Able to transfer/ move to another common wealth force?

[NateDogg]

Just throwing this out there:

Once trained in your branch and a few years behind you, could a Brit apply for Aussie or NZ navy? I've heard you can't transfer you may have to leave then apply? Also is a Naval Airman Aircraft Handler able to transfer as a Firefighter/ Airport firefighter or other role overseas?
My main focus is a great career in the Navy and travel, but spending nearly 3 years in Aus it's a personal dream and goal to migrate back there later down the line.
Is this doable in my chosen branch?
Cheers guys any info appreciated

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

There are sometimes opportunities to get involved in an exchange programme with Commonwealth country Navies (Exercise Longlook being one example - 2 years in Oz).

There is no established transfer mechanism, so you'd normally have to complete your return of service (RoS) and submit notice to quit whilst applying to join another service simultaneously to match your leave/entry dates as best possible.

One word of caution with regard Aircraft Handler - they are predominantly employed afloat on aircraft carriers and assault ships (sometimes frigates/destroyers in the RN, but not often). If you look at Commonwealth Navies, there aren't many aircraft carriers and assault ships so I'd guess (emphasis on "guess") there aren't many Aircraft Handler roles/billets available for the exchange scheme.

 

[NateDogg]

Thanks for the info!

Good point I was thinking/ hoping they would have a couple of large carriers but I haven't done my research into that, or was hoping I could possibly transfer to an Air station over there. I have seriously considered an Engineering role instead as my AFCO said I scored quite well on the RT but it's the Firefighting aspect what is keeping me with the AH branch. It's another dream job since I was a kid, hopefully should be transferable too. Heard handlers can get some good drafts in hot places I'm hoping this is true.
America is another place in mind to migrate in the future, Florida maybe, anywhere with a work - life balance as good as Aus is what I'm aiming for. No Yorkshire Vicky pollards to be seen. Thanks for the information appreciate it

 

[Chalk_bosun]

Everyone on a ship has to train in fire fighting, so don't let that be the sole determinant of your choice of branch.

The RAF has a dedicated firefighting branch, but I can't speak for the quality of their 'deployments'.

 

[NateDogg]

Yep they do, but not as much there not fully trained as much as handlers and getting the NVQ's in firefighting/ crash rescue. I believe all ratings get trained in basic fire training incase there is a break out on board.
But not doing the job full time or to the extent on which the handlers do as this is mainly there job on air stations at culdrose etc. Unless drafted on a ship.
Looked into the RAF and army but I'm more keen on the Navy I have family in the Marines and they love it.
Also tried applying for civvie firefighting and on with 2 separate county applications.
Hoping the Navy is the way to go and DOES have the firefighting side I was told I'd be doing and the qualifications.
But we'll see mate there's so many different opinions on here it's hard to know what's to expect

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

The last branch brief I went to (a year back), the Aircraft Handler Branch Manager stated that the days of aircraft handlers spending most of their careers drafted to an air station working in a fire station are definitely on the way out.

 

[NateDogg]

So in an honest opinion, is it mainly just the aircraft handling duties these days and no firefighting? Because although that may be good fun as a career I'm thinking more of when I decide to leave and firefighting is the main reason I chose this branch as my AFCO said it's a big aspect of my job and many handlers leave to be firefighters? If this isn't true or I won't have the qualifications to transfer back to Aus later down the line ( with firefighting NVQ's etc ) then I will seriously assess making a change now

 

[NateDogg]

Looking into Mine clearance divers but on another thread it looks like the waiting time has jumped up to 3 years from what he's saying. Also thought about the marines a lot but again I may love this as a temp job but for a career or transferable skills I'm not so sure.
unless I still stick as a Handler and gain other qualifications from the mob on the side as I go.
God knows we shall see I'll do more research

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

Aircraft Handlers do train as an aircraft firefighter, but as the job title indicates firefighting is not the only thing they do. Civilian firefighters actually spend more time cutting people out of smashed-up cars than actually fighting fires. Thankfully, our aircraft don't catch fire that regularly either.

Everyone in the Royal Navy undergoes ship firefighting training as few of us spend an entire career without a whiff of smoke on a ship.

 

[NateDogg]

Yeah your right. Well if I do carry on as a Handler I hope there are options to pick up other qualifications / tickets to get back to Aus or NZ later down the line if I can't transfer as a Handler.
I will drink the rest of this bottle of captain morgans spice and access my life options
Cheers

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

Here's the Aussie Aircraft Handler equivalent: http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/navy/Jobs/AviationSupport/?entryTypeId=10

 

[NateDogg]

Thanks for that
The pay and lifestyle in Aus is awesome.
Basic pay after training over there is a comfortable amount id be happy with that.
This could maybe be a transferable option then later down the line, happy days.