Air Training Corps

[Gunn]

I am a SGT in the ATC and hold staff classification, does this help me with the RAF?

[mercury]

I think it really depends on the recruiting offices attitude to Air cadets

I assume you mean you have passed the Staff Cadet exam ? I was a CPL in the ATC with a Staff cadet braid and was turned down twice for not having "enough experience" .



however I did my 9 years and met many other ex space cadets

[stever]

i was in the atc before i served
i would say it helped

[Blue_wolf]

It helps, because they it shows them you have self discipline etc. But don't think this is enough, the RAF are looking for well rounded individuals.

[Des]

It shows that you already have a keen interest in the RAF. And not just someone joining on a whim. It also means you have some idea in what the life in the services is like. I never took my staff cadet exam. I did all the others. I thought that the exams were useful up to a point. I found that the camps, adventure training (including Duke of Edingburgh) and physical stuff like sports and drill were a lot more useful. I knew some cadets who were good at aircraft recognition and the technical side to aircraft but were crap at all the other stuff. No good for the RAF at any trade because you still got to get through the basic training. In fact some people would have been much better off in the Air Scouts.

[cwarranto]

Your time in the ATC will help you no end. You should now know what to expect, but dont fall ino the trap of knowing it all.

You could be put in charge of a flight, as you can help others with bulling shoes and ironing. You'd be surprised how many people can't even do the basic things. Don't be put off if they don't though.

The others are right as well. The RAF are looking for a balanced individual. If you go in saying i'm a Sgt with Staf Cdt Classification they will say, "That's nice. What else have you done". They want to see a list of things.

Things to consider:
Adventure Training
RAF Camps
NCO Courses
BTEC's
Band
Flight I/C
Positions of Responsibility - with examples (eg trained all new probtioners - important role, new cadets, you give them their 1st impressions of the corps etc. etc.)
DoE - if not, why not
Flying Experience
Gliding Experience
Other Courses
Charity Collective (RAFA/Wings Appeal/Sqn Funds)
Awards (Best NCO/Flight/Cadet/Exams etc. etc.)

Remember these words "BUSY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE"

Think about what you do outside the ATC. (If you have any spare time)

Good Luck

[tyke172]

Also remember to be bleedin' normal!

Everyone has mates, go's out drinking, stuff like that. Don't act like you've dedicated your teenage years to sitting in your room revising the top speeds of Russian observation aircraft and bulling your shoes!

They want balanced people not gimps.

[Gunn]

Well a wouldnt say am a gimp am going for a PRMC to join the marine corps, if a fail PRMC or if a pass but fail RM Training im joining the Regiment.

[Des]

Being an ATC cadet won't do you any harm going for the Marines. I'd think twice about trying for a Clerk/typist though lol. But if you failed the Marines for any reason the Rocks might be reluctant to take you. I did read and hear from various sources that when Prince Edward failed to make the grade as a Marine. It made it very hard trying to sort him out with a military career with the other services. No one likes to appear 2nd rate. That might be just because he was high profile though.

[Gunn]

Oh i thought they would really want me, even though it appears im treating the reg as 2nd rate at least they can see i have determenation etc... im only 17 aswell so if they dont take me looks like am going back to college

[El Prez]

Edward's decision to leave, after being awarded his Green Beret was courageous. He was very open to the media and the Corps, always in the spotlight. His decision reflected his new understanding of himself and his capabilities; it's not for everyone, and to continue to live a lie would have been impossible.
He did not wish to continue in any other service, why would he? he had decided that military life and ideals were not for him; Endex. It's a pity Andrew didn't join the Corps, they might have knocked some of the arrogance out of him. I would love to see Harry have a crack at CTC, he'd probably do well with his attitude.