• How to Join the RAF Advice
• Should I Join the RAF ?
• What is joining the RAF really like ?
• What is Basic Recruit Training at RTS Halton Really Like ?
• What is Trade Training Really Like ?
• How fit do you need to be to join the RAF ? - RAF Fitness Test
• Benefits of joining the RAF

Should I Join the RAF ?

Am I suitable? What to expect.

Out of the Three UK armed forces. Personally, there is no comparison. They are all highly skilled, disciplined organisations. But the RAF in my experience will offer you greater scope for development. You will still be an integral part of a large military organisation. But you will be expected to use your own initiative a little more freely. Maybe this is due to the RAF being the youngest of the 3 branches?

If you are the kind of person that perseveres when things get tough. ARE able to make fun of yourself when you mess up as you'll most certainly need a sense of humour.

The main qualities that the Royal Air Force demand from its personnel are whats classed as it's "Core ETHOS"

RESPECT for yourself and others.

INTEGRITY Moral Courage - Honesty - Responsibility- Justice.

SERVICE Physical Courage - Loyalty - Commitment - Teamwork.

EXCELLENCE Personal Excellence - Discipline - Pride.

When you are in the Service there is an expression you may hear "Don't be Jack" this will be instilled upon you during basic training. You WILL NOT pass basic training IF the instructors see that you only look out for yourself and NOT your team-mates. In civvy street people don't know any better. i.e:

"It's not MY job to do that, why should I care anyway? That's your problem.. I'm clocking off in 5 mins"

This attitude WILL not work in the military. If you are a technical trade and you're in the middle of changing an aircraft part you will be expected to finish your work as best you can before shift change. You will then be expected to write up what work you have done and the steps you undertook. You will then be expected to give a handover to the oncoming technician or team about how far you got on the job etc.

REMEMBER YOU ARE JOINING A MILITARY FORCE and will have to take an Oath of Allegiance.

Not volunteering at the local scout group. You will be expected to train in the use of weapons (weapon type depends upon trade) and may one day have to use them in protection of yourself, your squadron or base. You will be asked this question in the interview process. i.e "Do you think you could use a weapon to kill someone if you had to"

You will be expected to carry out Guard duty on a regular basis probably a couple of times a year.

Fitness tests twice a year.

CCS Common Core Skills once a year. (Nuclear, Biological,Chemical training) First Aid, Weapon Handling and more.

You will be expected to work OOA Out of Area Detachments every few years for between 4-6 months in the Falkland and the Middle East.

The RAF is a career choice NOT just a Job. If you remember this and don't expect to just live a 9-5 existence. You can be expected to work various shift patterns over weekends, night shifts etc.

YOU will have the opportunity to make some great new friends and see some fantastic places. (admittedly some not so nice places too). Work hard and play hard is another saying you will hear all the time.