Hey all, long time lurker finally decided to make an account.
I was wondering if I could get some opinions on a way forward for myself. I'm a (mature?) student in my mid 20's, about to enter the final year of my degree course in an engineering degree who is considering joining the RAF as an Officer - either Regular or Reserve. Obviously, my first choice would be in engineering (aerosystems ideally). I don't recall there being a Reserve option for engineers - only Regular unless prior service experience?
Anyway, was looking for some opinions in the matter, either from those serving in this field or someone in the know. What's the lifestyle like? Promotion? Career progression? Travel? Detachment frequency? Likely areas of postings? Chance of being able to work on fast jets? Any info at all, I've already scoured the leaflets and web a huge amount, but would like some real world information aside from the usual promotional stuff.
I'm pretty familiar with the RAF as a whole, served around 2 years as a Reservist in my early 20's (hence the push to further education to rejoin the RAF as an engineer on fast jets - had initially wanted to transfer to the Regulars but some good advice from a Corporal at the time was to go and get a degree and worry about that later on. Obviously though when you're out in the world (studying for 4 years now, left Reserves 3 years ago), your goals can shift and I am now slightly hesitant, mostly due to the fact I know I can can get very good pay in a civilian job with relative ease. Also, what are the chances of me ending up on a remote base in England for a number of years?
So, any information or advice would be helpful. I'd realistically be signing up a bit later on than most graduate engineers so I'm a bit worried whether or not I'd fit in.
Thanks guys.
I was wondering if I could get some opinions on a way forward for myself. I'm a (mature?) student in my mid 20's, about to enter the final year of my degree course in an engineering degree who is considering joining the RAF as an Officer - either Regular or Reserve. Obviously, my first choice would be in engineering (aerosystems ideally). I don't recall there being a Reserve option for engineers - only Regular unless prior service experience?
Anyway, was looking for some opinions in the matter, either from those serving in this field or someone in the know. What's the lifestyle like? Promotion? Career progression? Travel? Detachment frequency? Likely areas of postings? Chance of being able to work on fast jets? Any info at all, I've already scoured the leaflets and web a huge amount, but would like some real world information aside from the usual promotional stuff.
I'm pretty familiar with the RAF as a whole, served around 2 years as a Reservist in my early 20's (hence the push to further education to rejoin the RAF as an engineer on fast jets - had initially wanted to transfer to the Regulars but some good advice from a Corporal at the time was to go and get a degree and worry about that later on. Obviously though when you're out in the world (studying for 4 years now, left Reserves 3 years ago), your goals can shift and I am now slightly hesitant, mostly due to the fact I know I can can get very good pay in a civilian job with relative ease. Also, what are the chances of me ending up on a remote base in England for a number of years?
So, any information or advice would be helpful. I'd realistically be signing up a bit later on than most graduate engineers so I'm a bit worried whether or not I'd fit in.
Thanks guys.