I'm new

[britfog]

Apparently i should introduce myself.

I'm in the application process - had my selection interview today.
Was applying for Firefighter - but apparently i 'don't seem like the type'
Wouldn't be annoyed except one of the reasons was 'They tend to be bigger'

Been reccomended for a few roles - main one that appeals to me is Int Analysis.

Got quite a few questions, so i guess i'll make a new thread somewhere and hope you guys find it

 

[ktuludays]

Be careful of being pushed into a trade you don't want to do.

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk

 

[britfog]

To be honest, i've always looked at Int Analyst type of roles - almost joined G4S on a low level researcher role.

I wanted Firefighter as a hands on, physical based and just fulfilling job, but think i come across as too much of an intellectual.

I'll ask here quickly, even if it is the wrong board - please direct me to a better section - but the Int board hasn' seen any activity for several years.
Would it be best to look into the other forces for Int roles?
I understand that the Army Int Corps is much larger, much wider scoped, and generally a more respected Int organization - so would i be better off pursuing that - rather than RAF which i applied to with FireFighter in mind.
Obviously i'm going to be talking to the AFCO, but wouldn't mind some other opinions on the matter.

I intend to get the point across that i'm more than physically capable of going for the Firefighter role either way - even if i'm not 'that big'

 

[Trusty Adjusty]

I currently work within recruiting and if what you say is correct, you've been given at best, lazy careers advice.
As at now - the firefighter trade is available for recruiting and so long as you meet the academic criteria for the role and eligibility (on the careers website) your local AFCO should process you. First stage being the airmens selection test and then if successful, a suitability interview.

It is a popular role in the RAF and thus the service can be selective over who we put forward for the specialist interview stage.

My advice - if you're passionate about being a firefighter stick to your guns and explore the avenue as far as possible - don't look back in years to come and regret it. It certainly wouldn't hurt to have a plan B should it not come off and I would hope you are afforded some honest, credible and realistic advice from your recruiting office staff.

Intelligence roles are a "Hard to Recruit" trade currently i.e - we need them and don't get many applicants. Just be mindful of this when discussing options and/or being dissuaded from your initial preference. I'd be disappointed to hear that disingenuous or self serving careers advice was being used in my area. Our focus should be on "candidate relationship management" and thus we should be trying our best to get good people in good jobs that they want to do.

Retention on is one of our biggest issues currently and I don't doubt that historic poor career management at AFCO stages is a contributing factor. If you need any help during the application process or second opinions feel free to PM directly on here britfog. Oh and welcome to the goat!

 

[britfog]

Already taken my AST - passed for all roles (did very badly at Work Rate but who cares)
Today was my initial selection interveiw.
I was interviewed by the OC, and the way he said it it sounded like i wouldn't be able to continue my application for Firefighter.
To be honest, Int Analysis does seem my type of role - but i don't like the reasons given for being steered away from Firefighter - i may not be 'big' but i have a background as a competitive Powerlifter so i can't see why that matters.

I am very honestly looking into Int Anal, as it may suit me better

Mainly want to know peoples views on Int Analysis in all the branches - as it seems the Army Int Corps would be the best place to go rather than through the RAF - obviously the RAF recruiter wouldn't say that though

 

[222]

There's no height or other physical restrictions on the FFTR trade as long as you can pass all the tests and interview on the three day Specialist Interview course. There are all sorts within the trade from large and tall body builder types to small slightly built folk. They all have one thing in common though, are fairly fit and have passed the entry selection tests and have shown determination and the other attributes looked for at the Specialist Interview.

If you meet the entry requirements for the trade at the afco they should be putting you forward for Spec Int. for the Trade to select you or give you advice on what you need to improve on before a second attempt.

Do you have a full clean driving license as that is an entry requirement?

Are you near an RAF unit with a Fire Section?

 

[britfog]

What AFCO are you going through bud?

Feels a bit too like ratting on the OC
To be honest - i think he had me booked quite well, I've looked at Intelligence analyst work before but kinda dismissed it as i don't have a degree or relevant qualifications for Civvy analyst work.
For some reason i just didn't look at Int as a career again.

Do you have a full clean driving license as that is an entry requirement?

It's a requirement - i've got one - can't find the card but i had all the share details code etc - they said it would be fine to send it in once i got a new one, after payday

Are you near an RAF unit with a Fire Section?

BrizeNorton

 

[222]

I would go to this page

http://www.raf.mod.uk/events/index....onth=6&postcode=Ox183lx&pageno=1&eventid=1459

Tell them you have been to the afco and spoken to an RAF FFTR who suggested visiting a Fire Section. If it's still for you afterwards you can then revisit the AFCO and be able to strengthen your case for trade selection as you will have shown a positive attitude towards progressing your application.

 

[Stevienics]

There's no height or other physical restrictions on the FFTR trade as long as you can pass all the tests

That said, you've got to be able to jump at least up to net height.

 

[britfog]

I'm five foot ten

I think he meant bigger built - but I'd hazard to guess that i'm stronger than the majority of FF recruits - and that's what the fitness tests are for anyway.

Honestly - i'm thinking Int might be a better choice for me, but i'll try get a visit to a Fire section, and see how much of Int i'll be able to talk to/visit.

Getting all the way to Chicksands for a visit might be a bother

 

[222]

That said, you've got to be able to jump at least up to net height.

This is an running joke that if you do join as a FFTR you will never get bored or tired of!

 

[Humble Scribe]

FFTr trade is over manned at the moment, Int are under manned; you're likely to get in quicker if you opt for Int and whilst the location options are reduced, the roles could differ more. A FFTr is a FFTr wherever he goes, no diversity until you get into a managerial position.

 

[br9mp81]

what the raf/mod fire service need at the moment is a int/ant,its going to private contract and whats going to happen is anyones guess,as for size I was about 91/2 stone when I when to catterick and 35 years later i'm still a fftr,in fact we had one lad who was about 5"6 and went to wyton they were delighted,it was pretty tight doing lift outs on a Canberra.
its your choice at the end of the day,one thing I would say is always think of the end game,get a trade with the best skill set for when you leave.

 

[PingDit]

It sounds to me as if the first thing you need to do is make a decision between Int and Fire Fighter!