Please help with my RAF dreams...

[Lu_1984]

To whom is able to help:

I don't really know where to start, it's all a bit of a muddle and I hope you can bear with me whilst I ramble on.

I was an Air Cadet for 7 years and loved every minute of it. Since I left for Uni (2002 - i've now finished) I've always wanted to be in the RAF but never had the guts to try. A lot of my ATC friends applied and failed - a few got in but not all with their first choice. So I was scared they wouldn't want me if my amazing friends didn't get in.

But for 6 years I've regretted not trying and a few weeks ago I applied. I've got my presentation on the 24th of May. Trouble is, I'm panicking because it was a whirlwind decision as I knew I'd chicken out (for not wanting to get turned down) if I didn't sign then and there. So i've not done as much prep as I'd like to - I've applied to join as an Officer.

So I need help - major help. I'm running as much as I can (I've two jobs - one full time in the day and one part time weekend job - nights) and i've got a step machine I use and i'm doing sit ups. I cannot do press ups well - you've probably seen more muscle on a chick (lol)! I've changed my diet and I walk home week days - it's 3.4 miles.

I'm going to the nearest ATC sqn (i've moved from home and not moved back so will be at a new sqn) tomorrow night when they parade to see if I can be a CI (late and cheeky I know), I'm ringing about a RAF Sqn visit this week and I've also brought a few books to update my knowledge and get dates and important details about the RAF right.

The trouble I am having is picking my current affairs topics and i'd like more help with fitness. I would like any insight into the interviews too. I've not got long as they said I could have an interview very soon!!!

I'd just like some help - on anything that will help me get in!!! But I cannot tell you how much this is my dream or how I felt when I signed the application. I cried my eyes out that I might (just slightly/possibly/might) be in the RAF.

If you've any tips or any comments that might help, please leave them here. You'll hopefully be helping me change my life forever

So i've probably rambled on and left things out you might need to know but thank you for taking the time to read my plea!

Kindest Regards,

Lu x

[hairygunner]

Lu,

It sounds like you have done your research and are thinking about what you need to do to prepare for selection as an officer with the RAF.

Continue what you are doing, however make sure you know what branch you want to go into and why. Be confident in the interview at the AFCO and be yourself. It looks much worse pretending to be something you are not than just being honest and having flaws! You're human everyone has flaws!

At OASC your potential to be trained as an officer will be assessed. The board will look at your ability to communicate, make decisions, formulate and implement a plan, think on your feet, physical fitness, personality, the way you present yourself, motivations for joining, life experiences, knowledge of current affairs, to name but a few.

Preparing for these is not as hard as it seems. Work on fitness goes a long way as does research on the RAF and a breadth of current affairs.

Use www.raf.mod.uk to get more info.

Finally - Don't compare yourself with other people who have applied, you just need to be yourself and don't be overwhelmed by how much you want to join the RAF. Let them know you really want this.

[wannabe_rock]

Pressups only get easier through practice, everytime it hurts to do another just think about how much you want the RAF!

Start running home from work everyday.