Application form

Sent the application form off this morning - took forever to complete.

My first preference remains Warfare Specialist. I specified Seaman Specalist as my 2nd preference - due to my sailing interests and links.

Now the wait begins.

AFCO Visit

I hate trains. They're always either really early or really late; I had to call the AFCO to say the train was running late and just to confirm that I was indeed on my way! They were fine about it, happens all the time apparently (not surprised). Unphased, I walked in the door 15 minutes late to be greeted by an intercom with 3 buttons: RN&RM, RAF, Army. I had a moment of indecisiveness (!), before a smiling Navy dude letting me in.

There were supposed to be 3 of us, one had failed to show and the other guy was a scruffy looking townie wanting to be a Royal Marine. Rather than give a 45 minute presentation to 2 of us, it was decided to give us separate interviews, which suited me fine. Scruffy was back out the door again in 15 minutes, but I sat there for the next 2 hours and chatted to a Leading Rate about what the RN do, where they go, why they go there and what life is really like living on a ship. I also had a very detailed explanation of each Branch, much of it I'd already read on-line and in the literature I'd been sent, but it was useful anyway. It was good hearing it like it actually is, rather than from a glossy brochure written by people trying to sell the job. All my questions were happily answered and I got to watch a couple of videos too.

I should mention at this point that I'm wanting to join as a Warfare Specalist. These guys are primarily responsible for interpreting all the information gathered by a ship and it's sensors before passing it on to the Warfare Officer who makes the tactical decisions. You can later specialist in either Underwater Warfare (detecting submarines), Above-water Warfare (other ships, aircraft, land objects, etc.) or Electronic Warfare.

Finally, I was handed a huge information pack about selection, training and the start of your career, accompanied by the all-important application form!

The ball is rolling

I took the first step today - phoned the RN and "expressed my interest". She answered a lot of my initial questions and booked me into a presentation at the AFCO (Armed Forces Careers Office) in Brighton on Tuesday (22nd Feb) - can't wait!