Logistics Officer Training

[Zess]

Hello,

Can anybody offer any insight in the training for LSO?

I know that there is an initial 10 weeks at BRNC followed by 71 weeks at HMS Raleigh. My understanding is that this is not all at HMS Raleigh- but some time spent at sea?

Any insight would be helpful, but specifically:

Is this still Raleigh or is it now Worthy Down?
How long is spent at HMS Raleigh/WD vs at sea?
Is training only with RFA or is there some with RN?
Is it classroom/practical/mixture?
How are things assessed?
Can you fail out during training? (If so, do people?)

And theoretically after two years training you might not be offered a permanent position. Does this ever happen? I'm assuming if they've put the time and money into training you they're going to use unless you're particularly crap or there's some kind of massive organisational change gone on.


Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

 

[RFA at HMS Raleigh]

Is this still Raleigh or is it now Worthy Down? WD as of March 2020
How long is spent at HMS Raleigh/WD vs at sea? 9 weeks at WD, 4 months sea, 8 weeks training ashore (WD + other places) 4 months hopefully qualify.
Is training only with RFA or is there some with RN? Some of phase 1 at WD is with the RN, phase 2 is mostly just RFA as you do a different role to the RN despite common name.
Is it classroom/practical/mixture?mixed
How are things assessed?Practical and theory, mixed, some written some multiple choice + presentation
Can you fail out during training? (If so, do people?) Yes as with any training if continually do not pass.

very few have not passed overall, quite a few fail one or two exams along the way and do a resit.

 

[Zess]

Thanks so much for answering all my questions

I don't suppose you could tell me anything more specifics of the role of the LSO/Day to day duties.

I have been scouring this forum and the internet in general for answers about the day to day of the LSO but there's so little info out there (and most of the posts on here seem to end in PMs).

 

[BreathingOutOnTheWayUp]

@Zess. Whilst I cannot answer your specifics, in general terms be prepared to expect a long application process - 'Up to two years' has been quoted previously on this Forum.

When that 'two years' starts is anyone's guess - A relative first applied for RFA LO early last year and was due for Sift/AIB in that Autumn which was subsequently shifted to 'around April' - But April arrived with the abrupt news that the RFA had stopped all recruiting for the LO role.

No reasons given but it would seem reasonable to assume that a few of those serving Log Os who were due to leave soon under normal circumstances have decided to remain in their jobs until time and circumstances clarify the many uncertainties associated with the COVID pandemic.

As a matter of interest please let us know how you get on, these LO birds seem a rare and secretive species :WINK:

 

[Zess]

Thanks for the info. I actually applied last March. I was then told the next sift was September, then October, then March, then everything was paused due to Covid, and then out of the blue a couple of weeks back I got invited for a Skype interview at the end of July!

I'm told if I'm successful then I'll be looking at next Feb to start, so pretty much 2 years from application to start.

I have noticed on the Navy Recruitment site that they are no longer accepting new applications for Trainee officers, but they are now recruiting straight to Second Officer.