From the Ranks to a Commission. Some questions.

[3OCLOCKFINISH]

I've a little voice in my head that says to go for a Commision, however there is another little voice saying it would be a crazy thing to do! (perhaps I should go to the med centre instead..)

For those of you who have experienced both sides of the coin, how did you find the OASC and the whole process and do you have any regrets at all about swapping over?

I must admit I am not overly keen on the officer stereotype, is it just that, a stereotype? My reason for considering a Commission is certainly not for the 'lifestyle' purely for professional reasons. Is this a reason in itself not to consider it?

many thanks

3

 

[Tubby]

Not done it or doing it, I'm PVR'ing instead. From the experience of some of the lads who have you find they will take the p!ss either way so dont let them rule your head, there is no harm in going for it and the worst that can happen is you fail. If you think its the right choice for you, i.e professionally then give it a go. Its the only way you stand a chance of a career in of the RAF now. Also research some of the threads that have already discussed this, they will probably answer most of your questions. best of luck either way

 

[True Blue Jack]

I'm surprised that people who have completed the move haven't been clamouring to give their advice - there are a few ex-rankers on the goat.

I heard the same little voice as you and finished OASC last week. I spent several months preparing in earnest, i.e., going to commissioning club, putting The Sun down and picking up the Telegraph, etc. I won't deny it was hard work and I now just have to sit and wait to see if it was worth the effort (which is harder, somehow!).

I honestly don't think the officer stereotype exists any more - not in the way it may once have done at least. There were some toffee-nosed university grads who made it through to the final stages but also a broad Scouser and an Essex girl. Most interestingly, we started with 23 candidates including 5 serving airmen; only 11 were left at the end but all 5 rankers made it through. We must have something the officer corps needs.

If you have any ambitions to be commissioned you must follow them. No regrets.

 

[8:15fromOdium]

3, I made the jump about 7 years ago from SNCO. In retrospect it was 'worth' it (I'm substituting for an Army SO2 at the moment), but both personally and professionally I think I made the right decision. Be aware that it will involve a lot more upheaval (moving every 2 years) if you want to get the career progression, so that can take its toll on family life. I have negotiated with my desk officer a 'long' tour - but it does mean I will be 2-3 years behind those I joined up with promotion wise.

On the selection process OASC is the hardest bit (I did make it first time, but I wouldn't employ me having read the report!). IOT itself was a breeze, the odd stupid bit, but on the whole treated like an adult and there was no ex-ranker bias on my flight (the one Flt Cdr who did show a bit of prejudice got sacked). I understand from those I know up at DIOT (both staff and recent students) state the course is even better now.

I would recommend you get involved with your station commissioning club and find out who amongst the officers on your station have made the jump, and arrange a meeting with them - pick their brains. OASC likes you to have done your research, and first hand accounts are always good.

Good luck whatever you choose, but you will need to change your name (I can't remember a 3 O'Clock finish).

 

[3wheeledtechie]

I'm with my donut shaped friend on this one. I was encouraged at several stages in my career to go for it, reasons for not doing so were that I really couldn't see how it would improve things until the longer term (mark time pay for a few years), and work/life balance and impact of service life on my family was a major issue, plus I didn't see myself fitting into the officer mould.

If you're really committed to the service and your family can cope with the strain - go for it. Think long and hard is my advice. You need to be the type that when they cut you open they find a roundel IMO.

My last boss (who suggested I apply) was married to another RAF officer, all his friends were RAF, his conversation was either about RAF related topics or colleagues in the RAF, and he had virtually no home life (IMHO) because he worked late and she was posted at another station. Having chewed on that one for about 30 seconds I said thanks, but no thanks and PVR'd. That said he made S/L very young.

 

[8:15fromOdium]

TBJ, we must have been typing at the same time! Hope you get a positive result.

 

[3OCLOCKFINISH]

Thanks for the replies so far guys, certainly plenty food for thought.

My major (bah, crap pun) concern is the 2 year posting, I really couldn't see that going down well with my OH, actually it wouldn't go down at all!

TBH at this time my career is in limbo, it is neither going up or down due to a whole host of reasons, going for commission would kick things up the backside and give me a massive goal to aim for.

How much say as an officer do you get in your choice of posting? Is it possible to stay in RAF Lincolnshire/Morayshire etc or is there a significant chance of being banded pillar to post?

ps 8:15 where there is a will there a 3oclockfinish! ;-)