Sergeant Kirsty Halfpenny
Job role: Personnel (Support)

Joined the RAF: May 1991

Overseas travel: France, Falkland Islands, Turkey, Cyprus, USA, Qatar

Career highlights:

• ng a lead role in a parade to commemorate HM the Queen presenting a Colour to RAF Halton
• Meeting George Clooney and Brad Pitt while serving in Turkey
• Working in Las Vegas for four weeks and flying in a helicopter to the base of the Grand Canyon

‘The best thing about my job is the variety of roles I can fulfil. In my previous role as PA to a Station Commander I met lots of really interesting people, from pop stars and TV personalities to politicians and members of the Royal Family.

‘One of my key projects in my current role has been to develop the A1 website, which is designed as a “one-stop shop” for all RAF personnel. This has included the creation and launch of a virtual “pay and personnel” area on the RAF’s community website, which ensures that essential information is accessible to our staff all over the world.

‘I’ve spent three weeks in Nevada, USA as detachment cashier for a multinational exercise. I also completed a four-month detachment to Al Udeid in Qatar, also as a cashier – it was a challenging position but I enjoyed it immensely. The RAF provided all the training that was required and I gained valuable new skills and experiences.

‘The adventure training opportunities really are fantastic. Since joining I’ve been on a snowboarding and ski trip to the French Pyrenees, a surfing expedition in Cornwall and another in Biarritz. I’ve also been canoeing and cycling in the Peak District and completed a tandem parachute jump.

‘Another benefit of working for the RAF is the financial support you receive to further your qualifications. I’ve gained an Advanced GNVQ in Leisure and Tourism and a Diploma in Sports Psychology, and I’m currently working on a Royal Horticultural Society complete gardening course. I’m also a qualified swimming teacher.

‘I am currently working on an Advanced Diploma (Level 5) in Administrative Management with the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM). If I wanted to I could use it to work towards a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Business Management, sponsored by the IAM through the University of Wales.’

Web Chat session with Sergeant Kirsty Halfpenny - Wednesday 1 October 2008

jamie: Hi Kirsty i have a writen exam tomorrow and i am wondering how hard it is

Kirsty Halfpenny: Is it the test in the careers office that you're doing? Could it be the AST (the Airman Selection test?) Tell me more!

craig: hello kirsty honestly how was the training for you and how did the insturctors meet you and welcome you to training (if they did lol)

Kirsty Halfpenny: The training was fantastic, and the instructors were very welcoming and made you feel it was one big family (although they were very strict!) But that's what I expected so it wasn't a shock. It tested me both mentally and physically and I enjoyed every single day. Even now I still think of it with a smile on my face and keep in touch with as many people as I can who I joined up with.

jack: what made you go into the RAF

Kirsty Halfpenny: For me it was a decision between the police and the military. As my father's a policeman I wanted something fresh and exciting. The RAF seemed to offer everything that I wanted for my future. And gave me great opportunity to travel at such a young age (I was 18 and half). It was the best decision I ever made and I've never regretted a day. And would encourage anyone that's considering it to look beyond the first few years and realise that it gives you excellent job security and excellent professional prospects.

lauuren: what level of fitness do you need.. is it really as hard as some people make out?

Kirsty Halfpenny: You need to be generally quite fit and able to run at least a mile and a half. And push out a few press ups and sit ups. From there physical fitness is a big part of our lives and we get the opportunity to do every sport imaginable. And some I've never even heard of! Next thing is we need to be able to do the beep test every six months. (You run between 20 metre lines in the gym). It depends what level you go to on your age and on your gender. The gym staff are able to provide programmes and assistance to ensure your levels of fitness are at optimum level to pass the test.

jamie: its the ast one the one after your intial interview

Kirsty Halfpenny: Thanks for explaining that! It's multiple choice. I did it recently and I found that the brain train on Nintendo DS was really helpful. It really helps to think about puzzles that you wouldn't normally come across in day to day life that exercises your brain. Top tip - if you don't know something don't waste time on it pass and go to the next question. A lot of it is on timed you see. Even if you're not very good in one area you will probably shine in another which helps them pick which trades are open to you.

Marius: did you always wan't to become a personal administrator?

Kirsty Halfpenny: I've always been very good at organising (ie bossing!) And being a Personnel Administrator, means that we get thrown lots of different situations and therefore everyday is different. Therefore there's never a dull moment. (Tom also sent in a question roughly about this hope this answers you too Tom!)

Marius: have you earned any additional qualifications or skills since joining the RAF?

Kirsty Halfpenny: I am currently working on a Level 5 Diploma in Administrative management. Which could lead to a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Strategic Business Management. I've also undertaken other qualifications not related to being a Personnel Administrator.For instance, I'm now a swimming teacher, I'm not a sports pshychologist, but I have qualifications in sports psychology. I've also undertaken lots of military courses all over the UK and met lots of interesting people along the way.

Emily :): Hey kristy what are the adventages of being in the RAF :)??

Kirsty Halfpenny: Good pay, excellent travel opportunities, the chance to meet lots of interesting people, having friends all over the world. Job security, the chance to educate yourself further paid for by the RAF. Access to sports facilities for free!

lom: Whare are you responsibilities as a administrator and how did you get into this career?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Your responsibilities are to look after every member of the RAF admin wise. This includes, pay, allowances, leave, career, welfare and discipline. Wherever we go we go on a unit we're always approached out of hours about people's issues. This means that we are absolutely invaluable to the core role of everybody on that unit. If their pay, leave, or postings are not sorted morale will drop.

aj: Hello Kirsty, How is you'r day to day life in the RAF now?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Day to day, is different. Every day! Sometimes, I meet myself coming back the other day (that's how I'm feeling right now). I love the possiblity of never being bored. In fact I dream of being bored! Sometimes I find myself in the most incredible situations, for instance; a month ago I was in an office in the centre of London being presented to. The view outside the window was the Houses of Parliament and it took my breath away. I couldn't believe I was there.

CharlotteBrigden: Hi, Have you been deployed to Afghanistan or other third world countries?

Kirsty Halfpenny: I haven't been deployed to Afghanistan yet. I will be going to either Afghan or Iraq next September which I'm looking forward to immensely. Lots of my friends have been and I've heard lots of stories which has put my mind at rest. Because I did initially have my concerns. I came back from Qatar last March and previous to that I was in Turkey and the Falklands. I couldn't pick which is my favourite so far because they were all amazing in their different ways.

rex: what sports have you done in the RAF

Kirsty Halfpenny: Sports I've done; cross country, (1996 cross country champion). I've also been number 2 girl surfer! I've also done athletics, tennis, (I was rubbish at tennis!) Orienteering and sailing. You can qualify for instructor duties (in your own time if you want to - as I've done with my swimming teaching).

Shauna: i am interested in the administrative side and also air traffic control. What do you think about the administration compared to air traffic control?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Administration and Air Traffic Control are completely different trades. The opportunity of being a Personnel Administrator means that you can go to ANY location where we have military personnel in the world. This includes, central London, headquarter locations located around the country, Careers offices throughout the UK, (AFCO's) and also embassy's throughout the world.

Lol: Do you get to see your family and non-RAF friends often?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Yes I have most weekends free. In fact there's never enough to visit all the friends I have made in the Air force. I was at my parents last weekend (because I know my Mum's watching this!)

craig: do you think 21 is too old to join? and does your age have any affect on whether they select you or not?

Kirsty Halfpenny: 21 is a fantastic age to join. As you have got a little bit of life experience. I was 18 and half when I joined. But I felt that after a couple of years I understood more about the role of the military and my trade. I was at Halton last week where I met loads of 16 and a half year olds (sorry about the half) and I met some girls who were in their early thirties.

rex: do you live on camp

Kirsty Halfpenny: No not currently. But may do in the future. I did in my last unit and Ioved it. Because you never missed anything going on. I was at Brize Norton and as it's such a big camp (over 4,000 service people) there's always functions, events and parties going on somewhere on the unit. I'm currently living about 10 miles away from my unit. And I drive in daily.

steve cross: i am at that age were i would like to start driving...does the raf teach you this ?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Yes they RAF can teach you to drive. There are different ways of achieving this either because of your role or through learning credits. For deployment purposes some countries you have to be over the age of 21. Which means that we will send you to the places where you can drive.

Ben: how long did it take you to be promoted to Sergeant?

Kirsty Halfpenny: It took me ten and half years (it's because my names Halfpenny you see!) It took me six to get to Corporal and I have to say the time absolutely has flown by. Pay goes up on an annual basis as well as the yearly (hopefully) payrise. As well as when you get promoted.

charlotte: Do you enjoy being in the RAF and what is it like being posted to different countries?

Kirsty Halfpenny: I absolutely love being in the RAF. And I reccomend all my friends to join up. Being posted to different countries is fantastic and indeed different counties within the UK. Because the RAF is like one big family and we look after our people wherever we go. The bonus is that military people tend to have the same way of thinking and have a zest for life and look for opportunities to experience different aspects of life.

Lol: Whats it like living on base?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Living on base is great. Every unit is different. Some accomodation is fantastic and some is older but still provides all the facilities we need ie internet and phone connections, (subject to you paying). The bottom line is we're all in the same place and again the family kind of environment is apparent.

dave: Was your basic training at RAF Halton hard? And did you enjoy your time there?

Kirsty Halfpenny: I did my basic training at RAF Swinderby in Lincolnshire which is now closed. It was hard. But it made me the person I am today! I still look back at it with fond memories and actually wish I could go through it all again. Some of the lessons learnt from the training they gave me I still use today. It's not just physical it's also class room work as well and we all help eachother.

Kereen: Hi, do you have tips for the selection interview as i am due to have 1 soon?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Don't forget that the interviewer has been through the process themselves (stops you being nervous) and they know how you're feeling. Be honest, enthusiastic and be prepared by using the Careers website as much as possible because I know there's loads of gen on there to help you. Also keep yourself up to date on current affairs as much as you can.

chester nixon: what level do you need to get in the beep test??

Kirsty Halfpenny: The levels depend on your age, and your gendre. Eg - if you're a young lad it's a higher level to pass. Than if you're an older guy. The PTI (the physical training instructors) in the gym fully brief you and there's lots of literature at each location telling you what you need to get and how to achieve it if you think your fitness levels are not as they should be.

Vikki: If you are posted in another country is there opportunities for parents etc to visit?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Yes it's not a prison! You can use your annual leave take time off with your parents / friends. There's usually accommodation available for this purpose, if not all RAF and military establishment are NEVER a million miles away from local hotels or towns. My parents have visted me at every unit I've been at. And know each unit very well! They even sampled the food in the mess and liked it. (They loved it!)

Kereen: Any tips for being able 2 be successful in RAF Halton?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Team work, plenty of sleep and of course paying attention to the instructors (as I said previously - see above) it was the best time of my life. Have a look previous answers above because it's been mentioned in a few prev answers about my time in training.

Noddy: How often did you get to go home during your training, I have my fitness test on monday and wont be lng till i join, i am looking to join as a pers admin person as well :-)

Kirsty Halfpenny: When I did my training, it was slightly less time than it is now. And I got home for two full weekends which is not bad out of six. I think now it's different in that there are a couple of mandatory weekends where you have to stay, but other than that it's pretty flexible. There is a system set in place for rejoiners where travel is paid for (albeit a limited amount).

kwame: kirsty,what has been your toughest point in the RAF???

Kirsty Halfpenny: I'm finding that very hard to answer (good question). The toughest part of my job has been when there's not enough hours in the day to do my job properlly. But sometimes I get plenty of time to go to the gym, go on adventurous training, and even do some education. As I said previously no two days are the same.

sammie: Are you planing on staying in the RAF or leaving to look for a job that requires the qualifications you have acheived in the RAF?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Yes I am. I love it! I am still signed on to do another 13 years with a hope of doing another 8 after that if I get promoted. When I first joined up I thought 9 years was an eternity. But I have to honestly say that being in the Air Force, is like being in a time warp and the first year past me without me even noticing because there was so much new and exciting stuff happening to me. And to be honest, that's never really stopped.

jamie: is there a gym on base

Kirsty Halfpenny: The RAF provides excellent gym facilities you're never more than a hundred metres from a free gym when you're on camp. Some units have astro turf pitches, swimming pools, squash courts and of course running tracks and gliding clubs. You can end up playing the sport of your choice for the RAF in works time if you're good enough.

Moderator: This chat session closes in 10 minutes.

Vikki: When you first sign up, do you need to know exactly what carreer you want to do?

Kirsty Halfpenny: To be honest I had no idea! But I did work in administration before I joined up. And I kind of knew I was good enough. (I worked in a bank and hated it). But once the careers office showed me what was available, I knew straight away.

Emily :): Hi umm what are the advantagers and disadvantgeds of being a PA in the RAF ?? :)

Kirsty Halfpenny: I have to say, the main advantage is working in the centre of every unit or location you're at. That could be on a flying squadron, on a regiment squadron, in a personnel office, (also scroll up to previous answer about working in any location where RAF are based). We are the only trade that all ranks can be pretty much anywhere in the UK and abroad.

Lol: Hello, how would you go about being a personnel administrator in the reserves and is it a lot different to bein full time RAF?

Kirsty Halfpenny: You could do yes. Our Reserve Squadron (600), is based at Northolt. I visited there last year. And it looked to me really interesting for opportunities for people who want to serve in the Reserves. I know they're looking for more people and in my job at the moment, we are always going to the squadron to activate reservists to come and help in all locations.

Sam2008: Hello Kirsty, i was wondering how long it takes to actually begin employment with the R.A.F after signing up initially? Furthermore, is this the same for every branch of the R.A.F?

Kirsty Halfpenny: I'm not entirely sure you'd need to speak to the careers office. I think the general rule is about 3 months. It all depends on what trade you want to go to and what courses are available. But if you speak to your recruiter they will take the mystery out of it for you.

Ryan: how did your parents react when you joined the RAF

Kirsty Halfpenny: My Dad wanted to come with me! And my mum cried for a week! But within a few days of me being there they realised it was the best decision I ever made. They are very proud of me. And are very envious of some of the incredible things I do.

Lol: What has been your best memory of your RAF career so far?

Kirsty Halfpenny: It was being on full parade at RAF Halton a few years ago when the Queen presented a colour (squadron flag - very expensive and rare!) I stood no more than 5 feet from the Queen whilst undertaking my duties. Whilst my parents were watching on. Couldn't get any prouder than that.

Lol: Do you get annual holidays?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Yep loads of leave. 30 working days plus bank holidays.

Kereen: Whats been the favourite part of your job so far?

Kirsty Halfpenny: Meeting the whole cast of Ocean's 11 including George Clooney while on duty. (I lost the power of speech which is unusual for me).

Views expressed during the web chats are those of individuals and do not necessarily reflect RAF policy.