The whole 9 years

[oirish]

Eh up people

i'm doing some asking on all services, just to see which one would suit me best. I see on the RAF careers page, that for trades 9 years commitment is asked. That's fair wack i feel, can someone tell me, is that set in stone or can you leave/buy your way out if you want? Replies gratefully recieved. It's looking like the RAF will be my choice at this rate!

[TJD]

Your normal engagement is 9 years, however, you can apply to leave early called Premature Voluntary Release (PVR) 3 years after you have finished your Phase 2 (ie professional trade) training.

If you are undergoing training there are other option points:

U18 - give 28 days notice
Over 18, but have completed less than 6 months in training, effectively as above

Hope this helps

[oirish]

Yeh, cheers for that. It's just 9 years is a lot of your life to sign up. Still liking the RAF out of the 3 services though.

[TJD]

Yep nine years does sound like a long time, however, once in the chances are you will enjoy it. The key is to make best use of your time to be honest, and the analogy of the more you put in the more you get out is certainly true in the forces.

I have now been in since 1993 (commissioned) and have thouroughlly enjoyed my time. I have travelled extensively, been in some quite hairy places, drank beer in those hairy places and of course met some great women in theos places as well . Overall life has been good and I would recommend it.

[La Langosta]

I have travelled extensively, been in some quite hairy places, drank beer in those hairy places and of course met some great women in those places as well .

For a mo, I thought you were going to say you'd met some hairy women in those places

[oirish]

To be honest i think the biggest obstacle, if you wana call i that, for me would be the fact i'm t-total and a christian. My faith gives me no problem serving my country, even killing or dying for my country, part of me thinks i might not fit i with the lifestyle. It's something i always wanted to do, i just wonder if maybe people would take the urine due to me not boozing?

[RAF Reginald]

Alright mate,
firstly, don't worry about the not drinking. We had a guy on my last unit who didn't drink, like him, you'll be one of the most popular guys on your section, because you can drive all the lads to town and back! They'll save a fortune on taxi fares, and you'll get bought soft drinks all night.
Secondly, 9 years does seem a long time. But what else would you be doing in that 9 years? 9 years would seem like 90 if you were sat at a desk or salting fries in McDonalds! I have done 10 years now and it seems like about 2, you are so busy having a good time with great mates that it flies by (excuse the pun!).

GO FOR IT MATE!!