Rejoining the RAF

[Nobby664]

Hello everyone,

As the title says I am giving serious consideration to rejoining the RAF.

Before anyone goes off on one, yes I have contacted the AFCO and im waiting on their reply. I just thought that some of you guys may be able to answer the questions in the short term, or at least provide me with an insight.

Here goes then,

* Would I be required to complete basic training again or would it be a case of kit & post? (Not a problem either way).

* Would I have to complete trade training again? I already hold the required NVQ etc from my previous service.

* Would I resume service in my previous rank (SAC T)?

And finally, whats changed in the last 4 years (General question I know but just a summary would be appreciated. Eg length of tours etc).

Many thanks in advance.

 

[woody]

Nobby

You would have to do basic and trade training again as you have been out 4 years. You would not go straight back to SAC T either. You would however go straight to LAC at the end of RTS.

Hope this helps some.

 

[Nobby664]

Cheers Woody,

Do you know of anywhere "official" where I can check this against whilst waiting to hear back off the AFCO. Would like to prepared with some hard facts so that I know my options inside out.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Stewie]

Im coming back in as an auggie, one of the guys on the open day at Brize asked the same question, if its less than 2 yrs you dont need to do basic training but would ned to do trade training to get up to speed, hope this helps.

 

[Nobby664]

Cheers mate, Its approx 4 years so it appears that I may be starting from the beginning again.

I think its crazy that I would have to redo trade training, I already hold the required qualification and I would be of much more use to the section than a newly arrived LAC who has just completed his/her trade training.

But rules are rules, and if I dont like it........ (I know the ending).

 

[propersplitbrainme]

Cheers mate, Its approx 4 years so it appears that I may be starting from the beginning again.

I think its crazy that I would have to redo trade training, I already hold the required qualification and I would be of much more use to the section than a newly arrived LAC who has just completed his/her trade training.

But rules are rules, and if I dont like it........ (I know the ending).

What trade were you? Some trade structures have altered in the last 4 years.

 

[Nobby664]

I was Ground support equipment (Mech). Im aware that this trade has since changed to General Technician Mechanical. Surely it should only be a case of completing the required assimilation course?

http://www.raf.mod.uk/idtraf/courses/2197.cfm

 

[Nobby664]

If there is anyone that either works/has worked for the AFCO that could provide an official answer to this then I would be very grateful.

 

[busby1971]

Case by Case basis

Case by Case basis

It will be up to ACOS Manning to decide what training you'll do if you rejoin, this is normally a case by case basis, however, I would at the very least plan on having a 9 week hol at Halton.

 

[Joe_90]

Nobby, as far as I know the assimilation courses for heavies are finished ( I might be wrong) so you'd probably have to go back to Saints for longer than an assimilation course although I think they have been known to dip you in and out of courses to learn the relevant bits due to the length of the courses now. Remeber Gen Tech GSE doesn't exist as a trade anymore except for those guys who turned down assimilation and there's a fair chance they'll use this when making the descision. Although Gen Tech M is struggling for manning so you never know. As Busby said your case will be looked at individually by ACOS manning and then Saints have to agree on how best to go on with your training. Be honest with yourself, could you pass your SAC T course again without some sort of instruction? Because that's the standard they are going to want, I know I haven't used some of the stuff from my fitters course since the day I passed out.

 

[Nobby664]

It will be up to ACOS Manning to decide what training you'll do if you rejoin, this is normally a case by case basis, however, I would at the very least plan on having a 9 week hol at Halton.

Which is totally reasonable given the length of time I have spent away. Would I be able to get intouch with ACOS manning directly or would I have to go through the AFCO?

Many thanks for the reply.

 

[Nobby664]

Nobby, as far as I know the assimilation courses for heavies are finished ( I might be wrong) so you'd probably have to go back to Saints for longer than an assimilation course although I think they have been known to dip you in and out of courses to learn the relevant bits due to the length of the courses now. Remeber Gen Tech GSE doesn't exist as a trade anymore except for those guys who turned down assimilation and there's a fair chance they'll use this when making the descision. Although Gen Tech M is struggling for manning so you never know. As Busby said your case will be looked at individually by ACOS manning and then Saints have to agree on how best to go on with your training. Be honest with yourself, could you pass your SAC T course again without some sort of instruction? Because that's the standard they are going to want, I know I haven't used some of the stuff from my fitters course since the day I passed out.

Joe, Many thanks for the reply.

To be totally honest the answer would probably be possibly.

Im certainly in a better position now than when I applied initially with regards to common semse and technical ability.

For example the career that I have persued since leaving the RAF has required to me learn numerous processes and procedures on a variety of plant and equipment ranging from an LM 6000 gas turbine to 11KV switchgear.

What I am trying to say is that I dont believe that I would ultimately benefit from starting over, but would certainly react positively to doing a combination of a brief refresher/top up course to cover the Mech Transport side of things.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[I'm a liar]

Hi Nobby. You said "you were seriously considering rejoining". With the economic climate and the fact that no one is leaving the RAF, the RAF would seriously consider whether or not to take you back. You also said "you had contacted the AFCO and was waiting for a reply". Mate, get yourself into the AFCO and start the process. There are so many people in the wings wanting to join, who have already started the proces. Its not as easy to join today as it was. Get a good excuse practised as to why you left before and why the RAF should take a gamble with you, that you won't just leave again. If you really do want to join again, open up your options and look at other trades as well as for most trades there are no vaccancies for the foreseeable.

 

[Nobby664]

Cheers mate,

I have the "excuse" sorted as it is actually the truth. I was young, 22 at the time, was about to become a father and believed that leaving the RAF would provide me with a stable environment in which to raise my daughter. It did and it is a decision that I would stand by/defend to this day.

Without meaning to sound like something straight out of a recruitment brochure, what I didnt do the first time round was fully embrace everything the RAF has to offer, the travel, sports side of things and above all the community spirit of RAF life, the latter being something which I intend to take full advantage of.

I am now in a position to make an informed decision having witnessed both sides of coin (Civie life and forces life) and can honestly say that I miss it. Hence the re-application.

"With the economic climate and the fact that no one is leaving the RAF"
I thought that PVR's were still flying in left right and centre?

I intend to visit the AFCO tomorrow if possible.

Cheers for the reply, appreciated.

 

[MindlessRockMonkey]

Rejoin/recall.

Rejoin/recall.

None of that for me. 6 years in the reserves done. No recall for me, Wah!

 

[FeedTheYak]

Hi Nobby, I’ve been reading your posts and just thought I’d give you my opinion of your situation, (I am a recruiter).
Firstly, I can tell you now as a matter of fact that, there are hundreds if not thousands of young people who have had their applications to join the RAF, put on hold and told to come back after April 2010, in a lot of cases, there are trades which will not be open until LATE 2010 if not 2011. There is NO shortage of Gen Tech Mech's. PVR rate is NOT as you put it, going in left, right and centre.
I have recruited a few EX RAF airmen (mostly last year when the RAF was desperate for recruits), and from what you say on here, and In my opinion of dealing with cases similar to yours, you would almost certainly be treated as a completely new applicant, that means FULL application process - your AST scores which remain valid, Full RTS and FULL trade training.
UNDER NO circumstances would you be allowed to contact ACOS manning direct (I’m not allowed to do that as Recruiter!!), so please do not go into the AFCO with any sort of misconception that you are in a more favourable position than the next person who is applying for Gen Tech Mech. At the end of the day, you have been here before and left, so there is a risk that you may do that again. (Not saying you will, just stating that, there is a risk element) I’m sorry that sounds blunt, but, you have maybe come across a little as, you feel that the RAF should be grateful that you want to rejoin, and that you think, it is a mere formality. Again, I don’t know you, and am only saying it as I see. Also, assimilation course's are for tradesman/women who are up to speed with trade knowledge, and go for a top up conversion/assimilation. You haven’t worked on ANY RAF GSE/MT in 4 years!!! Not sure why you feel it is a mere formality for you to be trained in a completely new trade!! It is also a totally different NVQ L3, so your previous NVQ is of no relevance to the new trade. You would still need to complete the Adv Mod Appren and asscociated Q's in order to gain Q-Ops and your Ring of Trust (SACT Badge).
So, my last bit is this, if you are serious and committed to rejoining, I would go the the AFCO and be honest with the recruiters. Please do not in any way, come across as, it’s a formality for you to rejoin.
If you need any other gen, then I will obviously try and help, however, I STRONGLY ADVISE you to, only seek information from your local AFCO, and not get tit bits of info from E-Goat. (No disrepect intended to anyone who tries to help out, but these things change on a daily basis and unless you are current with recruiting AP's etc, info given out will probably be out of date).
Anyway, good luck.

 

[Nobby664]

Feedtheyak,

Thank you for an honest and informed answer which I fully take on board. I do not consider the rejoining process a mere formality but can understand why you may make that assumption. I am simply trying to explore every avenue available to me at this early stage, if this is a non starter then so be it.

I am well versed with the application process (not as much as yourself obviously, which is why I value your advice) having obviously gone through it before and because of the amount of research I have covered. I simply wish to make sure I don't miss an option if it could be of benefit to me.

I am more than prepared to apply and start from fresh if I am lucky enough to be given the opportunity to do so.

Why would you consider me to be a higher risk to leaving than the next person?if anything I would say that I would be lower as I am now mature enough and have the luxury of hind sight to aid me in my decision making process. This is something a fresh from school applicant does not posess.

I have taken your advice and contacted my local AFCO again today and was advised to call in with my papers so that they can send them to ACOS when the trade reopens (approx 3 months). At least I should get a straight answer and know officially where I stand so that I can then take the next step safe in the knowledge that I explored all avenues.

Please interpret this post as it was intended, as a non offensive information gathering exercise.

Thanks for taking the time to reply,

Regards,

Nobby.

 

[FeedTheYak]

Hi Nobby, glad you have visited the AFCO and are starting the process. From your reply, it certainly seems that you are a mature candidate. I personally do not think you are a high risk candidate, BUT I know that Rec Control do consider previous leavers as possibly higher risk. Hence why, they want to scrutinise your previous service and will not re-employ if there is any signs that you are going to be 'trouble'. (Am sure you are not by the way). Bottom line is, it costs a hell of a lot of money to train someone like yourself, and the RAF needs to be confident that you won’t bale out again. (I think that a fair enough stance).
I do wish you well with your application, and can honestly say that, if you do rejoin the RAF, you have done very well and it will be fully deserved.

 

[Soon To Leave]

Hi Nobby,

The environment within the RAF is far less stable than it was 4 years ago. When it comes to Out of Area Deployments and detachments to sandy places would you now be prepared to put the RAF before your family when required. That's a question you really need to ponder over and only you can answer it.

FeedTheYak has given you some really good advice. Consider yourself a new recruit and look forward to initial and trade training. Looking back on my RAF life, the toughest parts were in training but they were also the best parts as you worked as a team with a common goal and you worked hard and played hard.

Consider joining other trades and keep working on your fitness as that is the RAF's flavour of the month.

Good Luck! DT_Xtremez_30:

 

[Nobby664]

Hi Nobby,

The environment within the RAF is far less stable than it was 4 years ago. When it comes to Out of Area Deployments and detachments to sandy places would you now be prepared to put the RAF before your family when required. That's a question you really need to ponder over and only you can answer it.

FeedTheYak has given you some really good advice. Consider yourself a new recruit and look forward to initial and trade training. Looking back on my RAF life, the toughest parts were in training but they were also the best parts as you worked as a team with a common goal and you worked hard and played hard.

Consider joining other trades and keep working on your fitness as that is the RAF's flavour of the month.

Good Luck! DT_Xtremez_30:

Hello,

Thanks for the reply, I am prepared to complete my share of the trips to the hot and sandy places. In fact I am actually looking forward to it as I never experienced it 1st time round and won't get to of I don't persue this application.

At present I am simply exploring all options that may be available to me before committing to one in particular. For the long term this time. I am also looking at other trades as I have improved my qualifications since leaving and have more options available. Don't suppose you know any environmental health technicians do you? (off to the AFCO on Friday to pick up some brochures).

The instability that you mention, I take it this is due to a change in working practices and under funding. If so, this is something that I have experienced since embarking on my "2nd career" and hopefully I have learned to come to terms with. Never easy but I find it far less problematic to just accept change and work with it rather than fight it, try to pick the positives out of any given situation. (Much better for you in the long run too).