Part 2 Flashcards
Why do you want to join the RAF?
It might sound a bit cringey but ideally I’d like to wake up and be excited to go to work everyday. After 18 years in education I’m getting somewhat tired of pure academia and would love to get stuck in and the RAF is the right place to do it. I think the structure and authority involved in service life suits me incredibly well and will help me excel, therefore I’d be able to give back and serve the RAF better.
Specifically as an engineering student I’m also very excited about the leading edge technology I’d be able to work with.
What prompted your interest to join the services?
My intial interest in defense I suppose began late in primary school where I’d sit in the library and read books about the equipment used in WW2. I say reading but as this age it mostly involved looking at the pretty pictures and actually in particular the 3D drawings that were cross sectioned so you could see the inside of the planes.
Then as I grew up I remained intersted and always spoke to armed forces personal at career events to figure out if it was something I may want to do.
I also had work experience at Fujitsu defense where my interest in defense was enlargened I suppose.
I’ve also been following the UK defense journal for years and enjoy discussing topics with my dad. Mist recently I read about the mod looking to update its game-based simulation technology.
So now as I come to the end of my higher education I feel like the services are the next step.
What is a commisioned position?
When you are appointed by the Queen to become an Officer in the Royal Air Force. It represents the entrustment of authority and responsiblity to an individual.
What do you receieve as a commisioned officer and what does it allow you to do?
A formal document appointing you to your rank. A commisions allows you to carry out the duty and responsibilities associated with the appointed rank.
What is a non-commisioned officer?
A non-commisioned officer is one who has risen through the ranks rather than receiving a commision.
What would you describe as your personal strengths?
I’d normally describe myself as well rounded but my specific strengths are my attention to detail, organisation and reliability (good time managament profesional and capable)
What can you improve on?
Two main things I need to improve on are my patience and emotional intelligence and socialising, I can be quite closed, especially after a lot of lockdown and isolation.
How will joining the services impact your life?
- Joining the RAF will introduce a lot of order and structure into my life and from experience this is when I’m at my best and can excel.
- I think service life will provide many oportunities that perhaps I never would have got elsewhere, opportunities that may end up defining and shaping me in the future. I hope that I’ll be able to take advantage of these not only to grow as an individual but also to then be able to give back to the RAF and the community.
Advantages of service?
Structure, Challenges, Opportunies for adventure and variety, the camaraderie and fellowship with other people. Service benefits: -Accomodation -Food -Health -Sports
Disadvantages of service?
The main disadvantage for me would be the challenges surrounding maintaining or even forming relationships. While the opportunity to travel and tour is one that appeals to me, the affect on any realtionship is a disadvantage I’d have to figure out.
And I’m sure everyone is in a similar situation so there’s plenty of support available.
Why did you choose to apply for your applied role?
The role of aerosytems engineering officer is in my opinion the perfect role for a aerospace engineering graduate.
Theres several reasons underpinning this.
I love to be hands on and involved with a variety of work rather then repetitive tasks.
I enjoy the challenge of managing teams and holding responsibility.
I’m very interested with the cutting edge modern technology utilised by the RAF and want to learn more about it.
What do you understand about the length of service?
I’d be signing up for an initial commision of 12 years during this time could be offered a pension earning commision of 20 years service.
What is the RAF reserve commitment when you leave the service?
If on a Short Service Commission you are transferred to the Royal Air Force reserve and hold a call-out liability for 4 years.
If on a Permanent Commission you have liability to recall until you’re 55 or 18 years after your leaving date.
What training will you receive?
24 week Initial Officer Training then 21 week specialist training at the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering in RAF Cosford.
What are the 4 core principals of the RAF
RISE. Respect Integrity Service Excellence.
What stages is the IOT made up of?
4 Modules/Phases Millitary Induction Module Development 1 Module Development 2 Module Consolidation
What will you learn in your specialist training?
- Fundementals of hardware: Structure, Propulsion, Airframe, Electronics, Avionics, Aerodynamics, Materials.
- Airworthiness standards and regulation
- Management of armaments and hazardous material
