Corporal Danny Smith
Job role: Personnel (Support)

Joined the RAF: January 2000

Overseas travel: Falkland Islands, Germany, Spain

Career highlights:

• Working on an RAF Regiment Rapier Squadron
• Supporting a Remote Radar Head on the West Falkland Island
• Completing adventure training qualifications to become a Mountain Leader

‘I joined the RAF straight after leaving school, just after my 17^th birthday. My first posting was to the main admin office at RAF Brize Norton, where I was responsible for the discharge of people who had come to the end of their service. This was a responsible job as naturally people were worried about having to find their own housing and employment. I’d make sure they had the information and advice they needed.

‘After leaving Brize Norton I was posted to an RAF Regiment Rapier Squadron as the Squadron clerk. I was responsible for administering over 100 personnel, as well as organising travel and documentation for all Squadron detachments in the UK and overseas.

‘I later spent over 3 years working at the Ministry of Defence in central London before starting my current job on Recruit Training Squadron. Right now I’m an instructor on one of the training flights, where I’m responsible for taking in civilians at the start of the course and then training them up to their graduation day. It’s very rewarding, and great to see the changes in people as they develop and progress throughout the course.

‘I’ll shortly be moving on to Air Command at RAF High Wycombe where I’ll be working as a Career Manager. For me, the main advantage of a military career is that you have plenty of opportunity to move around and work in different areas. There are also huge opportunities for adventure training, as well as gaining educational qualifications. It’s all there if you want it.’

Web Chat session with Corporal Danny Smith - Monday 27 October 2008

Emily: hi danny, do you find it hard being away from your friends and family?

Danny Smith: No. Although I have kept in touch with a handfull of friends from back home, most of my friends that I keep in touch with are in the RAF. So you find as your career develops you have a bit more in common with your RAF friends and maybe a bit less with the people at home. We get six weeks leave a year, which is plenty of time to visit family and obviously there's no restrictions on how many times you ring home.

thisisanfield: I passed my selection tests last week, and have been invited for my selection interview, do you have any advice for me?

Danny Smith: Just make sure you are honest with all your answers. Research your trade thoroughly. And don't be afraid to ask the interviewer questions if there are things you are not sure of. Research the trade is a big thing as that's what they'll ask you a lot about. And what you will be signing up to do for the next few years so make sure you know what you'll be doing and that it's what you want to do. A little bit about your trade, and something about the Air Force.

Tanvir: I have decided to apply to RAF but have a family with a young child. Do i get to see my family during training if im selected and start training?

Danny Smith: For your first 9 weeks, you'll be heavily involved in basic training although you may get up to 5 weekends off. You will be able to speak to your family in the evenings as well. But you will not get much chance to see them other than on the weekends off.

Campling: hi If you train to be a gunner, how long till you can train in another area such as firefighter?

Danny Smith: Gunner and Firefighter are compltely different trades. Once you have joined as a certain trade, it is very difficult to change so make sure you join in what you want to do. Particularly if you've finished your training.

Dan: Do you think joining the raf was the right choice of career for you

Danny Smith: I have certainly enjoyed every second of my time in the RAF and have no plans to leave. I've been in the RAF for nine years now. And can't imagine doing anything else.

Phoenix: when you went to join the RAF did you know what you were going to do

Danny Smith: I had a fair idea from the recruitment brochures and my AFCO (careers office) staff were very helpful. I'm colour blind so was very limited in the amounts of trades I wanted to do.

Danny Smith: Does anyone have any questions regarding training at RAF Halton - this is your chance to ask an insider all about it!!!

Paul: Do you have any top tips for passing the 9 week course at Halton?

Danny Smith: Make sure you listen to what your instructors tell you. Always do what you're told when you are told to the best of your ability. It's not a difficult course, just put in the effort and work together with your team mates. Essentially put your life on hold for 9 weeks and concentrate entirely on recruit training.

John Ferguson: is it possible to FAIL Halton (test scores too low or something)?

Danny Smith: Once you've been selected, we know that you can get through training. We give you plenty of training and support. It is very rare to be failed by the RAF although some people choose to give up and leave. All tests do have a pass mark but you are always given 2 opportunties and if you fail on the second time, you will go back to cover those lessons again. You will not just be thrown out of the Air Force.

pb: How many is there usually to a room?

Danny Smith: Rooms are up to 14 people.

matt: would being apart of the air training corps assist you in any way?

Danny Smith: Being in the Air Training Corps, gives people a good insight in to what the RAF is like. However, equally people who have not been in the Air Training Corps still do well in the RAF. X air cadets tend to find the first few days easier, as they are used to the uniform and the rank structure. And then things tend to even out.

Moi..: Hiya, just a question! how difficult is the fitness levels for females, and what do you have to do to pass??? thanks

Danny Smith: The RAF fitness test consists of sit ups, press ups and the multi stage fitness test (bleep test. Basically running between two points 20 metres apart with the speed gradually increasing). The PTI (Physcial training instructors) will make sure you are able to pass so long as you put in the effort throughout the 9 weeks.

jay: do you get time to do your own thing during traning like go to the gym or chill out

Danny Smith: There is a mandatory break time every evening of at least 30 minutes to give you a chance to chill out. And you get normally 4 weekends throughout the course off. You will not need to go to the gym as you will be doing that every day anyway!!!

pb: do you get to have a lot of space for your stuff or just the basics in life?

Danny Smith: No you have one locker and one bedside cabinet to yourself. However, you do not need many civillian clothes as most of the time you'll be wearing uniform. You do not need to bring loads of stuff from home as you will not have time to use it or wear it. Apart from the weekends off you'll always be wearing your uniform (during the 9 weeks initial training).

tasha: what did this RAF halton training like, and was it all fitness

Danny Smith: Fitness is only one part of the training. You will also be taught how to look after your uniform including ironing it. You'll be taught all about the RAF and how it works. And you'll also be taught all skills required for operational tours such as first aid, weapon handling etc and of course drill!!!

abby1993: does the Halton recruit training course essentially change your life?

Danny Smith: I suppose it depends what you've done beforehand. I joined straight from school, and so had never really had to look after myself before. It taught me all the skills that I needed to get on in life on my own without needing my parents for support. And gave me the confidence that I knew I could look after myself.

kwame: what has been your toughest moment since joining the raf ?

Danny Smith: Good question! Obviously the first overseas deployment is tough. As it is the first time away from friends and family when you knew there was no way of getting back and you were 8 thousand miles from home. But luckily everyone is in the same position and we all rally round and look after eachother.

Paul: Do you have to do written exams at Halton?

Danny Smith: Yes. There are several exams. Your instructors will have made sure that you have learnt everything on the exams and will give you all the support you need to pass them. We are not here to fail you - we are here to get you through the course.

Emily: when your doing the training how many hours do you do in a day?

Danny Smith: The formal training runs from wake up at 5.15am. Your instructors will normally inspect you at about 7am and then you will be in training until about 6-7pm. You will then be on your own time until lights out at 11pm. However, you will need to do kit preperation and home work in this time. After the first few days you'll be used to this and find ways that you can work to get maximum sleep time.

stevo: I am a bit petrified about my fitness. Im putting in a lot of effort right now to get myself to peak fitness. I would like to know how fit you should be in order to prepare yourself for the 9 week training

Danny Smith: You need to be as fit as you can be. No-one can expect any more of you. The fitter you are the easier the course will be. If you are not up to the RAF fitness standard when you arrive, then the PTI's (Physical training instructor) will ensure you are by the time you leave. When you come on your pre-recruit course you will attempt the RAF fitness test which will give you a good idea of what you will need to work on.

abby1993: i've always wanted to be in the raf ever since i was tiny. but im still not sure about what i want to do. do you have any advise that can help me decide?

Danny Smith: Go to your careers office (AFCO) and have a chat with your recruiter where you can tell them the kinds of things you are interested in and find what suits you. Also check the website www.rafcareers.com.

thisisanfield: did you find the discipline hard to handle at first?! are the intructors screming in your face?!

Danny Smith: The discipline is something you will get used to very easily. No-one will scream in your face. No-one will scream at all if you do what you're told when you're told to the best of your ability.

louise: Hi Danny I am hoping to join in a couple of years after college and am keen on being an Admin Officer ,it seems a really varied role do officers tend stick with one part of the admin role or move around covering all sections?

Danny Smith: Admin officers cover lots of different roles. Normally moving about every 18 months. They get involved in infastructure, personnel, recruiting, accounts, to name but some! (They do loads!)

Matt18: What are the oppertunity for a commission once you have been in the RAF say four or five years, is this possible or is it rare?

Danny Smith: It is certainly not rare. Lots of serving Air personnel have achieved commisions. The education requirements are slightly less for people who are already in the Air Force, and depending on what rank you are depends on what qualifications you need. If you are unsuccessful gaining a commision then you can still continue with your career as Non-commisioned personnel.

PaulN: Hiow much of the trainnig is practical stuff - and how much is it written / class room?

Danny Smith: It's about 50 - 50. It's all mixed in so you don't do four and half weeks classroom followed by four and half practical. Typical day will include a Physical Ed. lesson, a drill lesson, classroom lesson about the history of the RAF and kit preperation lessons.

Nat: Is the training the same regardless of what career you go into to? What does the specialist training involve?

Danny Smith: All Air personnel undertake the 9 weeks basic training at RAF Halton. Officer's attend IOT (Initial Officer Training) at RAF Cranwell. Specialist training is different for each trade. Your careers office will give you more information alternatively you can check the website (scroll up and you'll see the address!)

Em: Hi Danny, do you have a chance as an Admin Officer to better yourself Academically?

Danny Smith: What ever trade you choose, there are opportunities to gain qualifications both related to your trade or just something that interests you. The Air Force can give you money towards this or even pay for it in total. You may be lucky enough to study in work time. Every station has an Education Centre with experts there to help you.

Emily: im nearly 21, will i be older than the majority of people in my training group?

Danny Smith: Not at all. Although the RAF recruits mainly aged 16 - 30. In exceptional circumstances even older than this. The majority of recruits tend to be in their early 20's. So you wouldn't feel out of place.

Fruitbat: I know you do a military simulation near the end of the training. How realistic is it? How difficult is it?

Danny Smith: Excercise Blue Warrior (that's it's name) takes place at the end of your RAF regiment phase of training. It is designed to be as realistic as possilbe. Although obviously scenarios have been set up deliberately to test what you have been taught. And give you the confidence that you know how to deal with situations that may occur in real life.

Catherine: Do you get a chance to travel much? And where have u been since u joined?

Danny Smith: Everyone will undertake opperational detachments during their careers. The main ones for the RAF are Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Falklands. Although people go throughout the world for operations and excercises. You may be lucky enough to support an excercise in the Nevada desert near Las Vegas. Of course there are also opportunities to travel with sports and adventure training throughout the world. I'm going to Malta in a few hours to learn about the history of the island during World War 2. It is not costing me any money.

Rose: do the raf do a trial period or somewhere you can go before you start basic so you can know whats it like or to help you make yyour mind up whether you want to join ?

Danny Smith: Prior to your recruit training course you will attend a 2 day pre-recruit familiarisation visit to RAF Halton. This will include undertaking the RAF fitness test, being issued with your combat boots and receiving briefs about different aspects of the training.

Dev: Hi Danny, how do things work with regards to the minimun length of service in the raf?

Danny Smith: Everyone who originally joins up has to sign on for 9 years. Don't let this put you off. As you can put in notice to leave before that. However I have now been in for 9 years and it doesn't feel like 2 minutes! As you go through the ranks, you are able to sign on for longer periods, eventually even as long as to age 55 if you make it to Flight Sgt.

yuwa: hi i am an engineering graduate and currently working on a PHD project am i still eligible to applyn to the RAF

Danny Smith: Yes you are. Make sure your careers office are aware if you will be unable to join before a certain date due to your studies. It's important that you know you won't be able to continue your studies whilst in training.

Corlett: How far up the ranks are you aiming for? What advantages are there in being a higher rank?

Danny Smith: I'm just taking each job as it comes really. And although it would be nice to think I could get as far as Warrant Officer, I just want to make sure I'm enjoying myself rather than focussing too much on being promoted. Who knows - I may even go for my commision in the future, although it doesn't appeal to me at the moment. That is the good thing about the RAF, there are always other options available. Apart from the obvious extra money, the advantages of promotion are more responsibility and feeling that you are being recognised for your hard work.

scott: Honestly do you enjoy your job?

Danny Smith: Yes of course I do! Otherwise I would leave. The main thing to remember is the RAF is not a prison sentence. Once it stops being fun I will put my notice in and leave, but I can't see that happening for a long time yet.

dave: Hi Danny, my wife and i are both currently going through our application process to join as officers. Do you know of many married people who are both serving in the RAF?

Danny Smith: Yes. Lots of people are in marriages or civil partnerships where both people are in the RAF. It can be an advantage in some ways as each understands the nature of the job. ie things like deployments etc. However, equally there are lots of people where only one of the people is in the RAF and they get on fine as well.

Paul: What happens in the evenings at Halton?

Danny Smith: You iron your kit and polish your shoes and ensure the barrack block is spotlessly clean ready for the next morning.

PA: I was thinking of joing the band at Halton, what are your views regarding this?

Danny Smith: Do you mean that you want to join the RAF in the trade of musician? Come back and let me know.

pb: where was your first posting?

Danny Smith: My first posting was to RAF Brize Norton. Which is a large base near Oxford. I worked in the main admin office there.

ant: at RAF Halton during your training what is the accomidation like

Danny Smith: The barrack blocks are quite old and very basic, but fit for purpose. Communal living is very important in the RAF and so being in a 14 man room will make sure you are able to do this effectively in the future. It also enable you to bond as a team rather than shutting yourself away in the evening.

ellie: During youre training and most recruits training.. how many hours of sleep do they get a night?

Danny Smith: Lights out is at 23.00 hours. And wake up is at 05.15. However, I am sure that some people particularly in the first few days stay awake longer than this. If you work as a team straight away from the day you arrive, there is no reason everyone can't be ready for bed at 23.00. The more preparation you do before arriving at RAF Halton, will make easier. For instance, sewing - it's something a lot of people struggle with and spend hours and hours on. Whilst others are done in a few minutes because they have practised before they have joined up.

Em: Once trained does it involve relocating to a base? Sorry I'm unsure how it works with living arrangements?

Danny Smith: Yes. Once you finish your trade training you will be posted to begin your real career in the RAF. Most people can expect their first posting to last about 3 years. You will be given the chance to ask for certain stations, although at the end of the day the need of the RAF comes first and you will not necessarily get to one of those stations.

Abbie: why is it so hard to get in even thought you get all the traning and lessons?

Danny Smith: Once you have been accepted by the recruitment process, then you are 'in' and that is when the lessons and the training begin.

Graham: A few of the careers i am looking at, my grades fall short ever so slightly, are they still worth going enquring about, or should i consider a resit before applying?

Danny Smith: Always enquire! As things change all the time. Careers office could offer you the best advice on this.

stevo: Danny, how much marching is done and how often?

Danny Smith: You will march everywhere during recruit training - and the formal drill lessons are mainly at the start and the end of the training course.

John Ferguson: what would you say is the hardest part of RTC?

Danny Smith: I think with most recruits it is a self induced pressure. There are no secrets, just do what you're told whne you're told. Work hard and listen. By getting that far you have already shown that you have the aptitude to pass the course.

Danny Smith: Sorry I couldn't answer all your questions - there were lots on recruitment which is not me - so I hope pointing you to the careers office and website have helped! Good luck!

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