Sergeant Stuart Clayton
Job role: Weapon Systems Operator (Electronic Warfare)

Joined the RAF: 1998

Overseas travel: Las Vegas, Florida, Canada, The Ascension Islands, New Zealand, France, Spain, Cyprus, Iraq, Oman

Career highlights:

• Fulfilling my ambition to see the world – I’ve had the opportunity to visit lots of countries which has been a real eye-opener, especially going on exchange to the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
• Being selected for an Non-Commissioned aircrew role.
• Doing a job I enjoy and being part of a great team.

“I currently work as part of a team that recruits people into the Weapons Systems Operator Trade (WSOp). My working week often involves travelling round the UK, to schools and universities to talk about the job.

I joined the RAF in 1998, as an avionics mechanic working on the Jaguar aircraft at RAF Coltishall.

Although I enjoyed this job I’d always wanted a flying career so I decided to pursue an application for non commissioned aircrew. I got selected straight away and in July 2000 I began training at the Non-Commissioned Aircrew Training Centre at RAF Cranwell.

After 12 weeks of intense training, I was awarded the rank of Sergeant and then had to complete 18 months of specialist training. After that I was posted to 120 Squadron at RAF Kinloss where I worked as an Electronic Warfare operator.

We’re the people that gather information utilising radar and other electronic means to pass onto the tactical team. Without the information we provide, the tactical team would be operating blind. It is a technically challenging and highly skilled job and that’s why I enjoy it.

It’s a varied and challenging job - involving flying operations, simulator training days, Search and Rescue missions and administrative tasks.

I have completed a vocational degree in Applied Aviation Studies which is the qualification that all new non commissioned aircrew now earn whilst in training. And I shall be enrolling on the next part of the course shortly, with the ultimate aim attaining a BSc in the same subject.

And I’m looking forward to getting back into a flying role and potentially flying a different aircraft such as the Sentinel, Shadow or the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - Reaper.”

Web Chat session with Sergeant Stuart Clayton - Wednesday 28 July 2010

ahmed: iam student from India doing msc and is it possible for me to apply raf now

Stuart Clayton: As long as you are a UK citizen or holder of dual UK/other nationality – you are able to apply. However, to apply to be a Linguist you need to have been a UK citizen since birth. Obviously you have to be in the UK to go through the application process (which can take 6 to 8 months to go through). And as long as you meet the educational qualifications and the medical then there's no reason why you can't actually apply. You need to speak to your nearest AFCO (Armed Forces Careers Office) and they should be able to give you some more info. Good luck!

cadet ellis: hi sgt claton were you ever a aircadet if so did u get be a cpl or sgt or flt sgt?

Stuart Clayton: I was a cadet. A Cadet Warrant Officer. Being in the ATC I think definitely helps as if you know about the Air Force, your uniform fitness, rank structure - So straight away when you do your basic training it frees up spare capacity to learn stuff you've never covered before. You'll have a head start basically. If you're thinking about Air Crew try the Gliding courses, the Air Cadet Pilot navigation course and the RAFA (RAF Association) flying scholarship.

Nick-Medic: Hi, Im Nick, a student studying at UCL. I was wondering what kinds of things do you do from day to day as a Weapons systems operator? I was interested in maybe pursuing a career in that direction. thanks alot!!! :)

Stuart Clayton: It depends which way you are streamed. So you have Rotary Crewman, Fixed wing crewman, Acoustics and Electronic Warfare and as a stand alone you have the Linguist as well. Then linked in to that the Air craft and type you are posted to. So for example, as a EW Operator on Nimrods - you could be doing overland ops in the Gulf, or you could be in the UK Operations or on Search and Rescue standby. Alternatively you could be in the simulator, or on the squadron doing further learning related to your trade. So really it just depends on where you are. So I am an EW Operator - so I work on the Nimrods, and that's the kind of things I was getting involved in.

Jack: have you ever flown in a fighter jet?

Stuart Clayton: I've flown in a Hawk. Which is the same as the Red Arrows fly in. I did that last November which was FANTASTIC! And I wasn't sick either! It's just purely because I wanted to go in a fast jet and had never been in one before. I was lucky I had time on my hands. The info comes in quicker for fast jets so you have to be quick in assimilating info and reacting.

Mitch: Evening Stuart. Can i ask, what made you change from avionics mechanic to WSO?

Stuart Clayton: I changed to WSOP (Weapons Systems Operator) because I'd always wanted to be aircrew. I applied prior to joining up to be Aircrew, and was rejected twice after repeating the full selection. But they said come back in 2 years time. But I wanted to be in the RAF anyway -so joined up in a different role and figured if I liked the lifestyle (which I did) I could then in 2 years re-apply. So if you are rejected it's not the be all and end all. If you then go back after you've been rejected it shows a lot of maturity and determination!!!

garethf81: Due to the fact your a reserve is the recruitment and application process the same as a full RAF emplyee?

cadet ellis: did you apply for non-commissioned rank or a commissioned officer

Stuart Clayton: I applied for Non-commisioned Aircrew as I was too old to go for pilot when I was already in the military. As the age limit was 23. But it has now been increased to 26 for a pilot. For Non-commisioned Aircrew - you have to be in training by your 37th birthday. But the selection process is exactly the same for all Air crew trades.

Salawaaz: I have been seriously considering to join the service and i was going for Aircraft Technician(Mechanics) but overlooked the aircrew section, Then since i have 5 GCEs including English and Maths i have been giving a seriious thought about Weapons Systems Operator now. I wonder if the trade is open at the moment. And i am from Mauritius which is a Commonwealth country and did go through the residency waiver and was told i do not need one since i have been here for 7 years.

Stuart Clayton: At the moment, recruiting is in a state of flux. And we're just waiting for the Strategic Defence and Security review to come out. This will dictate manning levels for the forseeable future -which will give us inidication of how many people we'll be able to recruit. Regards to residency you have to be in the UK for 5 years to qualify so you are elegible to apply from what you say. Your comments on qualifications are correct. Well done on your exams!

The-Guy-From-SKYE: Hi sgt clayton, do you need perfect eyesight to become a Weapon Systems Operator?

Stuart Clayton: You don't need to have perfect eyesight. It's plus 2 to minus 3 that's the clinical description of it. Basically that's just a prescription level that you can be within for your eyes. However, if you want to be a linguist, it's plus 4 to minus 4 and you can be colour blind. And also if you want to become a linguist you have to undertake an additional language test which we will give to you.

Jordan Brannen: Hello Sgt, I am also an aircadet. Is it true that you must do 2 years as a trade before you can apply for Pilot/WSO?

Stuart Clayton: You have to effectively repay your training costs. So a lot of trades may say you have to do 18 months to 2 years before you can apply for effectively an upgrade to your job (which is like Airman Aircrew or Commissioned service which is called a P2 application). But this is something you would have to check with your line manager if you joined up as another trade.

AWRussell: Hi Stuart, I am going to University next year to study Paramedic Science what opertunities will this give me in the RAF. For example what sort of Job role would I be best suited for. I was looking at WSOP or even an RAF Medic working with the MERT team.

Stuart Clayton: If you did that - if you were accepted as a WSOp you could always after you first front line tour apply for Search and Rescue opportunities where you qualification will come in handy. The medical side is out of my area - but you can look at the website at RAF Medic, Nursing that kind of thing. (Hope that helps!)

Ed Bol: Hi, I'm of to OASC in sept. I've applied for WSOp - how much choice is there at streaming? i.e.rotary / fixwing / sensory etc

Stuart Clayton: Streaming is based on three things; The first is your peformance going through the selection at OASC (Office and Air crew selection centre). The second is your performance during training. And the third is your personal preference. However, it all comes down to service requirements. So if there were 20 people on your course and you all wanted to go Rotary Crewman - and the Air force needed 20 Electronic Warfare operators then you would all go to EW. So the best advice for that one is come in with the attitude of "I just want to be air crew" and you won't be dissapointed.

a.steel: Hi Stuart, funnily enough I'm doing exactly what you did! I'm applying to be a Mover so that I can get a foot in the door (so to speak), and gain the qualifications I need to apply while I do that job, and try for a WSOp Linguist later on. I wanted to ask, what does WSOp selection consist of? Because I've heard it's very difficult and 50% of applicants tend to drop out..

Stuart Clayton: The first thing you'll have to do is apply online. Register your interest by via the helpline number on the careers website 0845 605 5555. Then they will contact you. And they will email to let you know when the trade you are interested in opens. You will then get that email and if you're in the first number to apply you'll be sent on to your nearest AFCO to start the application process. Which consists of; Sitting the Airman selection test. (To check your basic aptitude), then you'll have what's called a P2 presentation. (Which details what training you'll go through and what you can expect from the rest of the selection process), and then the filtering interview. If you are successful, you will be forwarded to OASC (Officer and Aircrew selection centre), where you will undertake computer based aptitude tests, then you'll go in to the hanger phase (where we will test you for your leadership and communication skills and problem solving). And then the final phase is a medical examination including your eyes, ears, general health. And then another interview. That's all done in THREE DAYS! (I mean the OASC bit).

Ian: Hi Stuart, I'm also interested in commissioning as a WSOp. What are the opportunities to gain commission? What is the realistic likelihood of it happening? And what does the process entail? Also, how is being a commissioned WSOp different from being and NCA WSOp? Thanks.

Stuart Clayton: If you are a serving WSOp you have to have some basic criteria to be eligable to apply for your branch commission. These are; being assessed as a above average in the air, you must have completed your command management training and be reccomended by your line manager. After that it's out of your hands if you're called forward. It is very VERY competitive. As you are competing with other Sgt's, Flight Sgt's and master aircrew who might have more experience than you. Ultimately it's a goal you can aspire to but realistically you're looking to complete at least 3 to 4 years front line service before you have the criteria (as above) to apply.

EngOWannabe: Hello Sergeant, would you mind answering a few questions? What are your opinions on the Defense Sixth Form College (for which I am in the applicaion process)? If you don't mind me asking, what do you think of the job security within the RAF? Do you get bored? What are the highlights of your job? Are there any parts of the RAF you do not like? Thanks in advance! Locke.

Stuart Clayton: In a previous web chat there was a Wellbeck student.. so have a look at that after this chat! (The chat before this one I think but I might be wrong on that). I can't comment on the security of the RAF (that's above my pay grade!!!!!) But my highlights are the fact I get to fly for a living. And I get to travel the world. Doing a job that I always wanted to do really. Parts of the job I don't like? Not really any - but my wife doesn't like me going away all the time!!!!

Leo Bean: sgt clayton is there a role under weapons systems operator that works with ground based weapons like pistols light rifles and so on

Stuart Clayton: Part of your yearly qualifications CCS (Common Core skills) you're required to qualify on your weapon of choice. Which for air crew is the pistol. But if you're going to be Guard commander for station security for a week - then you have qualify on the rifle. Plus the RAF does have shooting clubs if you're interested in that side of things.

olivia :): hey, i was wondering how difficult it was when joining the airforce with all the tests they put you through ( i want to be a pilot). being a girl, im worried it will be harder to join due to the level of fitness and things. also, did you go to university before hand. if not, do you regret it? i want to go to university before hand so i have a back up plan, if i dont make it as a pilot, do u think this is a good idea or to just go for it?

Stuart Clayton: Basic fact - is that womens' shorter frame is better suited to taking G forces. Being a woman it doesn't affect your ability to become a pilot. We are an equal opportunity employers. (There's been a previous chat with a female pilot). It's just hard work to become a pilot full stop! I don't have a Degree, although I am working to one. And as a Weapons Systems Operator, part of your course work is to complete a foundation Degree in applied Aviation studies. Which you can also take on to a full BSc Degree. I'd say have both applications running concurrently. That way if you get pilot you can do a Degree once you're in. If you don't get it first time - you can apply for pilot later on anyway with a Degree anyway. And more life experience.

Bazza: With air to air refueling I guess it's possible to stay in the air for long periods. What's the longest you've spent in the air without landing on operations?

Stuart Clayton: Yes you're right it is possible to stay airbourne indefinitely, but the crew would get fatigued. And we'd run out of donuts!!!!!! As aircrew food is BIG priority.

Joe79: Hi Stuart,I am 30 years of age and I have applied for the raf in the role of personnel support and I have my selection interview tomorrow.Do you have any advice for me and do the raf get many people who join at my age?

Stuart Clayton: I joined up with a guy who was 28 years old who was going for Avionics Mechanic like myself, and he got on just fine. As long as you're able to learn and take on board the information it doesn't matter what age you are (as long as you're within the age of requirments). You've just got to be determined and motivated just to complete it. And it's what you make of it - like anything really. Interview - be yourself - and just boast about yourself. When they ask you if you've anything else to add give them information that you think is important for them to know about you. Because no-one else will boast for you! You've got to speak up for yourself.

Ian: Hi Stuart, im joining the RAF on Sept 29th as NCA, im really looking forward to the training but i was wondering if you could give me your experience of both basic training (Halton and NCAITC) and phase 2 training? Im also looking to specialise in EW, so what percentage of recruits are streamed EW/ACO/Crewman RW/FW? Thanks.

Stuart Clayton: Yes. Halton was a LONG time ago (I'm showing my age!) Yes that picture of me is an old one..... But Halton essentially is about teaching you the basics of being an Airman or Airwoman. You just have to do as you're told. Keep your head down and just get through it with the rest of your course. It is enjoyable contrary to popular belief! And trust me - you'll be in the back of beyond and you'll meet someone you were on your course with and you'll laugh and joke about the time you had at Halton. NCAITC (Non Commisioned Air Crew Initial Training course) again was in hindsight a great course. But very hard work. It is at this present time the second most physically arduous course in the RAF next to Regiment training. But when you receive your Sgt's stripes - you know all the sleepless nights and hard graft just fades away really.

Jay: How long does it take to move up in ranks from a corp to e.g cheif tech

Stuart Clayton: As a WSOp you start of as Sgt. It takes about 2 - 3 years to become substantive sgt, at which point you need to do an additional five years before you are competitive for promotion. And it's the same for Flight Sgt to Master Air crew (Warrant officer). On the ground crew side of things, you'll leave basic training as an Airman and on completion of your trade training, you'll be Leading Aircraftsman. After a year in the air force, you'll go to the rank of senior Air craftsman, after that to Corporal Sgt and above it's all merit based promotion.

Liz: What has been the highlight of your career to date?

Stuart Clayton: There's been a few really! In terms of travel and having a fantastic time it has to be going on exchange to New Zealand Air force. But when it comes to doing the job - it's probably doing seach and rescue missions and the ones where you're in support of the Army in the Gulf region because you're actually affecting people's lives.

jamil: Hi are their any swimming assessments for aircrew roles.

Stuart Clayton: You have to do a yearly swim test. Which consists of; one hundred metres swim in your flying coveralls (uniform). And then treading water for 2 minutes. And then you've got to drag yourself out of the pool with no assistance. That's no using the steps!!! And that's purely because where you're going to be operating, could be over the sea, so you need to be a proficient swimmer. And if it makes you feel any better I went through training with people who couldn't swim, and by the end even if they could doggie paddle they did the 100 metres!

ben: Hi, what is the diffrence between the reserves and the raf

Stuart Clayton: The Reserves have the same eligibility requirements but only for certain jobs. There are only a limited amount of roles available. For more info go to the RAF Reserves website. www.rafreserves.com Sorry I'm not of more use on that. There might be a previous web chat on a reservist. I did briefly look at the previous before I started this chat - but only quickly so not sure!

Stuart Clayton: Actually here's the link to the reservists' webchat; http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs/garethfisher.cfm (How cool is that?)

Emily: other than the swimming are there any other assesments that you have to do yearly

Stuart Clayton: Yup! You have an annual fitness test, which consists of a shuttle run (bleep test - where you run between two points to the sound of beeps which get closer together). And as many press-ups and sit-ups as you can do in a minute. And as previously discussed you have your common core competencies. Which involve doing respirator drills (gas masks), shooting, first aid and things about being deployed on operations. And if you are Aircrew, then you have to do things called "dingy drills" "sea drills" "Crash drills" "Dry drills" the list goes on. Because as you can imagine as Aircrew you'd be in different situations etc. And you have to do your yearly combat ready renewal.

CNoble: What is the most challenging posting you've been sent on?

Stuart Clayton: On Nimrods! I spent 5 1/2 years on a squadron and in that time I did six Gulf deployments, numerous search and rescue callouts, operations in the Caribbean, and my exchange as well as excercises round the world. So you know it was a good period of travelling and experiences. With some great people as well actually. It was challenging because I was doing so many diff types of operations. And you see so much that you are always learning and I suppose have a wider appreciation for what's going on in the world.

Stuart Clayton: Thank you everyone for your questions. Sorry I couldn't answer them all but hopefully you've gained something from this webchat. And I may see you in the RAF at some point! We're also possibly doing a facebook page in the near future so LOOK OUT FOR THAT! Byeee!!!!!

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