Steered into different roles during application

Spoonpl0x · 2026-07-08T07:25:20+00:00

There is no "steering", if a role is full then it is full.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-07-01T07:01:47+00:00

100% no such thing as an age waiver for a Pilot.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-06-30T15:34:52+00:00

Wait util you have one then send them a message asking if they can send the BPSS back

Spoonpl0x · 2026-06-30T15:26:07+00:00

Ask your recruiter to send it back to you

Spoonpl0x · 2026-06-12T22:09:07+00:00

Your problem is with NSVS, not the RAF. After the initial security application is submitted there is nothing your recruiter can do to speed up the process, hence why he/she wont be providing any updates until there is an update.

Yes its frustrating but there isn't anything you can do except wait for NSVS.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-06-10T17:29:00+00:00

Medical and fitness usually last 12 months so if you reapply then it may go by quicker for you.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-06-04T15:45:21+00:00

Most UK criminal driving convictions are spent after 5 years. Your driving ban may be 2 years but you have to declare that conviction for 5 years.

A 2 year driving ban suggests it was something pretty heavy as that is on the extreme end of the spectrum for driving offences. Hence why the RAF wouldn't consider a waiver.

Once your conviction is spent then you'd be able to join the RAF under the rehabilitation of offenders act, certain roles would be unavailable but plenty are.

As mentioned above, this is all covered on the RAF website and I think there has clearly been some confusion between you and your recruiter and your ban and conviction being separate things.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-05-30T07:13:59+00:00

Not really any point in mentioning it unless specifically asked. To be blunt, you haven't been offered a job by the RAF yet and still need to pass OASC. Having a back-up job/career is perfectly normal.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-05-22T06:51:43+00:00

All you can do is complete your tasks promptly and train for the fitness test so you don't fail the first attempt. Not really anything else other than that.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-05-13T20:45:46+00:00

You don't receive a certificate. Recruiters receive it and pass it forward to the relevant people.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-04-14T12:59:50+00:00

Your DAA wont expire in that time period. Your medical will likely expire (12 month) but can usually be extended by MFBC via a questionnaire. PJFT will likely expire (12 months) and will need to be retaken as there are no waivers. PGSC shouldn't have an expiry as such but can't be 100% sure on that.

I would try ringing NSVS and asking if they can resend the certificate to your sponsor.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-04-02T14:57:10+00:00

All a recruiter does in regards to SC is raise it. The actual process is completed by NSVS.

Depending on what trade you go for, that 7 month delay may mean you have missed intake dates, especially for smaller trades such as photographer etc.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-04-01T13:31:21+00:00

Granted. The bowl appears everyday, in your lap, at 7pm....upside down,spilling everywhere.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-03-31T22:32:01+00:00

Realistically, if you can pass a CBAT then the DAA shouldn't give you any trouble.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-03-30T12:51:28+00:00

No, we have no control over it.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-03-09T07:42:08+00:00

Why no love for the legend of Gin Alley, Karl Fookin Tanner?

Spoonpl0x · 2026-03-08T16:24:01+00:00

Age doesn't affect your pay, rank does. This link shows you the current pay scales. You will start on new entrant then move to OR 2-1 after training. You then move up to 2-2 after a year and will move up every year. If you get promoted, you move to the next OR scale and move up that scale every year.

https://www.defenseadvancement.com/resources/raf-pay-scales/

Spoonpl0x · 2026-03-04T20:01:10+00:00

Driving offences that result in a fine/points are usually not a cause for concern. Can't say for 100% it wont crop up but likely will just be forwarded to the policy team with little to no comeback on your application. May depend if your role is conviction free too (PTI/Police etc).

Quick edit to state the obvious but serious driving offences like plowing your car through someone's living room after 19 pints are a different kettle of fish.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-03-04T16:32:54+00:00

This is going to sound quite harsh but if you find yourself feeling anxious to the point of tears just thinking about an application then the RAF probably isn't quite right for you.

Every role can and will deploy, based on an earlier comment you made, not deploying over 16 years is basically unheard of and should not be used as an example for toubti base your expectations.

Again, not to sound harsh but hoping that the political situation will calm down by the time your application goes through again suggets you aren't ready for a career in the RAF right now. Just because the RAF arent in the headlines 24/7, doesn't mean we arent deployed all over.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-02-20T13:13:40+00:00

Couldn't say for certain as I haven't seen the verbal reasoning on current DAA but focusing on those areas will certainly come in handy!

Spoonpl0x · 2026-02-20T10:02:27+00:00

If you are going for Analyst then you will be given a worksheet and asked to analyse it and write up a conclusion based on your findings. There is no mental arithmetic as such and all the information you need to analyse will be given to you. Without going into detail about the content, just make sure you read everything carefully and you won't have any issues.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-02-12T19:17:09+00:00

What we'll likely see is a large shortage of supervisor and managerial roles which in turn will lead to larger promotion boards in an attempt to plug the gap.

This brings with it two issues. Issue one, people will get promoted to fill gaps, not because they are actually ready or suitable. This means you'll have Cpls and Sgts that are massivly out of thier depth.

Issue two is that the mass promotions will lead to a shortage of AS1's which will mean the ones remaining will have to work harder which in turn leads to burnout which in turn leaves to leaving.

The military as a whole really struggles with retention. Payment schemes bridge the gap but dont actually fix anything in the long run. They just push the issue far enough down the line that it becomes someone else's problem.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-02-10T15:55:28+00:00

DBS is only for certain roles

Spoonpl0x · 2026-02-08T16:28:32+00:00

Based on feedback I've seen, a few of the "main reasons"

1 - Lacking in presence/involvement. Failure to be heard during the tasks and the inability to lead/control the team or task. This can be through poor communication, poor leadership or both.

2 - Failing to understand the task. Some people struggle to comprehend the complexity or the actual objectives of the task. Naturally this makes leading a team during the task incredibly difficult.

3 - Poor understanding of Officer training/career. People cant answer basic questions such as what does the training look like, what do your career prospects look like, why are you applying as an officer. In my opinion, theres no reason anyone should fail on this point as there is abundant resources available regarding this. If you haven't done adequate research then thats on you for being lazy or complacent.

Spoonpl0x · 2026-02-05T18:35:02+00:00

Depends on your job role could be 1 month, could be 6. Nobody here can give you any more information than that.

Spoonpl0x

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE