Corporal Chris Stocks
Job role: Intelligence Analyst

Joined the RAF: May 2007

Overseas travel: Wales, Scotland, Norway, and the Caribbean

Career highlights:

• Becoming an acting Corporal – it’s a big achievement which I hope to make permanent in the near future
• My passing out parade at Halton. My family came down from Scotland to watch, I felt so proud that day
• Receiving really positive feedback from my first yearly appraisal – it was confirmation for me that I could do the job well

‘Before joining the RAF I worked in a call centre, but I wanted more from my career; to do a really important job and see a bit more of the world. I looked into joining the RAF and the role of Intelligence Analyst jumped out at me straight away. I knew it would be interesting.

‘Basic training was physically challenging and a real change of lifestyle, there’s lots of ironing and kit preparation to do and I had to learn how to sew too! Later, during specialist training I learnt about the basics of gathering intelligence; what the different types of intelligence are, how to assess information and how to compile that information into a predictive report for a senior officer.

‘I handle top secret information everyday so the job comes with a lot of trust and responsibility. Intelligence Analysts brief everyone from Station Commanders to pilots planning overseas missions so you’ve got to be a confident speaker. Ultimately, if we do our job well we can save lives. Here at RAF Waddington I work in support of our E3-D reconnaissance aircraft, we also work alongside the NATO’s E3-A’s, which are based in Germany.

‘I was recently deployed to the Caribbean on a joint operation with the US Navy, the Dutch Navy and the US Coastguard. We’d use intelligence to pinpoint where and when drugs were being transported and pass that information to the ships so they could apprehend the suspects at sea.

‘I live on-base and there is always someone to chat to or head down the pub with. We’re quite close to Lincoln so usually a group of us will head into town on the weekends. We also have weekly sports afternoon when we’ll get together and play team sports like hockey or basketball, it’s great fun.’

Web Chat session with Corporal Chris Stocks - Wednesday 29 April 2009

stratfordash: Hi Chris, How Difficult did you find your 9 weeks Basic training? and how did you prepare for it?

Chris Stocks: It was a challenging transition from civilian to military life. Lots of new skills to be learnt, and obviously a lack of sleep doesn't help!!! Best thing to do is to get really fit before you go. It will make PT (Physical training) sessions easier. Just basically running every day is what I did. I started running the minute I applied for the RAF. I did a couple of miles a day maybe. That was pretty much all I did beforehand.

srljrdn: Do you give presentations and briefings to senior officers? And if so how do u find them?

Chris Stocks: Yeah. I brief high rankers every week. It is quite nerve wracking. But it does get easier with each one you do. If you do apply for Intelligence Analyst then you can't be afraid to get up in front of a lot of people and brief. But it does get your kind of name around station. Also as an intelligence Analyst you will brief (just straight out of training that is) which is quite a rare thing for an Leading Aircraftmen (LAC). The training that we do really prepares us for dealing with officers. We generally receive good feedback.

Sushant: Hey chris how old were you when you joined raf?

Chris Stocks: I was 22 years old when I joined. There were a few people younger and a few people older than me as well. Everyone starts the same, so it generally doesn't matter what age you are (just should say make sure you're within the right age bracket for the job you want to apply for).

Catherine: On an day to day basis what does your job involve?

Chris Stocks: My job involves preparing and giving briefs, research. We brief on current events, up to a secret level most of the day. We give training briefs to individuals that are going out to an operational theatre. We give briefs to squadrons in RAF Waddington before they fly missions in real world or exercise scenario.

eagle: Have you been on any overseas assignments yet?

Chris Stocks: Yep! I've been to the Caribbean, Norway, Italy, and Scotland!!!! I haven't been anywhere dangerous as of yet. No but it's probably on the cards. I'm actually looking forward to getting deployed. Just because it will be good to see a bit a bit of the world. Somewhere like Afghanistan for instance.

Ryan: Is the transfer between civilian life and RAF life difficult to cope with?

Chris Stocks: The discipline is a major thing. It's quite a shock to the system when you first arrive at RAF Halton. The early mornings and late evenings don't help! We would count down the days to graduation! There's plenty of time to phone home as well if you need to talk to your parents. Generally everyone helps you through it.

Sophie: Do you work regular hours? How much free time do you get?

Chris Stocks: Generally, it's an 8-5pm job. But if you're on operations - it can be considerably longer. You may be required to work times outside that as the service needs. On operations we will come in before the crews, brief them prepare them for the next day with intelligence. And then come in when they land to get a debrief (the Sentry can fly anywhere up to 16 hours including refuelling - so the days can be very very long).

Keano's A Tractor Boy: Have you looked at the way intelligence is gathered from any of the RAF's other aircraft or just the Sentry E-3D?

Chris Stocks: Intelligence is derived from multiple sources including the Nimrod, Sentinel, and UAV (Unmanned Air vehicles). Each aircraft gathers different types of intelligence. The Nimrod aircraft gathers electronic intelligence. The Sentinel and the UAV provides imagery.

caroline: Hello Chris, I have an appointment on the 22nd may, my first meeting for joining the RAF. I am looking to it but obviously i am nervous too, how is the first meeting and what are they expecting? Is there anything i should take with me? caroline

Chris Stocks: The first interview is a very informal one. It's just a chance for you to enquire in to the different jobs and the RAF. Basically they'll let you know what the options are. And you have the opportunity to fill out an application. They also don't mind if someone accompanies you. I knew from the beginning that Intelligence Analyst was the trade for me. It just sounded the most interesting. It sounded more exciting than working in a call centre (which was what I was doing before joining!)

shoeaddict: where you confident when you first joined and if not did your conidence grow as you progressed in your training?

Chris Stocks: Everyone is quite nervous when they first join. But once you settle in you'll find that everyone's in the same boat. As time goes on and your responsibilities go up you will find that your confidence does will rise. Especially in the Intelligence Trade. As you will be briefing high rankers often which obviously improves your confidence in public speaking.

Sam: Hi im interested in joining as an Intelligence officer. what is the difference between the Intelligence analyst and an Intelligence officer in what jobs you do and responsibilities?

Chris Stocks: Intelligence Officers work more in the managerial role. Whereas the Airman usually do more of the research. An officer will take all the information that's been researched and put it in to a brief. (Like a report). Quite often we do the same work and we muck in. I quite often do the same work as my boss!

TB: How many years did it take you to make acting Corporal? Also do the promotion opportunities depend on the trade/job you do?

Chris Stocks: I've been in less than two years. The Corporal who was in the office was deployed for four months and I was the most senior airman. Yes promotion will depend on which trade you're in. Intelligence is particularly fast. However, in some trades it can take a bit longer.

nickj: can i ask about the whole recruitment process is there a way i can have an interview or meeting about potential jobs once i have finished my degree in 2 weeks....

Chris Stocks: Pop along to the AFCO (your local RAF recruitment office). They will know what sort of opportunities you can have with a Degree. I went to University myself and studied Psychology. Generally a Degree is not always necessary but it can help.

Piers: Why did you choose the RAF rather than Army or Navy?

Chris Stocks: I used to live near RAF Leuchars and frequented the air show every year. Then when it came to choosing a career I came across the RAF website which lead me to the AFCO. My Grandad was in the Navy! So the military was kind of in the blood I guess.

ramenik: Other than Intelligence Analyst, are there other intelligence roles in the RAF and can you move from one to the other as you can in the Army Intelligence Corps?

Chris Stocks: You join up as a general intelligence analyst but after about a year, you'll be given the option to specialise in imagery or signals intelligence. And you can move around as well. I intend to specialise in signals. It just seems the more interesting to me personally.

Andrew Wall: Hi Chris. I have a filter interview tomorrow at the AFCO in bristol. I amm applying for Intel Officer. i was wondering if you could tell me for an officer the kind of ratio of hands on work to leadership and presentation? And also if you have any last minute tips for the interview. Which would be much appreciated.

Chris Stocks: It depends on the situation. On operation you will be preparing and delivering briefs both as intelligence officer and intelligence analyst. As intelligence officer, you also have to look after the well being of your subordinates as well. These can range from personal issues to work issues. Basically just be yourself in the interview. You could always work on your speed distance time calculations. Just learn as much about the trade as possible. (Lots of info on the raf careers website and stuff).

Nat: What was the specialist training like?

Chris Stocks: Specialist training was at DISC Chicksands. The course lasts 16 weeks and has two exercises at the end, where one will be the deployed exercise and one will be in a classroom. The course prepared me well for the job. It does involve lots of briefing on a variety of subjects. But as an Intelligence Analyst you have to get used to this early. I enjoyed the course.

jman1986: hi chris im filling in the application forms and thinkin about goin for analyst but i have the a levels to go for officer.the thing is my alevels arent great and i know that there are alot of intelligence officers in the raf and i have no experience in management. do yo think i could join as analyst then apply for officer training in a few years or do you think it would be better idea to go for officer straight away and risk not getting it?

Chris Stocks: It's always an option I guess. I initially applied for officer, but I changed my mind and applied for analyst. Because I felt I was too young at the time. The opportunities are open to anyone that wants to commission from the ranks. It's good to get a bit of knowledge of being an Airman before commissioning. However, if you do want to join straight away as an officer, then I'd recommend going for it as well!

Charlotte: I am very good at languages, and a job in the intelligence analyst aspect is intelligence analyst (voice), is this the job 4 me??

Chris Stocks: It's a separate trade so I don't know the specifics about that - there's been a few questions about this (Nat also sent one in) - we do work with linguists. So you apply for this role differently to mine it's Intelligence Analyst voice. If you are good at languages, then it probably will be a job you'll enjoy. As long as you're open to learning new languages (sounds like you would be!)

Davis: Hi is there a lot of support in the RAF?

Chris Stocks: Assuming you mean if people are supportive here? Everyone kind of helps each other along. There are people you can talk to if you're having issues. As well as your own flight staff (team). You're never really on your own. If you're ill you've got obviously there is good health care on base (dentists, gps and stuff). So don't worry!

jacklewisno1: hi chris im planning on joining the raf as a NCO. When i apply i will be 18. how flexible are the fitness requirements for an NCO because i am aware that because of my age i will not be at peak fitness, will my age be taken in account when my fitness is assessed?

Chris Stocks: The fitness tests alter with your age. So you will have different standards to be met. There are fitness tests on the website (it takes you through what levels of fitness to get to before you join). As long as you put the time in at the gym before you join up it shouldn't be an issue.

Gav: What activites do you take part in within the RAF? Other then the work!

Chris Stocks: There are a wide range of activities. I've been on adventure training. You can pretty much play any sport in the RAF. I play football with people from camp and we have like an afternoon sports - like an afternoon of playing sports for the squadron. We socialise a lot too! We go out every weekend. And during the week there's always stuff to do. I live on base and you get on with everyone.

aimee: Do you ever work onboard aircraft?

Chris Stocks: No! I wouldn't be able to do anything in the air due to my eyesight which is not up to the standard required. I brief the crews before they fly and they go off and do their thing. So I'm still very much a part/ involved in the mission.

stratfordash: Did you find it difficult deciding from the many different jobs in the RAF as to which one you wanted to do?

Chris Stocks: I knew I wanted to be an Intelligence Analyst from the start. The fact that there was very little information on at that time intrigued me I guess. My second choice would have been RAF police.

psycochild: How demanding is the physical side of the RAF?

Chris Stocks: There is a bi-annual fitness test. That involves a bleep test (running between two points). Sit-ups and push-ups, which you'll be required to pass. As long as you put the time in at the gym you shouldn't have a problem.

Nat: How do you find living on base?

Chris Stocks: Living on base is BRILLIANT! It's cheap, there's lots of people around so you never get lonely. And there's always someone to go out with. There's the mess (for junior and one for senior ranks) - that cook your food for you! They'll even do your dishes!

JP: How often do you tend to travel? Is it only on exercises?

Chris Stocks: We travel or we get deployed I should say - once every 18 months usually. We also partake in several exercises during the year. I've said where I've been (scroll up a bit! We're running out of time).

aimee: Do you have a main goal or aim that you are hoping to achieve as an intelligence analyst?

Chris Stocks: Eventually I intend to go for a commission as Intelligence Officer! Just now - the goal is to get Substansive Corporal (full corporal as I'm only acting at mo).

Ashley: What is your favourite part of your job and why?

Chris Stocks: Fave part - is doing a really good brief and getting told it's good told you 've done well. Worst part is probably the long hours on operations.

Chris Stocks: Just thanks all of you for logging on! Good luck to you all!!!

Views expressed during the web chats are those of individuals and do not necessarily reflect RAF policy.