Rum Ration
the Navy Network

**mac12t** · 19-06-12, 16:17

Drakey, I admit I made a huge mistake, but now I have learnt from it for the next round. I'm sure you've made many common sense mistakes in your life just like everyone else on this planet, so I don't see fit any reason why you should be accusing me of being a complete idiot because of my miscalculation.

**TotalAlien** · 19-06-12, 21:18

mac12t, I have just been reading your posts and my advice would be not to rush into the aircrew branch at the moment. Wait a couple of years till selection/training chop rates have been cut down and your aptitude has developed more. On that last note, I sat AIB at the end of April this year and failed by 3 marks( out of 300!), despite having a degree in astrophysics. My point is, the aptitude tests you will do if you get to AIB will only be harder and you only have 3 shots at it as well, but also your aptitude isn't everything. Leadership and communication are all vital (as I found) so try to develop these more well in advance of applying. Revision however is the answer to your current dilemma. Hope this helps and best of luck.

**mac12t** · 19-06-12, 21:54

Originally Posted by TotalAlien

mac12t, I have just been reading your posts and my advice would be not to rush into the aircrew branch at the moment. Wait a couple of years till selection/training chop rates have been cut down and your aptitude has developed more. On that last note, I sat AIB at the end of April this year and failed by 3 marks( out of 300!), despite having a degree in astrophysics. My point is, the aptitude tests you will do if you get to AIB will only be harder and you only have 3 shots at it as well, but also your aptitude isn't everything. Leadership and communication are all vital (as I found) so try to develop these more well in advance of applying. Revision however is the answer to your current dilemma. Hope this helps and best of luck.

I've actually been considering waiting slightly longer before I resit my exam because of this, I was indeed told at my local AFCO that the selection process would be tougher than previous years due to the recent cutbacks. There is no need for me to rush anyway, I am only seventeen years old so I still have a few years ahead of me before I become too old to apply. This could also be a good thing; as one, my aptitude should have greatly improved by the time I re-apply; and two, I can gain additional positive life experience behind me (that could help further develop my leadership and communication skills) before I apply again.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts TotalAlien.
I wish the very best of luck to you too!

**TotalAlien** · 19-06-12, 22:11

Top Tip: Go to university and do a proper degree. Whilst there join a University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) which will give you a taster to the RN Officer way of life, or a University Air Squadron (UAS) like I did. You get paid to to those whilst you study and they both give you massive leverage during the application process (Still not enough for me though...Jeez how bad was I at AIB?). Seriously though, finish your college studies then take on a 3/4 year course at uni, then consider applying for the regulars, the URNU/UAS system will satisfy your appetite for the forces in the meantime, failing that, join the RNR.

**gwen.brown** · 24-06-12, 07:54

wow apologies for not capitalising Royal Navy. People seem very worried that my ability in the Royal Navy is dependent on my spelling. I saw this as an informal forum and place to connect; I did not mean to insult anyone.

**Ballistic** · 24-06-12, 09:40

Originally Posted by gwen.brown

wow apologies for not capitalising royal navy. People seem very worried that my ability in the royal navy is dependent on my spelling. I saw this as an informal forum and place to connect; i did not mean to insult anyone.

...............

caps.jpg