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• What is joining the RAF really like ?
• What is Basic Recruit Training at RTS Halton Really Like ?
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• Benefits of joining the RAF

What is Basic Recruit Training at RAF Halton really like?

What it's like and What to Expect

On your first day of Recruit basic training you will arrive at RAF Halton by Bus or Train. You will be collected from the local station of Wendover by Coach if you arrive by Rail. As soon as you get on the coach, that's when you will notice the atmosphere change. Initially you will all be pretty excited as though you are going away on Holiday. The Discip staff (Your Drill Instructors) will make their presence known to you on the Coach. They will be the one's telling you to shut up!

The first few days at Halton are an absolute blur for most trainees, you will not know whether you are coming or going. You will be disorientated and just trying to find your feet. You will be attested into the RAF and assigned your own unique Service number. You will also be gave a Haircut..whether you want one or not. Also, you will be expected to pay for it too! After going around collecting your military kit you will be expected to move around in a co-ordinated group. You will be expected to March around wherever you go at RTS. A senior man will be chosen to take the lead and march the group from between the Mess and the Barrack Blocks.

Usually a Senior man will initially be chosen because of previous military service or perhaps Air cadets. The first few weeks are really the hardest. If you can get your mind into the game you will easily cope. Just keep your head down, do as you're told and really try not too stand out! Oh and NEVER, EVER volunteer, normally it's a good thing. But, in military training not such a good idea. Always work as a team and help out your team-mates. Don't be Jack. If you are, it WILL be noticed and you will be singled out by the Drill Instructors.

You will be expected to be up early every morning. You do not get lay-ins during basic training and you could have as many as 10 trainees to each room. You are responsible for keeping YOUR bedspace and other parts of the Barracks clean (including the toilets and showers). You will have to eat Breakfast, All recruits are expected to eat all meals provided as you will need all the energy you can get. If you miss a meal you can be punished for doing so.

You will spend most of your time prepping your kit and doing Homework. This will be extremely exhausting. You will have two MAJOR inspections during training known as Day 21 and Day 43. You can be backflighted for failure to pass these. Every morning the Drill Instructor will come into your room for a "By your Beds" inspection. This will involve inspecting YOU, Your kit and Your bedspace. This will normally involve the senior man taking notes on what has been picked up and you will be expected not to fail on the same points the next day. You will be taught how to polish (known as Bull) your shoes and Boots.

The first couple of weekends you are not allowed Home Leave. After this you could go home for the weekend. But make sure you are back for curfew.You can go to the Newcomers club for a drink if you are over 18. Be warned though, you will not get much time to have a drink and this can be detrimental to your kit prep!

During your Basic Recruit Training, You will be shown how to Iron the military way, How to shave, Cleanliness and how to keep yourself and your kit clean. Personal hygiene is of utmost importance.

You will be carrying out PT physical training and cross country running, the first few weeks will certainly push you if you are not physically very fit. Drill will be taken daily, marching around the parade square and practising all aspects of Drill.

Click the CD below to order a copy of the Armed Forces inc.. RAF Bleep Test.. Start training before you apply to join!

You will then progress to learning the skills necessary to survive and fight in a military environment. From firing your first weapon the L85 A2 (SA80 Family of weapons) The RAF regiment section will teach you about camouflage and concealment, navigation and map reading and first aid.

You will also learn NBC Nuclear, Biological and Chemical protection drills. Practising your drills in the RTF Respirator Test Facility with actual CS GAS in the chamber. You will also be expected to experience what CS Gas is like in the chamber without wearing your Gas Mask! Don't worry it's all done in a controlled manner.

Part of your consolidation training you will go on a live 3 day exercise to practice all of the skills you have learned out in the field.

Whilst you are not just limited to learning new skills outside, you will learn about the History and the role of the Royal Air Force. Including the basics of military law and General Service Training, Rank structure, Discipline etc..

The final part of basic training will culminate in a Passing Out Parade where you will carry out a Parade showing your family and friends your newly learned skills including your Weapons Handling Drill. You may also get a flypast for your ceremony depending upon available aircraft.

You will then say goodbye to some of your colleagues and Discip staff and head off to trade training. This is dependant upon your Trade. Aircraft trades will head to RAF Cosford.