RAF

[scarr89]

I have been in the RAF just over a year now, still doing my technical training to become a weapon technician (armourer). So far I am loving the life style, but then again I am 22 have a GT TDI which is spend all my money on  I have a mrs but we cope, I come home maybe every other weekend. If you are married then I wouldn't worry, depending on situation you may get married quarters straight away. I would recommend the air force to anyone. What are you considering join as?

[dansmk3]

I'm an electrical engineer so I have a trade. Not sure how that can relate to being in the forces?!

Just fed up with jumping from job to job trying to keep up with the economy. 

I'm not the sort of person to sit back and struggle. 

the amount of kit that the RAF use the is electrical dependant!!! you will be snapped up! just go down to your local AFCO and get some info, look into doing your aptitude tests and then you can see what comes out and make your decision based on that! doing your aptitude tests dont mean your definately going in btw!

I have a mrs but we cope, I come home maybe every other weekend. If you are married then I wouldn't worry, depending on situation you may get married quarters straight away.

dont forget on basic training you prob wont be allowed out/away from camp for 6weeks as we werent! once you are past that faze its a little more relaxed, and yes 9/10 if you are married when you graduate you should get a married quater but this is dependant on availability! the rent is dirt cheap too. my mate had a 2bed £160pm WINNER lol

tellin you i bloody miss it! and good to see your doing well scarr, you been trained by any of my lot yet? lol

[JC]

There is no lump sum or pension til 55 under the new scheme  

[dansmk3]

There is no lump sum or pension til 55 under the new scheme  

exactly! if i stayed in and done my full 22 i would have retired at 40 and would be getting pension payments each month as i was on the old policy (1975 i think)

[Lewy]

Andy, if you are already a qualified electrical engineer, than I would suggest joining as a Gen Tech E, as that is your closest ground trade.

Aircraft Electrical engineering is a job for one trick ponies, and will not give you the variation that a ground trade will give you.

Do you want to give anything else a go?

Also reference the RAF Regiment comment, leave it well alone, as its crap.

The pensions are just about the be changed, as they're costing the MOD a fortune, but like the Government, they need to make cuts somewhere and guess who's going to get bummed!

[JC]

It's not enough to retire on, trust me  

[Lewy]

There is no lump sum or pension til 55 under the new scheme  

The 'new' scheme is yet to be announced, but I'm still on 75.  Soon to be shafted!

[JC]

I have been in the RAF just over a year now, still doing my technical training to become a weapon technician (armourer). So far I am loving the life style, but then again I am 22 have a GT TDI which is spend all my money on  I have a mrs but we cope, I come home maybe every other weekend. If you are married then I wouldn't worry, depending on situation you may get married quarters straight away. I would recommend the air force to anyone. What are you considering join as?

In the nicest possible way , u can't recommEnd the airforce

Cos ur not in yet, your in training.

Bend over and get ready to join the real airforce soon

[scarr89]

As I understand the new scheme you get a lump sum payment at 55, and then a % of your salary monthly until 65, then you get a larger lump sum payment and larger continual monthly payments. Me personally I am not to worried about the whole pension scheme, I feel I am too young to be worrying about potentially ruining what could be a great a fulfilling 22 year career(which I intend on completing).

As for training from the rocks have had minimal(only for 3 weeks at Halton), mostly technical in my 1st year, although I have my CCS training soon...ohh how I love the chamber!

[scarr89]

I have been in the RAF just over a year now, still doing my technical training to become a weapon technician (armourer). So far I am loving the life style, but then again I am 22 have a GT TDI which is spend all my money on  I have a mrs but we cope, I come home maybe every other weekend. If you are married then I wouldn't worry, depending on situation you may get married quarters straight away. I would recommend the air force to anyone. What are you considering join as?

In the nicest possible way , u can't recommEnd the airforce

Cos ur not in yet, your in training.


Bend over and get ready to join the real airforce soon

I have 2 more month until I get my first posting, I would like to think I am in the airforce even though we get told everyday that training is not like the 'real airforce'. We all get told from our instructor that it is far better than training. I guess you get out of it what you put in, work hard play hard IMO. Oh and trust me, I am ready to bend over, ha. I full well know what I am letting my self in for, but that is why I joined. Working savage shifts in possible 'war zones', and not seeing family and friends for possible 6 months at a time. It will all be a challenge and I like which is what I am here for.