Hey guys, I'm aiming at becoming a pilot or groundcrew officer in the AAC, a bit about myself before i get into questions:

40 ALIS Points, 300 UCAS points, no degree
24 yo (25 in a couple of months)

First off, I understand that wanting to become an officer at the ripe old age of 24, with no degree is PUSHING it....bigtime. But, that said, I feel I have a lot to offer, I'm strong, confident, have good fitness, and having only one shot at getting to RMAS before my 26th birthday I'm gonna give it my damn hardest.

Basically, I went down to my local AFCO a couple of days ago, explained my plans to them, the senior recruiter overhears and says "25 this year! You're pushing it a bit there" (I laugh to myself, I know... I know).
Anyway, he goes on to tell me that my only chance to get to RMAS will be in Jan 2013 as it's fully booked for this year, and I'll be 26 by the time May 2013 starts.

The recruiter tells me my next step is to come for a meeting with the ACA in charge of recruiting officers, he said that it will be a senior officer so come suited and booted, and that he will help me with everything I'll need to know.

So, here is my problem. My recruiter had asked if i could make it to the meeting next week, unfortunately I am working on the day he specified, I could potentially wriggle my way out of work for the day, but it's not certain. Otherwise I'll have to wait until the first week in March as these interviews are only held once a month.

Now, given my time constraints and that i need get AOSB and the Main Board boxed off before Nov? (Don't you have to have passed Main Board 2 months before attending RMAS?)

Should I:

A - Attend the Interview next week no matter what, to get the ball rolling sooner and give myself more time. (I'm not bothered about getting bollocked for not going to work, I really want to get my shot at RMAS more than anything)

Or, B - Wait until next month, stop worrying and be even more prepared than I am now for the Interview?

I'm booked in for the March one but if I ring them I reckon I could change it as long they have a space for me. Any other ideas or advice would be great. Just want to say also, you guys do an awesome job on here trying to help civvys like me get to where some of you guys are, it's great to see.

Thanks a lot,

J

Am well out of the loop regarding current recruiting practice, but still reckon you've answered the question in your post -- if you're already "pushing it" you want everything on your side, and that implies not cancelling interviews.

If you really want it, put everything into it. Go for the earliest possible interview and get yourself down of the reserve list(last min replacement) for AOSB, give it 100% now or you may end up regretting it later.
Dont worry about being prepared for the ACA chat, its more about finding out about you than any form of selection.

Your recruiter is trying to help you, do exactly as he advises, and attend the first interview.

Dress smart.

Be honest.

Don't be a cock.

Yeah I had a feeling that would be the best thing to do, I'm gonna call the AFCO first thing tomorrow morning and get booked in for next week, thanks guys.

From what my ACA said, if you're older than 24 and 6 months, you're going to struggle finishing everything in time, as recruitment is at capacity.

I am in the same boat. Will be 25 in 8 months and had my ACO meeting last week. Am due at the briefing in summer. Was advised that I must get a Cat1 and do the main board asap. My ACO told me RMAS is full until May 2013 but that intake is the one being cut. Good luck... if we get in we'll prob be in the same intake!

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Scratch that... good luck but if you are 26 in May and RMAS is full till May I'm not sure of your options? Deffo speak to your ACA I guess

Not looking good, won't get to an ACA interview until March now, next week is fully booked. I'm gutted, it's looking more and more like my chances are f*cked. Almost certain I'll run out of time, although I'm gonna keep pushing for it.

Beardyman; My recuiter yesterday said RMAS is full until Jan 2013 and yours says it's May 2013, let's hope mine was more accurate!

Im hoping that if i get a cat 1 and pass Main Board well before my birthday (late March) that they may let me attend the May RMAS even though I'll be 26, I've read it's not unheard of although my chances are uber-slim!

Thanks for the heads up