Commissioning and beyond

Although I am relatively new to the organization as a CI, if there was being the ambition that I would go into uniform, obtaining a cadet commission.

I believe I will be a suitable candidate given my history as a cadet myself many years ago, and what I intend to do as a CI (already have one of the ‘big’ sqd roles).

My question is how does it all work? I assume it starts with a chat with the OC, then a paper application? How long should this be from joining? I have read a year. I have read that this can be reduced because I was an ex cadet SNCO?!

Is there then a filter interview?

I believe that there is no OASC anymore (I did see some old notes from the wing training officer who was outlining the old process including the need to do speed distance time calculations!! I think that is barely relevant for full-timers as nowadays!!).

Once you pass the interview, how does training start?

Are you required to do any ongoing training and CPD?

How does promotion work? I see emails fine around from junior officers who are in a wing position, I assume they come buying this with a squadron position? Is it only senior offices that are at Wing full-time and don’t have a squadron role?

Process:

  1. State intentions to your OC
  2. Interview/Pen Picture from OC - they have to recommend you.
  3. Possible interview with Sector Commander and/or Pre-Uniform Course dependant on Wing
  4. Wing Filter Interview
  5. Regional Board (can take a while, dependant on region)
  6. Appointment as APO, attend CIC in your first year ideally

The rules on appointment have recently changed with the staff cadet changes, check ACP 20 in the first instance. Wing roles again vary by wing, many are primary roles but the less demanding ones (time wise, at least) are more likely to be secondary roles with the individual still attached to a specific squadron.

Is this really how it should work, though? Why is it easier/harder to get commissioned in one wing than another?

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Oh I agree, I think most wings argue their pre uniform courses provide support and help people pass their boards. Not against them in principle, but should probably be standardised.

It can also be easier or harder to commission based solely on the interview dates in certain locations, can be weeks or several months worth of waiting. And don’t count against your boards being postponed a few times before you actually manage to sit them - happened to a friend recently. Almost like we don’t need uniformed officers?

It was standardised, when everyone had to do OASC.

From someone that has done the process in the last 2 years. I was a CWO in my cadet time but anyone that reached Cdt Sgt could apply after 3 months of being a CI rather than 1 year(presuming you are older than 25) Although I wouldn’t say the boards are stressful or anything like RAF officer boards we have to remember it’s a CFC that is the ultimate aim. Know your stuff about the RAF (Current ops and aircraft etc) know your stuff about the corps and especially ACPs not only know it but briefly be able to explain what it is rather than just ACP 1,2,3,4,5 etc they are looking for answers like ACP 4 as this covers safeguarding or similar obviously question dependent.

I applied in the May of my commission had my Wing board in the July and Regional board in September with the old IOC in the November. Wrapped up nicely under a year from joining as a CI to APO then you do 1 years probation to Pilot Officer and presuming your Wg Cmd is happy you have met the matrix with your Sector commander and OC promotion to Flying Officer 2 years on commission

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Thanks for the up to date info.

Can I ask, when people say you can apply from X amount of time from being a CI… Is that from the date you start (as on Bader) or the date you go to your AVIP, or when you pass probation etc?!

It will be from your appointment date, which is usually the date you had your wing board, or whatever the CI equivalent is called.

Well, the chat with the section OC?!

Sorry, I just re-read your original post. The date on bader will be your appointment date. That’s the date they will measure from.

Did anyone ever manage to get hold of scales 704 and 705?