Joined 3rd May 1961, 98th Entry. Passed out accelerated promotion [1 yr to Cpl.] Singapore tour with visits to Darwin. Returned to UK, commissioned as Navigator, once again with accelerated promotion [time served as airman]. A tumultuous journey with ups and downs but never a dull moment. Not the easiest way of life but certainly never boring.
27 years ago I joined the Army as a 16year and embarked on an amazing and life changing career..now my daughter tells me she wants to join the RAF as a medic in 2022...super proud ..and a little jealous wish I was doing it all over again 👏👍
Thank you for your service, I’m considering joining the forces I just don’t know what to join. Any recommendations? I’m 16 so I got a whole life ahead of me in the forces and I wanna make the right choice
@@hatmanpat1211 not so much which one to join , but maybe try figure out what you see yourself doing then go from there, eg. Action/front line army infantry /Artillery OPs /joint fires / navy Royal marines , Raf regiment (near hotel's) 😉 or you could look at communications again all 3 have this , all 3 have mechanics and engineers and admin support, and medical ..you get the picture ...🤣sort your chosen career path 1st then go from there 👍
@@hatmanpat1211 Medical personnel will always be in demand, either in or out of the military, and anywhere in the world. Get excellent training in a multi-faceted branch which will always have good prospects anywhere and anytime in the future. Go for it.
This is a world away from when I went through basic at Swinderby in the late 80's but the gist of it all is still the same. The 'Rock apes' beasted me then and they'll continue to do so to others but for a good reason. Good luck to any of you who applied or have aspirations to do so; the RAF is a good career.
@wakeupuk3860 Aye, I get it now, mate. Swinderby is gone & so many other places we served; although it was later than you, which is fine. I salute you for what you did before I joined 👍
Thank you Bucks for your comment, but I spent most of my five years as an APO, (Aerial Photographic Operator) safely tucked away in darkrooms developing and printing aerial photographs, chatting up WAAFs, learning Tae Kwon DO and enjoying Jack Daniels and BLTs at the USAF Airmans club at RAF Alconbury. Quite a cushy time with GREAT mates that sadly I never came across in civvy street in Civil Engineering, as a Teacher reaching DH status, a Senior Microsoft IT Trainer and professional Presenter. But on being posted to Cyprus, I did crap my pants, when belted into the side of a Wessex helicopter flying alongside cliff faces taking photos of possible Turkish-Cypriot arm caves hidden in caves, when a few shots were fired at us. I don't know about your time, Bucks but the guys I served with, lived in the same block, went on holiday with, met their parents and who in away became like brothers to me and truly real managers and leaders (i.e. 111 Lightning Jet pilots) that I sadly never came across again, in civvy street - even though meeting quite senior people later in life. Now 71, it is those few years in the RAF are my fondest memories and even though I was a troubled teenager, somewhat wild, maybe ended up in prison and only joined to get away from my parents - it was the BEST decision of my life as it certainly set me up for quite a successful career, good money, travel around the world and most of all the pride I have in passing on what I learnt in the RAF to similar troubled young lads that I know changed their lives. The only thing is sadly, up to about five years ago, I had always helped, advise, done recommending letters for young people to join the services, I don't do now because of the Woke change being made. This is due to the absolute decline of discipline, intelligence level and the removal of centuries old teaching of academic topics now replaced by Woke indoctrination topics. Chatting to ex long-term service personnel who once would have stayed in but bought themselves out, often tell me of similar changes that led me to leaving teaching. In all ways our once very highly skilled, competent and extremely effective fighting men and women is no longer the case. As such no way would I now advise any young person NOT to join the Army, RAF, Navy or Marines, in fact I would even actively discourage them from doing so. Because I now strongly believed they would be 'lambs to the slaughter' if ever coming up against a non-Woke enemy, which when working in Russia and visiting China I saw first hand what they would be facing. @@Buck9672
Nothing wrong with this! Makes a man of you! My basic training in the Army was the best thing I ever went through and you bond as a group and makes friends for life! All you need to do is prepare properly and get your head down, avoid injury and push through it gradually and sensibly. 100% effort and positivity and you will succeed and will feel elated when you finish! When I passed out at Deepcut all those years ago I felt on top of the world! The feeling of pride is immense!
This is what I needed to read mate cheers. I am 22 I feel I have wasted a lot of my young years doing nothing, I should be so much fitter than I am but years of smoking and messing around with things I shouldn’t have has took away my drive. I am so determined to change things I have been sober for months now and the idea of passing out and making my mam and family proud makes me so happy, I can’t wait to be involved in such a great career. Hope you are doing well now.
Hi guys, I’m an applicant in the process of joining the Royal Air Force as a Reg Gunner. I’ll be covering the entire application process on my channel, which may interest some of you. I posted my first video regarding the DAA on Saturday. Please let me know if it was helpful, thank you.
I've just graduated from raf Halton honestly anyone thinking of joining go for it. It's definetly not easy but that feeling of getting through it on grad day gave me the proudest feeling... roll on my phase 2 as a caterer- by the way blue warrior is so fun but physically you need to be in good shape before you get to Halton ☺
Eleanor Webb, I’m looking to join in the next few months (still have to finish learning to drive), my fitness isn’t terrible (I can do 20 pushups and run 9 points on a bleep test so far) and I’m not exactly stupid... Even though I’ll be continuing to improve these, how hard exactly do you think the recruitment process actually is?
@@gooserodah5116 not that hard I passed all ground trades and choose catering as that is what I qualified in at college before joining make sure you know bases history of raf etc and be sure in what you say have confidence the interview was probably the hardest bit for me do a bit of ast practice you'll be fine mate 😁
An hour and a half 3 times a week? Is that accurate? Before applying?? I can run the admission 1.5 mile In 12 mins atm. But running for an hour and half??
@@flathead184 yeah that’s what you roughly do at Halton I’m still in now but things are still similar from what I’ve heard- personally I actually used the army fitness app (100% percent army fit) available on iOS and Android and followed that and it made me the fittest girl on my intake comparable with most of the lads. On there you do both cardio and muscle workouts and keeps you motivated as you work through it - I would double check the mile and a half times on the raf website as it depends on age - I believe it’s about 11:30 for a male 17-29 if memory serves - but just keep practicing your runs and you’ll be fine as that’s best cardio in my opinion but just keeping yourself in good shape and you’ll be fine at Halton- it’s a game and you just need to get through it as the end result is worth it in the end trust me.
I was at Halton in 83 and 90 when it was still the Aircraft trade training camp after completing basic at Swinderby. Being in the forces definitely sets you up for life.
I did 12 years. 85-97. Went to Halton for JNCO course. Loved every minute of my service. My advice for any recruit is get fit before you go (your life will be so much easier), do as you are told, help others and give 100% all the time. Do all that and you will pass no problem.
Went through on 4 Flight in 2000. Brings back a lot of memories watching this, the sights, the sounds. Nice lookback on my experience. CPL Pete Kenn was the standout staff on my flight! met him a few years after when I was back at Halton staying there while flying at Benson
Things have certainly changed since I was in. And for the better. For most of my time we were treated like civilians in uniform with negligible weapons or military training. It seemed to me almost deliberate. They took away our eagle shoulder patches, (which marked us out as RAF anywhere), gave us a shapeless working uniform to replace the old Hairy Mary battledress, took.away our boots for shoes, for all weathers, replaced our warm greatcoats for raincoats and provided little or no cold weather clothing. It seemed like the office chairborne warriors thought we all worked in warm cosy offices, like them. I was pleased to see combats are the working uniform, with proper boots, which is a huge improvement. Maybe, somebody finally realised the RAF is actually a military service and not civilians in uniforms looking like RAC roadside assistance. (Which have been mistaken for in tbe past!).
@Wasp Wasp, I completely agree with you there. The Kit then was awful; '58 webbing, bad boots, ill-fitting No1's, the DMS shoes (as you mentioned) and the Eagle emblem removed from No1's. I served in the RAFP & along with the Regiment we had some decent kit eventually through the 'Soldier 92' thing they had; mind you the early Goretex stuff was shit because they didn't have taped seams and leaked like a sieve unlike Goretex stuff has nowadays, and now there's proper boots being issued from proper bootmakers! Neveretheless, it's good to see our lot getting decent kit for a change! I wish them well in whatever trade they choose these days.
I trained at swinderby in the 80's! Recruit trng won't have changed that much.....food still looks gopping! I did NCO trng at Halton the 90's...still remember all of it. Mental attitude is the key ladies and gents! never give up on anything (it gets noticed) and always help fellow recruits... Best of luck.
@adam smith I think I was in Flintham Block and I well remember those floors. Also, dragging a few lads on the floor after its been buffed on a blanket. Beds on top of the Lockers, pushed into the middle then wire wool the polish off and start again......good times
I was born in the RAF hospital nearby . Jan 1965 I don't think It's open anymore ! My father was based at RAF Halton at the time ! He was RAF 1935 -1972 .
Joe Powell don’t know what you mean, I went through last year and arrived on my own along with 100 other people. Regarding the parents it’s on the first week, they come in and watch people attest as well as receive information from DS staff regarding the nex 14 weeks. I seen my parents for about 30 minutes before I was told to get back on the coach
Ade2Bee I joined to get away from my bloody parents. We were ordered to write a letter home, and in those days recruits could not wear civvies off duty so we were issued two sheets of brown paper, two labels and some string to send our stuff home once we had our uniforms. There were no parents at pass-out at Bridgnorth in 1960.
I had to attend the CIO on day of travel to Swinderby. (Attested the day before.). CIO staff made sure we got on our train and parents only allowed to wave us off from Glasgow central. We didn't get given boots or shoes for a couple of days so it was plimsoles and overalls. Halton was trade training and I hated it more than basic due to the continuing bull. Loved the actual trade training though.
Good to see the course progressing, and the fitness sections improving especially the obstacle course section as that was the one thing we often discussed as missing from the course. Good luck, work hard and enjoy every moment of it as its worth it in the end. I'm a former instructor and loved the job, mind you, you have to with the hours you put into it! Per Ardua
You'd have been there when I went through Halton, Winter 98, I have to say it looks more challenging now, when I went through the 7 week program we didn't even stay under canvas, we erected the tents in the hanger then went back to the block for the evening, then in the morning we marched back down and heated up our rations.
Yes I would have been I was on 4Flt for the whole of my first tour there. It was a pain in the proverbial when you came back for the night as the block always looked like a bomb had hit it, what with cam cream all over the sinks and mirrors let alone the bits of card from the rat packs!!
All that shit to go through and I'd get my kit and turn up right now in the depths of winter and do it all again. Made some right mates and memories at Halton.
Took me back to my basic training, I was on 4 flight back in 1994 and the second intake after moving to RAF Halton from RAF Swinderby. The reason for watching this video is I'm currently writing a book about my RAF basic and trade training. While on basic training and trade training I kept a diary which I now refer too, the training looks similar to mine. Good luck if your waiting to go in- life changing.
@@erica8950 Hi the book is drafted but not published..not sure how to publish a book, so researching that now. If it goes to publication I'll let you know. Thanks.
I’m 14 years old, and I’m in the Air Training Corps. I joined the ATC at 13,. I’ve since wanted to join the Royal Air Force. I think being in the ATC it will give me more confidence and experience if I am to join the RAF.
I'm also in the ATC and have been for 5 years but I'm in my recruitment process right now. All I'll say is don't mention you are an air cadet as they don't like that. As well as the drill we learn is not the same as what they do in the RAF. So go in there with an open mind and don't try to advance yourself faster than the rest. You are a team when you are there.
+MARZ We're the same age and in the same year. I wanted to be a pilot a week ago but now i'm looking to be in the gunner regiment or the RAF police because it's hard to get a job as a pilot because so many people want to do it :)
Spent 4 months in Bahrain, liked the swimming pool on the roof of our hotel the best because our apartment was only one floor below, although the boss had a bigger pool ours was closer!!
Turn the time back to 1956 at RAF Padgate- unrecognisable as the same service induction and training, likewise at medical branch basic training. RAF medic operating theatre staff, first posting RAF H Wegberg Germany. 1956-59.
My sister identifies as a woman but was formerly assigned male at birth. She says the RAF basic was really tough and she didn’t think she could cope and cried a lot with homesickness. The instructors were incredibly supportive of her, even carrying her bergan on tabs at time. She passed out with pride and was allowed to wear an LGBT 🏳️🌈 badge on her uniform at pass off.
Currently in the process of joining as a Cyberspace communications specialist, the whole process so far is amazing, if you're looking into joining do your research and get fit, goes a long way
@@Damian-ew8py hi yes i did although i was rejected in the medical stage for the tablets i was taking at the time and im glad bc covid hit, i did my interview and tests already so ill be applying again in the future
RAF Halton reserve training is brilliant. I'm ex Amy and now RAF Reg Reservist. Great NCO'S and SNCO. SGT Charity, great switched on guy and although the NCO's come and go and move around a lot, CPLs Duncan, Croft and McIntyre are all top lads.
Looks like all that classroom work will really weed out the chaff. Raf Swinderby 1984, I don't remember one lecture. I do remember a lot of running, marching, cleaning, warnings not to go into Lincoln on the piss (ignored), tears from the young lads, being shouted at from 2 inches off your nose, more cleaning till midnight, up at 5am last minute cleaning. It's changed!
Phil Whitehead I have been thinking about those days and realised the DIs held back a bit from shouting at those with some education, and especially from obscene insults ending, “Wot are yew?”, I presume in case the next time we met the boot would be on the other foot.
I have my start date 14 December cannot wait! My only concern is that I doubt my overall academic abilities. Does anyone no if their are more exams similar to the airman selection test upon arrival at basic trainnig? I managed to pass the airman selection test on my second attempt with practice, but I am concerned if their are going to be academic base tests that I have to complete in order to progress in basic trainning I may struggle a little. On the other hand i am very capable when it comes to fitness or physical trainning so I won't have any problems in that regard.
I've heard that the academics are on par with primary school difficulty. So you shouldent worry. I start in November so when I get time I might come back and tell you if you want.
I'm 15 and hoping to be an WSOp Rotary Crewman but I have a series of problems : one problem is that I was born and live in Spain at the moment but im a British citizen and speak perfect English, the other problem is that I have some hearing loss since I had both of my ear drums burst (They aren't any more) but the loss isn't that severe and I would like to know if even with these problems I can still do what I am hoping for.
If you are a British citizen now then, you being born in Spain and living there would not be an issue, unfortunately I think that the hearing loss could be a problem. It might not stop you from joining certain roles but the best way to find out would be to go to your local AFCO and speak to a recruiter there, good luck!
Depends how long you’ve been clear of your injury for. If you’ve been clear for a couple of years you should be good. They will probably make you do a test or something to see how your hearing was affected
I'm currently taking level 3 extended diploma in Uniformed Services. Hope to get triple distinction. Then I plan to do a-levels in law and politics. I really want to join and become a legal officer in the RAF. I worry that my fitness will bring me down due to my asthma. It's really not that bad only on long distance running. Yet my bleep test is constantly improving. Basic training scares me so much. I can not do drill, bloody tick tocking. But this video opens it up a bit more. I'm so lazy... but I want to change. When I join I want to be the person I've al aye wanted to be. healthy, fit, and proud to wear that uniform.
I'm RAF Reg, and also ex Army, I've came through Halton and to be honest I watched the over weight NCO's taking control of new Flts and while watching them I had to wonder when their last RAFFT was. Not a good role model to the young recruits, and this video also reinforces my concerns.
You went to Hereford after me. I'm guessing you were at the wrong place at the wrong time, meaning I went to Shawbury from 10 Sqn with my tapes intact and seniority from when I was posted to RAF Brize Norton in 1985. Easy life but didn't go any further up the line as there were too many deadmens shoes before me.
Im 16 and im half way through my selection process . Im looking to join the logistics corps to be a chef and be part of the 3 mobile catering squadron . I should hopefully be leaving in August after my GSCE’s !
@@Mr5w00153y Totally agree with you about Butlins! I was incarcerated at HMP Bognor Regis, Oops, sorry, I mean Butlins from 1999-2000 and it really is like a prison!
seems horrible, but i had so much fun. every day was different and i would happily go back. Respirator phase...not so fun :3 AC MAXWELL (ICT Technician) at your service UK
Be confident and be serious about your fitness regime. Be passionate about your hobbies and who you are. They will tell you 'play the game' literally monkey see monkey do. Enjoy your time in training and make the most of it. Make sure you do your research thoroughly for the interview and practice for your application exam
I've met dozens of Rocks but I've never met one who 'big timed' it, they've all been chilled quiet professionals. All of the stick they get seems to come from CSS mega REMFs and not from anyone who's ever worked with them.
@Wallace Carney - that's the same for every mob though! I met some fucking lunatics in Recruit Training at Lympstone (we usually sent them to the Royal Navy where they fit right in) 😄
My starting date is in November. But due to covid I haven't and will not do my prtc or the family day thing, I will get there and that's it. It's a bit daunting.
RAF training is the toughest in the world. Harder than the Army training tbh. I want to join the RAF as a steward after I’ve finished cadets/school (eeekkkkk!!😮) Just want to be a topgun with the best.
Anders Gustavsson Yes we must but because people know I want to join the RAF they say Screw them, Thinking it's like being in the police so I say would you wanna live in a country with no air defence or a country where you feel safe from threats from the air
I payed a visit to RAF Halton in the late 50's with a party from my school. I remember everyone having to make backpacks the following morning before breakfast. I did not mind being used to this has a Army cadet. Some of my fellow school-pals did not like this. Got use to this every morning after leaving school. Like a silly sod I joined the Army has a Junior Leader.
I’m doing calisthenics which is a body workout pretty much like gymnastics but this can help me pass the fitness test which I hope to join raf after gcse even with me slight heart problem
Recently left the Army and looking for a career in the RAF as a Jet Aircraft Mechanic...I wonder if the process for me will be any different as I'm a military rejoiner
i think it is much harder actually getting accepted than it was when i joined in 82,...Swinderby.As i recall it,just a test,interview and medical and that was about it...no pre training course....which it seems all the forces do now...Also Swinderby back then was just six weeks which thinking about it is no time at all..one and a half months....it was pretty full on though,with a lot to cram in...i mean turning teenagers from school into somebody fit to pass out in such a short time was no mean feat for the instructors....it was what it was...good,not so good...but always that incredible feeling of pride on the pass out,then back to the block after to destroy the gleaming floor,ready for the next intake..no carpets then..Good luck to all the young people considering applying now....i only did 4 years,pvr`d out in Germany,to become a postman...36 yrs now with 272 days to go..lol....no regrets joining and have fond memories of my 4 yrs....great friends made etc
Fitness is easy, trust me. Just run every week for about 2 miles and you good. Pushups is only 20 and situps 35. But for me the ast was the hard part since I'm bad at English.
Everyone says that when they have been in a few years. It's no pinker, no fluffier in fact it looks a damn sight more organised and I know the fitness sections are more intense (I was an instructor there for 2 tours one 98-2000 and the second 2003-2008) I was injured whilst OOA (Iraq) about the time you joined in 05 and medically discharged in 08 due to that injury. Also don't forget this is to get people to join!! I was in the previous RTS video from when you joined up :) oh happy days! Per Ardua
I served in the RAF for 14 years, wore a beret only for 4 weeks at basic (phase 1) Big hat and Forage after that. The beret is an abortion of headwear. I also refused to do the "shrinking of the beret and wore it as issued..made the drill staff mad!
@@joepowell6559 Aye! Had mine made by Gieves and Hawkes and as a JT, they also made my battle dress so I never wore the hairy mary after Swinderby! It was all legal and it made the SWO and officers angry. Any fool can be uncomfortable
RC Griffin you can do it,Anyone can just put all of your dedication into it,I want to be a pilot aswell,And when I’m back in school I’m going to work hard and dedicate my self to where I’ll be happy when I take my GCSE’s
I remember it with affection not forgetting the hilarious attempts by women trying to be blokes ha! No stamina for finishing the fitness section. Many were seen sitting in corner crying. Conclusion, not place for girlie in the military.
