Kiwi asks about RAF Regiment

[kiwilad]

Hey there guys,

A quick introduction first. I've actually been a lurker on these forums for a couple of years, reading and comprehending (well trying to anyway) as much as I can. Recently I handed in my notice at work here in NZ, with the intent of coming over to the UK and joining the British Army. But I stumbled across the RAF Regiment which I had no idea about until now. There seems to be a genuine dislike for Rockapes on both here and the ARRSE forum, yet theres something about them that keeps me going back to their website. Anyway, without any more delay here are my questions.


1) **Disclaimer** I used the search function and also asked the RAF this question directly through their website but got told the question was "too specific". Go figure. So before I go making international phone calls I thought I would ask you fine gentlemen. **End Disclaimer** Concerning qualifications, the RAF website says you need "2 GCSEs/SCEs at grade G/6 minimum or equivalent in English language and maths". Now NZ obviously has a different qualification system so how does this compare? (I guess this is probably targeted towards the old hands or any foreigners who have done the same thing).

2) I see that the RAF Reg has a CSAR role with 28th Squadron. Can you apply for this role relatively soon after completing training or do you need a few years under your belt. Please excuse the naivety with this question, I do understand the whole walk before you can run concept.

If anyone can help me with these questions it would be much appreciated. If not, guess I'll can find out the hard way when I touch down in the UK around July.

Cheers,

Kiwilad.

Edited for grammer

[Long Timer]

Think dislike is a bit strong, banter or a bit of the green eyed monster is more like it. However, you obviously have taste

Can't answer the qualifications question, but the CSAR one would be yes, but you would be unlikely to get it until you had a few years under your belt.

[kiwilad]

Thanks Long Timer, appreciate the the info mate.

Kiwilad.

[Alfa]

Well, with regards to your question about the educational requirements your answer is in your own question.

"2 GCSEs/SCEs at grade G/6 minimum or equivalent in English language and maths"

So if you have those qualifications from NZ then you will be ok, according to the source you provided at least.

[kiwilad]

Cheers Alfa,

Yeah I noticed that mate, I guess what it really comes down to is I'm not sure what "equivalent" equates to?

I wasn't the smartest kid in school nor the dumbest, I use to scrape by and just barely pass exams. My problem was I didn't really try hard enough, why study when I could be out playing football. Now days I'm not lazy and work hard at my job (which I was lucky enough to fall into). I see my lack of trying at school coming back to bite me in the butt. Oh well, theres always the Army right?

Thanks anyway.

Kiwilad

[Long Timer]

Nooooooooooo, not the Army. You don't sound that thick

[kiwilad]

Hahaha, I thought that might get a response from you Long Timer

[kiwilad]

Any of you Gunners out there have any information on the CSAR/JPR role? There's a small summary on the RAF Regiment website saying where they're based and their basic role. I've also googled, searched this website, ARRSE and E-goat but its not quite what I'm looking for. I'm after more of the training info, what they do on a day to day basis and such. Are they actually used in their intended role?

Any info would be great.

Thanks,

[Rockape_884]

You might want to direct these questions toward an AFCO. But if you have any specific questions about TG crse then id be happy to oblige.
As for CSAR then i would worry about TG crse then field gunners first. Its a highly specialised role , one which im almost certain that you have to have completed prepara to even apply for so there would be many hurdles to climb first.

[kiwilad]

Thanks Rockape_884, appreciate the answer.

Don't get me wrong I'm fully aware about concentrating on the TG course first and foremost.

The reason I ask about the CSAR/JPR role is I'm unsure about which direction to choose in life and this one sounds quite interesting. I'm an indecisive bastard at best. One week all I can think about is the Army, next week its the RAF Regiment. I'm hopelessly trying to map out a future, trying to figure out where I want to end up.

I'm the type of person that likes to have as many answers as possible before I make my decision. I've recently made one of the biggest decisions yet, which is to leave my job at 26 and come over to the UK to join one of the before mentioned branches.

Sorry for the long explanation, don't want to come of sounding like a tw*t

Cheers,

[Rockape_884]

Iam exactly the same (well was at least) and i tried both, army first then the redg, Its pretty obv what i prefer !!!
Dont worry about it !!! The regiment i tough but well worth it when you get those mudguards, but everyone has to carve there own path in life and i hope you choose what you want wisely and it turns out to be what you hoped for. If you go reg good luck

[kiwilad]

Thanks Rockape_884. Glad to know I'm not the only one who can't make up his mind. As mentioned in my first post, there is just something about the RAF Regiment that intrigues me.

If you don't mind me asking, how long did you spend in the Army before you decided to join the Regiment?

[Rockape_884]

Nt at all i got to week 8 of basics at ATR winchester and decided it was not for me. I really should have waited longer but i was only 18. But i like where iam now better food /accom and i felt more accepted especially but other Trainee Gunners.