postings within the Regt are decided on the basis of your performance during Gunner Basic Training. You can volunteer for 2 Sqn (Para) - but you need to be very fit and pass a selection course that is closely modelled on the the Army's 'P Company' with a bit of time in the Beacons thrown in.

Of course, 2 Sqn is a fantastic unit - loads of travel and prestige! They put more than their fair share of volunteers into the SAS as well. :fadein:

[Rob B]

Blimey Biggles, talk about cutbacks, have the careers offices all closed down and it's down to you now or what ???

Rob B

[TA_soldier_abernethy]

But, what is the competition like to be a loadie? the pay is great i know that, I have the academic requirements. What other kind of things is required??

My nearest AFCO is almsot 2 hours away and I have written to my RAF careers advisor who comes to school once or twice a year but he is yet to reply, only been a week mind!

What kind of fitness reqts are there in the regt?

Its so hard to decide whether to go for the army or raf!

[Worthers Original]

Why don't you give the Navy some consideration? What is it that has you deadset on the Army/RAF?

[Biggles1211]

No competition for Airloadmaster - you just have to pass selection.

Selection process is the same as Officers do - the standards are very high.

Nearest AFCO to Milton Keynes is at Luton. Less than 1 hours drive.

RAF Careers Advisor is probably v.busy. From my experience, they typically cover an area of three Counties and 200-300 schools.

RAF Regt (Airmen) fitness tests are Bleep Test (MSFT), 3 mile run (under 24 minutes), swimming test, press-ups & sit-ups. Officers only do an MSFT at OASC, but need to show evidence of lots of sport, adventure training etc etc etc

[TA_soldier_abernethy]

What do you do for selection for air loadsmaster and what kind of standards are required?

Thanks guys

[Biggles1211]

Same selection process as Officers.

1. Officer & Aircrew Presentation at the AFCO.

2. Interview with an Officer at the AFCO.

3. 4 day selection course at the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC), RAF Cranwell.

As you might expect, the standards are VERY high. If you book onto the AFCO Presentation, they will explain all of this in depth. You should also check out the threads about OASC and Officer Selection on this site.

[rawli]

then even if finish oasc they still have to accept you and then you have to have a part 2 med which is all the heavy stuff; trawling through med records, blood test, ecg etc

[CWO_NCH]

Hate to say this lads but they have just changed the way things work! If you get past OASC you then go on to basics at Halton for 9 weeks, followed by 10 weeks NCOACT at Cranwell. After that you all go in as WSOp and do a joint 1st phase, after which you are streamed onto either ALM, WSOp wet, WSOp dry or WSOp linguist depending on what the RAF thinks you'll be best on. Mine is the last corse to stick to the old system and it starts on the 25th!!!

[RAF Mancunian]

CWO NCH, are you in 4 Flight at Halton?