Wednesday 26 September 2007

Interview at the AFCO...


Today was my filter at the Armed Forces Career Office in Portsmouth. I wore my best suit and tried to remember as much as I could about aircraft and bases. The website 'the student room' has some excellent tips on preparation for the interview, especially one post where the guy just posted all of his interview questions, you can view it here.

The first section is indeed all about you, your school, your achievements etc. I got home and realised that I had missed so much out. The next section takes a look at why you want to join the Air Force. Some of these questions really threw me.
-Why the air force? (As opposed to other forces?)
-What does an officer do?
-What are the secondary roles of an officer? (Organising social events, etc.)
-How do you feel about carrying a live weapon?
-Why are we in Iraq?

Well, I must have done O.K. because she recommended that I go up to Cranwell. I'm just waiting for the date now. I guess that means fitness, fitness, fitness, as well as current affairs and operations. She told me that knowledge of aircraft is not exactly what they're looking for, just a willingness to learn and a general interest.

Tuesday 25 September 2007

Interview tomorrow...

Right then. Tomorrow is my first formal interview at the AFCO. I have been doing a fair bit of research using the literature I was given at the presentation, as well as the internet. I have founf the RAF's own website second to none (www.raf.mod.uk). I have also found an invaluable website community at www.thestudentroom.co.uk This site has been brilliant, especially regarding what to expect in the interview. Well I've lots more reading to be getting on with, wsh me luck!!!

Monday 17 September 2007

Week Four fitness postponed!...

Hello there. Unfortunately I have had to postpone my fitness regime for a little while due to a nasty cold. I know it sounds pathetic, but it's difficult to train when you can't breathe properly.

Also this week, I received my date for the interview at the Armed Forces Careers Office. It's on Wednesday 26th September at 10:00. Lots of reading up to do!!

Monday 10 September 2007

Start of week three fitness...

Today I ventured out of the gym and onto the streets. The experience of 'pounding the streets' is very different to the experience on a treadmill. For one, I found the time passed more quickly, as I was actually going somewhere. Secondly it was a lot cooler as there was a welcome breeze on my face. I am finding it more difficult to get motivated to do my training this week, possibly because the novelty's worn off!!! I am still completing it though, and it feels good when I'm finished, and looking at all the ticks on my training chart adds to this feeling. The key thing I suppose is to stick with it and see it though to the end.

Monday 3 September 2007

Start of week two fitness...

I have just returned from the gym where I completed a twenty minute run. I know it wasn't a fitness test but I noted my times anyway, and I'm very proud of myself.
During last week's fitness test, I ran 2.4 km (1.5 miles) in 20.24 minutes. Today I managed 2.4 km in just 17.04 minutes. I ran 1 mile in 11.07 minutes. Altogether, I managed to run 3 km today. They were right, by following the programme, I have found my 'fitness improve dramatically'!