A
AshBen89
Guest
Hello All,
I have been lucky enough to be raised in an RAF family so the PRTC was everything i expected it to be if not better. I am eager to get in to my training but have 6 weeks to wait. This is a good opportunity for me to get on top of my fitness more...by god i know i need too.
If you are foolish enough to agree to take the train i would think again. Most of the lads including myself, had to wake up as early as 4 in order to get the various amounts of trains we did. Now think, you will be doing alot of running, marching, presentations and small test when you get to Halton. Sitting there and yawning as the corporal gives you a brief is definately the wrong impression to give. MY avice is to drive or try and get there a day before so you can rest up. After all you want this more than anything.
I was amazed that alot of people talked when the Corporal did. The best advice i can give you is to shut up and do as your told. When marching DONT look around...as soon as the Corporal picks you up on his radar...its hard to get off.
The fitness test at Finlay gym is harder then i expected it to be. I think about 50 people went on PRTC and only 40 made it through so make sure you work on your fitness alot. The bleep test was hard for me but i managed to do it...push ups and sit ups are easy. You want to aim for the RAFFT scores of 20 pressups and 35 sit ups to impress!
The food and accomodation is military issue and as an all you can eat service...take full advantage of it! The barrack blocks do what it say on the tin and "house" you. Look after them and they will look after you. Make sure you clean as you go as it makes it easier for your small inspection. It is a very good idea to start using your initiative and working as team now as you will be relying on each other alot during phase 1 training.
Take what the corporals say on the chin. They arent against you and dont hate you. Its there job to shout as they are trying to turn you into military personel. If you dont like authority then the RAF isnt for you. Give them respect and you will get it back but most importantly do what you are told first time and everytime...and adhere to the "five minuite" rule. If the corporal says i want you outside in formation by 13:00hrs it means he wants you there at 12:55hrs. Dont **** about or he will **** you about...simples.
If you dedicate yourself then when you get your boots...you start to feel like you are part of it all. Its surreal. It hasnt struk me yet that i am 6 weeks away from being a memeber of the Royal Air Force. The stores down at Halton are plush and clean...tidy up after yourself. If the boots you get given dont fit make sure you tell the corporal as you wont get another pair.
I am currently wearing my boots now and they are breaking in... as comfy as anything!
You will get the opportunity to meet various other ranks (sarges, officers, sqn leader, station cmmnd etc) and you will have ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have knockign around in your head...ASK THEM! no matter how silly they are. You will often find the silliest questions (or most important) is the one you dont ask. There will be a wealth of knowledge and experience at Halton so abuse it.
All in all, keep your head down,your nose clean, do as you are told and enjoy yourself. I am Halton sick at the moment and just want to get back in there to start my training and career.
If you want to know anything else just PM me or comment on this post.
I have been lucky enough to be raised in an RAF family so the PRTC was everything i expected it to be if not better. I am eager to get in to my training but have 6 weeks to wait. This is a good opportunity for me to get on top of my fitness more...by god i know i need too.
If you are foolish enough to agree to take the train i would think again. Most of the lads including myself, had to wake up as early as 4 in order to get the various amounts of trains we did. Now think, you will be doing alot of running, marching, presentations and small test when you get to Halton. Sitting there and yawning as the corporal gives you a brief is definately the wrong impression to give. MY avice is to drive or try and get there a day before so you can rest up. After all you want this more than anything.
I was amazed that alot of people talked when the Corporal did. The best advice i can give you is to shut up and do as your told. When marching DONT look around...as soon as the Corporal picks you up on his radar...its hard to get off.
The fitness test at Finlay gym is harder then i expected it to be. I think about 50 people went on PRTC and only 40 made it through so make sure you work on your fitness alot. The bleep test was hard for me but i managed to do it...push ups and sit ups are easy. You want to aim for the RAFFT scores of 20 pressups and 35 sit ups to impress!
The food and accomodation is military issue and as an all you can eat service...take full advantage of it! The barrack blocks do what it say on the tin and "house" you. Look after them and they will look after you. Make sure you clean as you go as it makes it easier for your small inspection. It is a very good idea to start using your initiative and working as team now as you will be relying on each other alot during phase 1 training.
Take what the corporals say on the chin. They arent against you and dont hate you. Its there job to shout as they are trying to turn you into military personel. If you dont like authority then the RAF isnt for you. Give them respect and you will get it back but most importantly do what you are told first time and everytime...and adhere to the "five minuite" rule. If the corporal says i want you outside in formation by 13:00hrs it means he wants you there at 12:55hrs. Dont **** about or he will **** you about...simples.
If you dedicate yourself then when you get your boots...you start to feel like you are part of it all. Its surreal. It hasnt struk me yet that i am 6 weeks away from being a memeber of the Royal Air Force. The stores down at Halton are plush and clean...tidy up after yourself. If the boots you get given dont fit make sure you tell the corporal as you wont get another pair.
I am currently wearing my boots now and they are breaking in... as comfy as anything!
You will get the opportunity to meet various other ranks (sarges, officers, sqn leader, station cmmnd etc) and you will have ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have knockign around in your head...ASK THEM! no matter how silly they are. You will often find the silliest questions (or most important) is the one you dont ask. There will be a wealth of knowledge and experience at Halton so abuse it.
All in all, keep your head down,your nose clean, do as you are told and enjoy yourself. I am Halton sick at the moment and just want to get back in there to start my training and career.
If you want to know anything else just PM me or comment on this post.