Thinking of Joining the RAF Want to know what makes you join

[Greg_Ed]

Hi,

I'm interested in joining the RAF. I find that what makes me want to join is the excitement of visiting new places and getting out of England.

I'd really like to know what makes other people want to join, so that I can see whether it is really the best thing to do. It wasn't really a spontanious decision but I know it is a big one, so responses will be appreciated.

thanks,
Greg

[Hyperlithe]

Hi Greg,
what trade are you thinking of going for? I joined up 4 years ago as a WSOp (L), and I can't now imagine doing anything else. Used to be a hotel manager for a large international chain, and was bored out of my brain, so I guess I joined up for the challenge, and to use my language skills.
Good bits - the social life, you'll never have mates like the ones you go through training with; Bad bits - not seeing the family as often as I'd like, and, erm, that's about it really!

[bigdj]

Hyper, just on the family matter - how hard is it really to have a family while in the raf?

[Hyperlithe]

I think it kind of depends what trade you're in - it is always going to be difficult, but lots of people manage to do it. What your other half does for a living can also be a big factor.
From my own experience as the daughter of a Navy officer, it's probably easier in the RAF, as my Dad could be away for up to about 9 months at a time, which was really difficult for my Mum!
Sure other people will give their stories, as I'm not married, so for me at the moment, family means my parents and my big brother.

[bigdj]

Yeh i can imagine it been difficult but i suppose if you find the right person it can work. Cheers Hyper

[Stu-Fowler]

My Dad was an RAF police officer he got posted to sardinia my mum was more than happy to move over there, then he got posted to Leuchars, They looked after us really well, But as above depends what trade,I was told Gunners move around more and spend more time away than any other trade.

[insert-coin-here]

I joined on the promise of as many pairs of white socks as I wanted and free hotel's.

Unfortunately I joined as a gunner and so had black socks issued and was made to sleep in a puddle.

[The Stig]

Hi,

I'm interested in joining the RAF. I find that what makes me want to join is the excitement of visiting new places and getting out of England.

I'd really like to know what makes other people want to join, so that I can see whether it is really the best thing to do. It wasn't really a spontanious decision but I know it is a big one, so responses will be appreciated.

thanks,
Greg

well im from a large military family..mostly RAF... My maternal Grandad flew in Lancasters during the war then joined the Rock Apes post WW2 until 1974! My Paternal Grandad joined as a Tecky and got all the way to Warrant Officer, My Uncle was a Nav. who operated on Victors out of RAF Marham, my Dad was ATC! so its safe to say i have RAF blood in me and its something ive always wanted to do! thats why i wonna join!

[crillin18]

well where do i start.
Reasons for me joing are:
Free pension
A great chance to see the world
Good recognisec qulifactions which can be used when you leave the r.a.f
The pay is good
Rent is cheap as chips and the ammount you pay for insurence and council tax is hardly anything compared to the civilan world
Job security
Job satisfaction
and last but not least a sence of pride that you get from being in the r.a.f
Hope this has helped in your quest to find out what maked people join the r.a.f
Thankyou
Crillin18

[The Stig]

well where do i start.
Reasons for me joing are:
Free pension
A great chance to see the world
Good recognisec qulifactions which can be used when you leave the r.a.f
The pay is good
Rent is cheap as chips and the ammount you pay for insurence and council tax is hardly anything compared to the civilan world
Job security
Job satisfaction
and last but not least a sence of pride that you get from being in the r.a.f
Hope this has helped in your quest to find out what maked people join the r.a.f
Thankyou
Crillin18

all that with me aswell lol