Corporal Lori Armstrong
Job role: Supplier

Joined the RAF: July 1995

Overseas travel: Italy, Gemany, Corsica, Iraq, Ascension Island

Career highlights:

• Organising an adventure training trip to Ascension Island
• Working in Basra – the camaraderie’s amazing
• The sheer variety of the job

‘Everything about the RAF appealed to me: the travel, the opportunities, just the way of life, really. Supply seemed like a good trade to me. It’s essential to everything the RAF does, so you really feel like you’re at the heart of things, and it’s a really varied job.

‘As a Supplier, you’re responsible for moving, storing and managing all the equipment the RAF needs. In my current job, I’m part of a team that accounts for all the explosives here at RAF Benson. You need to be organised and logical, and good at solving problems. The RAF definitely encourages you to think for yourself.

‘At the moment I’m office-based, but in the past I’ve worked on fuels, where you’re outside most of the time. During the Balkans conflict I worked in Germany and Corsica, supporting helicopters and Tornado jets, and I’ve been out to Basra twice. In a combat situation, the engineers depend on you to find solutions, fast. It’s hectic and challenging, but you really feel like you’re playing your part.

‘There are so many great leisure opportunities. The facilities at Benson are fantastic. I’ve just had a week’s adventure training, walking in Ascension Island. I helped to organise the trip, and it went really well. Now we’re looking at walking the Thames Valley path this spring. There’s always something fun to do, and someone to do it with.’

Web Chat session with Corporal Lori Armstrong - Wednesday 28 January 2009

Robbie.: Hi, i'm 16 and thinking about becoming an Airman. I looked at the information availible and there are a number of tests to take, e.g. the fitness test. Is fitness monitored throughout my time with the RAF?

Lori Armstrong: Yeah. You take your fitness test twice a year. Consists of a bleep test (running between two points), sit ups and press ups. But I don't know the level you'll need to be at as it depends on your age and gendre. If you chat to your local AFCO (careers office) they should be able to give you more information on the level you'd need. The fitter you are the better!

Mally: I have a wife and a 5 year old son. Does the RAF provide good support for service women and men with families?

Lori Armstrong: Most units have a creche of some sort with facilities. I don't have kids myself so it's not something I can actually know for sure. It depends if your spouse works and so it depends on what they need anyway. There is pretty good welfare support I think. They normally have eg a school bus to run children to the unit.

paul: hi lori, im thinking of applying to be a supplier, any hints/tips?

Lori Armstrong: I would say speak to the AFCO to get as much info as possible. And see if they can arrange a visit for you to one of the units. We've had people this week on my base (RAF Benson) around supply squadron to see how it works. This would give you a good idea of the diversity of the trade. Do you know anyone that's already serving? That can often help. The careers website (which you're using now) www.raf.mod.uk/carreers has information on the "job selector section". So you can check that out.

Ritalin1992: As a supplier are you based in the field or at RAF bases in the UK?

Lori Armstrong: It's dependant on what job you're doing. You will always be parented by an RAF base somewhere, however, jobs such as TSW (Tactical Supply Wing) can spend a lot of time in the field. They basically refuel hellicopters. Also on various units you can go on exercises eg simulated field work. Basically living in tents and looking after the equipment spares for the air craft. I'm mainly office based at the moment. But the trade is that diverse that that could change at any time.

Sharky: I'm 25 but in the best shape of my life, some people think I may be too old to join, what do you think?

Lori Armstrong: Not at all! There's a lot of trades that are up to the age of 29. Pinchpoints trades (where we're short of trades and we need to recruit them) we'll take up to the age of 36 in those cases. If you're 25 now you're more mature and worldly wise! You won't necessarily be working with people much younger - as there are people in the Airforce that are aged up to 55 - so you'll feel young!

adam_w: by the time i finish my a-levels ill be 18 would you say that is too young to join? would they be looking for older people who are more mature?

Lori Armstrong: Again that's well it's personal really isn't it. I joined up at 21 and it sort of gave me a chance to enjoy life a bit before commiting my life to an RAF career. There is no right or wrong answer. If you feel ready then I would say apply. And going through the training - you get to work as a team so you're not going to feel disadvantaged by being young.

Cully: Hi Lori, while your doing the 9 weeks training at RAF Halton, are you able to come home on weekends at all?

Lori Armstrong: From what I can remember, the first 2 or 3 weekends you work - after that the weekends are your own. However! I went through 13 years ago so things might have changed! I'm sure it was 2 or three you worked. If you check with your local AFCO they should be able to clarify!

Liam: Hello,i am 14 and i have got to choose which subjects to study for my gcse's this year. I am thinking about joining the raf as an engineer or it technician could you please advise me on the course of subjects i will need to study ?? thanks

Lori Armstrong: I think you need English and Maths "G" and above. Because you'll get trained up when you get in to the RAF. I think you might need a driving licence (this should be on the website - if you go to the job section thingy!)

LSchirr: Hi Lori, I am thinking of joining the RAF at the age of 33. I am still eligible but was wondering if you had come across many people who had joined at this later stage of life

Lori Armstrong: Depends on the trade that you want to join us. Certainly for supply trade you are still elibible as you can join up to the age of 36. But it varies for different trades so you'd need to check on that. Definitely go for it! Don't feel as though you are too old. And yes I have met people that have joined up at later stages of life and are glad that they did it.

Jonny: Hi Lori, if you dont mind me asking, why did you apply for a NCO and not an officer?

Lori Armstrong: Initially I wasn't academically qualified to join as and officer, which is why I joined as a Non commisioned officer (NCO). However, as a serving member of the RAF you are eligible to apply to be an officer if you wanted to. It's something I'm interested in doing myself.

Jimmer: What's the actual length of time you are posted abroad? I've hear it should be 3 months but often it's longer.

Lori Armstrong: I've done two tours in Basra - both were four months long. I actually found it very rewarding as I was doing the job that I was trained for and seeing the effects of what I was doing first hand. And it made me realise that everybody makes a difference no matter what their role in the Air force is. I didn't get to deal with the locals as such as i was at the airport (which is an enclosed compound that you never leave!) I was both times working with the hellicopters, so it was ensuring that they were still flying.

Catherine: How old were you when you join the raf? and have u ever regreted it?

Lori Armstrong: I was 21, and no I've never regretted it. It's opened up so many opportunities that I wouldn't have had if I hadn't joined. Such as travelling, sport, and job satisfaction. I'd reccomend it to anybody. I'm not from a forces family and I didn't know anybody, so I had no references to go from. I just walked in to an AFCO one day! I was attracted to the idea of the travel and sporting opportunites, but I've found as well that I love my job too which is great.

Ian: Do all RAF personnel, no matter what role, get weapons training just in case of the worst? I heard that this was the case but would like to know for sure.

Lori Armstrong: Yes they do. Everybody is gets trained even medics. As everybody has to be there to defend the air field IF it's needed, but that is the worst case scenario. Don't worry about it as you do get trained on it. Nobody is going to give you a rifle and tell you to just 'get on with it' without that.

charlotte: hey, i was wondering if in basic training people can come and visit you?

Lori Armstrong: No not during the basic training. I don't think so anyway. Your basic training is only 9 weekends anyway and you do get some of the weekends off. And your family do get to come and see your passing out parade at the end of your training. Once you're finished training and are posted to your first unit you can have people to come and see you.

christian: did u find it hard leaving home for so long???

Lori Armstrong: Personally no I didn't. The people that you're actually on training with actually end up being like a little family to you. You're working so close with them that everybody looks after eachother. I didn't live at home when I joined up - (I was 21) so was used to it. But if anybody was feeling home sick we just all helped them through it.

Alex Knowles: Hi lori, im 16 1/2 and i am intrested in joining as a supplier in a few weeks, is there any key points or tips you can give me..

Lori Armstrong: Well done for choosing supply! Tips - hope you're doing the fitness side! You'll have a fantastic time. Work hard and you'll enjoy it. Have you researched in to this trade? If you haven't then you should research it a bit. Sounds like you've maybe been to the AFCO already if not then get yourself down there. They're a friendly bunch!

david: hey. i want to join the RAF but my parents dont want me to and keep fussing about me not t join do you have any advice that could make them change their mind?.

Lori Armstrong: It might be an idea for you to go to the AFCO with your parents so they can ask questions themselves and have their minds put at ease. There is also information for parents on the website which they could look at. Keep them involved in your decisions and you never know, they might come round to your way of thinking.

Christian Lang: I am short sighted so I cannot be aircrew, but I would love to spend some time in the air and do not want to be stuck in an office or workshop all every day. are there any trades (besides gunner) that are very diverse and get you out and about?

Lori Armstrong: Supply is a diverse trade! There's no such thing as a typical day, however, there's fuels (refuelling craft), you can go work in a section that goes on exercises so example - Kenya, Norway. Yes we do have office based jobs, however not all of them are sitting at a desk at a computer. I'm not really a trade expert on any other trade, but possibly aerial erector is a definite outside thing. You need a recruiter at the AFCO to discuss you sight issues though.

Jimmer: Could you give us a run down of what you'd do on a typical day?

Lori Armstrong: It's a cliche, but no one day is the same. This morning, I arranged for rifles to go out to Iraq, yesterday I was looking after the supply computer network. I work in SCAS (supply control and accounting section) which can be office based. It's basically where all the accounting and paperwork ends up. But there's many different branches to supplies and it would depend which section you work in at the time. You could be working on a front line squadron and providing spares for the aircraft, controlling the fuel on the unit, controlling EVERYTHING that leaves the station! Also providing or obtaining spares for aircraft that are out in areas such as Iraq for instance.

bernard: Is there any choice on which bases you are posted to?

Lori Armstrong: Yes you can have a say in it - but you can't always have your first choice. It just depends on what's available and what post is needed to be filled. But the drafters (the people who do the postings) are quite flexible and will try and post you somewhere of your choice.

Mally: Did you enjoy the basic training?

Lori Armstrong: I LOVED IT! It's a long time ago for me. I was never bored, I never once thought 'I don't belong here'. It was very very enjoyable and I met lots of people that I'm still friends with today. It's slightly longer now, it was only 7 weeks when I joined up. And you might wonder when you're going through 'why am I doing this' but once you're in the proper Air force you'll realise that the things that you're taught make sense.

Rosi: Hi Lori, i currently work as a buyer for oil and gas industry but would like to join the raf. how much does civilian job experience count for when you apply?

Lori Armstrong: I suppose experience in the 'wide world' would help you when you go to the careers office. But as far as I know they wouldn't look just at that. Again that is an AFCO question (sorry) I'm not a recruiter myself which is why I don't know that. But it really is a good idea to speak to the local AFCO.

Neil: Are there any extra opportunities to go on operational tour in the likes of Afghanistan, apart from doing the role you've trained for?

Lori Armstrong: If that's what you want to do - they do put out volunteers lists from time to time, for people to go out to places like Afghanistan doing a different job to the one they're trained for. Could be like driver. But that would depend on if your unit can release you for that. But if you want to, then the opportunity is there.

phil: hi im currently trying to get fit cos my application is goin through fast. how can i get more motivated to go out?

Lori Armstrong: Get a training buddy! That's what we do in the Air force. And there is that things on the careers website - I think it's a personal fitness trainer type thing and you can get texts to your phone to remind you. It gives you a programme to do and it reminds you to do it! I think it's called "personal fitness trainer" so type that in to the search on the rafcareers website! Remember the fitter you are the easier your training will be.

kelly: What sport opportunities are there in the RAF?

Lori Armstrong: LOTS! Lots of every sport you can think of. And beginners are encouraged if there's sport you've never done before that you want to do. I've done surfing, rowing, badminton, netball, rugby, a friend of mine runs ladies cricket and wants me to join. I've done skiing, climbing, windsurfing. If you like walking and climbing you can go on adventure training expeditions.

paul: what was it like for you on your fist tour, and where was it?

Lori Armstrong: My first tour was RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire. Really enjoyed it. Learnt a lot. Did lots of those sports I just answered (see above). I never felt lost even though I was new. There was always somebody around to ask! I had a brilliant social life there. There's always lots going on.

Robbie.: I should probably ask AFCO, but is there a way of getting in touch with people in my area who want to join the RAF, to train with /go through all the stages together?

Lori Armstrong: You've answered your own question. Look out for the RAF at trade shows and stuff. There might be an Air cadet squadron near to you (sorry I don't know how old you are! Guessing here). There is data protection issues with that - so it might be a bit tricky - but there are various open days where you'd probably meet like minded folks!

Ian: do you have a standard working week if you're on a base, you know like mon-fri with weekends off or is it a shift pattern?

Lori Armstrong: That's dependant on your job. I currently work Mon-Fri 8 to 5pm. However in the past I've done - shift work of 12 hours 2 days and two nights then four days off. It depends on your unit and the role of the unit.

chris J: do you get to keep your phone in the raf and call family and mates

Lori Armstrong: yes you can keep your phone. During your initial training don't have it on your person, but you can keep it in your room. If you're on tour and out of area, it's part of the welfare package that you get 30 mins free phonecalls a week. So don't worry you'll never loose touch with people you'll always have the opportunity to speak to people..

daizy: im really sorry to sound naive but are you aloud to wear make-up while you on duty ?

Lori Armstrong: I don't know what the official laid down. You can as long as it's minimal I think. And clear nail varnish no colours.

Ian: Can you just walk into an AFCO for an informal chat or do you have to ring up and make an appointment?

Lori Armstrong: Yes you can! Walk in to any just say you're interested. And they can always make an appointment for you if you decide to go ahead with your application.

Future-Heli-Pilot: Is the job demanding?

Lori Armstrong: It can be! But also rewarding.

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