Questions from a lurker

[Ninja_Stoker]

As there are a surplus of applicants & the Logistics branch accepts applicants with the widest parameters with regard medical standards, non-vocational qualifications & age limitations, there is categorically no priority afforded applicants reaching upper age at AFCO level either unfortunately.

 

[Subsunk]

You're not massively old. I joined up at 28 so you've got some bottom cover there. AIB would naturally expect a broader experience base from you, greater maturity and all that good stuff. The idea of an AFCO fighting anyone's corner does leave me a little mystified though...

SM billets are more often becoming second appointments for the selected, as there is a growing awareness of how much is demanded of a comparatively junior Lt. For you to go down that route would involve you being seen as an adaptable, switched-on and robust kind of guy. Those who can hack it go on with enhanced credibility - but some find it a real struggle.

Best of luck and start smashing the AIB preps.

 

[Nimrod]

Thanks for the advice, Subsunk. How did you find the process, from AIB to BRNC as an older candidate? I have always been interested to know how older candidates are viewed, both by the powers that be, and by the younger/much younger crowd. If you could share some personal experiences, I would very much appreciate it. From my point of view, at least, I have many friends who are much younger and older than myself, and I find working with people who are a range of ages quite stimulating.

With regards to the SM billet - do you not have to join directly as a Submarine Logistics Officer, or is it something you can move into once qualified? Or do you mean that even a new SM Log Lt might not get appointed to a Submarine as his first billet?

To be honest, I was basing that question on the recent Channel 5 documentary. I can’t remember the name of the series, but the logistics officer on board was really, really struggling, and it seemed like he had a lot on his plate to deal with, such as actually doing his day job for the first time, whilst trying to learn pretty specific details about the boat, and procedure etc!

Many thanks!

 

[Nimrod]

Ah, yes.... Sorry about that. I got the Royal Navy coffee-table career guide in the post this morning, and it lists ‘Logistics Officer’ and ‘Logistics Officer (Submarine)’ separately, thought it might have been a recent change.

In that case, when exactly does one decide to be on, or under?

 

[Stirling]

Ah, yes.... Sorry about that. I got the Royal Navy coffee-table career guide in the post this morning, and it lists ‘Logistics Officer’ and ‘Logistics Officer (Submarine)’ separately, thought it might have been a recent change.

In that case, when exactly does one decide to be on, or under?

1635 ................

 

[Talking Baggage]

You can't actually apply to be a Logs Officer (Submariner) in the AFCO, however there is a separate job description published.

 

[Rick]

Given the high competition for the Logistics branch and the fact you have a BA (Hons), would it not be worth going for Training Management instead.

 

[Nimrod]

What exactly would the responsibilities be of a Training Management Officer with an Arts degree? Teaching English, or other basic skills to trainees, or developing/implementing a curriculum dealing with those areas?

 

[alfred_the_great]

Your degree is unlikely to be used directly. A lot of the 'teaching' is placed in the hands of much cheaper civvies; it is the intellectual rigour a degree confers that you will be using. A lot of the role will be around an assessment of training needs in situations like the introduction of a new weapon system or a similar process rather than 'chalking and talking'.

 

[Nimrod]

I see. I don’t suppose being a language teacher who works with teenagers and adults, and who has a little experience in syllabus design would be of any use in such a role?

It does say arts grad places are (very) limited, but presumably the fact that there is that clause infers they are put to some use outside of the mechanical/scientific areas?

 

[Nimrod]

Thats fine, thank you very much SJRM.

I certainly don’t have any hopes for it, but it would be interesting to find out what sort of part these select few play.

 

[Talking Baggage]

TM is not that popular, however as SJRM states, it may be v difficult to achieve one of the "arts grad" places. no harm in mentioning your experience when you chat to your ACLO....