Good evening all- I’ve tried reading & re-reading what looks to be the relevant paragraph within ACP20, but I’m still unclear as to exactly when the period of one year’s service as a CI commences prior to being eligible for boarding as an Offr or SNCO candidate.
Is it:
-
the first anniversary of the recorded date of commenced service with the force?
-
the first anniversary of the completion of probation?
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the first anniversary of formal appointment date?
In an ideal world the earliest anniversary eligibility point for being boarded would be one year from the recorded service commencement date, but I’m assuming that’s me just being far too optimistic.
And apologies if this is universally-clear to the universe, apart to me (but in my defence, there’s been vanishingly-few occasions in the last few years when I’ve ever had a conjunction of circumstances to require me to get an exact understanding on this).
Thanks in advance (and since I’ve typed this in my sleep, sorry for any typos or factual gaffs!)
I would say it depends on your individual circumstances and wing
Its recommended a year but you can also in some circumstances go straight into uniform, I’ve got one at the moment whose already sorted out the prep and keen to go into uniform - we’ve decided in our conversation that we’ll wait until her 6 month probationary period (although the wing are happy for it to go in now)
For starters, there is no time limit for SNCO. You can join directly as an SNCO with no prior experience. To quote ACP 20:
SNCOs may also be appointed as direct entrants and it is not necessary for an applicant to have previously served in any capacity before their appointment.
As for officer, that’s where your question really applies. It would be my opinion that the 12 months will be from the appointment date, so their time as a probationer should count too. This should be the date that is recorded on SMS as their starting date. If you look on volunteer portal, this would surely be the ‘from’ date for your unit history.
But, it isn’t specific in policy. It just says
Be serving in the RAFAC, and served at least 12 months, as a Civilian Instructor (CI) [Or as an SNCO]
It is worth noting that the wording says applicants must fill one of the criteria. So by my logic that would also mean the paperwork application can’t actually start until the 12 months is up either.
Well, that level of flexibility (or might one say ‘regional variation’) could well apply in practice…
[Offr_Appn]This was what I thought, from trying to identify exactly which starting-point was officially relevant [/Offr_Appn]
Interesting…
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As always, it’s clear as mud and open to local rules inferring different things from the same policy book.
And there’s the rule about previous cadet senior NCO experience, no?
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I have received notification for my wing filter board next weekend and I am looking for any last-minute tips or advice from those with wing board experience.
I joined RAFAC later in life, in my mid-50s, and after 18 months as a CI, I have found the experience thoroughly enjoyable, and have carefully considered my reasons for wanting to go into uniform.
I believe our role is to support the cadets and provide them with a valuable learning experience.
My motivation for pursuing the commission route is to challenge myself beyond my comfort zone and learn alongside the cadets, at the same time l want to get involved in the planning and running of a squadron.
The interview questions used to be scripted so they couldn’t deviate from them much.
I was asked about the sports I’d played at school, and school was over 20 years ago.
That said I’d be prepared to discuss whether you would be willing to command a squadron in due course.
They might also ask why officer not NCO?
Generally what can you give, if you go into uniform, is more relevant than what you get out of it.
Certainly draw on your wider life experience and how that will help deliver to the cadets.
Best of luck!
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Top tips. Safeguarding, inclusivity, Health and safety and RAFAC Astra. They can word questions in several ways they feel fit, know who you are getting boarded by i.e. know the key people within your Wing and Region and the Corps structure, limited knowledge about the RAF helps such as an Aircraft with Role, and active operation and RAF station. RAF Akrotiri for your overseas with Op Shader using Eurofighter Typhoons pretty much covers it. But at the end of the day we are a uniformed YOUTH organisation. Know the roles on the squadron you mention " l want to get involved in the planning and running of a squadron." could you be the adj or training officer or are you already one of those if not could you shadow your current one.
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not in our region (cough C&E), they want to know also sorts on RAF and I know people have been deferred for not being able to name the groups and purpose or the meaning of air power!!
As @Sm12310 says, we are a youth organisation, we don’t expect our newly uniformed staff to know everything, that’s what the first few years in uniform is all about!!
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I suppose it is good that we go back to our parent service in some ways. I remember a bit on civ com too which is always handy too know anyway. The ChatGPT definition of airpower is definitely not great although a start…
1. Military Concept: Air Power
Air power refers to the ability of a nation to project its military force through the air. It includes:
- Aircraft (fighters, bombers, transport planes, drones, etc.)
- Missile systems
- Airborne surveillance and reconnaissance
- Strategic bombing, air superiority, and close air support
- Command and control systems
Air power has been a crucial part of modern warfare since World War I and became even more dominant in World War II and beyond. It allows for rapid response, flexibility, and the capability to strike deep into enemy territory.
UKDJ’s précis of JDP 0-30 might be a better starting point.
As for the groups: be wary of anything that still lists 38 or 83 as separate groups: they fall under 2 and 11 respectively.
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The new RAF Command Plan 25/26 is really good. Classified at ‘Official’ and can be shared with ATC squadrons; just need a MODNet connection to find.
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Quick Update - Pleased to say l passed my Wing filter board. Now just waiting on a date for the Regional board.
Thanks for all your valuable advice
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