Flight Lieutenant John Hall
Job role: Flight Commander Junior Regiment Officers’ Course (JROC)

Joined the RAF: December 2002

Overseas travel: Iraq, USA, France

Career highlights:

• Going to Iraq and all the challenges that went with it. Conflicts put huge physical and emotional pressure on the troops and it was my job to get them through and ensure that we achieved our objecti
• I served in the Queen’s Colour Squadron and in July 2008 received the new Regiment Colours from the Queen during a special ceremony at RAF Fairford.
• I have done adventurous training in the United States, spending two weeks in West Virginia doing rock climbing, white water rafting and trekking.

‘I joined at 18 as a direct entry officer and have been promoted three times so far. My job is to instruct potential RAF Regiment Officers through the 37 week training course at RAF Honington in Suffolk.

‘There are several main tasks. I help prepare them for infantry operations and for their role in barracks, particularly man management and leadership – key qualities for an RAF Regiment Officer.

‘The big challenge is getting across a lot of information in a very short time. I am teaching newly qualified officers, so it is vital to get them into the RAF Regiment’s ‘ethos’ – its core values and what is expected of an officer. This matters, because I am one of a team developing the leaders of the future. It’s about developing the field skills and tactical knowledge they’ll need.

‘In my spare time I love rugby and play for the RAF Academy and the RAF Sevens – and club rugby for Bury St Edmonds.’

Web Chat session with Flight Lieutenant John Hall - Wednesday 26 August 2009

Lewis Scott: Good evening Flt Lt John Hall, What qualifications did you have when you joined as an officer and how do you increase your chances of getting recommended for promotion? much obliged. Lewis Scott.

John Hall: Evening Lewis. I joined with 11 GCSE's and 4 A levels. However if you joined with a Degree, you would enter service as a flying officer instead of an Acting Pilot officer. This would then see you reach Flt Lft ahead of people who enter without a Degree. However, promotion past Flt Lft is based on ability not educational qualifications.

Duane: Hi, I am currently going through the process of (hopefully) joining the RAF Regiment as an officer. I failed my first PROC as I didnt manage to get over the wall the second time whenit actually counted. Is there anything you could advise me on, to 'shine' on my next PROC? Thanks.

John Hall: Duane, when you re-attend PROC (Potential Regiment Officers Course) just make sure you go fully prepared and demonstrate a want and determination for the job. If you have this determination you will have prepared fully for PROC and should have no issues second time around. Good luck! Keep going to the Gym.

Scott: Hi John, how would you describe a typical day?

John Hall: Scott - there's no such thing as a typical day as I am training the junior regiments officers course JROC (see def above). We spend a large amount of time training on training areas balanced with work spent in the classroom on assualt course. Everyday is slightly different and that is one of the key aspects that makes the job a rewarding challenge.

Xangt: Hi John, I would like to thank you for taking time to speak to us, it is really helping me making my decision. What would you say is the most reawrding part of your job and what made you chose that specific role as a career.

Regards,

Xangt

John Hall: Xangt I'd have to say the most rewarding part of my job is seeing junior officers develop and challenge themselves. They turn from basic leaders in to qualified and competant RAF regiment commanders. I chose the job for its variety and the constant challenges it presents. I hope that helps!!!!

PT: Hi John, what's the difference between a Regiment Officer and another branch Officer?

John Hall: As an RAF regiment officer you'll be expected to lead your men (sorry regiment is male only) - from the front. You have to be able to do everything they can and still be ready to command and make the important decisions when the pressure is on. This is slightly different from other branches due to the arduous environments we as regiment officers find ourselves in.

ant91: How many sports can you do at a time in the RAF, and when do you have time to do them? as i really enjoy playing cricket but wouldnt mind learning something new

John Hall: Any sport you can think of can be done in the RAF. You have to make the time yourself to fit them in but there is a positive mindset towards sport in the forces. I play rugby, and take part in any other sport I can physically fit the time in for. It takes a lot of effort to find the time but it's rewarding for the trips and events you get to take part in.

Reggie: Hello John. Hope all's well. Was just wondering what happens if you require glasses / lenses, what would happen when you're in theatre as a gunner. Do you wear your glasses ?

John Hall: You'd receive issue glasses. You take your eyesight test before you start actually as it's all part of the applicatoin process. So as long as meets the required criteria you should be okay. A word of warning the issue glasses certainly AREN'T A FASHION ITEM!!!!

aima: I have my pre assessment interview on the 22nd sept and I am very worried because i want it so badly. When you joined how did you get through everything?

John Hall: Try not to let the pressure on you too much. Think about what you want to achieve. And just aim for that. I was young when I joined, and as a result probably didn't feel the pressure as much. However, no matter what your age - go in to it with your eyes open. And just enjoy the process and the potential career. Good luck and enjoy it!

Luke: Hi John, i have been interested in joining the armed forces for some time now, but i'm not too sure what role i think i would be suited to. I think i would enjoy the 'buzz' of being part of the regiment, but not sure if i could hack the training, and i would like to work around the world. How did you decide on what to do in the RAF and can you give me any adivce on how to make the right decision?

John Hall: I can't make the decision for you Luke - only you can do that! However, I'd base my decision on experience gained through knowing people in the service and on knowing what I wanted to challenge myself with. If you're unsure if you'd get through the training, you need to start to test yourself now, by putting yourself in challenging situations both mentally and physically. (Examples such as: physical events, and youth organisations may give you some of these challenges). I hope this gives you some background to your decision.

William: Hi John, I'm seriously considering joining the RAF. I see it as a real chance to get out and do something with my life and have wanted to join from a young age. My parents are dead against me joining (due to our situation in Afghanistan). How did your parents feel about you joining and what would you reccomend i could do to show my parents it has some much good to offer me as a carrer

Thanks, William

John Hall: Good Question William! When I joined we were just entering Iraq and therefore I think that the situation my parents saw in the press may have been sligtly similar. I can only say that you will receive the best training available and will not be sent on operations until you have reached the criteria required to deploy. As for your parents, they will have opportunities to come and meet the training staff and see a family that you are wanting to become part of. if you speak to your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) and ask for the RAF regiment DVD there is a short film on there designed for your parents to give them more information about the career. (Also lots of info on the website www.raf.mod.uk/careers

haslaml: john - i am not 100% sure of what the regiment does, so could you please clarify what the regiment actually does

John Hall: Haslaml, the RAF regiment provides force protection for air assets deployed on operations. That's the catch phrase of what it is. But what it really means is that RAF regiment personnel patrol the ground outside airbases in Afghanistan in order to prevent the personnel in the base and the aircraft from being injured or damaged. We do not just patrol the wire (the fence), as some people think, but spend a large amount of time covering the ground and the villages that are local to the airbase.

Benj: Any advice for getting through the Pre-Recriut Training Course?

John Hall: Best bit of advice I can give you - is to prepare as fully as possible. Physical preparation is a key aspect of this. Because the fitter you are the easier things will be That goes for physical and mental challenges. As for mental preparation, attempt to challenge yourself by doing some speed of thought exercises. Such as speed distance time. As these will undoubtedly form part of your application and subsequent career.

smac: hiya, whats the main difference between being an officer and being a gunner in the regt?

John Hall: As an Officer you'll be responsible for the Gunners, Corporals, and Senior NCO's (Non-commisioned Officers) on your flight. You'll have to ensure they are trained, managed, lead, and commanded in all environments and all situations including the most challenging. You'll be expected to lead them by example and to have capacity for further challenges when they occur. As a Gunner, you will work on a Flight under the command of Corporals Senior NCO's and Officers. You'll have a very active role on the ground but will only be responsible for looking after yourself, not necessarily others around you.

ant91: Do you have any choice or input as to which bases you are sent to, for example after training and i am sent to my first base?

John Hall: Ant - during training you'll complete what we call a "dream sheet" this details the three choices in order of priority that you'd like to go to. It is based on Squadrons, not on Bases. Depending on how you do at training, and where the requirement for personnel is will depend on where you go. The better you do at training, the better chance you've got of getting your first choice. That's just one of the ways its filtered as you can imagine we have to filter it somehow!

stan: what is the different between officer and non commissioned officer

John Hall: Stan we answered a very similar question above (please scroll up!)

Nate-Lynch: FL Hall, What items would I need to take to RAF Halton when I begin my Airman Career, and what is the best way to cope with it, once I am down there?

John Hall: I don't know about the specifics for Halton as I'm not based there - however, I'd suggest a good IRON, some polish and a good attitude, will be three of the main things you'll need!

Langdon: Whats the social life like as a regiment officer, do you still get the adventure training opportunities advertised despite your operational commitments?

John Hall: Adventure training is a key aspect of development within the Royal Air Force. Typically despite operations, people will have the opportunity to go on adventure training. It is not always the case because sometimes commitments are such that this is not possible. Generally, the social life as an RAF regiment Officer, is excellent. There are countless officers mess functions, such as dinners and balls to attend. And frequent gatherings of colleagues and friends in order to socialise.

Scott: Thanks John. I'm 33, am I too old to join as a Regiment Officer?

John Hall: I actually don't know the answer to that one I'm sorry! But if you check the website job selector section that should give you and age range on there.

Alex: I'm thinking of applying after Uni, when I'm 21. Is there anything I can do at Uni that'll help my application?

John Hall: If you're not a member already, join the University Air Squadron. Or officer training corps to get experience of the military. Both will enable you to see the Air force and Army respectively whilst continuing your studies. I'd suggest also - if you're not already involved in various clubs then seeking involvement within sports clubs or committees where you'll be put under pressure and in a position to make decisions will also help.

Luke: Thanks John. How did you find the training, both Mentally and Physically?

John Hall: Training is very demanding. And you're pushed to your limits. Physically I was well prepared before I started the course. And this undoubtedly helped me succeed. Mentally the challenges are tough because you are fatigued and it's a very steep learning curve througout the course. You cannot fully prepare for the mental challenges but the more physically prepared you are, the more capacity you will have to deal with them. It's easier to think when you're fresh than it is when you're tired.

Alex: I'm considering joining either the Army (Infantry) or the RAF Regiment as an Officer, why did you choose the RAF?

John Hall: I've got friends serving in the Army and friends serving in the Airforce. Before joining I'd spoken with both and based a decision partly on their experiences. I also firmly belifeve that there is greater variety of challenge available in the RAF than the Army. The challenges faced by an RAF regiment officer change daily and will change further every time you change jobs. You'll never do the same job twice! And as a result you're continuously learning and developing as a leader and an individual. Besides the food in the RAF is better than the Army!!!!!!!

Joe2009: this may sound like a stupid question but are you payed throughout your tranning

John Hall: YES! You are paid as a trainee going through at Cranwell. And then subsequently your pay increases with each promotion you receive. More information on the pay scales can be found on the careers website www.raf.mod.uk/careers

smac: you used to be in QCS? whats it like being an officer on QCS and as an officer is there the same chance to join QCS as the other sqns?

John Hall: Yes. QCS is a unique squadron within the Royal Air Force. Its role requires specialisation, and flexibility. One day you could be saluting the Queen in London in full ceremony uniform, and only days later could be in an operational theatre. This happened to me when I was on the Squadron when we deployed to Iraq. As an officer on the sqaudron, it is a huge priviliage to stand at the front of the most capable drilling ceremony unit in the armed forces. However, it can get a little bit nerve wracking at times, particularly if you're not brilliant at remembering your words!

Raymond: Sir I have already gained a degree in Law and i have years of work experience in the IT sales and High Tech environnment, could those skills help as RAF officer?

John Hall: Potentially yes. As they will have given you life experience. The actual skills themselves may not have huge relevance in the RAF regiment, but the additional skills you have gained from being in those environments will be of benefit.

Benj: Hi John, have you had the opportunity to travel to some interesting places?

John Hall: Yes in my career I've on operations in Iraq, have travelled with work across most of Western Europe. I've worked in Canada, gone on adventure training in France and America, and have taken part in sporting tours to South Africa and Dubai. I've certainly seen more of the world than I would have done had I not been in the RAF.

Bart863: Why did you want to be an officer and not a gunner?

John Hall: I wanted to challenge myself and put myself under pressure. I decided that you should always aim for the best that you could be and that's what I aimed for. Subsequently the challenge and pressure experienced as a leader is something that I get a buzz off. Undoubtedly I feel I've made the right decision.

shaun91: Hi, John i really want to do a trade in the RAF, the training as well as seeing the world will better any civilian job. Do you still get weekends to take part in lesiure events and can you visit friends back home on the odd weekend when youre not busy working, training or a doing anything?

John Hall: You'll get some weekends free during your training. However, you will also work over weekends in order to prepare you for the committment you will make on operations. I frequently try and visit my friends and family on weekends off. As it is a great way to relax and share stories.

ed: Hi John, just a few questions. I have been considering joining the RAF Regiment as an officer since i got my exam results last year but have only 2 A-Level passes at grades E and C, is that enough?

John Hall: I'd suggest you go to your local AFCO (careers office) to find out more about that. However if this is not acceptable to them then you could always re-take in order to improve your grades.

haslaml: what rank do you aim to have achieved by the end of your career in the RAF

John Hall: I don't really mind! I just want enjoy my job and continue to challenge myself. I've recently been promoted to Flt Lft, I would love to command a squadron at some point.

Electric--caterpillar: Do you use any of the things you learnt in your own training in the training you do now? (er if that makes sense?)

John Hall: Yes much of my training is applied daily. You pick up a lot of basic skills going through training and this enables you to conduct tasks of various complexities. My current role required me to teach man of the skills that I oriignally learnt. In essence I'm attmpting to pass on my experience whilst continuing to learn myself.

Boxer19: do you have any adice on becoming an air traffic controller??

John Hall: There is a previous web chat that had an Air Traffic Controller if you want to take a look at that (I think it was a seargent Vanessa Nielson). Sorry I don't actually deal with any in my job! Also job description on the website you could look at too.

Bart863: how supportive were you parents when you told them you wanted to join the RAF Regiment??

John Hall: Very supportive. They always knew I wanted to do something active. And I was focussed and determined that this was what I wanted to do. It helps to have your family support behind you as when the going gets tough it's easy to talk to them and explain some of the issues.

Bren: Hi FL Hall, Which part of your entire training to you find the most challenging? Thanks, Bren.

John Hall: Developing personally from a individual only worried about myself to being a leader who considers his men (again it's only men in my role) above himself is a considerable lesson to learn.

LadyLaw: When you prepared for OASC did you try and learn everything there is to know about the RAF or were there particular things you focussed on, besides your trade?

John Hall: I focussed on the RAF as a whole, but didn't go in to it trying to be an encyclopedia in everying RAF. I definitely knew more about the RAF regiment than other aspects but, I tried to have an understanding of all areas of the Air Force. You won't be expected to know everything. And if you're not sure, don't try and blagg it!!!

John Hall: Sorry I've not been able to answer everyone's questions! I'm just not the fastest typer in the world! Good luck to all who are applying!!!!

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