The Sack

Date:24th MAR1971

My boss found out I was joining the RAF yesterday, and has given me a weeks notice. A bit of a bugger that, because I still haven't heard anything from the RAF. I'm glad really, because I was getting a bit fed up of this job. I was training to be a photo-mechanical engineer for the local paper., making half tone plates for the printers, but in practise, all I do is make tea and sweep up.

I hope I get my call up papers soon, but the guy in the CIO said that with this postal strike going on it could be weeks yet.

I'll keep you posted.

Jaguar of 2 (AC) Sqn 

The Medical

Date: 3rd MAR 1971

I went for my medical today and it was a bit of a farce. Fortunately my appointment was after I'd finished work, so I didn't get into trouble with my boss like last week. The B*****d made me work Saturday, just cos I had the Tues off to go to my interview. Anyway back to the medical. It was a local GP's surgery, not my own, and it took me ages to find it, but I got there just in time. I had to wait 20 minutes before I was called in.

I was expecting the Doctor to do all sorts of tests, but all he did was listen to my chest, bang me on the knee with a rubber hammer and make me walk up and down the surgery a couple of times before pronouncing me A1 and fit to join the Air Force. I felt a bit cheated, but never mind, at least I passed. One more hurdle completed. Just have to wait for my call-up papers now.

Won't be long before I'm in.

Entrance Exam

Date: 23rdFEB1971

Well today I took the entrance exam to join the R.A.F.

I was expecting something quite difficult and I was a bit nervous, but in the end it was fairly easy. The paper was in multiple choice form with a bit of maths and english. As I've got GCSE "O" levels in these two subjects I didn't find the questions too taxing. The officer interviewed me afterwards and told me a lot about the air force. He then asked me what trade I would fancy doing . I said something to do with photography, because that's the job I was doing now.

"Well, there's Air Photography Operator," he said. "but with your results you can apply for anything."

I told him that I'd stick with photo, so he put me down for that. After a lot more form filling he said that I had to go for a medical with a local doctor, and if I passed that, I should be accepted. He did warn me that, normally it takes 3 to 4 weeks to process the forms but with the current postal strike it could be longer. And that was it. I felt elated . At long last I was about to join the forces.

As I was leaving the office, the Sgt pulled me over and offered some advice,-

"Remember lad," he said. " you can do anything you want in the air force, just so long as you don't get caught!"

I'll have to remember that.

A Brave Decision

Date: 17th FEB 1971.

I was reading the Daily Mirror when an advert caught my eye. "Join the R.A.F. plenty of trades to choose from." I read a bit more, about traveling the world, the excellent social life, all the sport I could get, the camaraderie and respect of my fellow colleagues.

I was hooked.

I'd always wanted to join the forces since my Uncle Peter had filled my head with what he'd got up to in the Army. I'd actually tried to join the Junior Leaders a couple of years ago, when I was 15 yrs old, but my Mum put a stop to that. I had to settle for the Army Cadets instead. I guess my Mum thought I was a bit too young.

But this is different. For a start I'm older now, nearly 17 and a half, the RAF isn't as dangerous as the Army. So I asked my Mum if I could join, and she said I could,that's if they'll have me.

So, that's where I've been today, down at the careers information office, talking to a Sergeant from the RAF. He told me all about working in the forces, and it sounded good to me, but he apologized to me about not being able to take the entrance exam, because an officer has to be present, when they are done. He's not in till next Tuesday so the Sgt booked me in then. He gave me the consent papers for my parents to sign and said he'd see me Tues.

When I got home I told my Mum and Dad what had happened and they signed the papers.

I can't wait till next Tuesday.