ICT Specialist

[Andrew]

I've been interested in joining the Regiment, but I have had some interest in the role of ICT Specialist. The reason is I want a career when I leave the RAF. I've worked as a modern apprentice IT Technician so I understand the basics of ICT. But I wouldn't mind getting further into it, with regards to the radar side and expertises with aircraft.

One worry I have is that on the site it states I need a C in a science based course. I have 2 D's in Double Science at GCSE with another 3 C's in Maths, French and English Language. Im just wondering will this hinder my chances in applying for this role?

Another one of my worries is I'll be stuck in a help line role for my career will this happen? Or will i get to do other stuff than manning a help line.

I've also read on the Careers site that you can work with the RAF Regiment during excerise and tours, just after information as to what this role would be like?

Cheers for reading and hopefully providing information.

Andrew

 

[ITgeek]

depends , they are looking for trade group 4 at the momment and there is a non qualified route where you have to score more points in the aptitude test, speak to your local afco

 

[Rugby-Jock-Lad]

I've been interested in joining the Regiment, but I have had some interest in the role of ICT Specialist. The reason is I want a career when I leave the RAF. I've worked as a modern apprentice IT Technician so I understand the basics of ICT. But I wouldn't mind getting further into it, with regards to the radar side and expertises with aircraft.

One worry I have is that on the site it states I need a C in a science based course. I have 2 D's in Double Science at GCSE with another 3 C's in Maths, French and English Language. Im just wondering will this hinder my chances in applying for this role?

Another one of my worries is I'll be stuck in a help line role for my career will this happen? Or will i get to do other stuff than manning a help line.

I've also read on the Careers site that you can work with the RAF Regiment during excerise and tours, just after information as to what this role would be like?

Cheers for reading and hopefully providing information.

Andrew

Andrew. I can only give things from a TG4 point of view. IT Geek is a regular on the forum and he has probably more useful advice on joining up than me as he is thinking about now joining.

TG4 as I understand it (Ex-TG3 Ground Electronics) has Helpdesk jobs as far as I am aware. There is a bit of confusion especially as my former trade TG3 and TG11 Telecommunication Operators (TCOs) merged to form the new IT trade. Only problem is we have what is called Legacy equipment (Older style electronic equipment that is not Windows/Unix IT based but proper electronics). Personnel like myself are expected to continually look after this in the meantime until newer IT driven Network Enable Communications (NEC) equipment is brought injto service.

Frolm what I understand you would go on a course called BT1 after Basic Training at RAF Halton and pass out as an ICT apprentice from RAF Cosford. You should not work on Radar systems once you qualify from training as you cannot touch any analogue systems that may potentially interfere with the control/communication of aircraft in accordance with the Bible that we use for what was originally called the CIS Trades (Communication and Information Systems). How rigidly this is adhered to I do not know. You can then go on to do further training that will a include a course called BT 2 which would then allow you to dabble in Legacy equipment (now called Enduring Capability) such as Radars if selected by ACOS Manning for these posts.

Suggest you look at the TG4 Trade threads on here to get an idea about what is going on.

The trade is in a state of flux as it is just new, but on the positive side will offer you diversity in a job the likes you have never seen and will reward you if you have a good attitude. If you decide no to stay in the RAF at least this trade will reward you with specific aptitudes for civvy street.

Any more questions on TG4 then PM me and I'll see what I can do to help

 

[Cashew]

I am shocked!!!!

Rugby Jock Lad, I take it all back!

This is the first time that I have seen you actually put a positive thread on here!

All of what was mentioned in the previous thread was pretty much as it is. Good advise, the educational qualifications may be overlooked as the quota for recruiting into TG4 is 300 this year, at the end of Jan this year they had only managed to get approx 21 persons through the door! Don't let this put you off, the military is struggling to recruit across the board.

Your previous experience with IT should help, so dont forget to mention this at the AFCO. Good luck to you!DT_Xtremez_30:

 

[Wing boy]

Fcuk me the man does have a sensible head on him once in a while. Kudos to RJL.

I will not repeat it however.

 

[Rugby-Jock-Lad]

Fcuk me the man does have a sensible head on him once in a while. Kudos to RJL.

I will not repeat it however.

I love you all really!!! Just funny watching you lot bite sometimes!!! I'm just taking the P1ss!!!

 

[Kernowsmaddestman]

Tg4

Tg4

I joined up as TG4 when it was called CIS Operator/Maintainer, Back in 2005, When i got to Trade trainning in 2006 and was within the 1st ten courses, i joined up qualified, but others on my course joined unqualified and done the same course all the way through.

When you come to your 1st post you should be moved around each part of the comms sections going Ground radio, Helpdesk Etc.

Working with the Reg in are Trade would Mainly be with TCW (Tatical Comms Wing) Basic be setting up and maintaing there comms in the feild among other jobs, not being on the wing wouldnt really know,

Hope that helps if anyone wants to correct me please do

Cheers

 

[Andrew]

So when you get to your unit its doing abit of everything? How long would you do on each? I mean how long would you be stuck on Help Desk for?

Going to go down to Careers Office as soon as work will allow me to.

How hard would it be to get onto TCW?

Thanks again for all the great responses!DT_Xtremez_30:

Andrew

 

[Chickaroo]

You should not have a problem getting onto TCW straight from training. Good Luck DT_Xtremez_28:

 

[Andrew]

You should not have a problem getting onto TCW straight from training. Good Luck DT_Xtremez_28:

Sorry I've read threads from here and alot from ARRSE, is that sarcasm or is it really that easy? DT_Xtremez_17:

 

[JAFAD666]

How hard would it be to get onto TCW?

Very easy, on the new JPA (Joint Personal Administration) you can select certain specialist posts TCW being one of them. As 1 volunteer is worth a 1000 pressed men, I think you`d be there pretty quick.

 

[Chickaroo]

It really is that easy, about 10 years ago I got offered it straight from training, but turned it down. Personal choice. But with this current Air Force, if you dont get it straight from training, you can apply to go for it at any point, they are always asking for volunteers, and a lot of the guys on there dont want to leave. DT_Xtremez_27:

 

[freebass]

I'm led to believe that with our 'managed' careers every other tour will be a green tour.........

 

[I love KAF!]

Andrew I have a different view on tcw as a posting (I spent 4 and a half years there) and ict as a trade if you would like to pm me then i will get back to you and go into specifics.

 

[Kernowsmaddestman]

well from what i was told we were ment to change around ever 6 months, and after 18 months go back for more training, but thats been canned atm, As for gettin on TCW on my course of 12, 8 went to the Wing so pretty good chance

 

[unruly1986]

well from what i was told we were ment to change around ever 6 months, and after 18 months go back for more training, but thats been canned atm, As for gettin on TCW on my course of 12, 8 went to the Wing so pretty good chance

What course were you on?

How are you finding the job after training?

 

[The Masked Geek]

Andrew I have a different view on tcw as a posting (I spent 4 and a half years there) and ict as a trade if you would like to pm me then i will get back to you and go into specifics.

Can't we all beneifit from your insight?

 

[Mug?]

The wing

The wing

TCW is the old name for the main expeditionary side of the ICT trade group.
Not a lot of info about it on the WWW.
Was always (still is amongst the older generation) seen as a bad place to go.
Spending a lot of time away from family, long hours, bad conditions, living in tents, playing at being the Army.
It is a very professional unit and has a lot of achievments that are never really talked about in the Flying airforce.
The job is very rewarding but is very hard work at times and does place a stuggle on family life.
If you are single, want an enjoyable and rewarding job and like getting messed around by our lords and masters. Go for it.
A lot of people refuse to go there and leave if there is a sniff they might go there.
We don't really work with the regiment but will use similar skills and get trained by them but as a secondary skill to primary roles.
By the way RJL has had a talking to by his boss I reckon. I look forward to a new user appearing soon maybe--- Football Welsh Girl???

 

[Rugby-Jock-Lad]

TCW is the old name for the main expeditionary side of the ICT trade group.
Not a lot of info about it on the WWW.
Was always (still is amongst the older generation) seen as a bad place to go.
Spending a lot of time away from family, long hours, bad conditions, living in tents, playing at being the Army.
It is a very professional unit and has a lot of achievments that are never really talked about in the Flying airforce.
The job is very rewarding but is very hard work at times and does place a stuggle on family life.
If you are single, want an enjoyable and rewarding job and like getting messed around by our lords and masters. Go for it.
A lot of people refuse to go there and leave if there is a sniff they might go there.
We don't really work with the regiment but will use similar skills and get trained by them but as a secondary skill to primary roles.
By the way RJL has had a talking to by his boss I reckon. I look forward to a new user appearing soon maybe--- Football Welsh Girl???

Ya p@ss taking git!! Not quite. Got my sensible head on for all of 5 mins LOL. FWG...Now that's an idea. I'll just get my TCO skirt on. Call me Angela!!!!DT_Xtremez_28:

 

[Studley dangerfcuk]

Angela, your starting to scare me now. Step back from the skirt.

Studley DT_Xtremez_42: DT_Xtremez_42: DT_Xtremez_42: DT_Xtremez_42: