Thinking about the future.

[crabfat2]

I'm currently a Techy in the RAF, and was considering applying for the sas in a few years.

Seen as though I'm new to the RAF and still have my PVR date, would you guys advise leaving the RAF to apply for the Marines, as it would give me more of an edge, or staying RAF and just getting upto standards in my personal time?

[Spooky]

I'm currently a Techy in the RAF, and was considering applying for the sas in a few years.

Seen as though I'm new to the RAF and still have my PVR date, would you guys advise leaving the RAF to apply for the Marines, as it would give me more of an edge, or staying RAF and just getting upto standards in my personal time?

Go for it, nothing to lose by trying.

Depends on what you want in the meantime though, you clearly went for the RAF for a reason and it would be a shame to leave something you wanted to do for something you at the time at least clearly thought was less for you than the RAF.

Id say see how it goes. You can start working on your fitness now and touch base with any one in the Army/Marines as you progress and try and hook up to do some personal phys and compare yourself to them.

If you end up not satisfied with your current vocation now, bin it and go for the Army or Marines.

Im not SF - but thats what I would do if I found myself in your position.

[Sonne]

Hey,

I'm not currently serving but as with all young men the idea of special forces has crossed my mind. It seems to me that personal merit and determination are the key factors needed for successful applications to special forces. If i were in your shoes i'd devote my time to fitness and fieldcraft in your current role and proving that you are of use to the SAS or SBS. As a techy or any person skilled in mechanics i'm fairly certain those skills will be of use to you in the special forces. So perhaps staying with the RAF could give you more of an edge than leaving and joining the Marines.

But then again this is just the opinion of your average wannabe. Still, every little bit helps eh?

Sonne

[Doc]

Go 14 int or SRR or whatever they are called these days.

Do the hills, have a crack at the job, you can always move onto to try for 22 or SB afters.

[crabfat2]

Spooky: That's the problem, as of July I cannot leave for around 8 years.

I originally applied for the marines, but due to test scores and much advice, I went for a trade which uses a bit more brainpower.

Say I was to leave, apply for the marines and fail or something, would the concept of returning within 18 months without having to do basic again still apply?

[CrouchmasterT]

Have you looked into trying to get on an all arms commando course? i don't know if the RAF can get on them, but if you can it would help your phys and soldiering skills.

[Spooky]

Spooky: That's the problem, as of July I cannot leave for around 8 years.

I originally applied for the marines, but due to test scores and much advice, I went for a trade which uses a bit more brainpower.

Say I was to leave, apply for the marines and fail or something, would the concept of returning within 18 months without having to do basic again still apply?

Time to make a decision then young man!

I know thats not helpful - but you do what you feel is right for you, I'm in no position to help you any other way.

Though if your having second thoughts now - I'd say bin it and go Army or Marine. Why not RAF Reg even?

[Biggles1211]

Most non-rockape RAF guys tend to apply for the covert surveillance roles, now known as SRR. You can apply directly through PSF. There are a few guys around the RAF that have done service with them, so make some discrete enquiries and you may be able to get some first hand info.

If you are determined to go SAS, then spend as much time as possible with your Station rock flight to improve your military skills. Obviously, this is also a benefit for SRR selection too. Work on fitness (obviously) and do the CFT with the rocks as regularly as possible. Make sure your navigation/map work is good. Join a mountaineering club and get some mountain leader quals through that. If available near your station, apply for mountain rescue. Check out shooting clubs/teams...the RAF put people into Bisley shoots, and that demands a very good quality shot. This is the only way to get any decent range time in the RAF.

In terms of suitable jobs that you can do in preparation for SF selection, you should investigate smaller 'niche' roles...working in a tactical or joint service unit. There are a few techy roles that work in support of SF, including the SF chinook and herc flights. Investigate those.

[sneaky beaky]

It depends on what you really want to do.
Do you want to be SAS/SBS or be RAF Reg. - doing things like 14 int. etc.?
You can apply for SAS/SBS training from any regiment/unit in the Armed Forces but I would suggest that it would be physically and mentally better if you joined the Royal Marines or the Para. Reg.
You will be physically more able to cope with the training and therefore have a better chance of joining the SAS/SBS.
You need to have a long think!!
Sneaky

[Hughser]

hiya mate, i think your best bet is to go for the marines, it will give you a physical and mental beasting that should prepare somewhat for what is ahead, there are perks to both as regards to applying for the SAS but doing the Commando course is probably the closest you'll get to preparation (in comparision with the RAF jobby you've got)

just giving my two pence's worth - but to make it clear, i have no forces experience.. yet