Joined 3rd May 1961, 98th Entry. Passed out accelerated promotion [1 yr to Cpl.] Singapore tour with visits to Darwin. Returned to UK, commissioned as Navigator, once again with accelerated promotion [time served as airman]. A tumultuous journey with ups and downs but never a dull moment. Not the easiest way of life but certainly never boring.
This is a world away from when I went through basic at Swinderby in the late 80's but the gist of it all is still the same. The 'Rock apes' beasted me then and they'll continue to do so to others but for a good reason. Good luck to any of you who applied or have aspirations to do so; the RAF is a good career.
@wakeupuk3860 Aye, I get it now, mate. Swinderby is gone & so many other places we served; although it was later than you, which is fine. I salute you for what you did before I joined 👍
Thank you Bucks for your comment, but I spent most of my five years as an APO, (Aerial Photographic Operator) safely tucked away in darkrooms developing and printing aerial photographs, chatting up WAAFs, learning Tae Kwon DO and enjoying Jack Daniels and BLTs at the USAF Airmans club at RAF Alconbury. Quite a cushy time with GREAT mates that sadly I never came across in civvy street in Civil Engineering, as a Teacher reaching DH status, a Senior Microsoft IT Trainer and professional Presenter. But on being posted to Cyprus, I did crap my pants, when belted into the side of a Wessex helicopter flying alongside cliff faces taking photos of possible Turkish-Cypriot arm caves hidden in caves, when a few shots were fired at us. I don't know about your time, Bucks but the guys I served with, lived in the same block, went on holiday with, met their parents and who in away became like brothers to me and truly real managers and leaders (i.e. 111 Lightning Jet pilots) that I sadly never came across again, in civvy street - even though meeting quite senior people later in life. Now 71, it is those few years in the RAF are my fondest memories and even though I was a troubled teenager, somewhat wild, maybe ended up in prison and only joined to get away from my parents - it was the BEST decision of my life as it certainly set me up for quite a successful career, good money, travel around the world and most of all the pride I have in passing on what I learnt in the RAF to similar troubled young lads that I know changed their lives. The only thing is sadly, up to about five years ago, I had always helped, advise, done recommending letters for young people to join the services, I don't do now because of the Woke change being made. This is due to the absolute decline of discipline, intelligence level and the removal of centuries old teaching of academic topics now replaced by Woke indoctrination topics. Chatting to ex long-term service personnel who once would have stayed in but bought themselves out, often tell me of similar changes that led me to leaving teaching. In all ways our once very highly skilled, competent and extremely effective fighting men and women is no longer the case. As such no way would I now advise any young person NOT to join the Army, RAF, Navy or Marines, in fact I would even actively discourage them from doing so. Because I now strongly believed they would be 'lambs to the slaughter' if ever coming up against a non-Woke enemy, which when working in Russia and visiting China I saw first hand what they would be facing. @@Buck9672
Yup get off the bus from Newark and the screaming started lol. Spinny run back way through the sheep dip in full NBC yea this is very different lol Looks good best of luck to all.
27 years ago I joined the Army as a 16year and embarked on an amazing and life changing career..now my daughter tells me she wants to join the RAF as a medic in 2022...super proud ..and a little jealous wish I was doing it all over again 👏👍
Thank you for your service, I’m considering joining the forces I just don’t know what to join. Any recommendations? I’m 16 so I got a whole life ahead of me in the forces and I wanna make the right choice
@@hatmanpat1211 not so much which one to join , but maybe try figure out what you see yourself doing then go from there, eg. Action/front line army infantry /Artillery OPs /joint fires / navy Royal marines , Raf regiment (near hotel's) 😉 or you could look at communications again all 3 have this , all 3 have mechanics and engineers and admin support, and medical ..you get the picture ...🤣sort your chosen career path 1st then go from there 👍
Nothing wrong with this! Makes a man of you! My basic training in the Army was the best thing I ever went through and you bond as a group and makes friends for life! All you need to do is prepare properly and get your head down, avoid injury and push through it gradually and sensibly. 100% effort and positivity and you will succeed and will feel elated when you finish! When I passed out at Deepcut all those years ago I felt on top of the world! The feeling of pride is immense!
This is what I needed to read mate cheers. I am 22 I feel I have wasted a lot of my young years doing nothing, I should be so much fitter than I am but years of smoking and messing around with things I shouldn’t have has took away my drive. I am so determined to change things I have been sober for months now and the idea of passing out and making my mam and family proud makes me so happy, I can’t wait to be involved in such a great career. Hope you are doing well now.
Hi guys, I’m an applicant in the process of joining the Royal Air Force as a Reg Gunner. I’ll be covering the entire application process on my channel, which may interest some of you. I posted my first video regarding the DAA on Saturday. Please let me know if it was helpful, thank you.
I was at Halton in 83 and 90 when it was still the Aircraft trade training camp after completing basic at Swinderby. Being in the forces definitely sets you up for life.
Went through on 4 Flight in 2000. Brings back a lot of memories watching this, the sights, the sounds. Nice lookback on my experience. CPL Pete Kenn was the standout staff on my flight! met him a few years after when I was back at Halton staying there while flying at Benson
Things have certainly changed since I was in. And for the better. For most of my time we were treated like civilians in uniform with negligible weapons or military training. It seemed to me almost deliberate. They took away our eagle shoulder patches, (which marked us out as RAF anywhere), gave us a shapeless working uniform to replace the old Hairy Mary battledress, took.away our boots for shoes, for all weathers, replaced our warm greatcoats for raincoats and provided little or no cold weather clothing. It seemed like the office chairborne warriors thought we all worked in warm cosy offices, like them. I was pleased to see combats are the working uniform, with proper boots, which is a huge improvement. Maybe, somebody finally realised the RAF is actually a military service and not civilians in uniforms looking like RAC roadside assistance. (Which have been mistaken for in tbe past!).
@Wasp Wasp, I completely agree with you there. The Kit then was awful; '58 webbing, bad boots, ill-fitting No1's, the DMS shoes (as you mentioned) and the Eagle emblem removed from No1's. I served in the RAFP & along with the Regiment we had some decent kit eventually through the 'Soldier 92' thing they had; mind you the early Goretex stuff was shit because they didn't have taped seams and leaked like a sieve unlike Goretex stuff has nowadays, and now there's proper boots being issued from proper bootmakers! Neveretheless, it's good to see our lot getting decent kit for a change! I wish them well in whatever trade they choose these days.
I've just graduated from raf Halton honestly anyone thinking of joining go for it. It's definetly not easy but that feeling of getting through it on grad day gave me the proudest feeling... roll on my phase 2 as a caterer- by the way blue warrior is so fun but physically you need to be in good shape before you get to Halton ☺
Eleanor Webb, I’m looking to join in the next few months (still have to finish learning to drive), my fitness isn’t terrible (I can do 20 pushups and run 9 points on a bleep test so far) and I’m not exactly stupid... Even though I’ll be continuing to improve these, how hard exactly do you think the recruitment process actually is?
@@gooserodah5116 not that hard I passed all ground trades and choose catering as that is what I qualified in at college before joining make sure you know bases history of raf etc and be sure in what you say have confidence the interview was probably the hardest bit for me do a bit of ast practice you'll be fine mate 😁
An hour and a half 3 times a week? Is that accurate? Before applying?? I can run the admission 1.5 mile In 12 mins atm. But running for an hour and half??
@@flathead184 yeah that’s what you roughly do at Halton I’m still in now but things are still similar from what I’ve heard- personally I actually used the army fitness app (100% percent army fit) available on iOS and Android and followed that and it made me the fittest girl on my intake comparable with most of the lads. On there you do both cardio and muscle workouts and keeps you motivated as you work through it - I would double check the mile and a half times on the raf website as it depends on age - I believe it’s about 11:30 for a male 17-29 if memory serves - but just keep practicing your runs and you’ll be fine as that’s best cardio in my opinion but just keeping yourself in good shape and you’ll be fine at Halton- it’s a game and you just need to get through it as the end result is worth it in the end trust me.
All that shit to go through and I'd get my kit and turn up right now in the depths of winter and do it all again. Made some right mates and memories at Halton.
I trained at swinderby in the 80's! Recruit trng won't have changed that much.....food still looks gopping! I did NCO trng at Halton the 90's...still remember all of it. Mental attitude is the key ladies and gents! never give up on anything (it gets noticed) and always help fellow recruits... Best of luck.
@adam smith I think I was in Flintham Block and I well remember those floors. Also, dragging a few lads on the floor after its been buffed on a blanket. Beds on top of the Lockers, pushed into the middle then wire wool the polish off and start again......good times
Joe Powell don’t know what you mean, I went through last year and arrived on my own along with 100 other people. Regarding the parents it’s on the first week, they come in and watch people attest as well as receive information from DS staff regarding the nex 14 weeks. I seen my parents for about 30 minutes before I was told to get back on the coach
Ade2Bee I joined to get away from my bloody parents. We were ordered to write a letter home, and in those days recruits could not wear civvies off duty so we were issued two sheets of brown paper, two labels and some string to send our stuff home once we had our uniforms. There were no parents at pass-out at Bridgnorth in 1960.
I had to attend the CIO on day of travel to Swinderby. (Attested the day before.). CIO staff made sure we got on our train and parents only allowed to wave us off from Glasgow central. We didn't get given boots or shoes for a couple of days so it was plimsoles and overalls. Halton was trade training and I hated it more than basic due to the continuing bull. Loved the actual trade training though.
Turn the time back to 1956 at RAF Padgate- unrecognisable as the same service induction and training, likewise at medical branch basic training. RAF medic operating theatre staff, first posting RAF H Wegberg Germany. 1956-59.
Good to see the course progressing, and the fitness sections improving especially the obstacle course section as that was the one thing we often discussed as missing from the course. Good luck, work hard and enjoy every moment of it as its worth it in the end. I'm a former instructor and loved the job, mind you, you have to with the hours you put into it! Per Ardua
You'd have been there when I went through Halton, Winter 98, I have to say it looks more challenging now, when I went through the 7 week program we didn't even stay under canvas, we erected the tents in the hanger then went back to the block for the evening, then in the morning we marched back down and heated up our rations.
Yes I would have been I was on 4Flt for the whole of my first tour there. It was a pain in the proverbial when you came back for the night as the block always looked like a bomb had hit it, what with cam cream all over the sinks and mirrors let alone the bits of card from the rat packs!!
Took me back to my basic training, I was on 4 flight back in 1994 and the second intake after moving to RAF Halton from RAF Swinderby. The reason for watching this video is I'm currently writing a book about my RAF basic and trade training. While on basic training and trade training I kept a diary which I now refer too, the training looks similar to mine. Good luck if your waiting to go in- life changing.
@@erica8950 Hi the book is drafted but not published..not sure how to publish a book, so researching that now. If it goes to publication I'll let you know. Thanks.
I’m 14 years old, and I’m in the Air Training Corps. I joined the ATC at 13,. I’ve since wanted to join the Royal Air Force. I think being in the ATC it will give me more confidence and experience if I am to join the RAF.
I'm also in the ATC and have been for 5 years but I'm in my recruitment process right now. All I'll say is don't mention you are an air cadet as they don't like that. As well as the drill we learn is not the same as what they do in the RAF. So go in there with an open mind and don't try to advance yourself faster than the rest. You are a team when you are there.
Spent 4 months in Bahrain, liked the swimming pool on the roof of our hotel the best because our apartment was only one floor below, although the boss had a bigger pool ours was closer!!
I’m doing calisthenics which is a body workout pretty much like gymnastics but this can help me pass the fitness test which I hope to join raf after gcse even with me slight heart problem
+MARZ We're the same age and in the same year. I wanted to be a pilot a week ago but now i'm looking to be in the gunner regiment or the RAF police because it's hard to get a job as a pilot because so many people want to do it :)
Looks like all that classroom work will really weed out the chaff. Raf Swinderby 1984, I don't remember one lecture. I do remember a lot of running, marching, cleaning, warnings not to go into Lincoln on the piss (ignored), tears from the young lads, being shouted at from 2 inches off your nose, more cleaning till midnight, up at 5am last minute cleaning. It's changed!
Phil Whitehead I have been thinking about those days and realised the DIs held back a bit from shouting at those with some education, and especially from obscene insults ending, “Wot are yew?”, I presume in case the next time we met the boot would be on the other foot.
Currently in the process of joining as a Cyberspace communications specialist, the whole process so far is amazing, if you're looking into joining do your research and get fit, goes a long way
@@Damian-ew8py hi yes i did although i was rejected in the medical stage for the tablets i was taking at the time and im glad bc covid hit, i did my interview and tests already so ill be applying again in the future
RAF Halton reserve training is brilliant. I'm ex Amy and now RAF Reg Reservist. Great NCO'S and SNCO. SGT Charity, great switched on guy and although the NCO's come and go and move around a lot, CPLs Duncan, Croft and McIntyre are all top lads.
My starting date is in November. But due to covid I haven't and will not do my prtc or the family day thing, I will get there and that's it. It's a bit daunting.
You went to Hereford after me. I'm guessing you were at the wrong place at the wrong time, meaning I went to Shawbury from 10 Sqn with my tapes intact and seniority from when I was posted to RAF Brize Norton in 1985. Easy life but didn't go any further up the line as there were too many deadmens shoes before me.
@@Mr5w00153y Totally agree with you about Butlins! I was incarcerated at HMP Bognor Regis, Oops, sorry, I mean Butlins from 1999-2000 and it really is like a prison!
I have my start date 14 December cannot wait! My only concern is that I doubt my overall academic abilities. Does anyone no if their are more exams similar to the airman selection test upon arrival at basic trainnig? I managed to pass the airman selection test on my second attempt with practice, but I am concerned if their are going to be academic base tests that I have to complete in order to progress in basic trainning I may struggle a little. On the other hand i am very capable when it comes to fitness or physical trainning so I won't have any problems in that regard.
I've heard that the academics are on par with primary school difficulty. So you shouldent worry. I start in November so when I get time I might come back and tell you if you want.
I'm 15 and hoping to be an WSOp Rotary Crewman but I have a series of problems : one problem is that I was born and live in Spain at the moment but im a British citizen and speak perfect English, the other problem is that I have some hearing loss since I had both of my ear drums burst (They aren't any more) but the loss isn't that severe and I would like to know if even with these problems I can still do what I am hoping for.
If you are a British citizen now then, you being born in Spain and living there would not be an issue, unfortunately I think that the hearing loss could be a problem. It might not stop you from joining certain roles but the best way to find out would be to go to your local AFCO and speak to a recruiter there, good luck!
Depends how long you’ve been clear of your injury for. If you’ve been clear for a couple of years you should be good. They will probably make you do a test or something to see how your hearing was affected
Fitness is easy, trust me. Just run every week for about 2 miles and you good. Pushups is only 20 and situps 35. But for me the ast was the hard part since I'm bad at English.
I've met dozens of Rocks but I've never met one who 'big timed' it, they've all been chilled quiet professionals. All of the stick they get seems to come from CSS mega REMFs and not from anyone who's ever worked with them.
@Wallace Carney - that's the same for every mob though! I met some fucking lunatics in Recruit Training at Lympstone (we usually sent them to the Royal Navy where they fit right in) 😄
I'm RAF Reg, and also ex Army, I've came through Halton and to be honest I watched the over weight NCO's taking control of new Flts and while watching them I had to wonder when their last RAFFT was. Not a good role model to the young recruits, and this video also reinforces my concerns.
I'm currently taking level 3 extended diploma in Uniformed Services. Hope to get triple distinction. Then I plan to do a-levels in law and politics. I really want to join and become a legal officer in the RAF. I worry that my fitness will bring me down due to my asthma. It's really not that bad only on long distance running. Yet my bleep test is constantly improving. Basic training scares me so much. I can not do drill, bloody tick tocking. But this video opens it up a bit more. I'm so lazy... but I want to change. When I join I want to be the person I've al aye wanted to be. healthy, fit, and proud to wear that uniform.
Im 16 and im half way through my selection process . Im looking to join the logistics corps to be a chef and be part of the 3 mobile catering squadron . I should hopefully be leaving in August after my GSCE’s !
Recently left the Army and looking for a career in the RAF as a Jet Aircraft Mechanic...I wonder if the process for me will be any different as I'm a military rejoiner
Yes, all RAF applicants have to go through a basic training course. This is for non-commissioned roles ( not officers).You’ll do this and then go on to phase 2 trade training ( for mechanics, that’s around a year and a half at Cosford). For an officer role such as pilot, you will do a longer and more academically and mentally challenging course at Cranwell. I feel like that course is around 22 weeks. Best to contact your local careers office for more information - best of luck if you join up!
Is the graduation ceremony the same in the reserves as it is in the regulars? Do they always wear the blue uniform or is it the camolarged on the last day?
+Matthew Kent A few hours each weekend that you are in. The reserves now join the regulars for a five day weapons drill and then take part in the final graduation parade. See RAF careers for more information.
seems horrible, but i had so much fun. every day was different and i would happily go back. Respirator phase...not so fun :3 AC MAXWELL (ICT Technician) at your service UK
Be confident and be serious about your fitness regime. Be passionate about your hobbies and who you are. They will tell you 'play the game' literally monkey see monkey do. Enjoy your time in training and make the most of it. Make sure you do your research thoroughly for the interview and practice for your application exam
Id love to join the RAF and serve as my dad once did but i’ve lived in america for half of my life and you need to have lived there for the past 5 years which unfortunately i havnt
Anders Gustavsson Yes we must but because people know I want to join the RAF they say Screw them, Thinking it's like being in the police so I say would you wanna live in a country with no air defence or a country where you feel safe from threats from the air
On PRTC / PGSC if you get just above the minimum on the fitness tests will they still pass you? Say you got 23 press ups and the minimum is 20, or 10.30 on the 1.5 mile when the minimum is 11.11. Might seem like a stupid question but i assume they want you to smash these scores rather than scrape a pass...??
Hello, I’m 18 and looking to join starting September to go in to the raf police. If anyone with recent raf training experience could spare some time to tell me about the recruitment process and what I’ll need to get through it, I would be very grateful.
Joined 3rd May 1961, 98th Entry. Passed out accelerated promotion [1 yr to Cpl.] Singapore tour with visits to Darwin. Returned to UK, commissioned as Navigator, once again with accelerated promotion [time served as airman]. A tumultuous journey with ups and downs but never a dull moment. Not the easiest way of life but certainly never boring.
I’m waiting for my start date, think I’ve watched this at least 40-50 times now 😂😂😂
does it, by any chance, start on 19th October?
Is anyone’s on 11th November?
@@kaceykalvin778 how did it go ?
@Phoenix Fair good
luck
I’ve just passed my medical, how long would you say until my Pre fitness?
This is a world away from when I went through basic at Swinderby in the late 80's but the gist of it all is still the same. The 'Rock apes' beasted me then and they'll continue to do so to others but for a good reason. Good luck to any of you who applied or have aspirations to do so; the RAF is a good career.
Cheers dits
For me who joined in 1969 and did his six weeks basic at Swinderby it is a 'planet' away compared to what a recruit goes through now.
@wakeupuk3860 Aye, I get it now, mate.
Swinderby is gone & so many other places we served; although it was later than you, which is fine.
I salute you for what you did before I joined 👍
Thank you Bucks for your comment, but I spent most of my five years as an APO, (Aerial Photographic Operator) safely tucked away in darkrooms developing and printing aerial photographs, chatting up WAAFs, learning Tae Kwon DO and enjoying Jack Daniels and BLTs at the USAF Airmans club at RAF Alconbury. Quite a cushy time with GREAT mates that sadly I never came across in civvy street in Civil Engineering, as a Teacher reaching DH status, a Senior Microsoft IT Trainer and professional Presenter.
But on being posted to Cyprus, I did crap my pants, when belted into the side of a Wessex helicopter flying alongside cliff faces taking photos of possible Turkish-Cypriot arm caves hidden in caves, when a few shots were fired at us.
I don't know about your time, Bucks but the guys I served with, lived in the same block, went on holiday with, met their parents and who in away became like brothers to me and truly real managers and leaders (i.e. 111 Lightning Jet pilots) that I sadly never came across again, in civvy street - even though meeting quite senior people later in life.
Now 71, it is those few years in the RAF are my fondest memories and even though I was a troubled teenager, somewhat wild, maybe ended up in prison and only joined to get away from my parents - it was the BEST decision of my life as it certainly set me up for quite a successful career, good money, travel around the world and most of all the pride I have in passing on what I learnt in the RAF to similar troubled young lads that I know changed their lives.
The only thing is sadly, up to about five years ago, I had always helped, advise, done recommending letters for young people to join the services, I don't do now because of the Woke change being made. This is due to the absolute decline of discipline, intelligence level and the removal of centuries old teaching of academic topics now replaced by Woke indoctrination topics. Chatting to ex long-term service personnel who once would have stayed in but bought themselves out, often tell me of similar changes that led me to leaving teaching. In all ways our once very highly skilled, competent and extremely effective fighting men and women is no longer the case. As such no way would I now advise any young person NOT to join the Army, RAF, Navy or Marines, in fact I would even actively discourage them from doing so. Because I now strongly believed they would be 'lambs to the slaughter' if ever coming up against a non-Woke enemy, which when working in Russia and visiting China I saw first hand what they would be facing. @@Buck9672
Yup get off the bus from Newark and the screaming started lol. Spinny run back way through the sheep dip in full NBC yea this is very different lol Looks good best of luck to all.
27 years ago I joined the Army as a 16year and embarked on an amazing and life changing career..now my daughter tells me she wants to join the RAF as a medic in 2022...super proud ..and a little jealous wish I was doing it all over again 👏👍
Thank you for your service sir
Thank you for your service, I’m considering joining the forces I just don’t know what to join. Any recommendations? I’m 16 so I got a whole life ahead of me in the forces and I wanna make the right choice
@@hatmanpat1211 not so much which one to join , but maybe try figure out what you see yourself doing then go from there, eg. Action/front line army infantry /Artillery OPs /joint fires / navy Royal marines , Raf regiment (near hotel's) 😉 or you could look at communications again all 3 have this , all 3 have mechanics and engineers and admin support, and medical ..you get the picture ...🤣sort your chosen career path 1st then go from there 👍
How many years did u serve sir
I graduated from RAF Halton in 2003 and can remember it all like it was last week. Amazing experience and memories that last forever.
Nothing wrong with this! Makes a man of you! My basic training in the Army was the best thing I ever went through and you bond as a group and makes friends for life! All you need to do is prepare properly and get your head down, avoid injury and push through it gradually and sensibly. 100% effort and positivity and you will succeed and will feel elated when you finish! When I passed out at Deepcut all those years ago I felt on top of the world! The feeling of pride is immense!
This is what I needed to read mate cheers. I am 22 I feel I have wasted a lot of my young years doing nothing, I should be so much fitter than I am but years of smoking and messing around with things I shouldn’t have has took away my drive. I am so determined to change things I have been sober for months now and the idea of passing out and making my mam and family proud makes me so happy, I can’t wait to be involved in such a great career. Hope you are doing well now.
@@TehDawg did you pass bro?
Hi guys, I’m an applicant in the process of joining the Royal Air Force as a Reg Gunner.
I’ll be covering the entire application process on my channel, which may interest some of you.
I posted my first video regarding the DAA on Saturday.
Please let me know if it was helpful, thank you.
I was at Halton in 83 and 90 when it was still the Aircraft trade training camp after completing basic at Swinderby. Being in the forces definitely sets you up for life.
Went through on 4 Flight in 2000. Brings back a lot of memories watching this, the sights, the sounds. Nice lookback on my experience. CPL Pete Kenn was the standout staff on my flight! met him a few years after when I was back at Halton staying there while flying at Benson
Things have certainly changed since I was in. And for the better. For most of my time we were treated like civilians in uniform with negligible weapons or military training. It seemed to me almost deliberate. They took away our eagle shoulder patches, (which marked us out as RAF anywhere), gave us a shapeless working uniform to replace the old Hairy Mary battledress, took.away our boots for shoes, for all weathers, replaced our warm greatcoats for raincoats and provided little or no cold weather clothing. It seemed like the office chairborne warriors thought we all worked in warm cosy offices, like them.
I was pleased to see combats are the working uniform, with proper boots, which is a huge improvement.
Maybe, somebody finally realised the RAF is actually a military service and not civilians in uniforms looking like RAC roadside assistance. (Which have been mistaken for in tbe past!).
@Wasp
Wasp, I completely agree with you there. The Kit then was awful; '58 webbing, bad boots, ill-fitting No1's, the DMS shoes (as you mentioned) and the Eagle emblem removed from No1's. I served in the RAFP & along with the Regiment we had some decent kit eventually through the 'Soldier 92' thing they had; mind you the early Goretex stuff was shit because they didn't have taped seams and leaked like a sieve unlike Goretex stuff has nowadays, and now there's proper boots being issued from proper bootmakers! Neveretheless, it's good to see our lot getting decent kit for a change! I wish them well in whatever trade they choose these days.
When I passed out at Swinderby we didn't have the shoulder eagles then, nice to see that they're now again a part of the uniform :)
Swinderby 1978 ! Great memories !
what year was this? my Dad did his square bashing at Swinderby
They’re albatrosses not eagles! I know, just as confused too!! Haha
its just as hard as before. and they make regiment look nice. they absolutley beast you. i graduated 1 month ago.
@Shaun Watson How are they tho?
Did you get boots issued prior to training?
What sqn have u gone to?
You want to try living in a maggot for weeks on end wet cold boots that leak Got it easy today .
On mod 2 atm, regiment phase. There’s allot to learn in such a short time. 10 people got reflighted last week for there cbrn
I've just graduated from raf Halton honestly anyone thinking of joining go for it. It's definetly not easy but that feeling of getting through it on grad day gave me the proudest feeling... roll on my phase 2 as a caterer- by the way blue warrior is so fun but physically you need to be in good shape before you get to Halton ☺
Eleanor Webb, I’m looking to join in the next few months (still have to finish learning to drive), my fitness isn’t terrible (I can do 20 pushups and run 9 points on a bleep test so far) and I’m not exactly stupid... Even though I’ll be continuing to improve these, how hard exactly do you think the recruitment process actually is?
@@gooserodah5116 not that hard I passed all ground trades and choose catering as that is what I qualified in at college before joining make sure you know bases history of raf etc and be sure in what you say have confidence the interview was probably the hardest bit for me do a bit of ast practice you'll be fine mate 😁
Goose Ro Dah You in yet?
An hour and a half 3 times a week? Is that accurate? Before applying?? I can run the admission 1.5 mile In 12 mins atm. But running for an hour and half??
@@flathead184 yeah that’s what you roughly do at Halton I’m still in now but things are still similar from what I’ve heard- personally I actually used the army fitness app (100% percent army fit) available on iOS and Android and followed that and it made me the fittest girl on my intake comparable with most of the lads. On there you do both cardio and muscle workouts and keeps you motivated as you work through it - I would double check the mile and a half times on the raf website as it depends on age - I believe it’s about 11:30 for a male 17-29 if memory serves - but just keep practicing your runs and you’ll be fine as that’s best cardio in my opinion but just keeping yourself in good shape and you’ll be fine at Halton- it’s a game and you just need to get through it as the end result is worth it in the end trust me.
Carpets,we had to polish floors,and paint black lines between tiles in the shower rooms.
All that shit to go through and I'd get my kit and turn up right now in the depths of winter and do it all again.
Made some right mates and memories at Halton.
I trained at swinderby in the 80's! Recruit trng won't have changed that much.....food still looks gopping! I did NCO trng at Halton the 90's...still remember all of it.
Mental attitude is the key ladies and gents! never give up on anything (it gets noticed) and always help fellow recruits... Best of luck.
Swinditz as we used to call it then. I'm sure they pumped dust through the vents after we knocked-out following yet another Bull-Night
@adam smith I think I was in Flintham Block and I well remember those floors. Also, dragging a few lads on the floor after its been buffed on a blanket. Beds on top of the Lockers, pushed into the middle then wire wool the polish off and start again......good times
Nick Nick I’m 13 and This is something I would love to do as my career, RAF is in my blood.
Nick Nick i don’t think the people will be willing to help fellow recruits
I did my trade training at Halton in 91. No1 technical training school as it was then.
I loved it especially BET.
Boots before arriving, parent getting talks and arriving with you? wow! things have changed
Ade2Bee So no arriving on your own and cleaning dull boots?!?! What is it coming to, possibly the only way to get today’s little cherubs to join up. 🙄
Joe Powell don’t know what you mean, I went through last year and arrived on my own along with 100 other people. Regarding the parents it’s on the first week, they come in and watch people attest as well as receive information from DS staff regarding the nex 14 weeks. I seen my parents for about 30 minutes before I was told to get back on the coach
Ade2Bee I joined to get away from my bloody parents. We were ordered to write a letter home, and in those days recruits could not wear civvies off duty so we were issued two sheets of brown paper, two labels and some string to send our stuff home once we had our uniforms. There were no parents at pass-out at Bridgnorth in 1960.
I had to attend the CIO on day of travel to Swinderby. (Attested the day before.). CIO staff made sure we got on our train and parents only allowed to wave us off from Glasgow central. We didn't get given boots or shoes for a couple of days so it was plimsoles and overalls. Halton was trade training and I hated it more than basic due to the continuing bull. Loved the actual trade training though.
Issuing boots before joining up has cut down the number of recruits discharged with shin splints and achilles tendon injuries.
As a regular in 1962 for 5 ys this brings back fond memories
Watched this about a million times 😂😂 even though i'm joining in a couple years.
Turn the time back to 1956 at RAF Padgate- unrecognisable as the same service induction and training, likewise at medical branch basic training. RAF medic operating theatre staff, first posting RAF H Wegberg Germany. 1956-59.
Cpl Paul Monaghan 21 flt RAF Swinderby 1980.who remembers the New combers club.Newark north gate rail station!
I also remember the fam flt from Waddington on the VC-10.1 hour flt around Lincolnshire😄
I think he was our flight cpl in 1982.
I can't waittttt to join next yearr
CKS1949 thats army and sometimes navy raf is quite in the background sorting things out to help the people on the ground
Good to see the course progressing, and the fitness sections improving especially the obstacle course section as that was the one thing we often discussed as missing from the course. Good luck, work hard and enjoy every moment of it as its worth it in the end. I'm a former instructor and loved the job, mind you, you have to with the hours you put into it!
Per Ardua
You'd have been there when I went through Halton, Winter 98, I have to say it looks more challenging now, when I went through the 7 week program we didn't even stay under canvas, we erected the tents in the hanger then went back to the block for the evening, then in the morning we marched back down and heated up our rations.
Yes I would have been I was on 4Flt for the whole of my first tour there. It was a pain in the proverbial when you came back for the night as the block always looked like a bomb had hit it, what with cam cream all over the sinks and mirrors let alone the bits of card from the rat packs!!
I was in the United States Air Force, some of this is familiar.
Took me back to my basic training, I was on 4 flight back in 1994 and the second intake after moving to RAF Halton from RAF Swinderby. The reason for watching this video is I'm currently writing a book about my RAF basic and trade training. While on basic training and trade training I kept a diary which I now refer too, the training looks similar to mine. Good luck if your waiting to go in- life changing.
What is the book called?
@@erica8950 Hi the book is drafted but not published..not sure how to publish a book, so researching that now. If it goes to publication I'll let you know. Thanks.
Looks a lot more fun than when I went through Swinderby 40 odd years ago...
Pass out parade in front of your parents is something you will never forget.
Was a sight to behold, my son ironing his clothes when he came home for Christmas lol!!
Greetings from the U.S. Air Force
I’m 14 years old, and I’m in the Air Training Corps. I joined the ATC at 13,. I’ve since wanted to join the Royal Air Force. I think being in the ATC it will give me more confidence and experience if I am to join the RAF.
I'm also in the ATC and have been for 5 years but I'm in my recruitment process right now. All I'll say is don't mention you are an air cadet as they don't like that. As well as the drill we learn is not the same as what they do in the RAF. So go in there with an open mind and don't try to advance yourself faster than the rest. You are a team when you are there.
Ben Griggs just remember you're not a cadet or won't be, so don't act like one. you can usually tell who was a cadet.
Nice for some, I didn't get my boots until I got to basic training for the Army.
I promise to myself everyday I'll pass this.
Mmm that looks so fun. Can’t wait to join up
Did you join, and if so how was it? Is this video accurate nowadays?
Such, not so.
I’ve applied now waiting for my medical and fitness tests already seen this video loads 🤣
The Army sleep under the stars.
The Navy use stars to navigate in the night.
The RAF use stars to rate hotels.
Only if you are an Officer mate
Spent 4 months in Bahrain, liked the swimming pool on the roof of our hotel the best because our apartment was only one floor below, although the boss had a bigger pool ours was closer!!
I’m doing calisthenics which is a body workout pretty much like gymnastics but this can help me pass the fitness test which I hope to join raf after gcse even with me slight heart problem
Hopefully this will be my future! Hard work and dedication :)
I'm 14 going into year 10 and I'm hoping to get a job as a pilot.
+MARZ We're the same age and in the same year. I wanted to be a pilot a week ago but now i'm looking to be in the gunner regiment or the RAF police because it's hard to get a job as a pilot because so many people want to do it :)
Also the qualifications that you are difficult to get
Vladimir Putin Good choice I'm looking to be and RAF police dog handler!
LBS Good luck :)
Oh memories, another working weekend!
this looks easier than US Air force basic training i see them smiling and having a dandy time during the obstacle courses
Got to keep a smile through hard and tough times. Plus, you need to be a positive energy around your team
Its called having a positive attitude. Something NCO's from the training company look for.
CKS1949 ye defo so more people join
Brilliant video very informative
Looks like all that classroom work will really weed out the chaff. Raf Swinderby 1984, I don't remember one lecture. I do remember a lot of running, marching, cleaning, warnings not to go into Lincoln on the piss (ignored), tears from the young lads, being shouted at from 2 inches off your nose, more cleaning till midnight, up at 5am last minute cleaning. It's changed!
Phil Whitehead I have been thinking about those days and realised the DIs held back a bit from shouting at those with some education, and especially from obscene insults ending, “Wot are yew?”, I presume in case the next time we met the boot would be on the other foot.
Swinderby 84 here also, the memories are blurred, I hope it's my subconcious protecting me.
Currently in the process of joining as a Cyberspace communications specialist, the whole process so far is amazing, if you're looking into joining do your research and get fit, goes a long way
GoldenPearGamer that’s exactly what I wanna do! Is it good?
@@JF9. Hey, did you end up applying?
@@Damian-ew8py hi yes i did although i was rejected in the medical stage for the tablets i was taking at the time and im glad bc covid hit, i did my interview and tests already so ill be applying again in the future
@@JF9. Hope it went well and that you're in! :) I'll be applying this year! If you have any tips or anything please let me know :)
There is always one or two people who mock recruits berets gear etc these people are get careers well done RAF recruits
Takes me back to my basic in 1998. Don't remember families having a briefing though
I think it’s good because they won’t worry as much 😊
Applied for the Raf a month ago, looking forward to it
Good luck mate! What regiment you
Applied for ?
Me too, distribution & logistics
Good to see Cpl McKean in the video. Top bloke. Hard to believe its 8 years since I was there.
Is it just the one exercise you go on or are there others?
Hoping to join next year as a mental health nurse.
RAF Halton reserve training is brilliant. I'm ex Amy and now RAF Reg Reservist. Great NCO'S and SNCO. SGT Charity, great switched on guy and although the NCO's come and go and move around a lot, CPLs Duncan, Croft and McIntyre are all top lads.
Don’t ever take this down, ima need this in a year or so. Brilliant stuff. Hoping to become a pilot soon
RAF pilots are officers, so they'd go to Cranwell, not Halton :)
My starting date is in November. But due to covid I haven't and will not do my prtc or the family day thing, I will get there and that's it. It's a bit daunting.
I did NCO Trng at RAF Hereford
You went to Hereford after me. I'm guessing you were at the wrong place at the wrong time, meaning I went to Shawbury from 10 Sqn with my tapes intact and seniority from when I was posted to RAF Brize Norton in 1985. Easy life but didn't go any further up the line as there were too many deadmens shoes before me.
I hated it when I had to adopt Army drill movements. What mong ordered that?
Hoping to start back end of this year after hopefully passing OASC, how similar is this video to what it is now?
How times have changed.
Its like butlins lol!!
Ive been through phase 1 at atfc winchester and worked at butlins and I got treated worse at butlins.
Lol
@@Mr5w00153y Totally agree with you about Butlins! I was incarcerated at HMP Bognor Regis, Oops, sorry, I mean Butlins from 1999-2000 and it really is like a prison!
That RAF Regiment beret is honkin!
Pen Man When in the video was it? As in what time?
Is this basic Grunt or officer induction?
I’m thinking of applying later this year does anyone have any tips or some kind of guide ?
I passed my AST only just, I really struggle with maths, I’m not worried that if I get to the PRTC that I will fail on the assessments, are they hard?
How did they get their boots before they got there?
R.A.F. Halton 217 Entry, 3 Wing, Z Flight. Carpet ! Remember having to polish the floor until you could see your reflection.
This is too funny to watch having gone through this myself.
A million Dreams any advice on preparing with the fitness mate?
Jon run 1.5 miles 3 times a week and do push ups and sit ups 3 times a week too
@@JF9. I’m also wanting to join, should I also focus on long distance running?
@@benvandenten6782 yeah that’s your main focus
I have my start date 14 December cannot wait! My only concern is that I doubt my overall academic abilities. Does anyone no if their are more exams similar to the airman selection test upon arrival at basic trainnig? I managed to pass the airman selection test on my second attempt with practice, but I am concerned if their are going to be academic base tests that I have to complete in order to progress in basic trainning I may struggle a little. On the other hand i am very capable when it comes to fitness or physical trainning so I won't have any problems in that regard.
I've heard that the academics are on par with primary school difficulty. So you shouldent worry. I start in November so when I get time I might come back and tell you if you want.
When I'm 18 I'm applying to join the RAF as a wsop for the chinook
hope your not afraid of heights xD
@@k12rising imagine being scared of heights
I’m applying in a year when I’m 19 the kit will be a problem because I look 12 and 4’10 😭
I'm 15 and hoping to be an WSOp Rotary Crewman but I have a series of problems : one problem is that I was born and live in Spain at the moment but im a British citizen and speak perfect English, the other problem is that I have some hearing loss since I had both of my ear drums burst (They aren't any more) but the loss isn't that severe and I would like to know if even with these problems I can still do what I am hoping for.
If you are a British citizen now then, you being born in Spain and living there would not be an issue, unfortunately I think that the hearing loss could be a problem. It might not stop you from joining certain roles but the best way to find out would be to go to your local AFCO and speak to a recruiter there, good luck!
Depends how long you’ve been clear of your injury for. If you’ve been clear for a couple of years you should be good. They will probably make you do a test or something to see how your hearing was affected
@@jackward442 aha wys bro
I really want to join up when I’m older but I am worried about the fitness test, the rest I think I can do already because I am in the cadets!
Fitness is easy, trust me. Just run every week for about 2 miles and you good. Pushups is only 20 and situps 35. But for me the ast was the hard part since I'm bad at English.
@@joshuasymonds3258 Thank you!
This is hilarious. "The regiment" 😂
@CKS1949 yeah shame them lot ruin it tbh I wanted to join but because they just get rinsed I might not
I've met dozens of Rocks but I've never met one who 'big timed' it, they've all been chilled quiet professionals.
All of the stick they get seems to come from CSS mega REMFs and not from anyone who's ever worked with them.
@Wallace Carney - that's utter bollocks, I was at Brize about 6 weeks ago and the were 2 x Rocks with Para wings doing the pass checking/gate.
@Wallace Carney - that's the same for every mob though!
I met some fucking lunatics in Recruit Training at Lympstone (we usually sent them to the Royal Navy where they fit right in) 😄
I'm at the RAFAC (Air Cadets) and all this just seems like a bigger RAFAC, SAME things just more of it
Not too different
2 months away from this! PRTC tomorrow :D :D :D
I'm RAF Reg, and also ex Army, I've came through Halton and to be honest I watched the over weight NCO's taking control of new Flts and while watching them I had to wonder when their last RAFFT was. Not a good role model to the young recruits, and this video also reinforces my concerns.
I noticed that Navy and Airforce especially NCOs and Officers are quite Fat (Quite common to see) compared to the British army
Is this the same for those who want to become a student nurse for the RAF?
A bit different I think check the website tho
Easy life now...
interview next week and im shitting my pants want this so bad
The fitness test worries me, especially the bleep test. My stamina is the worst
Doesn't take long to get fit and once you are it's easier to stay fit.
They don't let weebs in unfortunately
@stanly stud Yeah, 11 mins 11 seconds. Unless they're a woman?
@303en RAF regiment is 1.5 miles in 11.11 So you'd be fucked
I'm currently taking level 3 extended diploma in Uniformed Services. Hope to get triple distinction. Then I plan to do a-levels in law and politics.
I really want to join and become a legal officer in the RAF. I worry that my fitness will bring me down due to my asthma. It's really not that bad only on long distance running. Yet my bleep test is constantly improving.
Basic training scares me so much. I can not do drill, bloody tick tocking. But this video opens it up a bit more. I'm so lazy... but I want to change. When I join I want to be the person I've al aye wanted to be. healthy, fit, and proud to wear that uniform.
Louis Shadbolt sorry to say this but asthma is a big no no in the military 😩
I’ve been to RAF Halton it is alright
Do u have to know swimming and do proper push ups.
Im 16 and im half way through my selection process . Im looking to join the logistics corps to be a chef and be part of the 3 mobile catering squadron . I should hopefully be leaving in August after my GSCE’s !
Urbex _ Brxndan You joined bro? I plan to join after yr 11
@@joel3750 same!! Though im 14.. will it be open cos i hear its closing! :(
yAy A year later I went to the recruitment office to introduce myself, I’m 16 soon and gunna join after I get my results back😂
Does this go for reserves too?
Recently YES
I really want to join as an aircraft technician however I'm only 13 so I still have a long time to wait 😭
Josephkocabas 2 only three years
Why not join the Air Cadets?
The earlier you start training the better.
@@MangoLemonaideFresh I'm in air cadets, I would say it's more for people who want to gain knowledge or train in a specific area In education.
Josephkocabas 2 it’s been 3 years have you signed up? 👀
How many weeks is it?
Henshaw 123 10 weeks
Recently left the Army and looking for a career in the RAF as a Jet Aircraft Mechanic...I wonder if the process for me will be any different as I'm a military rejoiner
If your a rejoinder you only do a 7-10 day refresher course and you will get the equivalent of your army rank in the RAF.
so say you wanted to be a pilot or mechanic in the raf, do you have to do this course before hand?
Yes, all RAF applicants have to go through a basic training course. This is for non-commissioned roles ( not officers).You’ll do this and then go on to phase 2 trade training ( for mechanics, that’s around a year and a half at Cosford).
For an officer role such as pilot, you will do a longer and more academically and mentally challenging course at Cranwell. I feel like that course is around 22 weeks.
Best to contact your local careers office for more information - best of luck if you join up!
Yes, my 19 year old cousin has just started his basic training and he wants to be a plane mechanic.
So they get boots issued prior to training? If so good idea
Marcus Smith not anymore, must have changed it recently
Is the graduation ceremony the same in the reserves as it is in the regulars? Do they always wear the blue uniform or is it the camolarged on the last day?
Same as the regulars, full no 1s
What is a full number 1?
The uniform you see on parade at the end of the video.
How do they teach drill? How long do you spend doing it in reserve training?
+Matthew Kent A few hours each weekend that you are in. The reserves now join the regulars for a five day weapons drill and then take part in the final graduation parade. See RAF careers for more information.
seems horrible, but i had so much fun. every day was different and i would happily go back. Respirator phase...not so fun :3
AC MAXWELL (ICT Technician) at your service UK
Alice OfLegend I am thinking of joining as an ICT tech, any tips ?
Be confident and be serious about your fitness regime. Be passionate about your hobbies and who you are. They will tell you 'play the game' literally monkey see monkey do. Enjoy your time in training and make the most of it.
Make sure you do your research thoroughly for the interview and practice for your application exam
Thankyou!
Alice OfLegend omg you were on my flight Beckett 3 flight and you had that intake thing with Mcarthy!
MultiUnknown2 what a small world
I am going to join RAF In nine Years
Id love to join the RAF and serve as my dad once did but i’ve lived in america for half of my life and you need to have lived there for the past 5 years which unfortunately i havnt
i’m back 2 years later. i’m in the us air force now
We must defend our country.
Anders Gustavsson Yes we must but because people know I want to join the RAF they say Screw them, Thinking it's like being in the police so I say would you wanna live in a country with no air defence or a country where you feel safe from threats from the air
do you really think this country is worth defending, when its flooded with political correctness whereas immigrants and feminism take all jobs.
jamile blackwood well it's all we have left so we gotta protect it
WolfiePlaysGamez then your probably 7
@@jamile1391 yeah, but i kinda want to live...
Would and qualification in avionics apply to civi life if i left?
sam greatorex Possibly in the form of airliner work at an airport for example, not too sure though just a guess mate.
Yes
Hoping to become a logistics driver in the RAF, can anyone give me any insight in the trade please? Thanks
On PRTC / PGSC if you get just above the minimum on the fitness tests will they still pass you? Say you got 23 press ups and the minimum is 20, or 10.30 on the 1.5 mile when the minimum is 11.11. Might seem like a stupid question but i assume they want you to smash these scores rather than scrape a pass...??
It's a best effort test so anything that meets the requirements will be a pass, they just expect that you do the best that you can.
Wow this is very different from training here in the States. Basic guidelines are similar, execution is a completely different story.
Do they do the 5 mile of death?
How can you break your boots if you get them on arrival? Or am I being stupid
Noah Gets fed I’m here on Basic at the minute, we got our boots on day 3 when we had initial kitting. They’re comfortable enough anyways
Hello, I’m 18 and looking to join starting September to go in to the raf police. If anyone with recent raf training experience could spare some time to tell me about the recruitment process and what I’ll need to get through it, I would be very grateful.
looks like a holiday camp
My mate Callum going RAF
Do all the guys still have to have the grade 2 all over?!
haha I went to Halton with my cadets and it's so strange to think that I've done some of the same things as these people!
gemma finnegan same
So is this how you can become a pilot or is this for ppl who don’t want to be a pilot?
And how do you become a multi engine pilot?
This is for anyone joining the RAF, regardless of the role. After this, you then go on to specialist training etc
Do they still have TACEVAL in the RAF??
There is no enemy these days.