Josephine

Joining the RAF

What encouraged you to join a UAS?

• I had heard about the concept of the UAS while I was in the CCF at school. The details were vague, but I was aware that all sorts of sports, including hockey, skiing, climbing and flying were offered. After a conversation with a student at the EMUAS (East-Midlands UAS) freshers stand and a family friend previously in the Navy, I was convinced to apply. 

Do you come from a military background / have inspirational family members that spoke about previous military service?

• Like many, I had grandparents in the military, but we never discussed their experiences. However, a close family friend was a submariner in the Royal Navy who was aware that I was in the CCF at school and thoroughly enjoyed it. He regularly spoke about his experiences at sea, his life and long-time friends he made in the military, and told often hilarious stories of the shenanigans that went on. 

What fears and anxieties did you have about joining a UAS?

• I didn’t really have any that I can remember. If I did have any, they were put at ease immediately when I first arrived.

Recruitment Process/Training

What parts of the recruitment process into a UAS do you remember the most?  Why?

• I remember the interview stage the most. You’re interviewed by people with masses of military experience who know exactly what they’re talking about. So, of course, they can see through any waffling you try to splurt out at them when answering question you don’t know the answer to. Sensing this immediately, even despite being online, I felt my ignorance exposed and could only be honest. “What’s the range and role of the C-130J Hercules?” they would question,  “I’m sorry sir, I don’t know.” I would reply.

If you could go back, what advice would you give yourself about the UAS recruitment process?

• Maybe do a little bit more research on things such as NATO, member states of NATO, former operations that the RAF have been a part of etc. I knew there would be a fitness test as soon as I started my application so did training for it. I am glad I did, without it I would have struggled on the press-ups. It isn’t anything too intense, a small amount of training once or twice a week was enough. 

What elements of UAS Training do you remember the most? Why?

• Due to this being my first year on EMUAS, I haven’t gone on a huge amount of the trips and training camps that are offered. I have heard great things about the Range and Security camp, as well as the Fieldcraft camp from my peers. However, I have managed to do a bit of flying. Despite the training being intense, for me it is one of the most rewarding. Seeing the Flight Reference Cards, the aircraft checks that have to be memorised, was daunting. But the instructors are fantastic, no matter who you’re with. When it all goes right, and you finish off with aerobatics, it’s immensely satisfying. 

If you could go back to dispel one myth/preconception about Training in a UAS, what would it be?

• People often believe there’s a huge drinking culture at UAS’; students stumbling out the Town Headquarters (THQ) bar after our weekly meetings, to then finish off at a night club somewhere. Yes, the bar is open after our weekly meetings for students and staff alike to grab a couple of pints or a soft drink and socialise. It’s a great opportunity to chat to peers who may be from different universities and totally different degrees, but also discuss upcoming events.
   
• There are, on occasions, events with larger amounts of alcohol consumed, we are after all university students, but not to the extent that some have presumed.

Briefly describe what you learnt at a UAS.

• Within my first year, my military knowledge and awareness has increased drastically, e.g. current operations, structure of rank, importance of leadership etc. We’ve had several talks by external and internal speakers and have been lucky enough to hear from those with experience in intelligence, pilot roles, medicine, and engineering. Through this you can really understand what people actually do within their roles and their day to day lives.

University

What are you studying at university and how does the RAF fit into the wider picture?

• I am currently studying aerospace engineering, however would like the join the RAF once I have finished uni.

How did you find the transition from civilian/university life to the military aspect of being a member of a UAS?

• The transition was really quite easy. There wasn’t a gruelling fitness regime that we had to pass, just a straight forward bleep test, along with push-ups and sit-ups. We were all given “parents” who were happy to be bombarded with questions. We then had our senior students who were always approachable, and so was the entire squadron. 
• If there was anything I did struggle with, it would be the lingo. There seem to be an endless number of acronyms. MT, IOT, DOM, CHOM, YHOM, CBAT, FHQ, THQ, to name a few. When a sentence consists of three or more of these acronyms, it might as well have been in Babylonian. But slowly, once immersed in using them yourself, you pick them up pretty quickly.

University/UAS – A typical day

Talk me through an average day at university

• Depending on what time I get up, it’s usually breakfast between 7:30-8:30 for me to start working at 9:00. From here, I’ll have lectures, seminars or practicals depending on my timetable. Lunch is around 12:00-13:00, again very dependent on my timetable, after which I will again work until 17:00, when it’s dinner. Days can vary with how much uni-work I have. Some days I’ll only have one lecture, in which case I can try to get ahead on other lectures, or learn my checks for flying for UAS. On other days, it is non-stop.
• In the evening, I often go to the gym to keep my fitness up and clear my head, or play squash with friends which is always a laugh. 

What’s the best part about being on a UAS?

• The UAS has so much on offer that it’s impossible to point to any one thing. As someone who loves aviation, flying is easily one of the best parts. The instructors are second to none in both teaching and experience. However, I cannot ignore the opportunities such as the Malta climbing trip, the Ski trip, sailing, kayaking, cycling, rowing, hockey, and the list could go on and on. It was put to me best like this, if you ask the RAF to jump, they’ll ask how high… given the correct paperwork is filled out.

Professional and Personal Development

What further extracurricular opportunities have you had on a UAS (E.g., flying)?

• I have had the chance to go climbing with the UAS at RAF Digby several times, and on cycling trips with other members of the squadron. Even though I couldn’t go, the UAS offers incredible experiences such as a climbing trip to Malta or a Skiing trip in France. As EMUAS is based at RAF Cranwell, we take part in the CO’s cup; a tournament made up of mini tournaments taking place throughout the year. I have played in the dodgeball

What developmental opportunities have you had on a UAS? (E.g., Leadership and Managerial)?

• Opportunities to develop leadership and managerial roles appear frequently due to so many things going on. There are frequent calls for someone to be IC and 2IC for upcoming activities. Everyone who isn’t a fresher is also given a secondary duty. These can be organising charity events, squadron dinners, sports, trips abroad, flying lists, etc. As well as this, there’s a senior leadership team (SLT) who will each take on further duties

What civilian qualifications have your earned whilst on a UAS, if any?

• Personally I have not earned any qualifications myself, however it is possible to earn first aid qualifications through the UAS, as well as a qualification to tow a trailer.

University Life / UAS Life / AT / FD / Sports / Travel

What is the work life balance like whilst being a UAS member and at university?

• You get out what you put in on UAS, however university takes priority. So, it is totally up to the individual to decide how much they do, and what they can balance with their degree. With so much on offer, it can be tempting to forget about your degree. But with a little bit of time management and self-discipline, it’s perfectly manageable. 

What are accommodation/messing facilities like whilst on a UAS? 

• Accommodation and messing facilities are really quite comfortable. It can vary where we stay,  sometimes we stay in blocks, where the bathrooms are shared and rooms small. But the beds are fine and we each get our own room. Other times we can stay in DOM, the officers mess. Here the rooms are bigger and ensuite. There is also a bar in DOM, so it can be a great chance to talk to those on EFT (elementary flying training) and their experiences. 

Allowances, are you paid to be part of a UAS?

• Yes, you are paid whilst on UAS. A day’s pay is £44.12, however at Town Nights, we are usually given a quarter days’ pay as we are only there from 19:00 – 22:00, which is £11.03. As a student, this really goes a long way.

What kind of facilities do you have whilst on a UAS that you use?    

• We get the chance to use the gym at RAF Cranwell, visit the Lawrence club and DOM bar. There is also THQ in Nottingham where there’s a small bar and a room for meetings. At RAF Cranwell there’s FHQ (flying headquarters) where we fly out of. Here we are fitted with our flying suits, equipment for AT is kept, a crew room, cardboard cockpit to practice checks, and a kitchen where a mandatory cup of tea must be made before any activity. 

What sports or AT have you taken part in?

• I have taken part in cycling with EMUAS, and went on the 100mile Dambusters’ ride. I have also done climbing at RAF Digby using their climbing and bouldering walls there. I have also played dodgeball and football with EMUAS for the CO’s cup at RAF Cranwell, which was great fun.

What opportunities have you had to travel with a UAS?

• EMUAS offers trips such as the Malta climbing trip, Nijmegan in the Netherlands and the ski trip in the Alps. However unfortunately the ski trip wasn’t open to the first years due to demand, and I haven’t been available for other trips, though would love to go in the future as these are often highlights of the year.

Key Memories

What do you enjoy most about the UAS?

• Again, it’s difficult to pick out one thing, because there are so many things on offer. At uni, you would have to join multiple societies and sports to do half of what is offered with the UAS. But for me it would have to be flying in the Grob Tutors. There are extremely high standards, however I believe it puts out a better pilot than civilian training and is incredibly rewarding. Plus, a little bit of aerobatics at the end of a sortie can’t hurt… unless you get air sick.

What are some of the most memorable experiences from your time with the UAS?

• The Dambusters’ 100mile bike ride that I recently took part in was challenging, but again rewarding. One of our stops was at the home of the Red Arrows at RAF Scampton, so could get some good pictures. Taking me a total of 8 hours, it left plenty of time to socialise with other members of the squadron.
• It has also be EMUAS’ 80th anniversary, so a dinner was held in DOM to celebrate. As my first dining in night, it was an awesome experience. It was a sit-down meal with a live band and I was sat down next to a Chinook pilot from No. 7 Squadron. After the meal, we all went to the bar, and watched a piano burn as per RAF tradition. It was an absolutely fantastic evening, and was reminded how much fun I had had with a headache the next morning. 
• Most recently, with the release of Top Gun Maverick, we all chipped in to book out a cinema and go watch it together, all of us in white shirts and aviators. It was a great evening.  

The Future

What is your next goal after University?

• Like many of my peers on UAS, I hope to become a pilot with the RAF. Due to applications currently being shut, and large holding times, I know there’s a high chance that this may not be possible. However, having spoken to those in other roles, intelligence and engineering roles are both career choices that I would seriously consider.