What if I get homesick?

Living in communal accommodation can be quite stressful, especially if you’ve never lived away from home before and homesickness is a common feeling even among those recruits who have been to university or are married.Make sure you allow yourself a proper settling in period, normally about 2 weeks. Everyone misses home at some point and when you do there are lots of people you can talk to from your fellow recruits and flight staff to the padres and WaSPs and don’t forget you can always talk to your family! If you don’t have a mobile phone there are payphones available and computers so you can email as well.

What if I need to go home for compassionate reasons?

The Royal Air Force has a well-orchestrated plan for getting people home, regardless of their location, for compassionate reasons. Each case for compassionate leave is looked at on an individual basis and is normally granted by the Officer Commanding, therefore if you feel you may need to go home for compassionate reasons it is imperative that you speak to a member of your flight staff as soon as possible about any concerns you may have.

What if I get ill/injured?

Again talk to your flight staff. Injury and illness are not uncommon and we have robust medical procedures in place to get people back into training as soon as is practicable.

What if I don’t like it?

Some people arrive and the reality of military life is not what they expected. If you have any doubts in the first instance speak to your flight staff. A clear and open dialogue with the flight staff is imperative as they can coach on any issues and ensure apprehensions are justified and not the result of rumour or conjecture.

What if I have learning difficulties?

If you know or feel you may have a specific learning difficulty already highlighted by the Pre Recruit Training Course or your secondary education let your flight staff know on your first day. There is a support mechanism in place at RTS to ensure no one is disadvantaged.