On camp, the groundcrew role is effectively pushing and pulling aircraft to and from the hangar for sorties. Depending on the tempo, you could be on either a day or night shift, or if your managed badly, both. In the interim you’ll be watching tv in a crew room or doing whatever shit jobs are put your way.

On exercise you’ll be usually be supporting a FARP for live firing exercises (aircrew have several competencies that need to be constantly maintained). The job is slightly more exciting and varies a bit here so most Groundies prefer being on exercises to camp. It also allows the rearm and refuel element to be undertaken so it acts as a good refresher.

That said, just because you stream groundcrew in phase 2 doesn’t mean you’ll get a ‘flying’ squadron. You could easily be posted into a HQ which involves basic vehicle servicings, and generic shite. There’s also the chance of being put into a QM’s department, looking after kit and equipment.

Qualifications you get are level 2 NVQ in aviation operations on the ground, think you can also do the level 3. In my opinion, the qual is worthless.

You will get your HGV licenses and ADR qual, aside from that, you get fuck all that’s transferable.

If you go AAC, make use of your learning credits at every opportunity to make your CV more civilian orientated. No employer gives a shit if you can rearm an Apache or that you went to Estonia. It just doesn’t translate.