Part 2 - Motivation Flashcards
Why have you chosen the RAF specifically and not the navy or army?
For me the RAF has always appealed to me. The type of operations that the RAF fly interest me as they seem very varied and challenging which is what I want from a job. The RAF also happens to be the force that flies my favourite plane… The Globemaster C17. That along with the RAF’s history made me chose the RAF.
How long have you wanted to join for?
I have been interested in the RAF since I was a little kid. I always loved the air shows but never really considered joining as a pilot. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago I did more research and decided being a pilot was definelty for me and the RAF is the best of the best for becoming one.
What influenced your decision to join?
I never liked the sound of a 9-5 desk job as it didn’t excite me. That combined with my love of the air shows at Bournemouth with all the different planes made me apply.
What steps have you taken to gain a better knowledge of the RAF and the application/selection process?
To gain better knowledge of the RAF I used the website and careers page. I also followed news articles and blogs to find out more about the day to day operations that the RAF does.
What does a pilot do and what is its role in the RAF?
A pilot flies planes and helicopters on a range of operations for defence, attack, reconisense and support. A pilots roll is to support the other areas of the military on the ground and at sea and to defend the nation’s airspace and the nation’s interests.
What is your phase 1 training?
Phase one training is basic officer training. This takes place at RAF Cranwell and lasts 24 weeks which is split into 4 terms. Once graduated from phase 1 I will have a level 5 diploma from the institute of leadership and learning
Military induction module - this is where you learn to transition from civilian to military life and learn new skills such as weapon handling and first aid and the core values (rise).
Development module 1 - during this module the emphasis is on relational, individual and collaborative learning. You will learn to know and lead yourself in order to lead others. This module ends with a week long exercise in a military scenario leading small groups.
Development module 2 - the emphasis of this module is to explore leadership, practice and develop. There will be an exercise to apply all the theory they have learned into a practical scenario. The second half has 3 sections. Air and space environment, line management responsibilities, and care and welfare in leadership.
Consolidation module - cadets will demonstrate their understanding of the course through a mixture of practice and written activities. Over a 4 week period cadets will undertake an air c2 based exercise, a deployment to the Robson resilience centre, a week long management stimulated exercise, and assessments in air and space power and general service knowledge.
What is your phase 2 and specialist training?
First there will be 6 weeks of military aviation ground school and then on to elementary flying training for 16 weeks flying the tutor or prefect aircraft. I will then be streamed to an aircraft type. Fast jet, multi engine, or rotary wing.
Fast jet - the training last approximately 2 years and starts will flying the Texan at RAF valley after which I will be awarded your pilot wings. I will then fly the hawk T2 and after completing the tactical weapons phase I will go on an operational conversation until (OCU) to train on a specific aircraft such as the typhoon or the f35.
Multi engine - this training lasts approximately 10 months and during this I will fly the phenom at RAF Cranwell. I’ll then be awarded my pilot wings and go on an OCU to train on an aircraft such as the Globemaster C17 or the Hercules.
Rotary wing - this training will last approximately 18 months and during this I will fly twin engined aircraft such as the Juno and Jupiter at RAF shawbury. After my training I will be awarded my pilot wings and go on an OCU to train on aircraft such as the Chinook.
How do you feel about the possibility of being in armed combat?
Armed combat is sometimes necessary to defend the nation’s interest and it is the armed forces job to do that. So by joining I understand that this is something I might have to do but the training i will receive before hand will be of the highest quality to ensure I am ready.
What service length will you be offered?
I will be offered an initial commission of 12 years in the RAF. And then be selected to serve on a pension earning of 20 years or to the age of 40, which ever is later.
Substantioation - when and where have you visited an RAF station and who have you spoken to.
Unfortunately I haven’t been to an actual RAF station however I have seen some of the aircraft and crew at the Bournemouth airshows every year.
What qualities does and RAF officer need?
(R) respect for themselves and others
(I) integrity - moral courage, honesty, responsibility and justice
(S) service - physical courage, loyalty, commitment and team work
(E) excellence - personal excellence, discipline and pride
