FULL FORCE
PARENTS ’ DAY
If a family member has been successful in his / her application to join the RAF , you will get an acceptance letter from the local AFCO , and shortly after you will receive an invitation to attend the Parents ’ Day at RAF Halton or Cranwell . This runs in conjunction with the first day of the course and aims to give parents an insight into what the recruits will be going through over the next 10 weeks , answering all your questions . The day also includes a talk with the Squadron Commander or Deputy Squadron Commander , as well as a tour of the facilities available on site .
RECRUIT TRAINING
Basic recruit training takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire . This phase of training is designed to show what the RAF is all about . It will make your family member fitter and more confident and prepare them to carry out their role in the RAF . It will also challenge them mentally and physically , and there are experienced instructors on hand to guide them through it .
Basic recruit training consists of six phases :
ARRIVAL DAY 1 After the recruit arrives they are sworn into the RAF and given a service number , which will remain theirs throughout their career , and separated into groups .
GENERAL SERVICE TRAINING DAYS 1 – 24 During this initial phase fitness will become part of the recruit ’ s daily routine . There will also be regular inspections of dress and living quarters , and they will receive lessons in marching , drills , core values , code of conduct and RAF history .
FORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING DAYS 25 – 30 Force Development
Training allows the recruit to apply and test their skills in new environments . It includes adventurous training activities such as a two-day mountain walking expedition .
INITIAL FORCE PROTECTION TRAINING
DAYS 33 – 54 As part of Force Protection Training the recruit learns to survive and fight in a military environment . They ’ ll practise weapon fire , camouflage , concealment skills , first aid , and nuclear , biological and chemical drills .
EXERCISE BLUE WARRIOR DAYS 55 – 58 By this stage , the recruit ’ s skills will be ready to be tested over four days in the field . During these four days they ’ ll experience real battle conditions with controlled explosions and small arms blanks fire .
GRADUATION DAYS 59 – 70 This final phase of training will prepare the recruit for life in the RAF , teach them what ’ s required in their first post . It will end with the recruit ’ s graduation , where they show off their new skills and experience one of the proudest moments in any recruit ’ s life – and a great day out for family and friends .
WHAT NEXT ? After basic recruit training , your family member will receive role-specific training and be a member of the RAF .
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