Logistics Officer route

[AfraidOfWater]

Hi,

I've applied (again) to become a Logistics Officer with the RAF. My previous application had to be scrapped as I was lacking GCSEs in Maths. I got that (for the 3rd time in my life) and I can finally go on with the process.

I'm currently working in logistics at K+N c/o Airbus looking after spare and production parts for the A400M Atlas. I've developed a bit of a passion for logistics over the past few years and can't think of a better career progression than actually mixing that interest with the job of a RAF Officer.

Due to my age (30) I'll already have a tough time getting in and to avoid putting all eggs into one basket I'm also exploring a possibility of joining the Royal Navy, also as a Logistics Officer. In October I went for a Potential Logistics Officer visit and absolutely loved it. I'll not get into the typical "why Navy has better LOs than the RAF and the Army" but I hope at least that the RAF can offer similar package that the RN does.

I had a chance to meet many young officers, fresh from the initial training, going into their specialization. I got the feeling that they all wake up in the morning thinking 'wow, I cannot wait to see what the new day will bring'. I want that passion for my job and the sense of responsibility and fulfillment.

I do have some previous military experience as I served in the Polish army before moving to the UK. I'm comfortable with the military life style but I'm wondering what actually I'm getting myself into here.

• How varied is the Logistics Officer role?
• How likely would I be to be deployed or moved around the UK? I have a wife and a very young daughter so this aspect is very important although I must say that the very fact of us moving to the UK in the first place made us both very flexible and adaptive - I'm not worried about us, as much as about our daughter.
• What's the current demand for LOs in the RAF?
• How selective is the branch; is the bar considerably higher than for the majority of other Officer roles? With the RN it's the cream of the crop that they want.
• And finally, does a bottle of Corona also cost around £1.40 in the RAFs equivalent of the Wardroom? It does in the Navy's so that's how I'll measure the quality of service

I know that the need of the service comes first and it's hard to answer above questions but perhaps someone here is currently serving in the logistics branch and could give me some insight? Hope my questions are not stupid. I do ask them every occasion I get; trying to get answers from a wide spectrum of sources.

Thanks a lot and feel free to ask me any questions as well. Not that many Poles wanting (or able) to join the military in the UK I guess.

Cheers

 

[Stevienics]

How varied is the Logistics Officer role?
Pretty varied: Fuels specialisation, Air Movements, Station Supply, Supply accounting, Catering and contracts, Deployment Support, Explosives Storage, MT management. It really depends on what stage of your career you are at. people specialise after the end of their first post Phase 2 tour and Out of Area deployment.


How likely would I be to be deployed or moved around the UK? I have a wife and a very young daughter so this aspect is very important although I must say that the very fact of us moving to the UK in the first place made us both very flexible and adaptive - I'm not worried about us, as much as about our daughter.
Very likely. As you will be largely inexperienced for the fist few years, you tend to get moved every couple of years. You will also do 6 months away out of area at least once. Also consider that F35 may see time away for Loggies and Engineers on Carriers. You might want to consider this

What's the current demand for LOs in the RAF?
Big. Not as big as engineers, but Logs is a big thing now.

How selective is the branch; is the bar considerably higher than for the majority of other Officer roles? With the RN it's the cream of the crop that they want.
Not as high as you might think, but balance that against the popularity and demand for the branch, which is quite high. At one time, aircrew who failed to make the grade used to populate a lot of posts - now they need to get boarded for suitability.


And finally, does a bottle of Corona also cost around £1.40 in the RAFs equivalent of the Wardroom? It does in the Navy's so that's how I'll measure the quality of service
Loggies drink fine wine. Lager is for plebs.

 

[AfraidOfWater]

Thank you Stevienics for your reply.

I don't really like drinking wine; I hope this will not damage my chances of joining the RAF as a LO. Moreover, I could not distinguish a fine wine between a pi** poor one. I better not mention that at any stage of the recruitment process.

I'm glad to hear that there's a demand for Logistic Officers. I've been reading a lot about that branch and the more I leran the more I want to join. I consider myself very flexible and would definitely want a job that would challenge me.

It would be great to have a chance to speak with a serving LO but to do that I would probably have to go on a visit, which I definitely won't have time for. There's a FB group for ex- as well as serving RAF Loggies but I don't really want to bother anyone there, although they may be happy to enlighten a potential recruit.

My initial interview is scheduled one week from now. I must admit that learning about the RAF in general is a great fun. I'm watching "Inside the Brize Norton" with my wife but she's only interested in the bits where they show reunions, kids and all other family related stuff.

Thanks again

 

[FOMz]

.

I'm watching "Inside the Brize Norton"

Don't put too much creedence by that program, it shows what the producers wanted that make great trash TV.. not actually what goes on.

 

[AfraidOfWater]

Thanks FOMz.

I know that 'Inside Brize Norton' is more of a PR excercise but it helps to at least visualise the environment and get some idea on how things work. I'm pretty sure that some of the shown 'emergencies' were staged. I also got a feeling that some of the interviewed personnel didn't really want to be on camera.

For my wife it's a chance to see the family stuff; that's her sole focus right now.

Every day I'm discovering, what I hope is, more reliable and valid information about the RAF. I'm digging throught the official website but although it should be very reliable it's still not perfect.

Perhaps there's a periodical or a good newspaper I should look at?

What about

http://www.newsstand.co.uk/157-Mili...scribe-to-RAF-NEWS-Magazine-Subscription.aspx

Cheers

 

[FOMz]

I'm not a recruiter, but there are a few on the site who can advise you better... personally, I would go for the Broadsheets.. Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Observer, maybe The Economist to give you a good broad base of current affairs..

 

[Elwood]

I'm not a recruiter, but there are a few on the site who can advise you better... personally, I would go for the Broadsheets.. Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Observer, maybe The Economist to give you a good broad base of current affairs..

Try 'The Week' which is a digest of most of the top stories, sometimes with comparisons between how different newspapers have commented on them.

Have you thought about a Station visit? These can be arranged, either through the Careers Information Office, or direct to your nearest RAF unit.

 

[AfraidOfWater]

Try 'The Week' which is a digest of most of the top stories, sometimes with comparisons between how different newspapers have commented on them.

Have you thought about a Station visit? These can be arranged, either through the Careers Information Office, or direct to your nearest RAF unit.

Thank you Elwood for your advice.

I would love to go on a Station visit but unfortunately I have little to no time to arrange anything extra apart from storming through the recruitment process. If I won't get on the May's intake I'll be too old to join as a Logistics Officer.

In October 2016 I went on a Potential Logistics Officer visit with the RN and it was really great. Everyone considering joining any of the military branches should at least try to go on one of these visits. It's not only a great fun but more importnatly an invaluable opportunity to learn about the chosen trade. I even got a tour of the HMS Somerset, I felt like a kid going to a themepark for the first time. Great stuff.

 

[Elwood]

Afraid of Water - Check PMs

 

[penfold93]

The I newspaper is a good starter as that gives a good daily overview of what is happening locally and globally then you can expand from there, Telegraph is also good as is the BBC News website, FCO and CIA.

 

[AfraidOfWater]

Thank you everyone for their replies.

I've subscribed to the 'RAF News'. It's not that bad but I guess it should be considered a promotional material rather than an actual newspaper.

I got through my interview, passed and received a good feedback. I'm to practice giving more tight and precise answers to questions. I tend to talk much more than required; on topic but too much content.

I'm going to visit the RAF Brize Norton next month to hear all the good stuff about the RAF. I just hope I'll also get a chance to learn about the not so great aspects of the service. I got my hands on the RAF Strategy and as usually dived into it expecting to learn some hard facts and actual plans for the future. Unfortunately the whole thing could not be more vague and 'sweeter'. Not what I expected. I actually don't feel like I've learned anything from it.

Then I went on FB and read some comments about that publication. Oh dear, so much negativity. Not what a potential candidate wants to hear. However, since people are more inclined to voice negative opinions I'll stay away from jumping into conclusions.

The next steps: RAF Brize Norton visit, Fitness test, Medical, OASC -> being happy

Cheers

 

[FOMz]

Have you looked at this yet mate?

http://www.raf.mod.uk/role/ethosvaluesstandards.cfm

 

[AfraidOfWater]

Have you looked at this yet mate?

http://www.raf.mod.uk/role/ethosvaluesstandards.cfm

Thanks FOMz. Yes, I think I read this at least five times by now. I've also done a very non environment friendly thing and printed out every RAF related piece of publication I could find. Probably added around 1kg of weight to my backpack by doing this.

The RAF Values are actually something I've spent a fair bit of time thinking about. I can remember them all, including specific elements of R.I.S.E and what they are exactly, but that wouldn't be enough. That's why I'm trying to consider every single value in relation to where it actually shines in the RAF.

That could be for example depending on personal excellence and discipline when following orders given by a much younger officer. Something that I've been asked during my interview.

There's a lot to consider and I guess just remembering key words would not get me far. After all everyone can remember words, it's the meaning that counts.

My next step is to learn as much as I can about the accommodation situation in the RAF, after the IOT and specialization training. I have a wife and an 18 moths old daughter so the question of 'where we will live' is one of the most important ones.

 

[AfraidOfWater]

Just a quick update and a bunch of questions.

I got through OASC last week and it took them only 4 days to deem me not competitive enough for the logistics branch. I know where I went wrong and it came down to just a few elements of the selection process. The overall experience was great; my syndicate was made of very bright and friendly people and we stormed through the group tasks, no problem.

Anyway, no point in crying quietly in the corner, time to move on and keep the momentum going. OASC gave me an option to pursue the RAF Regiment Officer role and considering that I pass PROC I could be going for IOT later this year. It is a role I looked at when I first took interest in joining the RAF. I work in logistics (production and support for the A400M aircraft) and it was only natural to consider a similar trade first.

I'm yet to discover what makes me non-competitive for logs but viable enough for RAF Regiment. I don't want to be guessing here, although I do have some wild theories, I'll know on Friday - my deadline for making a decision if I want it or not.

At this stage my best option would be to go on PROC and just squeeze as much info out of that as possible. However, since I can ask here as well, has anyone here got any insight into the life of a RAF regiment Officer? I can easily gather the most basic information but need to know about the stuff that no one posts online. Stuff like:

• Would I be able to 'drag' my wife and daughter with me while I do JROC? It's 37 weeks long and that comes on top of the 26 weeks of IOT.
• What opportunities Reg Officers get in the terms of further training and education? Considering that the core role is super heavy on combat I believe it would be a good idea to train in some non-combat orientated skills, for the sake of balance (sanity) I guess.
• I'm always committed to whatever I do but as a father I need to look beyond the next 12 years. What kind of jobs RAF Reg Officers can aim for after leaving? Personally I would like to stay in as long as possible and perhaps after a few solid years go the training route.

Any other RAF Regiment Officer info would be very appreciated.

Thanks a lot

 

[Mag2grid]

Just a quick update and a bunch of questions.

I got through OASC last week and it took them only 4 days to deem me not competitive enough for the logistics branch. I know where I went wrong and it came down to just a few elements of the selection process. The overall experience was great; my syndicate was made of very bright and friendly people and we stormed through the group tasks, no problem.

Anyway, no point in crying quietly in the corner, time to move on and keep the momentum going. OASC gave me an option to pursue the RAF Regiment Officer role and considering that I pass PROC I could be going for IOT later this year. It is a role I looked at when I first took interest in joining the RAF. I work in logistics (production and support for the A400M aircraft) and it was only natural to consider a similar trade first.

I'm yet to discover what makes me non-competitive for logs but viable enough for RAF Regiment. I don't want to be guessing here, although I do have some wild theories, I'll know on Friday - my deadline for making a decision if I want it or not.

At this stage my best option would be to go on PROC and just squeeze as much info out of that as possible. However, since I can ask here as well, has anyone here got any insight into the life of a RAF regiment Officer? I can easily gather the most basic information but need to know about the stuff that no one posts online. Stuff like:

• Would I be able to 'drag' my wife and daughter with me while I do JROC? It's 37 weeks long and that comes on top of the 26 weeks of IOT.
• What opportunities Reg Officers get in the terms of further training and education? Considering that the core role is super heavy on combat I believe it would be a good idea to train in some non-combat orientated skills, for the sake of balance (sanity) I guess.
• I'm always committed to whatever I do but as a father I need to look beyond the next 12 years. What kind of jobs RAF Reg Officers can aim for after leaving? Personally I would like to stay in as long as possible and perhaps after a few solid years go the training route.

Any other RAF Regiment Officer info would be very appreciated.

Thanks a lot

I can answer the bits about the J Course
- You will be entitled to a quarter during JROC, but not IOT. The J Course is not to be taken lightly, it is 37 weeks full on, we started with 47 on the course and 22 finished on the original course. You go back to the mess shattered every night and you do travel around the UK a lot to various training areas, you'll get to love Sennybridge, you could find yourself there for 3 weeks in the latter part of the course.
- your first tour will be as a Flt Cdr on a field squadron. After that you can go OC Force Protection Training Flight, instructional duties at Halton, Cranwell, Training Wing at The Depot even Sandhurst. You can do TACP or there are a hand full of jobs at FPHQ doing policy but they will staffed by your senior Flt Lt's or Sqn Ldrs. As a JO you will also be required to complete the Junior Officer Development Programme. I was surprised how little of a Flt Cdr's time is actually spent on the job JROC trains you to do( more admin, planning ranges exercises etc)
-People who were on my JROC and have timed out or PVR'd have ended up in a host of jobs, Police, Fire &Rescue Service, MOD Police, Middle East Airport Secuirty advisors, commercial pilot, set up Defence Consultancy, transferred to the Australian Defence Forces.

 

[AfraidOfWater]

I can answer the bits about the J Course
- You will be entitled to a quarter during JROC, but not IOT. The J Course is not to be taken lightly, it is 37 weeks full on, we started with 47 on the course and 22 finished on the original course. You go back to the mess shattered every night and you do travel around the UK a lot to various training areas, you'll get to love Sennybridge, you could find yourself there for 3 weeks in the latter part of the course.
- your first tour will be as a Flt Cdr on a field squadron. After that you can go OC Force Protection Training Flight, instructional duties at Halton, Cranwell, Training Wing at The Depot even Sandhurst. You can do TACP or there are a hand full of jobs at FPHQ doing policy but they will staffed by your senior Flt Lt's or Sqn Ldrs. As a JO you will also be required to complete the Junior Officer Development Programme. I was surprised how little of a Flt Cdr's time is actually spent on the job JROC trains you to do( more admin, planning ranges exercises etc)
-People who were on my JROC and have timed out or PVR'd have ended up in a host of jobs, Police, Fire &Rescue Service, MOD Police, Middle East Airport Secuirty advisors, commercial pilot, set up Defence Consultancy, transferred to the Australian Defence Forces.

Thank you very much for your reply. This is gold.

I was also able to confirm with my local AFCO about the possibility to take my wife and the little one with me for the duration of JROC. Even if I would be away for days/weeks it would still be great to have them close. If that was not an option my wife would put this entire endeavor into doubt.

I'm glad to hear that Reg Officer's job is not purely combat orientated and that it would allow me to work in many capacities. I've trained quite a lot of new staff at work and it is something I enjoy doing; perhaps I would have an opportunity to do instructional duties. Furthermore, because I did International Relations at Uni having an chance to work as an UN observer would be simply awesome.

I've done as much research into RAF Regiment as I could over the last few days and I strongly believe that it has a lot to offer; as long as one is willing to work for it that is. I will ask OASC today to put me on the list for PROC. Visiting RAF Honington would allow me to ask JOs and senior officers plenty of questions about the RAF Regiment. I'm wondering actually how many people have to do PROC after OASC; which usually happens the other way around.

Thank you again for your reply Mag2grid, I appreciate it.

 

[Stevienics]

I'm yet to discover what makes me non-competitive for logs but viable enough for RAF Regiment.

I'm going to hazard a guess it comes down to supply and demand. There are very large projects running at the moment which will further skew the civilian/serviceman balance in many branches, especially Logs.

 

[AfraidOfWater]

I'm going to hazard a guess it comes down to supply and demand. There are very large projects running at the moment which will further skew the civilian/serviceman balance in many branches, especially Logs.

Despite the disappointment of not being allowed to pursue the logs route, I do trust the OASC and strongly believe that they're doing their best to allocate the right people for the right jobs. Just because I want it doesn't mean I should get it. Recruiting potential officers is a serious business and I'm glad that they've recognized my potential for serving in the Regiment.

I've decided to go for it and for the first time since I've applied I was offered a detailed timeline. I'll have an interview at the end of this month; about 20% of the OASC's interview just to see If I know everything I should about the job. After that I'm going for PROC in June. If everything works out well I'll be loaded onto IOT in October. Nothing's guaranteed yet but I think I have a really good shot at this.

Now I just need to work on my fitness and get as much information on RAF Regiment as possible.

Could I ask one of the moderators to change the thread's topic from 'Logistics Officer route' to ' Regiment Officers route'? I don't really want to open a new thread. Thank you

 

[busby1971]

Can't emphasis how important fitness is, not just fit enough to pass but sufficient fitness in reserve to build resilience.

Just make sure it's what you want to do, leadership, mentoring and training will be a huge part of this role, can be fun if you're the right person.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mag2grid]

Can't emphasis how important fitness is, not just fit enough to pass but sufficient fitness in reserve to build resilience.

Agreed.

I am reliably informed that JROC is no longer a 9 month beasting for beastings sake, but the phys is hard. You will do a PT session once a day, sometimes 2. Depending on when you finish IOT you may get a "hold" somewhere from anything from a couple of weeks to 9 months, use that time to build your fitness. From the outset the Troston 5 (5 miles [not to be confused with the 5 miler of death] is the lowest distance you will run). The longest is a 10 mile "gun run" as a team ( won't lie to you it's horrific).

Your first 2 weeks will be on "beat up", 2 weeks of phys and navigation and then you start the actual J Course. Injury rates are still high on the course, rebranching if you get injured or VW (voluntary withdrawal) is pretty non existent (depending on who you talk to) Honington is not the place you want to be injured.

I have to say people going Regiment know it's something they have wanted to do for a long time, you need to be sure it's going to be right for you and your family for the next 9 years (maybe longer). You also have to commit to a certain lifestyle living at the Depot, (possibly for all your career).

Personally - if you were sold on Logistics Officer what is stopping you waiting 12 months and reapplying? It's a non attitude tested branch so I can only assume they have based their decision on your branch knowledge during your interview ( you clearly have shown potential officer qualities or they wouldn't be recommending you for another branch). Having done the selection interviews course I can only think this has been the deciding factor.

The PROC will give you a snapshot of life in the Regiment and give you an idea of the phys required. It's also intended as your opportunity to ask RTS(A) staff any questions. Seek out the the JROC student as well in the mess, if nothing's changed from when I was there in 2008 if they aren't in the field they will be told to turn and speak to you. I'd also look out for anyone who has either been withdrawn/ injured or recoursed, speak to them as well, as I said , the Depot is not the place you want to stay if you are injured or decide it's not for you.
When I did my PROAC back in 2006 I was told by the then OC JROC that the phys was progressive and they would help get you to the right standard (compared to pitching up on day 1 on beat up in 2008 doing the MSFT reaching level 13.5 and being told my effort was pathetic by a PTI that 15 was where I needed to be and they didn't have time to train me).

Im in no way trying to put you off going for Reigment Officer, I had the same issue when I went to OASC but reversed. I applied for Regiment only but passed for Crewman and Intelligence Officer but stubbornly said I wanted to be a Regiment Officer or nothing.