I’m in the early stages of applying for Commission
I believe the first chat is with section commander who then will put me forward to wing, who will then put me forward to region?
I’m trying to compile a reading list etc. of things that I might need to gen up on, prior to any or all of the above interviews.
The obvious things that I will read up on is the structure of RAFAC etc, my role on the sqn, why I want to be an officer, what skills are required, why I meet these skills… the usual interview BS.
Does anyone have any further advice as to what further questions I would be asked. Such as ACPs, and how booksmart do you need to be one them?
Also how hoenst should you be………here me out here…. I have found some mock interviews and the first thing they assked was about your family life, if you have children. I think this is probably just an icebreaker, trying to get people to relax and talk about something they know whilst also trying to figure out if the applicant has time to dedicate to the Sqn. Personally however, I find it absolutely none of their business and I might word that answer a little bit differently (ie talk about the time that I have already dedicated to the sqn in order to demonstrate my commitment and availability). Views?
You’re joining an organisation where you’ll be responsible for people’s children. Some basic background is quite important. And, as you say, helps to break the ice.
To be an officer, you’ll need an SC anyway, so get used to being asked about your personal life. If they think you’re trying to hide something, you won’t be getting an SC…
indeed. hence I am looking to word it more positively. But, they shouldn’t be asking those questions surely?! What if I had a child, but couldn’t see them, or worse?!
So I would be a better officer if I had children myself?
I’d be happy to chat about my personal life with anyone, to a point…but don’t see why it forms part of a formal interview. Never has before, and I have had full-time jobs being ‘responsible for other people children’, and Im a safeguarding lead at my current job, for example
No, not what I’m saying. But a complete unwillingness to talk about your personal life is odd, to be honest. I can understand not wanted to talk in detail about how many exs you have. But “I have a wife and 2 kids” or “Currently live on my own” is really not that intrusive.
Talking about personal matters is also good from an interviewers POV to see how you change when talking about other RAFAC related matters.
Frankly, how people come across in the interview is probably more important than exactly what they say.
There are no specific questions about your family, but your personal circumstances are of interest to the board in order for them to get to know you. The only question that mentions family is ‘ what do your family and friends think about your application to join the RAFAC as an officer’.
Tell them - how would this make you a better choice for RAFAC? Look at it the other way, how would you assist cadets who are in the same position? Absent parent or one who didn’t care?
Not necessarily - but to have had the “university of life” experience looking after your own stroppy kids sure helps! Some parents clearly use the organisation as a very cheap “babysitting” service - & goodness help us, when we get to receive kids that have been born the the Generation Z lot!!
You’re not being “employed” by RAFAC - so get used to “volunteering” answers that haven’t previously been required.
No volunteers are not protected from discrimination and the Equality Act, etc does not apply. That doesn’t mean the organisation shouldn’t treat its volunteers fairly though and in the spirit of the law!
There’s so many red flags in this post that we’re at risk of Marshal Zukhov turning up.
It isn’t “the usual BS” - far from it. An organisation such as RAFAC attracts a significant volume of Walts who then take away from the organisation rather than adding to its strengths. This interview is one of the ways in which the organisation attempts to protect itself from such personnel.
Similarly, questions about home life are for this purpose. Are you firmly rooted to your existing life, or are you likely to disappear at short notice and start a new life in Peru, leaving your Wing just before Wing Athletics squadron up a creek…?
The methods aren’t foolproof because RAFAC is adept at producing ever improving levels of fools, but they do help.
Be positive and supportive of the organisation.
Know the difference between officer and NCOs and why you are applying for either.
Be up on current affairs and RAF and brit military deployments and bases. Also know RAF kit and bases
Know the personalities in your wing, region, HQAC, 22Gp and MOD up to Sec Def. It goes down like a lead balloon if you do not know the name of your Wg Cdr or their rank.
Know numbers in wing and RAFAC cadets CFAVs units etc
Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir/maam through the interview. do not be overly familiar
Be smart even if over teams and have a military bearing.
The interview should not be more than 45 minutes. If it is the panel are not doing their job properly.
ACP20 is your friend. Most of the other commentators have added the key points on interview questions. Make sure you know what is going on in the world and in the RAF/military. Have a couple of options here as the RC will have heard Ukraine about 20 times already…
Sounds like you don’t like small talk but it is part of the job. As an officer especially you will have to deal with members of the public, parents, local dignitaries etc and they will ask stranger questions than “do you have children of your own?”
Most Wings have a Pre-Uniform (PU) course. Not sure if it is included in all Wings, but the one I attended in my Wing went through what you needed to know for the interviews (at both Officer & SNCO). They also offer you pointers on where you need to brush up and most Wings also have a kind of revision booklet that gives you the information required for a board. Why not reach out to your Wing Training Officer for dates (as I know that information flow between ATC & CCF is often poor) - I am sure they would include CCF on them.
Don’t worry about it too much. As someone who recently went through the process, they’re mainly checking your intentions, that you know the basics and you’re aware of the fundamentals of the organisation and how it works.
Make sure you want to be involved for the right reasons, and make sure you understand the role. You’re a scout leader in RAF uniform. If you’re the sort of person that’s gonna get overexcited by being saluted, or you chose officer over SNCO because “more power”, then you may as well halt the process now.
Do any Pre-Uniform course offered, speak to squadron and wing staff - also those that have recently commissioned in your area. There is a lot of good stuff on SharePoint if you search for it, the process is largely the same so don’t worry if the training/guidance isnt for your wing or region, the pertinent bits should be the same.
Consider shadowing one of the key staff members on squadron, or taking on an established role. It’ll give you more to discuss at interview, when they ask where you’d like to take the squadron forwards or what skills you can bring to the unit’s leadership team. As an officer, you are de facto a leader, whether you’re in a formal post or not.
But don’t worry, if your intentions are good then the process itself isn’t that hard. They let most of us here commission, myself included. And the pass standard at interview isn’t actually that high imo for a commission. What was that about refusing to join any club that would have me as a member?
