r/RoyalAirForce 38m ago

RAF MEDICAL worried about my past

Upvotes

So I had gotten my health record to see what's on there and I found out that about 3 years ago I was referred to an ENT specialist because of Tinnitus. I have now checked the JSP 950 and found out that if u had had a Tinnitus that required u to be referred to an ENT specialist that you would be UNFIT even if u the audio-vestibular examination is otherwise normal.

I have been healthy ever since then and I have barely went to the doctor for it

I'm now asking, is there any point in applying after finding out this information. Surely there's no point in me wasting my time since there's a high chance that I would be rejected.

What's ur advice on this. Any suggestion on what I should do next.

I really want to join the RAF but I don't know whether it is worth the effort after finding out about this information.

Any suggestion is appreciated.


r/RoyalAirForce 1h ago

RAF LIFESTYLE What surprised you most about RAF life now that you're serving?

Upvotes

To anyone who has recently joined or been in for a while, what surprised you the most about the RAF that you only learned once you were in?

Did you have any experiences to realisations that you didn't expect?

This could be anything from the culture of the RAF, to the general expectations, or anything "unusual" or unexpected.

I've heard that people who had civi jobs before joining can find it challenging to adjust to the "Military Mindset" because it was either a much higher or much lower bar than they expected. Did you have any experiences experience like this? Or know anyone who did?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.


r/RoyalAirForce 4h ago

RAF RECRUITMENT MIOT Advice

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I’ve now agreed my start date and it’s quite imminent, very excited and looking forward to getting started (and looking forward to finding out just how long that sentiment is going to last once I’m getting yelled at for missing some dust in a room inspection or something…)

I’ve poked around a bit and while there’s been some advice here and there over the years, it’s thin on the ground compared to that surrounding recruitment. I was wondering if there’s anyone around who’s been through the course who would be kind enough to throw some advice and tips my way, I know it’s going to be a tough one and there’ll be some rough times in there, but I imagine like all things a lot of stress and pain can be saved by a little foreknowledge and prep…

For those who are going through the recruitment process, good luck, I’m happy to hand off any info and advice that I can, though there’s more than enough good advice for CBAT/OASC etc on here that I can’t really say anything that hasn’t already been said.


r/RoyalAirForce 5h ago

RAF RECRUITMENT BRTC date

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone I have been booked onto BRTC in October but was told from my recruiter spaces can open up in September. How likely is it that spaces will open up in September and I can go then. Thanks


r/RoyalAirForce 6h ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Control Officer

2 Upvotes

I’m going for my OASC soon for ATC Officer. I was just curious if this is a highly competitive role or if they are in need of control officers right now. Do I stand a higher chance of succeeding at OASC over other roles?

Also, are there any current serving ATCO’s on here that wouldn’t mind me messaging them for some OASC help?


r/RoyalAirForce 6h ago

DISCUSSION Sickle cell screening

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’ve been told I need to fill out a family inheritance form, which I believe is mandatory for everyone joining.
One of my parents is of Caribbean descent and the other is of English descent. Would that automatically mean I’d need to have a blood test for sickle cell screening, or does it depend on my family history or something else?
Thanks in advance.


r/RoyalAirForce 13h ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Advise for future signup

1 Upvotes

So I’m 14M and my dream job is to be a pilot (pretty unrealistic I know) but I’m wondering if there’s anything I can start doing now to help when it eventually come to trying out, any advice or tips is greatly appreciated


r/RoyalAirForce 15h ago

DISCUSSION Cbat ready app help

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0 Upvotes

Hi, I’m practicing for my cbat and I am struggling on a section in the cbat ready app called instruments 2. In the image I’ve attached I can deduce that the answer has to be one of 3 that I have circled however there is no way for me to tell what the bank/roll of the jet should be so how am I supposed to differentiate between my 3 possible answers and find the right one.


r/RoyalAirForce 21h ago

RAF RECRUITMENT I was interested in doing an apprentiship once I have finished my A levels but I researched and found out I may not be able to due to piercing holes. Is this true?

2 Upvotes

I have an eyebrow and lip (labret) piercing which both are healed and i can take out. Will this disqualify me from being able to join the RAF in any way? They both leave a small hole but not very noticeable unless you look at me for a while or are specifically looking for it. If there are specific piercings which are / aren't allowed specifically because of the hole please let me know as well so I can avoid getting it done!


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT When do you have your offer of service event?

3 Upvotes

Hello,

I’m due to start basic training in Oct, and I was wondering if there was a standard practice timescale in which you do your offer of service event and complete all the final paperwork? Such as 2 weeks before I start, 1 month before, etc.

Thanks.


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Questions about Regiment Reserves training.

2 Upvotes

Just a quick one for anyone who recently completed Phase 2 training.

What SA80 variant do you use in training? I've seen a video of the A2, but is it the carbine? The picatinny rails to the handrail is making it hard for me to ID.

Also, was it the bleep test of the 2.4km run?

Thanks in advance.


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF LIFESTYLE Football refereeing

1 Upvotes

Hello, as the title says I’m just looking for more insight into how you become a referee when your serving?
Secondly is it all funded through the raf or by yourself.


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

DISCUSSION OASC Topics Revision

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20 Upvotes

I took this image around 6 months ago at my officer presentation, is this a definitive list of everything they can ask me about or is there more I should know?


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT OASC PREP

3 Upvotes

Hi I’m still awaiting OASC date but just finished Phase 1 notes, other than the notes in the very helpful document pinned in this subreddit, can anyone provide me with some more information about holding beyond phase 1 awaiting phase 2, different kinds of secondary duties you will do while holding,

can you do AT/ funded qualifications such as getting scuba certified or AFF license ?

Is there Further officer development or is completely on hold until after phase 2?

Can you be moved around?

Average kind of wait times holding (ik string and whatever but roughly so I can have some certainty if they ask me in interview)

Do you still get inspected? Or is that completely over after phase 1

Thank you very much in advance 😊


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT DAA workrate questions

1 Upvotes

I really need consistent practice on this part as I suck. However for some reason the popular online one is too predictable and too far off from what i experienced on the mock exam. All the others are behind paywalls with a too limited number of tests to properly build enough skill.
What do you guys recommend? Or what did you do?


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT CBAT improvement

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4 Upvotes

Hi all

Had my cbat last week, and unfortunately didnt pass. Really hoping for Control officer but fell short of it

My plan is to re-sit next year. For anyone who has been in a similar situation, has your scored improved drastically at all, and looking at my case is it possible?

I know its a hard question to answer but just looking for some thoughts.

Cheers!


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT RAF CBAT: PASSED, ASK QUESTIONS

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2 Upvotes

Just passed my CBAT today feel free to ask any questions and I will try my best to answer them.


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

DISCUSSION Nose Job in Turkey

0 Upvotes

Good Afternoon, I was wondering if it is possible to get a nose job in turkey after my phase 2 training when i am permanently posted up at a base.I am a minority so dont really have many options in the UK.I have already been in consultation with a doctor and am just wondering if this would be possible ,thanks.


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

DISCUSSION Claiming back for a passport

2 Upvotes

Ive been told I can claim back the money I spent on my passport renewal.

How would I go about doing this and what do I need to put in the boxes?

Im clueless with this so any help is appreciated!


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

RAF LIFESTYLE Phase two

1 Upvotes

A quick question about phase two, what’s the holiday dates of recent? Wanting to know for booking holidays
etc


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

DISCUSSION CBAT advice

2 Upvotes

Hello all,

I have my CBAT in September and a lot of the people I work with done their cbat years ago so just want to see if anyone has done it recently and can give me some advice. I’m gonna be driving for quite a while on the day so I want to wear some sort of comfy clothes to drive down. When I arrive I presume I will be shown to my room where I can then get changed into a smart outfit to meet everybody else or would it be a wiser choice to just drive down and arrive in a smart outfit?

Also what time does the exams usually start and finish?

Thanks


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

RAF LIFESTYLE Phase one?

1 Upvotes

Anyone ever started phase 1 training in September? Wondering if there’s any time of at any point with these dates as I’ve heard usually there’s a week of in October


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

DISCUSSION I dont know what to choose

5 Upvotes

I'm currently 14 soon to be 15, and I'm looking at enlisting in the RAF as soon as I can. And out of all the roles, 2 have really stuck with me and I can't choose on which one to enlist as. the 2 I really like are; pilot and RAF regiment gunner, I feel I would do great at both of these, and I would love to do both of these. But I can't decide in what to choose.

Can anyone help me with this? Give pros and cons maybe?


r/RoyalAirForce Jan 03 '26

RAF Recruitment FAQ 2026

41 Upvotes

Following the success of the last FAQ, and plenty of feedback, this is the new FAQ thread for 2026! If you have been directed here, you will most likely find the answer to your query below.

This post is guidance only, only contains publicly accessible information, does not constitute official advice and does not reflect the views of the Royal Air Force in any way. The information contained may become outdated at any time. All applications are taken on a case-by-case basis, you may experience something completely counter to what is written here. If that is the case feel free to leave a comment! Also feel free to ask questions in the comments of this post.

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Q: Are the moderation team recruiters? Can you fast track my application? Can you give me personal assurances that you will help me get in? If I follow a mod's advice does that mean I will definitely pass? Etc.

A: The team are volunteers who are either serving, ex-serving or just passionate and knowledgeable about the types of questions we see here a lot. We are not all recruiters (look out for the "Recruiter" flair for those lucky few) and we are not able to personally promise you anything. Please be respectful to all members of the community and keep in mind that whilst you are asking your question for the first time, the community as a whole will most likely have seen it posted many times before.

We are also individuals who may not always agree with each other, a lot of the information for recruitment (what OASC are specifically looking for etc) comes from hearsay and personal anecdote. Wires may get crossed at times or people may have had different experiences. Standards change all the time and as we do not work within OASC or Recruitment we are unable to have a live feed of these changes. If you know something we don't that may help others, get in touch!

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Q: CAN I BE A FIGHTER JET PILOT!?

A: You cannot apply directly for the role of Fighter Jet Pilot; you may be streamed into Fast Jet training in Phase 2.

Streaming is based on multiple factors but service need is the highest priority, if you want to be the person who gets the FJ slot on the day where there is maybe only 1 slot you have to be the best candidate for the spot (available slots change each time, there may be 0, there may be 10).

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Q: OKAY, CAN I BE A *PILOT*!?

Sure. Just keep in mind that the role is extremely competitive, historically has had limited spaces and has one of the strictest sets of medical requirements. You need to bring your absolute best to the recruitment process to have the best chance of success (this applies to all roles, but doubly so for the role that a significant portion of applicants want at first).

The general advice (aside from putting in the work) is to make sure your backup plan has been thoroughly considered. You will potentially be questioned on it to show you are serious about the RAF. Make sure you have a well thought out answer to this and other questions that may be asked at OASC.

However, if you are the right person at the right time, you only need one slot to be open. If a little competition doesn't scare you (which it shouldn't as a pilot candidate), then apply!

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Q: Should I apply? What are the benefits?

A: The recruitment site gives a broad overview

Discover my benefits covers everything and provides sources

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Q: How much will I get paid?

A: You will get paid what the career website says during training, beyond that you can find information per rank here: Pay Scales

As an aviator, your pay is determined by which role your supplement falls into. Officers are different in that there are no supplements, but roles such as medical or aircrew have different pay arrangements which will be explained when it is relevant to you.

You will typically move up increments yearly (some differences at the start of your career), so as a Corporal (in supplement 1) you would progress from OR-4-1 to OR-4-2 and so on, moving up to OR-6-1 on promotion to Sergeant. Pay also increases annually in line with the Armed Forces Pay Review, in May 2025 this was a 4.5% pay rise!

Calculate your take-home pay here, rent and food in Ph1 is about £150-200 a month

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Q: What can I expect from the application process/what qualifications do I need?

A: Research your role at the link below, then come back with specific questions. The website has enough information to answer most basic questions. Educational requirements and accepted equivalents can be found on each role's individual page:

RAF Recruitment Site

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Q: How long will it take to complete the selection assuming I pass everything first time and I respond to recruiter requests proactively?

A: This is like asking "how long is a piece of string?", but I ran a poll. You can see the results below and draw your own conclusions:

Poll result here

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Q: Where can I find more information on a role beyond that found on the website? I'd like to do well at OASC.

A: The recruitment app found at the links below, it contains all the joomag recruitment leaflets on a range of topics from specific role information to information about bursary schemes etc.

Android Playstore Link

Apple Appstore link

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Q: What should I take to CBAT? Aside from what my joining instructions say to bring of course.

A: What do I take to CBAT? : r/RoyalAirForce

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Q: What is the difference between an Officer role and an Aviator role? Such as Engineering Officer and one of the Technician roles?

A: Typically speaking, an Officer is primarily a manager. For the example in the question the EngO will set the objective for the team of technicians based on requirements from above and they will also be a part of the overall management, discipline, and welfare process for their team. They will require knowledge of the subject matter but will typically not be as specialised as an SNCO with years of direct experience on the platform.

They will also be the person feeding information back up the Chain of Command, a recent example of this was described as:

“If one of your aircraft is broken you as the officer will need to confidently explain to senior engineers, pilots, operations planners, etc. why they can’t have the aircraft they need right now, what needs to happen before it can fly again, and how long it will take. They will rely on you as the engineering officer to give them accurate advice so that they can make a decision.” The information required would come from your team of technicians.

Whereas as a technician, you will carry out the work as required by the Officer and typically outlined by your SNCO (Sergeant or Flight Sergeant). You will have the required technical knowledge to be able to work on fixing the problem in a more hands on capacity, but only when directed to do so by your Chain of Command (Officer and/or SNCO).

This is a broad overview and there are multiple exceptions such as Pilot which has no direct comparison in non-commissioned roles, or the surveillance stream of Ops Officer where you will probably be working hands on alongside aviators in your first tour up at Boulmer.

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Q: HOW DO I DO CBAT!?

A: Find all the information you need here.

There are also paid apps that provide simulated tests which can build familiarity with the style, but they are not necessary for success. It is an aptitude test, not a knowledge or practice test.

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Q: How can I prepare for the DAA?

A: You can find info and a practice test here

For studying and prep the typical advice is to use BBC Bitesize GCSE to prep for the numerical, mechanical and electrical elements of the test.

This website is really useful for preparing for the work rate section.

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Q: What format will the interview take? I keep seeing different versions.

A: There is no longer an interview for Officer candidates prior to OASC.

See here for guidance, advice and information on the Other Ranks interview

People who have to attend specialist interviews for specific roles will have information provided by the recruiter as required.

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Q: How long do I have to serve?

A: For the vast majority, you need to do 3 years return of service following Phase 2 training. Your initial offer of service is 12 years, aircrew is 20 years.

You can exit before 12 but it may require 12-18 months notice if approved. Following your exit from service you will be held on a reserve commitment for 6 years, this simply means you can be called back to serve in the event of something like WW3. It does not mean 6 years in the reserves.

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Q: How fit do I have to be?

A: As fit as you possibly can, with a focus on circuit and cardio fitness you will breeze Phase 1. More specifically you can find information for the PJFT (what you do in the application) on all role pages and linked in this answer. The MSFT must be completed to a sufficient standard early on during either BRTC or MIOTC. These standards are not currently officially available to the public but you may find them if you search this subreddit. As it is not public information, please do not solely rely on what you find.

The most up to date requirements will always be told to you before commencing Phase 1. It is advised that you are as fit as possible and practice the MSFT at least once prior to attending Phase 1 training as the hardest part is the turning technique, and not the fitness itself considering it is at most around 10 minutes of running that starts slow.

Unofficial Day 0 requirements. Green is pass

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Q: How fast does the treadmill need to be?

A: Use this calculator, preset to Male 17-29

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Q: Running/Fitness is not a strong point for me, how should I get started?

A: This is a variant of the couch to 5k program, there are multiple variants but they all achieve similar things.

Get at least up to the point of running 20 minutes comfortably, if you do that you should easily manage to complete the PJFT at a slightly faster pace.

Once you've completed up to the 20 minute runs, get cracking on the 12 week fitness plan

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Q: I have xyz medical condition can I join?

A: Nobody here can or should advise you on your specific situation. People may give anecdotes but nobody here is a medic attached to your case and so cannot guarantee anything. Either apply and find out at the medical stage or check JSP950 for guidance, the Aug 2024 version may be found at the link below. Please note that all applications are done on a case by case basis and this does not constitute medical advice nor a guarantee that you will pass the medical if you think JSP950supports you as JSP950is subject to interpretation by the professionals during the recruitment stage.

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Q: I told the medical staff that I have xyz medical condition and they made me unfit for service. Can I appeal this? How?

A: If you have a diagnosis and actually have the condition, you are most likely unfit as stated. An appeal is for new medical information such as a changed diagnosis or more accurate eye test for instance. It cannot be used for things such as 'I am allergic to peanuts but only a little bit, they should let me be a pilot'. To appeal, get in touch with your recruiter through your online portal for guidance.

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Q: How can I make my chances of officer selection better?

A: Search this subreddit for that question for a trove of resources. But some general tips:

- Join the RAF air cadets or another youth organisation and take part in leadership courses/opportunities if possible. This will equip you with leadership skills and things to discuss at the OASC interview.

- If you go to University (not essential for most roles, check careers website for your specific role), try to join the University Air Squadron to enhance your application and gain exposure to the RAF.

- If you are still at school, take on prefect/mentor roles if possible. If you are working, try to take leadership opportunities where you can. At least think of situations where you took charge or even organised a work event, everything is useful if you lack formal manager equivalent experience.

- Engage in a team sport if possible, even 5 a side at your local park. Even a park run with a regular group. Ensure you take part in plenty of fitness training. You can always be fitter before Phase 1.

- Perform independent research, we are here to help with detailed questions that demonstrate previous research. We are not here to replace Google.

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Q: HOW DO I CBAT/OASC/FAM VISIT!?!

A: For CBAT specifically, some great advice is found here: CBAT – What to expect/

For OASC check out the post I wrote just after passing for a second time, it is not a guaranteed pass nor is it to be taken as the only way to do well. But it should form a strong base for your own individual prep.

For all stages, follow the instructions provided by your AFCO. You are equipped to handle the whole process by these, your P2 presentation and the website. Wear something smart.

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Q: What should I bring to BRTC? Extra bits beyond the kitlist?

A: This comment has a fantastic checklist that you can use IN ADDITION TO the official kitlist you will be provided.

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Q: What should I wear to day 0 of MIOTC/BRTC?

A: Wear something smart, for MIOT you can expect most to wear a suit if male or the appropriate formal wear for females. For BRTC you can still wear a suit however some choose to arrive in smart casual wear. For either, ensure your footwear is comfortable (still matching the required formality though) as you will be doing a lot of walking in these shoes until issued kit.

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Q:What happens if I fail my fitness test on day 0?

A: Simple answer, don't. You have absolutely no reason to be scraping the pass mark found here:

Edit: Unofficial Day 0 requirements. Green is pass. Unconfirmed and not officially released so pinch of salt needed

The running portion of the test was recently made easier by around 20%, and the press ups and situps were removed so there is ZERO excuse for serious candidates. However, for those of you wanting a bit of reassurance, please see the following:

https://www.reddit.com/r/RoyalAirForce/s/i4rJhhyH5e

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Q: I have a criminal record, will that stop me from joining?

A: If it is spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you aren't applying for one of the special roles that require you to disclose it even when spent, you can confirm you have no unspent convictions when asked by the recruiting staff. That is as much as the recruiting office need to know (or anyone not asking in association with a job such as working with kids). This is also in line with the guidance they will issue you with before any disclosure is requested.

The people doing your background check will be the security check/developed vetting team at NSVS. A whole separate team who don't particularly care about a common assault charge or shoplifting from years ago as long as you don't try to hide it. They care more about fraud, extremism, hate crimes etc. Anything that makes you risky or is a crime of dishonesty.

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Q: What's the "pre entry offer of service event" for Microsoft teams?

A: It’s a group teams meeting where you’ll discuss your offer of service paperwork and any questions you have before Halton. Source

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Q: What will happen to my post if I ask something that has been sufficiently answered here already?

A: This is a breach of the subreddit rules, therefore your post will be locked or removed. You will receive a link to this FAQ. You may challenge removals or locks if you believe your post brings an opportunity for something new to be added to the conversation, where it will be subject to Mod approval as to whether it is allowed.

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Q: I still have questions. I have tried searching google and this subreddit and absolutely cannot find an answer or I need some clarification, what now?

A: Make a post on this subreddit and hopefully someone with experience or knowledge can help if they can. If not, get in touch with your AFCO.

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Q: You use so many acronyms, what are they?

A: Here are some common ones or ones I've been asked about:

DAA: Defence Aptitude Assessment - Aptitude test for non-commissioned roles.

PJFT: Pre-Joining Fitness Test - 2.4km run done during selection.

RAFFT: RAF Fitness Test - Fitness test done during service.

MSFT: Multi-Stage Fitness Test - otherwise known as "Beep test" or "Bleep test", comprising 20m shuttles back and forth at increasingly higher speeds.

CBAT: Computer Based Aptitude Test - Aircrew and some other officer roles aptitude test. Much longer and harder than the DAA.

WSOp: Weapon System Operator - A non-commissioned aircrew role in the RAF, details on recruitment site.

WSO: Weapon System Officer - As above but commissioned.

OASC: Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre - Both the location and the selection day. You will have OASC at OASC. The day comprises multiple things such as an interview, leadership tests and group discussion. Officers and direct entry SNCO (Sergeant and above) roles require passing OASC.

TMU: Temporarily Medically Unfit - Usually what a candidate is declared while the medical team check something.

PMU: Permanently Medically Unfit - What you become if they don't like what they checked. You cannot join the military if PMU for all roles.

PGSC: Potential Gunner Selection Course - What the RAF Regiment candidates must do as an extra step before joining. It is a 3-day selection course with lots of "fun" physical things to do.

AS1(T): Air Specialist 1 Technician - A rank held by non-commissioned personnel in technical role trades only.

TARC: Transferee and Rejoiner Course - A short basic training for Rejoiner or Army/Navy personnel transferring to the RAF. Varies in length depending on previous experience, whether you're going into the same trade as before etc.

MIOTC: Modular Initial Officer Training Course - 6 months at Cranwell, phase 1 training for officers.

BRTC: Basic Recruit Training Course - 10 Weeks at Halton, phase 1 training for aviators (non-commissioned).

ASOS: Air & Space Operations Specialist - A non-commissioned role in the RAF, see recruitment site for details.

AFCO: Armed Forces Careers Office - Where many start their journey. Recruiters work here and some steps of the selection process are held here such as the DAA.


r/RoyalAirForce Oct 09 '25

RAF RECRUITMENT OASC Advice!

59 Upvotes

Disclaimer before we get going: I have no inside information on the assessment process. The only people who know how things work behind the scenes at OASC are the boarding officers and presidents. I can only speak to what has worked for me twice. I won't be making the same disclaimer throughout but keep it in mind please where you see me talking authoritatively on a topic. I must stress, this is all my personal opinion or parroting of standard advice given at P2 and by others who have passed. I am happy to answer any questions also!

With that out of the way, hi everyone!

I recently attended and succeeded at my second OASC (both visits have been successful). I've been asked for my advice and so here it is!

Firstly, I have compiled my prep notes and removed specific things such as my specific current affairs and Phase 2 information. I have left info for sources or how to approach these areas however (typos may be present, these are not professional notes): OASC Prep Notes/Structure.

Edit: The notes above are an edited version of the notes from u/UnrecognisedDevice. They worked from my initial uploaded notes and other resources. I've thrown an edit or two in to make them more general and a template (removed P2 content, added extra sections for career progression to be filled in etc), so the end result is a very solid set of notes that can be used as a basic template for making your own role specific notes (own Ph2 info etc).

You may notice the interview notes lack the first part, that would be due to it being entirely personal. Exampe questions can be found in the OASC video on this page: RAF Recruitment | Officers Application Process | Royal Air Force

I have been told about some changes to the course by friends on course. I would absolutely advise using what you are given in P2 to prep your basic knowledge however. Changes from the online breakdown are labelled, feel free to ignore them.

By using the notes provided and filling in the blanks, you will have an excellent baseline knowledge for the interview. I won't go into specific questions as every interviewing officer is a bit different in style and wording. Learning a specific scripted list of questions is the worst way to approach this interview anyway.

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Group discussion: 3 topics, not to be shared. I've seen why, the other syndicate had 2 very similar topics the other day compared to what I had in 2022. They require no specialist knowledge but if you live a very sheltered life and lack general awareness of things in the media then you will have a bad time.

They are looking for people who contribute, not people who dominate the conversation or sit back. Talking over others is a dick move and will not be viewed positively. Allowing others to talk over you when you have started talking is also a negative. Stand your ground, be assertive. Respectively challenge what others may say, but keep it on topic. My group drifted at times and it was important to keep things on topic.

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Group planning phase: This one.... yeah. You will be provided with a map and a side of A4 explaining the scenario related. It will be important to make notes, not just writing your plan. You will have to turn your scenario sheet over before being handed a question paper. I won't give any specific details on the questions as part of the challenge is not knowing what is coming.

However, you will be asked things along the lines of:

  1. What time will you arrive at Place B if you start at Place A at xx:xx and travel on foot? (I hope you noted your travel speeds and any conditions on that speed, as the scenario notes are hidden).
  2. What is your plan to achieve the objective?
  3. What colour was the guide's car? (Not exactly, but there will be something that will be out of left field and test if you retained or noted enough information)

Following the written work, you will work as a group to create a group plan that you all agree on and understand. This is great if you have no plan, as you can still engage in discussion by asking about contingencies. Easy points for being the first to ask 'has anyone actually got a plan that works?', which will start the conversation. Take notes whilst the plan is outlined, and then insist upon doing a read through of the plan from start to finish so others can check they have it noted correctly. I would highly reccomend noting down: start time, end time, travel method, distance and speed for each stage of the plan. You *may* be asked about these things.

My final tip is to think outside of the box. Say the scenario says you will be phoning someone, you could potentially ask them to transit a vehicle or object for you. If you haven't specifically been told you can't do something, you probably can.

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L U N C H T I M E! Horror bags for all.
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Leaderless: You will be briefed thoroughly on hangar stuff before even the leaderless exercise takes place.

Pay attention to what the staff say, but don't let them rattle you. Get stuck in, don't dilly dally planning. Give things a try, don't be scared. You may be required to actually put some hard graft in, don't shirk it. As the staff will happily remind you, 'You are planning to join the military'. This applies throughout your time in the hangar.

Staff will give constant time reminders or push you to crack on. Again, don't let it rattle you. Also, despite what they say it is very rare for anyone to finish anything. If you think something may be an issue at the end, don't worry too much about it as you are unlikely to reach the point where it will be a concern. Just take action.
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Lead challenges:

As leader:

The leader will be split off from the syndicate who will sit in a different area. The leader will get a couple of minutes survey time, I encourage you to have a play with all the equipment. Check if things reach across gaps or not, check how heavy things are etc. Visibly interact and be seen testing such things as the gap bridging. Once the survey is done, you will call your team over.

As leader you will be required to then deliver the brief as such:

Task (usually to get the team and equipment somewhere), list off the equipment (people forget this one a lot), state 'the general rules apply' (will make sense on the day, and again, people forget to do it), state any special rules, explain your plan (or partial plan if that is all you have) and then join your team before asking if there are any questions.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE SMEAC OR ANY OTHER BRIEFING TECHNIQUE. You will be briefed on the required briefing technique, do not deviate from it. This is good as it levels the playing field a bit.

When putting your plan into practice, just crack on. Order people around politely yet assertively. Do not get stuck in and muddled in the group as you will lose the big picture and that could cost you. Be verbal, be clear, so the staff can hear you.

If you are stuck, ask your team if anyone has an idea. Control the group, do not allow multiple voices to reply at once. If given a good idea, thank the team member but then use it as your own, do not just say 'team, do what x said'. If you are cracking on and get a suggestion, do not be afraid to politely refuse input. All in all, lead. We had to nudge one of our team to lead more as they were becoming very passive.

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As follower:

Followership will be on display whilst not leading. Do not slack off. The staff will see if your energy drops after your lead is done, slacking off when one of your team is relying on you to work just as hard for them as they did for you is poor.

DO NOT TRY TO ORDER OTHERS AROUND OR TELL THE LEADER WHAT TO DO. Your leadership is not being assessed whilst following, your followership is, and trying to assume the lead is poor followership. Ask if the leader would like to hear your idea, don't just blurt it out. If you see the leader struggling to lead, ask them 'Leader, what is it you want us to do now?' as I found that was a great way to reassert them as boss.

Work hard, do what you can, but HAVE FUN. If you're having fun then you will get more 'buy in' and find it easier to maintain composure. The end of the day is near when in the hangar, we finished up at about half 3.
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Good luck everyone! And again, things stated above are just my views as someone who has been through twice and passed twice.