Generally speaking about 90% of people walking into an AFCO for the first time rather fancy being a pilot initially, but when it's realised that conditions apply such as: Qualifications are required, perfect eyesight, no history of asthma, tip top colour perception etc, the list of eligible contenders drops. The RAF, so I hear, reckon about 12,000 people need to walk into an AFCO before they get a pilot - obviously they have the time to count people in, to compile the stat. :wink:
Those who are eligible for pilot from the outset usually want to be fast jet, Commando trained Special Forces operatives initially, but sooner or later reality kicks-in. Often those not meeting the criteria will keep asking questions until they hope to see a loophole which then makes them eligible - it doesn't.
Joint second in popularity is probably AET & Diver, but the vast majority do not score high enough in the recruiting test for AET & similar to the Royal Marines - most people struggle to get fit enough for Diver & those that are fit enough aren't always prepared to wait a couple of years to join. Most aspiring to be AET but not quite scoring high enough, opt for ET(WE) or (if good looking) ET(ME).
Comms Tech is popular initially but the score required is such that we often end up counselling applicants to the effect that unfortunately you didn't score high enough for CT, but if you have the qualifications for Officer you may try that entry route - if not they usually opt for CIS (Warfare Branch Communicator or whatevver their call-sign is today).
Very often individuals will claim they wanted a technical job requiring high scores but the AFCO told them to do something else - fact is we don't tell anyone to do anything, but if they don't score high enough they will ask what's available for their score, followed by asking "How can I join quickest?".
Obviously we would far rather individuals stick to their first preference & re-take the test if necessary, however the reality is that the "want it now" generation are not always prepared to wait for job satisfaction. If a candidate joins in a trade they subsequently dislike, you can bet your bottom dollar that the person that made the mistake was not the person themself. :lol: