simi_av8r 0 Posted April 2, 2008 Report Share Posted April 2, 2008 Hi Guys, just thought i'd let those of you rooting for me and wishing me good luck in my RAF application to become an RAF Specialist Logistics Support Aircrewman (or RAF supplier for short!) in on the latest news from my neck of the woods... Well, after a few weeks of pounding away at the gym to try and put on some weight (muscle weighs twice that of fat in equal volumes), i took a 2nd medical exam with an RAF GP today and have been pronounced 'fit for service' . It doesn't end there, however, as I've not been given the call to say I'm in yet - that comes after the Pre-Joining Fitness Test or PJFT as it was described to me today.... and i take that tomorrow. Basically the PJFT consists of three stages, however the only one that requires a minimum standard is the aerobic fitness test, measured by doing a 1.5miles (which roughly works out at 2.4km) in a set period of time. For me (and those aged 17-29), its 12m11sec, but gets longer as you get older, e.g. those aged 30-34 must do the same run in under 12m33s - after my success today with teh GP, i went to gym to see what i could do, i started with an 800m warm-up then squared away the 2.4km in 11m01sec. The test is usually completed at an accredited fitness establishment (i.e. a local gym) and the participant is closely watched by an RAF Physical Training Officer who records the time on completion - my gym happens to be one i fell out with very recently - Fitness First, but that story's for another day! The RAF PTO then does a body strength overview. There is a certain level of fitness required before you get the call up to RAF Halton for initial recruit training, but if you fall short of the mark it does not count against you in any way, it's purely an assessment of your upper body and lower back strength and consists of two stages each done over a period of a minute: 1 - Press ups, a suggested minimum is 10 (i can normally manage to squeeze 6 or 7 out - terrible i know!) and 2 - Sit Ups, 18 are suggested (when i was going for position as an Officer, the minimum was 36, and i breezed that with 42, which i did again today at the gym after the run...so i think i'll be ok!) So, with the big day dawning on me, I'm going to go get some dinner and maybe a well deserved bevy before bed-time... and then i'll update you all (as if they're interested - Ed!) with the news tomorrow on how i did. Thanks for reading, boy i go on a bit dont I!! :mrhappy: Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,498 Posted April 2, 2008 Report Share Posted April 2, 2008 Hi Simi, We can all sense your excitement! Well done it's good to hear the ball is rolling again. Now a quick run, twice around the block before bedtime please :clap: Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
allardjd 1,853 Posted April 2, 2008 Report Share Posted April 2, 2008 Simi, Congratulations! Great news. I'm very happy for you that it's going well. I presume that once you're in you'll have to endure something similar to what is called "boot camp" on this side of the pond? It's cleverly designed to improve physical fitness, instill patriotism, teach you "the military way" and forcibly separate you from any human dignity you might have. It's something you'll remember for the rest of your life, a little more fondly as each year passes. By the time you're my age you'll think that you actually enjoyed it. Anyway, good luck. I'm sure you'll do well. Please advise when I can begin bragging that I know someone who's in the RAF. :thumb: John Link to post Share on other sites
ddavid 149 Posted April 2, 2008 Report Share Posted April 2, 2008 Hey, Simon - A RESULT!! Excellent - Go For It - Yeah! Funnily enough, I spent an hour, today, chatting to a favourite friend (also a local organic farmer) who was in the RAF for more than 25 years. Flew Canberras and Hunters and ended up as an instructor on Hawks at RAF Brawdy (5 miles north of the farm). I don't press him - just wait for the nuggets to drop out! Nice guy, too, needless to say. Lots of luck, mate! Cheers - Dai. :clap: Link to post Share on other sites
hello_basil 0 Posted April 3, 2008 Report Share Posted April 3, 2008 Well done Simi! I too find it hard to squeeze over 10 consectuve "proper" press-ups out, but every Sunday at the sports club I reguarly manage to squeeze over 60 Situps out! - I guess it is the difference between arm and back strength.... Good luck, I have my law exam on April 17th; dreading it! :doh Regards, Theo. Link to post Share on other sites
simi_av8r 0 Posted April 3, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2008 Thanks for the good wishes guys, really helped me along :yes: I've just got back from the test and... well... I um... I errrm.....PASSED!! I've called the RAF Careers Office and have been told i'm to expect a 'entrant of service' date within the next few weeks. This will, needless to say, be at least 6 weeks from now taking into account the statutory 4 weeks notice required by my (soon to be ex- (my it feels good to say that!!)) employer. The run i completed in a balmy 11Min04Sec (which apparently is very good according to the PTO) and i squeezed a good 10 press-ups, followed by 23 sit-ups before i was stopped. Soon as i get any more info i'll obviously fill you all in. But after a long wait in the departure lounge, i'm now on the aircraft and we're about to taxi out to the active - I CAN'T WAIT!!! :mrhappy: :dance: :dance: :dance2: Link to post Share on other sites
hello_basil 0 Posted April 3, 2008 Report Share Posted April 3, 2008 I bet you're practically spitting with excitement! Well Done! :mrhappy: You're one of those lucky few....you're part of the RAF. Regards, Theo. Link to post Share on other sites
dgor 0 Posted April 3, 2008 Report Share Posted April 3, 2008 Congratulations Simi! :mrhappy: I am so happy for you and very impressed. Hope you really enjoy your time with the RAF, you really deserve this after the hard work you put in! All the best. Dave Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,498 Posted April 3, 2008 Report Share Posted April 3, 2008 WELL DONE SIMI! That's a great feeling knowing you are about to embark on something you really want to do. (And giving in your notice at work) Let's have a beer to celebrate! Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
allardjd 1,853 Posted April 4, 2008 Report Share Posted April 4, 2008 Attaboy, Simi! Well done. Re Theo's comment, it vaguely sticks in my mind that someone else once referred to the RAF using the term, "...few...". You're joining some good company with a long heritage to be proud of. Congratulation again. John Link to post Share on other sites
mark.hudson6 0 Posted April 5, 2008 Report Share Posted April 5, 2008 Congratulations Simi, the sky's the limit. Cheers Mark Link to post Share on other sites
simi_av8r 0 Posted April 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2008 hi guys, well i've now officially been recruited by the RAF!! :dance: :dance: I'm going to do a "Pre-Recruit Familiarisation Visit" on the 24th April where i'll be issued kit and boots to wear-in (ouch!!) and then i'll be a fully fledged RAF recruit and placed into initial recruit training at RAF Halton for 9 Weeks beginning 14th May 2008 - thats just 33 days from today! I'm feeling absolutely over the moon with exhilaration, excitement and all good things, but thats all muddled in with how soon it is, as well as how different its going to be, its just................well, i can only think of one word ARRRRRRRRRRRGH!! Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,498 Posted April 11, 2008 Report Share Posted April 11, 2008 Hey Simi That's it then no stopping you now! Well done. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
allardjd 1,853 Posted April 11, 2008 Report Share Posted April 11, 2008 RAF Halton Don't worry, Simi. I'm sure that's a typo and they really meant RAF Hilton. Sounds pretty nice. Congratulations! John Link to post Share on other sites
ddavid 149 Posted April 11, 2008 Report Share Posted April 11, 2008 Ace news, Simon - well done, old chap!!! So glad you're going where you've been aiming at - brilliant! :dance2: Cheers - Dai. Link to post Share on other sites
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