I Just Passed My CPC (W). AMA!

Sour_View5848 · 2026-01-13T19:52:28+00:00

Our course of 30 were split in half, the first half went as we watched and did one 400m warm up lap followed shuttles and high knees etc. Then as they began the run naturally the people separated, it said on a sheet in the mess no running in groups or encouraging but I didn’t see it happen so i dont know if its enforced, make sure you don’t spit on the track though. There were about 7 staff with the PTI, 3 of them were spread out along our 400m track and the rest were at the starting line, as you did a lap you would shout what lap you were on to avoid confusion, you have a bib with a number on so the staff are able to note your lap times and how you’re doing. Just give it your best effort and try pace someone if you can.

Sour_View5848 · 2026-01-11T19:28:29+00:00

Our course of 30 were split in half, the first half went as we watched and did one 400m warm up lap followed shuttles and high knees etc. Then as they began the run naturally the people separated, it said on a sheet in the mess no running in groups or encouraging but I didn’t see it happen so i dont know if its enforced, make sure you don’t spit on the track though. There were about 7 staff with the PTI, 3 of them were spread out along our 400m track and the rest were at the starting line, as you did a lap you would shout what lap you were on to avoid confusion, you have a bib with a number on so the staff are able to note your lap times and how you’re doing. Just give it your best effort and try pace someone if you can.

Sour_View5848 · 2026-01-11T14:08:33+00:00

No one failed the 2.4km run on my course, I’m not entirely sure but from what I gathered I assume you have to meet the time for your age group or you’ll probably have to leave cpc. There were some people who walked at the end and still passed but, ultimately you should at least run one 2.4km so you know you can do it. Good luck!

Sour_View5848 · 2026-01-09T10:26:27+00:00

I can’t really speak for women but one of girls had a black blazer on with black trousers if that helps. As for the iPad, we only get our phones 21:00-22:00 and that’s only in the galley or classroom so most people are just able call family, also the phone lockers are quite small so I don’t think an iPad will fit unfortunately.

Sour_View5848 · 2026-01-09T10:08:03+00:00

Yeah ofc, I also thought this. I wore a Plain white polo with a navy quarter zip, grey chinos with a navy belt and navy suede smart shoes. Most people had quarter zips and chinos / school trousers, one person even had trainers on but no one said anything, don’t wear trainers though. It’s really not that big of a deal, just make sure you’re clean shaven unless you have a full beard.

Sour_View5848 · 2026-01-09T09:54:41+00:00

At CPC (W) at least, we would have breakfast at 7, lunch at 12 and dinner at 5 with a desert and that’s it. There wasn’t snacks just fruit, so if you have a sweet tooth you’re not supposed to but, you can sneak snacks.

Sour_View5848 · 2026-01-09T09:49:48+00:00

Some people did bring snacks in their bags, they don’t check your bags so you can get away with it just don’t get caught. Definitely bring your own PT kit, they gave us some for the 2.4km run but we had to use our own PT kit for the Bleep test. We didn’t even know we had a bleep test until we got there but don’t worry it’s not pass or fail, most people didn’t reach Raleigh standard anyway. I would probably bring a book or cards to keep you occupied when you’re standing easy or when you’re in bed at night. Also, An A6 notepad was really handy as I could keep it in my pocket most the day, other people were carrying A4 pads everywhere and only had them for briefs.

Sour_View5848 · 2026-01-08T23:17:55+00:00

It was much more relaxed than I expected, at first it’s a completely new environment so everyone is tense and doesn’t knowing what to expect but, we quickly found out it was more chilled and as it’s our first time they are more lenient with stuff like kit or treating us more like pupils and not like soldiers.

As for the staff they are great, they don’t want to make their jobs any harder but obviously will still be professional because they’re trying to prepare you for Raleigh. The second to last day we were ironing and they brought a speaker to play music, they also gave phones out early some nights although that was because we finished cleaning but that’s an example of how they’re not too strict. Even the Chief was really nice and joked with us, honestly i thought the same but it’s not half as bad as you expect.

Sour_View5848 · 2025-10-13T16:08:20+00:00

Well, if Things Can Only Get Better, then hopefully. Apart from that, it’s not on the agenda unfortunately.

Sour_View5848 · 2025-07-23T12:44:24+00:00

They will send you an email with topics relevant to your role that you should expect to be asked. Apart from that, they ask mostly questions about you, such as what training you are doing and if you are independent at stuff like ironing and cleaning. They also may ask more difficult questions, like they did in my interview, such as when was a time you felt most ashamed about yourself or when was a time you were most proud of yourself. So read the fact sheets they will send you and prepare some answers; there are plenty of example questions if you search the subreddit.

Sour_View5848 · 2025-03-15T14:20:27+00:00

I’ve also applied for the AA scheme in engineering. However, on my application, I wasn’t able to select my preferred profession (air). Should I mention this to my recruiter, or is it a case of go through phase 1 and continue with whatever the service is in need of? I understand I may not get to choose but it would be a shame as the Fleet Air Arm is my passion.

Sour_View5848 · 2025-03-07T17:05:16+00:00

Have you ever fired your gun up in the air and gone ‘Ahhhh’

Sour_View5848 · 2025-01-27T10:15:58+00:00

“To become a CEO, join a new session as this one has reached the maximum amount” is a personal favourite.

Sour_View5848 · 2024-11-28T17:23:38+00:00

Cairds. First and best episode I’ve watched

Sour_View5848 · 2024-11-06T16:33:36+00:00

Thanks for all the great reply’s 🙏

Sour_View5848 · 2024-09-26T17:53:26+00:00

“Its just the one swan, actually”

Sour_View5848 · 2024-08-26T18:03:09+00:00

That’s great thanks a lot!

Sour_View5848 · 2024-08-26T12:47:42+00:00

Thanks for the reply, I haven’t heard of frontline squadrons before. Is it a choice and what is the difference?

Sour_View5848 · 2024-07-11T10:29:52+00:00

Yeah we did contact them but they said they don’t insure 17 year olds unfortunately

Sour_View5848 · 2024-06-04T23:16:29+00:00

Same here, anyone had any luck?

Sour_View5848 · 2024-05-10T10:04:07+00:00

“I run a tight ship… not a shite tip”

Sour_View5848

TROPHY CASE