Urgent Help RAF Firefighter

PhilRa

Hello, this is my first post and firstly i would like to apologise if this is placed in the wrong place.

Basically I am interested in joining the RAF as a firefighter, My situation is that i am 20 years old, keen footballer and boxer so physically fit.

I am fairly clever but not overly so and i am looking to join shortly as i would be proud to serve the country, whilst seeing the world, learning some discipline while earning some money without being stuck on a motorway 3 hours a day and wasting each day in a 9-5 office job!

Now here's a few questions for members of you who are in the RAF or anyone else who would like to voice an opinion...

I have heard firefighting is understaffed due to people leaving, finding problems with the job, does anyone know anymore about this?

My main concern is at the moment i have a hernia through sport...will this affect any medical, and if i was to get it sorted would it cause a problem getting into the RAF, this is bogging me down at the moment, sounds silly i know!

The RAF testing, what does it comprise of? educational and fitness wise.

I also enjoy meeting new people, the RAF football team etc sounds ideal to me, and the gym work...but how can you tell if you will meet people you get on with, i have images of me sat alone eating

Generally how often are you able to see your girlfriend and family, they say most weekends but are they saying that to lure you in?


I will probably have to ask more questions shortly but this is a start, I hope people respond and help me because it would be hugely appreciated and i would like to thank you in advance for any response.

Cheers. Phil.

Alias_Omega

RAF fire fighting training is at Manston, not far from kent airport.

If you never apply, you will never know.

Pitch up, and see what they say at the AFCO

Cat695

Make sure you go see the RAF guy in the AFCO because you'll be snapped up by the Army if you're not careful!!

PhilRa

Many Thanks for the replies, I will contact the AFCO shortly on a day off when I can get to the city. If anyone could answer any of my questions, or share their own experiences and comments it would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

Andy_L

Are there many posts left for them? Aren't most stations now covered by the, civilian, Defence Fire Service?

PhilRa

Andy_L wrote: »

Are there many posts left for them? Aren't most stations now covered by the, civilian, Defence Fire Service?

The job is still advertised in all the paperwork i have received from them and i heard there was a shortage of firefighters, again if anyone can shed more light on this?

Alias_Omega

Its always changing,

If you dont visit the AFCO for advise, you will never know.

jacand

I use to work with the RAF Firefighters. They were crying out for guys and gals when I was there. I suggest posting on Egoat they have a trade section for Firefighters.
When I was there we also had a girl spend a day at the section to get an insight into what they do. She wrote to my then boss and asked if she could visit. Not everyone can be accommodated obviously, but if your serious it's worth doing.
HTH

mrsfarnie

I used to enjoy playing volleyball with the fire men when I was in the RAF!!

gt568

Have a look here www.e-goat.co.uk

WhiteThierry

im currently in the raf, but not a fireman, if you're wanting a job with weekends off, then id suggest someothing other than fireman, as they tend to work shifts, im guessing 4 on 4 off so you'll work roughly half of the weekends whereas other trades you'll work virtually none, unless you're on detatchment.

also raf fireman looks quite a boring job compared to their civilian counterparts, as theres not many fires on a raf station, but plenty of trees for cats to get stuck up