u/New-Bed-8114

I’m starting RAF Phase 1 soon, and there’s a close family wedding abroad about 15 days after I start, on a Friday.

Would it be possible to get permission to leave early Friday morning, attend the wedding, and return Saturday or Sunday?

I know Phase 1 is strict, so I’m wondering how likely this is and whether it’s okay to ask my recruiter about it beforehand or there is no chance they will let me go so there is no point on asking?

I’m interested in joining the RAF as a Cyberspace Communications Specialist (CCS). From what I understand, you give your posting preferences towards the end of training.

For those currently serving or who have served in the RAF: how likely is it that you’ll get one of your preferred postings? I know it comes down to service needs. Did you get your first choice, one of your choices, or somewhere completely different?

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone in the RAF about how the posting process worked for you.

Thanks!

For current/former CCSs:

What was your experience like while deployed? Was it mostly boring, stressful, enjoyable, or a mix?

How many times have you been deployed, and what posting were you in (90SU, aircraft squadron, etc.)?

How long were you usually away for, and where did you deploy?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Hi everyone, I’m considering joining the RAF as a Cyberspace Communications Specialist (CCS), but I’m finding the official job description quite broad and vague. I’d really like to hear from people who are currently serving or have previously served as a CCS about what the job is actually like in practice.

What kind of work do you typically do day to day? What technical skills have you learned (e.g. networking, systems administration, cybersecurity, troubleshooting, etc.), and what training or qualifications have you gained? I’d also be interested to know what kind of hands-on experience you’ve gained and whether the role has given you useful experience for civilian IT/cybersecurity jobs afterwards. Any insight into the different types of work or roles you can end up doing as a CCS would be really appreciated.

Hi everyone, I'm joining the RAF as a Cyberspace Communications Specialist (CCS) and had a few questions about the first posting. Please share you experience even if you are not doing the same trade as me.

The RAF website says that for your first tour, you could be:

Part of 90 Signals Unit, aircraft squadron and Information Hub.

I understand that ultimately it comes down to what the RAF needs at the time, but can you express a preference for which type of role you'd like to do, and how likely are they to give you your preferred role?

If I could express a preference, I'd choose the Information Hub/IT support route. I've also heard that towards the end of Phase 2, you get to list your preferred stations for your first posting. How much weight does the RAF actually give to these preferences, and how likely are you to get one of your choices?

Ideally, I'd like to be posted to:

RAF Cosford

RAF Shawbury

RAF Brize Norton

RAF Benson

For anyone who's currently serving or has recently completed CCS Phase 2, how realistic is it to get one of your preferred stations?

Also, are these stations likely to have Information Hub/IT support positions for CCS?

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently completed everything required to join the RAF and I’m due to start Phase 1 training in a couple of months. I’m looking to join as a Cyberspace Communication Specialist (CCS).

I’m particularly interested in the technical side of the role, especially cybersecurity, networking and IT. I also want to take advantage of the RAF’s education opportunities. My plan is to complete the Foundation Degree in Computer Science while serving and then potentially do a top-up degree afterwards to gain a full degree.

I’d really appreciate hearing from current or former RAF personnel, especially CCSs. I’d appreciate all responses, so please answer as many questions as you want — even if it’s just one:

- What has your experience been like?

- Do you enjoy the job and the RAF lifestyle?

- What are the typical working hours like?

- Are night shifts common in the CCS role?

- How good is the work-life balance?

- How much opportunity is there to develop cybersecurity/IT skills?

- Have you taken advantage of the RAF’s education/degree opportunities?

- How realistic is it to complete a Foundation Degree and then a top-up degree while serving?

- Would you recommend joining the RAF if you could make the decision again?

- Is there anything you wish you had known before starting Phase 1?

I’d really appreciate hearing both the positives and negatives. I’m trying to get a realistic idea of what I’m getting myself into before I start.

Thanks!