Getting into the RAAF

[Alexrey]

Hey guys, I really wanna join the RAAF but... I live in South Africa (I was born in SA but have a UK passport, dunno if that'll help). Now you may be asking WTF I wanna join the RAAF for when there's the SAAF. Well this is why:

1) From what I've read, our airforce is slowly falling apart.
2) There is racial prejudice, or what the government calls "equal opportunity", so the chances of me getting in here are pretty much non-existent.
3) Aus has an awesome climate like SA so it's the closest home away from home that I'll get.

I got decent marks in grade 12 (B for maths and sci), but obviously that's not nearly enough because I need to be an Aussie citizen to apply for the RAAF. So my plan is to study here in SA for 3 years to get a BSc, then move to Aus and work there for 2 years, then apply for citizenship, and then finally apply to the RAAF!

Now for my questions:

1) Will the Aus government accept someone with just a BSc or do I HAVE TO specialise in something?
2) I'm not too sure how the citizenship part works. Do they first have to let me into Aus, and then once I've lived there permanently for 2 years (or is it 4 years) am I allowed to apply for citizenship?
3) Lets say that I get my citizenship. Will the RAAF look at my CV and think "oh he only got a BSc, go away"? I thought maybe if there's enough time (since I'm 19 now and once I'm past 27.5 the door will most likely close) I'd study further to be an aeronautical engineer to boost my chances of being selected.

I've got 8 years to do this. 3 years for the BSc and 2 years for citizenship leaves me with 3 years to spare. Or if I'm wrong and it's 4 years for citizenship then I've only got a year to spare! :shudder

I'd really appreciate some clarification on those questions. Hope you can help, cheerz!

 

[StingrayOZ]

UK passport will help. You won't need a visa or anything like that to get into and work in Australia. The first hurdle is a pretty easy one.

The RAAF is fairly selective for pilot training. You will need more than just a Bsci. Even a major in physics or a full fledge B.Eng (aero) or simular won't be enough on its own. You need to meet the physical, mental, inteligence standards etc. Generally a B.sci is reasonably well recogised, it shows you understand the basics of science, are atleast literate numerically, can apply and complete academic studies etc.

Particularly if you want to get into fast jets. Australia flies a unique mix of aircraft, and pilot is an attractive job for many people here and overseas. Expect it to be one of the few jobs where there is an excess of applicants (although quality applicants are always required).

An option may be to do your Bsci here.

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/faq/OverseasApplicants/

 

[sunderer]

You dont need to be a citizen but you must be a permanent resident who is eligeable for citizenship.Its a pity you are not in the SAAF already as lateral transfers are all the go at the moment.

 

[Alexrey]

UK passport will help. You won't need a visa or anything like that to get into and work in Australia. The first hurdle is a pretty easy one.

The RAAF is fairly selective for pilot training. You will need more than just a Bsci. Even a major in physics or a full fledge B.Eng (aero) or simular won't be enough on its own. You need to meet the physical, mental, inteligence standards etc. Generally a B.sci is reasonably well recogised, it shows you understand the basics of science, are atleast literate numerically, can apply and complete academic studies etc.

Particularly if you want to get into fast jets. Australia flies a unique mix of aircraft, and pilot is an attractive job for many people here and overseas. Expect it to be one of the few jobs where there is an excess of applicants (although quality applicants are always required).

An option may be to do your Bsci here.

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/faq/OverseasApplicants/

When you say physical, mental and intellectual standards etc. I'm guessing those are the tests you take when applying to the RAAF and therefore you can't really study for them? It's either you have it or you don't right?

I'd love to study in Aus but I won't be able to afford it and it'll probably be such a huge change to cope with. What degree would you recommed I study for to have the best chances of being selected on education alone? I also plan on filling my CV while at uni, by playing varsity sports and joining commitees. I hear that things like that are also very important.

You dont need to be a citizen but you must be a permanent resident who is eligeable for citizenship.Its a pity you are not in the SAAF already as lateral transfers are all the go at the moment.

I really did wanna join the SAAF until I read about it's flaws. But another thing that worries me is that while training in the SAAF you don't get to study a degree (as far as I know). That's fine if you get dropped early on, but If you train for 3 years and only then do they drop you, you lose 3 years that coulda been done studying.

I was really relieved when I heard that I only have to be a permanent resident to be able to apply to the RAAF! That gives me a lot more time to prepare and get an impressive CV.

 

[RAAF_recruit]

Officer recruitment into the RAAF - questions!

Hey folks, first post, and a couple of questions.

First of all, thanks to those of you in the ADF who use your spare time to answer the questions of the curious. I have already learned a heap from reading old threads, and it means I won't be asking so many stupid questions down the track, particularly during the recruitment process. Thank you, thank you.

That said, these are my concerns.

I am in the process of trying to join as a RAAF officer. I have gotten through the YOU session, and I am waiting for the recruitment centre to get through my medical forms before I can schedule my next round, which will involve the psych interview, medical interview and an interview with a ranking RAAF officer, to be followed by the Officer Selection Board.

I am reasonably confident that I will get through (thinking positively seems more in my interests than not); what I want to know is whether there is likely to be an Officer Selection Board in Adelaide before September. The reason I ask leads to another question: is there a OITC for the RAAF starting in September, 2008? They have been quite vague about both, telling me that I will find out after I get through the next round of interviews.

I am keen to find out, because waiting until January for the OITC would be a real drag. I am keen as heck to get in as soon as possible, and I am willing to fly interstate to attend an OSB in another capital city if it is permitted and will expedite the process.

Is there anything I can do to expedite the processing of my documents? I am only waiting for them to go through my medical questionnaire before I can schedule the next round. I was thinking of something along the lines of an extremely polite daily phone call. Will that be seen as keen, or mentally unbalanced? I want to get into the first OITC possible, and will jump through whatever hoops I have to in order to do so.

TIA for any and all replies. Have a good one.

 

[Blackmore]

When too - ADF

Hey,
I'm currently in Year 10, and I've been tring to work out when it would be best for me to enlist. Should i go to the end of year 12 or is Year 10 good enough. At the current stage I'm also trying to make a choise whether to enlist with the Combat Engineers or just strait up rifleman. I know the entry requirment is only Year 9 for both, but if someone who has served or serving with in either could give me some extra information on them - I've read about them on the Defence Force pages - and whether i should go to Year 12 or not.

If anyone can help it whould be great,
Cheers

 

[sunderer]

Mate, its great you want to get in but if you decide to get out after five years you still only have a year 10 education and rifleman isnt exactly a high demand job on the outside. If you go RAAF it might be different because you can get a civilian recognised trade that will be in demand.

 

[old faithful]

Mate, its great you want to get in but if you decide to get out after five years you still only have a year 10 education and rifleman isnt exactly a high demand job on the outside. If you go RAAF it might be different because you can get a civilian recognised trade that will be in demand.

Having served as a rifleman, you will find many , many doors open for you in the civilian job market. Dont listen to those that say , you wont get a career after infantry, they dont know what they are talking about. Positives. self discipline,self belief, leadership, can do attitude there are many many more. After leaving infantry, i found work in the oil industry, as a mechanic. The company i worked for were looking for integrity,and a strong work ethic as well as reliability.they trained from scratch, sent me to Singapore, thailand and Western Aus for training. if i had of stayed, I would also have done courses in canada or Alaska. EX Infantrymen i know work as Police, IT techs, salesmen, security consultants,train drivers, prison officers,own buisnesses, Mercs!,(PSC), Oil industry ,fishing guides,tour operators etc etc Its what you want to do after the Army. you will have the drive to suceed in any field you WANT to.

 

[Blackmore]

Alright, thanks guys.
I have a few more questions tho.

Once you've done your employment training, do you have anysay on which battalion your placed in?

Cheers,

 

[sunderer]

OF, thats true but you get those qualities drummed into you in all three services, maybe he could check out army aviation?

 

[Aussie Digger]

Alright, thanks guys.
I have a few more questions tho.

Once you've done your employment training, do you have anysay on which battalion your placed in?

Cheers,

You can ask, but it depends on the priority of the battalions and where Army feels they need you...

The asking is done during IET too...