What RAF Halton Basic Training Is Really Like 

Thanks for the modern version of RAF basic training. I am 87 years old now and completed my basic training at RAF Bridgnorth in 1954 I remember everything being done in double time and being shouted at by Corporals and Flight Sergeants, the gasmask drill is still the same, you are ordered to take your gas mask off in the room that was full of tear gas, that was enough to make you cry like a baby. Sounds like it is about the same, I enjoyed my time in the RAF basic training so much I got talked into doing another five years.

I joined the RAF as an apprentice in 1970, spent two years training at Halton, but that first night I went to sleep in a room with loads of guys all of us wondering what we had let ourselves info. When I woke in the morning a couple of guys had gone. That first night was the first of twenty three years, of adventure, that set me up for the rest of my life. My best advice is stick with it, its worth every second, you are learning life skills from the minute you arrive.

Just stumbled on this great video. I went through recruit training in winter 1989 at RAF Swinderby when the course was only 6 weeks. With 4 years in the ATC i thought i was well prepared, how wrong i was. It was tough! Out of an intake of 96, 25 of us reached passing out parade.

The only person that can fail basic training is the “ recruit “ , if you can look after yourself and can wash , clean and iron , as well as handling a bit of discipline if you’ve got through selection then , basic training is yours to fail! The aim of recruit training is NOT to fail people , the purpose is to teach camaraderie and team work when tired and exhausted! The biggest asset you have through your RT is your skills, you can often trade ironing for polishing shoes , sure it still happens that in an evening shirts would drift towards the WAF block and the shoes wandered to the boys blocks for polishing! Work together and get through it! Good luck to you all guys!

I went through Halton in 09 and left the RAF in 2017. Great job and sets you up well for the future. During blue warrior we went out on a patrol and as we left the hangar I realised I didn't have my respirator. Decided to risk it and not say anything. Thankfully we didn't do and CBRN drills. I was shitting myself but I got away with it. 😂

My son passed out in April! It was the best day ever! He found basic training tough ( it was more the lack of sleep and fully busy days) but got through it, and has now been posted up north! Another tip regarding ironing : we brought our son a steam generator iron which helped him massively! Loads of his dorm mates used it too! Great video 😊

Thanks for this mate, love to see more vids breaking down the weeks in even more detail. Perhaps do some vids on the application process as there’s a lot of stages involved 👍🏻

Great video. Thanks mate. Can’t wait to get started

Did my basic training at RAF Padgate July 1956, medical training at RAF Wharton, then posted to RAF Hospital Wegberg Germany-arriving there Xmas eve at 7pm-it was a long trip via Harwich to Hook of Holland on a troop ship, then a day by rail to M. Glad back, RAF transport to Wegberg, where I joined the operating theatre staff. Best five years of my young life, enjoyed every minute. Would do it all again if it were possible. Ex Leeds Pom living down under in Tasmania Australia since 1968. Now August 2023. PS, travelled the long way there and back to RAF Halton for my J/T exam, passed with high marks, so pretty chuffed. It was a very long trip back in the day on trains and Ostend-Dover ferry each way.

Walk? Walk? You MARCH laddie!! It saves you from walking!😊

Thanks Buddy . You brought back many memories of , RAF Swinderby .

Hello, I watched your video a few weeks ago and as I said I found it very interesting.I hope you don't mind but I wanted to add that I'm a really big supporter of the RAF I think what the people have achieved past and present has been incredible and I feel grateful for the sacrifices that have been made. There are children that have left school this summer worrying about their future and this video allows them to see a human view of what the beginning of a great career in the RAF would entail. I think it's vitally important to spread the word of the opportunities that a career in the RAF could give them. I have no doubt that the training is tough and that it takes determination to be successful, However the people are not machines but amazing courageous selfless people, and it's bound to be scary for children leaving home for the first time and this video would definitely help them and it encourages them. If this video gives hope to just one person, that they can achieve something amazing or take away their anxieties about what's to come then that's an incredible achievement. Looking forward to more videos.

Thank you that was really helpful. My son is at Halton now. I could give him a few tips as I did 5 months at Hendon Police College. Some similarities marching and ironing but soooo much more in your 10 weeks. From that I know to send him a couple of things that would help. Looking forward to seeing him in a few weeks time. Again thanks ☺️

i did 2 weeks at halton (reserves), the mess was alright, better than my home squadron who don't season anything lol. 11:15 knowing how to 'change step' helps when people mess up. 13:30 the beds spit out little white dust flakes, if you've hoovered your bed space don't touch the bed. when dusting, get any ledges behind your bed and the rail under your bed. cpl's will look in unusual places 17:15 make sure you purge multiple times after the blot-bang-rub malarkey, and if your GSR doesn't fit properly, just press it to your face in between drills (happened to me). the gas didn't hurt my lungs as much as i thought, but jesus my eyes, painful. for anyone worried about the gas bit, dont be, lol, its a weird experience (how id describe it, its like breathing in sand, sorta) anyway... oh yeah, when you have to clean your kit after, don't blow on your GSR cartridges (my mate did that and got a face full of CS gas back in the barrack block, lol). 19:15 haha yep, we all had white marks on our boots from the salt (?) our feet were sweating that much. For inspections, check everyones belt loops (someone missed one of theirs when we had a group captain see off our intake, woops!) also loose threads burn those off, the usual stuff, they'll tell you what they're after. 20:50 oh man, the gloves, yeah, good luck finding a pair that fit (x2) and then good luck fumbling with everything since you can't feel anything. drills were tough, we had maybe 3x days per module to remember everything and honestly i dunno how i did it. hardest module for me was rifles, funnily enough, since i thought i'd ace that. those 'stood unsupported' groupings were tough. and man the L98 is loud, that'd cause some serious damage to ear-drums without ear protectors. its like a bomb going off next to your cheek. 30:50 my advice would be to take an inflatable travel pillow, i took one myself but the sgt found it and i couldn't take it, but if i hadn't mentioned it i'd have probably been alright and not had to rest my head on my webbing (water bottle and magazines are not very comfy). 34:30 i did my course in summer, i think we got lucky with the crawling exercises because it was so hot, we got breaks (heat illness is a big thing now since a couple of people died during basic when it was hot), i think we only did maybe 5x laps of the leopard crawling, more of the simulated 'contact, base-line, last man' stuff. 36:00 we didn't do any of that, obviously being on such a short course non of the weekends off either. no time to really, was intense. less physically demanding though! I will say this, for anyone considering regular/reserves, there arent many older folk in the regulars. age range on my reserves intake was 21-49 with average age of 32, and when i saw all the 'kids' (teens or 20y/o's) running around from the regulars, it looked like they got worked a lot harder. and shouted at more, haha. we had some idiots that got away without being shouted at much, id say that's the biggest difference, how you're treated. if you are a bit older and you go regular, they'll make you senior bod, you'll get more responsibilities, but they'll also treat you nicer. 37:00 take a sleeping bag with you, i don't think i had to re-do / re-shape my bed once when i was there, i just slept on top. also don't take loads of crap, you wont need half of it. take a few snacks (for moral) if you have to, but there's a shop for all that anyway. take a carabiner (for attaching helmet to webbing) and some tic-tacs (for the anti-radiation pills drill [?] during CBRN).

I found this information extremely helpful and useful. I’ve been back and forth for well over a month deciding whether to pursue a career in RAF. I am in Australia so for us it is RAAF.

I’m joining RAF Halton in May so this is very useful, thank you.

Hi, I just came across your video and I thought it was really interesting and informative. I've now subscribed. I hope you continue to do lots of videos thank you

Most important is be an active team member and be supportive of each other. Even when knackered beyond words, be supportive and SHOUT encouragement to others and be sincere. This will motivate yourself as well and displays and enforces good leadership qualities which will do wonders for your confidence.

Thanks for the heads up. I start mine soon.

Thank you so much. 16 Year old really wanting to go in as a photographer and this is a great video

Great lot of advice mate, thank you very much

This is great information to give me an insight of what ill have to do, hopefully going to basic training in the next few months

In 77 when I joined, we got physically beasted the whole time. It really was brutal..... Trade Training wasn't much different.....

I appreciate the advice as I’ve applied for the regiment gunners so this has been very informative

I was at Swinderby ,so it's probably like a holiday camp! Good Luck everyone. 👍

Excellent video, thanks for the info, my 16 year old daughter has just applied, very insightful!

Started my training on 7th Jan 1972 (217th Entry "Z Flight"). Spent 2 years at Halton. 10 weeks ! A walk in the park. A coach to transport your kit ! That what your feet are for.

Very helpful video, can’t wait to join this year!

I like what you said abt it being the day before final inspection, currently 23:30 and waiting for it all to be over 😂

Cheers mate. Joining this year, didn’t know what to expect as a 19 year old

Well done! My son graduated in 2022 and he pretty much had the same experience as you, made it to final inspection and got recoursed He was so angry with himself but obvs he got over it 😂 he went in as a mech engineer and is gonna be graduating phase 2 in a couple of weeks 😁

This is a really helpful video!! I'm going to basic in a week and I'm so scared!! This video has made me feel alot better!! I feel super nervous for all the fitness :( thank you sm for your video!!

Thanks for the informative video, I'm looking to join the RAF as a Mental Health Nurse in a few years once I finish my Nursing Degree and there is little to no decent information out there so to see an in depth thing about the basic 10 weeks is amazing.

Really enjoyed listening to this. Thank you for taking out the time to explain in detail. You've explained it really well and huge congrats for passing out! What role are you going into? I'm looking forward to more videos. It's very similar to the army basic training when I did it. I can relate with you with most of the things you said especially the food lol. I think the rations will always be better than the barracks food😂 Again huge congratulations and I'm certain you'll smash phase 2. Best wishes!

I joined in 89 joined on the YTS did our training at RAF Hereford. If you know your going to join up when you leave school, then join your local ATC at least you will know the ranks lingo and how to do things.

What an easy life you had. Back in the day of Swinderby, that was RAF life, not the Hotel at Holton.

Go Papouis mate! Been a while, Hope things are going well in your trade!

Getting through is all about attitude. It's not going to be easy but if you want to succede it will be noted and the instructors will help (even the rock apes). Safety is paramount and however concerned you are - it's a controlled enviroment. Ex RTS insructor here. None of that trip to Wales crap a decade ago.

Does anyone know what its like for going in as a reservists, start my part 1 of basic training soon

wow, Nice to be PRINCESS. I joined up in 1984 , 8/9 hours sleep. I must save this video

I joined in Nov 87, served 12 years, TG13B Ptr&Fnr, sadly (or not) no longer a trade in the RAF.

Can u do another video once you completed the advanced training would b really appreciated

Basic training is not hard, in my experience loads of ppl either overworry or treat it is a joke/summer camp. Just do as you’re told, apply yourself and don’t be afraid to ask any questions and you’ll breeze thru!

Hey enjoyed the watch gave me insight for if i do decide to sign up. Quick question.. Is there a swimming test? I had a drowning experience few years back and I can swim (mainly breast stroke) and i still am okay in pools however submerging etc does raise my anxiety just curious if this is something i need to think about and look to train for?

3:35 does anyone know what level you need to get to on the bleep test? bleep tests have been something ive always struggled with and would like to get a decent attempt of it before i go. I did the fitness test before with the raf and it was level 9.1

Hey I’m currently an apprentice in engineering planning to leave for the raf iv already started application and sent off all documents required and training in advance for the fitness test, if the application takes a long time and my course gets closer to the end can I hold off my application to finish my current qualifications ? Or do I have to go through

What timings are these late nights early mornings? Just wondering if I could adapt as I could imagine i will be in the march intake, as I have my DAA 9th of January. Thanks

What does reflighted mean is that do that section of the course again or be sent him for good?

Great video. Question, I'm applying for it soon and want to have something lined up for next September (after I finish my course). Roughly when should I start the application process?

How was Shawbury? I start training at Halton at the end of the month and am going in to do ASOS. Just wondering what you did at Halton and Cranwell while you were waiting to start phase 2?

When you say 'early mornings and late nights' i guess early morning is around 5:45 but what is a late night?

Hey, thanks for the video mate cleared alot of stuff up for me! I do have a few questions though: 1) Are you allowed to leave the base during your free weekends? 2) If you are at halton through christmas, do you get a christmas break? if so how long and are you allowed to leave the base? 3) How much clothing do i need to bring? Do they have facilities there where i can wash my clothes? 4) Do i have to bring my own ironing equipment? 5) How much money would you recommend to save up and take to halton 6) Is there anything else you recommend to bring to halton? Than you

ive got my selection interview in 2 days. when do you think i'll be starting basic training if everything goes smoothly?

Kiwi shoe polish ONLY, not Cherry Blossom as it doesnt bull properly and will always look cloudy😁

so after doing your basic training would it be possible to go down the pilot pathway?I really want to be a pilot but I dont want to do basic training if im gonna be let down. loved the video, it was really informal!

I have recently passed my Pre Joining Fitness Test and am now waiting on my results before moving onto requesting a spot at RAF Halton. Would you be able to give any guess on when the starting date for basic recruitment training will be. I was assuming around September time but I am starting to have doubts about when I can start

As I am going through application join raf as driver do I have do swim test to pass basic training thank you

Do you think ur fitness improved a lot during the training and what type of aerobic exercise would you normally do there?

I’m 17 joining the raf and doing basic training will it be harder on me and will people act differently or what?

Hi , how long does it takes to go to training after enlistment?

My neice is 12 and shes just joined air cadets, shes thinking of joining the RAF when she's at acceptence age. Will the cadets have prepped her for training?

I’m planning on joining the raf and want to prepare for the running. What’s the furthest that everyone has to run in basic training?

Hi, just a few questions from a guy who failed infantry basic at Catterick a few years ago... 1. You say long nights, how long are we talking? At Catterick it was usually something like 4 hours of sleep each single night, it is that bad in RAF basic or a bit better? 2. You mentioned having either both or one day of the weekend off. Does that start straight away, with your first weekend? You don't get weekends at Catterick until the 6th week onwards. Having a day or two off each week during basic from the start would be huge. Cheers

Iam considering doing an raf chef apprenticeship will it be the same experience

The one thing that the RAF never tells you, and you soon realise straight after all training is done and you're in the RAF proper, is that in your RAF career you will always be posted and moved around as an individual. It is not like the Army etc where you move as a regiment or unit as a whole. So no matter how crap or hard you think RAF training is, these days and the people you meet and bond with will be the best days of your RAF career, the rest you do all on your own. Of course you will make friends and have a great time throughout, but just realise this, cos you're never ever told.

cheers for the info. i join next week so will take this info with me

Heard there’s a group presentation module, what’s it like?

Well done joined 1988 Swinderbutlins....count your lucky stars you didnt have the spinny run in full NBC. lol

Is the RAF Chef course still the hardest course in the military?

How long between Medicals and actually starting ?

I have a question. How much were the photos? I want to make sure I bring enough money when our son passes out.

How many people in a flight and room? And are the people in ur flight the same ones in ur room?

VC10 flt at Waddington for familiarity flt

I joined in 1980, at the age of 22 I wasn’t anywhere near ready for the change to my life with 18 man rooms and with only a wardrobe for privacy. GOOD TIMES: Seeing a inflatable doll swaying in the breeze on the flag pole on maitland parade ground, watching someone wake up in their bed complete with side table on morning parade and marching to work with the apprentice band to rudolf the red nosed reindeer was something I will always treasure! BAD TIMES: Hoping that joining would correct my mind, being unsure of my gender and failed forces marriage (of which there were many) ! it did open my eyes but I would avoid St Athan ! ….. would I join up again? bittersweet memories of the RAF. At that time Maurice now Helen unusual recollections admittedly. But some ppl do do the forces thing in a effort to make a “man” of themselves which never really works as one day your true self will shine through but YES do do it for a trade and community but not if you think it will fundamentally change your innermost self.

i honestly thought halton was buckshee even the fitness, the fitness test is harder than the pt beastings

Swinderby for me in 1980 😂

Was there any 35 years old in the training. Is it too old to Join?

there is one thing I was wondering above all: do they shout at you?

What guns are used for training in 2023

Now almost four decades have passed , i feel i can safely own up to being the guy who stole the bus from Aylesbury town centre, and left in the middle of the parade ground. It's nothing to be proud of, and i apologise to all the apprentices who were confined to camp.

I heard that you have to shave your head is that true?

Such a shame it’s closing….

Have you done the regiments 5 miler of death 😂

It’s easy. Too easy.

youre so cute

Unless you’re a granny RAF basic should be a piece of piss

By the sounds of it Halton has gone soft in the last 15 years!!! Most of the things you complain about are called being in the military!