Flight Lieutenant Paul Costigan
Job role: Aerospace Battle Manager

Joined the RAF: October 2004

Overseas travel: Afghanistan, The Falkland Islands, Belgium

Career highlights:

• My tour to Afghanistan – it was a real experience
• Passing Initial Officer Training and being presented with my commission at the Graduation ceremony
• Being made officer in charge of the RAF Boulmer football team

‘Aerospace Battle Managers police the skies. The UK has one of the busiest airspaces in Europe so it’s a challenging job. We also plan and create scenarios to train pilots and take part in exercises with other European Air Forces. In a tactical situation we’re the first line of defence - it’s our job to deploy aircraft and act as the eyes and ears for pilots in the air.

‘I’m an Instructor at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland. The first step for officers is a streaming course where you’ll be trained as a Weapons Controller or Identification Officer depending on your skills. I train the Weapons Controllers.

‘Aerospace Battle Management is one of those jobs you’ve got to have a natural aptitude for. The most challenging aspect of the job is reading a flat radar screen and transforming that into a 3D image in your mind. You’ve also got to have great communication skills and the ability to work under pressure.

‘It’s a really rewarding role – the first time you talk to a pilot in the air or guide an aircraft to a successful outcome is an amazing feeling. The first time a crew says thank you, you really feel like you’ve achieved something special.

‘Spending three months in Afghanistan was a real eye-opener. It’s a high pressure environment to work in, so much so that Weapons Controllers work just a two hour shift before taking a break. You get into the operations room and it’s non-stop for that time.

‘I’m the officer in charge of the RAF Boulmer football team – we made it to the quarter finals of the RAF cup this year! We also organise overseas tours when we can, I’ve led a tour to Canada where we played a naval team and more recently in Slovakia where we competed in a five-a-side tournament.’

Web Chat session with Flight Lieutenant Paul Costigan - Wednesday 1 April 2009

jordy: i was just wondering i have joined air cadets on monday and i was wondering if it will help me acheive my life long goal of RAF pilot

Paul Costigan: I've not been in the Air Cadets myself but know people that have been. And I believe it's a good stepping stone to progress in to the RAF lifestyle, especially the pilot branch.

Shona: Hi Paul, Wondering if you can help me out, thinking about the RAF, few things im a bit unsure about. 1. How do you find it being away from your friends & family? 2. Did you know what you wanted to do in the RAF before you joined?

Paul Costigan: It's always hard being away from friends and family, however the sense of achievement you get in doing your job and supporting the tasks that you're out there to do helps. I did know what I wanted to do as I researched thoroughly in to all of the roles that the RAF could offer! And the ABM branch (Aerospace Battle Management), appealed to me the most. The variety of roles within the branch and the opportunities it gives you to spread out in to the wider Air Force and tackle different roles that's why it appealed to me.

Matt: What is the most interesting part of your job?

Paul Costigan: Very good question! The opportunity to put in to practice what I've been trained to do and do it in real life and make a difference, e.g Afghanistan. The chance to progress on to being an instructor and train the future ABM's! Some people don't get a chance in other branches to do what we do in such an early stage in our career.

Catherine: what aspects of your job to u find most demanding?

Paul Costigan: It's a high pressured working environment and you've got to be able to cope with that and deal with multiple dynamic inputs (in the battlefield situation, such as I could be controlling up to 30 aircraft and have to prioritise each one for the needs of the operation), that could have an effect on people's lives.

adam: What tips if any have you got for OASC

Paul Costigan: Firstly thorough preperation is the key for OASC (Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre). After that you need to be yourself. You need to be honest, enthusiastic and know what you want. You also need to realise the requirements that the RAF will need out of you. Such as operations and a nomadic lifestyle!!! When I went for OASC I did all of these and felt I enjoyed it. And it wasn't as daunting as I thought it was.

reggie: Where did you go to get your training ? (i.e:UK)

Paul Costigan: IOT at Cranwell (Initial Officer Training), and progressed to SABM (School of Aerospace battle management), where I undertook an aptitude course which decided which part of the branch I would be streamed to. From there I progressed on to the Weapons Control course to allow me to control the range of air craft the RAF have to offer. Once that was complete then I had a choice of moving on to CRC Bulmer (Controll and Reporting Centre) Northumberland, or CRC Scampton. That's basically my training - I could go on!

seandrakett: I am actually aiming my goals to join the ABM branch and was wondering at what age you joined and what did you do previously?

Paul Costigan: I was a late entrant at the age of 24. I'd previously gained a Degree (in IT) and worked for two years previously. I work alongside people who are a lot younger, and who joined a lot younger, however, that does not have an impact on how we work together. It doesn't matter what age you are (as long as you're within the guidelines of the RAF selection criteria), then age does not have any bearing in this branch.

steve: What is the scariest/hardest part of being in the RAF?

Paul Costigan: Good question! I think when it comes to real world ops and having to put in practice what you've been essentially trained to do in an environment where mistakes count, and the pressure is high is the most scariest part. However, the sense of achievement and satisfaction you get of the job that you do ensures that - that fear, is overcome.

EK: Did you always know you wanted to join the RAF or was it something you didnt think about till later? I want to join but i have had no previous experience, is this a realistic dream to have?

Paul Costigan: Although from a young age I did want to join the RAF, I never joined Air Cadets - however, I did go to university and experienced life and then when I felt ready to join I sort of went along and signed on the dotted line so to speak. Like yourself, i didnt have any previous experience int he RAF. I'm the first of my family to be in the military, and didn't know anyone that was in the military either. So that was quite daunting at first. However, once I'd gone along to the AFCO (Careers office), they provided me with all the info I required and even set me up on visits to speak to people face to face and ease my concerns.

simon1986: did any of your family obect, as my parents think its "stupid" that i want to join

Paul Costigan: My family didn't object they were fully supportive. If your parents are concerned get them to go along with you and get to understand what you will be going through and what's required of you. And I'm positive that when they find out what the RAF does, they will be fully supportive and proud that you've joined.

reggie: Am 28 and looking for career but am not sure if the RAF will want me ? given my age !

Paul Costigan: Age wise - if you look on the RAF careers website which has loads of info on lots of different jobs which all have age ranges on them.

joeyboxer: Hi Paul. I'm currently about to go on my filter interview for the RAF having seleted the ABM branch as my first and only choice. I was just wondering if you knew which section of ABM that you wished to work in before you went to this or do you not need to know? Also any other advice or key areas to research into for ABM appliants?

Paul Costigan: As the ABM branch has many differing roles, I strongly advise that you go in to your AFCO and get information on each of them. Also, ask them to tee up a visit as we regularly host realistic job previews (called RJP) to allow you to experience the environment that we work in in each of these specialisations.

ben: where is the nearest careers office as i live in south wales?

Paul Costigan: Hi Ben take a look at this link (after the chat! stay here for now!) and will show you various locations: http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/nextsteps/afcolocator.cfm

adam: Do you get to work with people in different trades?

Paul Costigan: Everyone in the RAF does! However, ABM's primarily work closely with Air Crew (Pilot, WSO - Weapons Systems Operator). We do liaise a lot with the Army as well. As we are operating out in Afghanistan. So we need to know what eachother's roles are. And the limitations that go with it. We also work with the Navy as well. It's this integration you need to be aware of too. You get to speak to all the Armed forces. I suppose later on in your career, you get the chance to exchange to the Marines in the USA or the Royal Australian Air Force. Or even the Norweigen Air Force. So you can work abroad also. So although you're talking about different trades we integrate on the wider scale too.

Henry: Hi there Paul, I am currently reapplying for WSOp this year as narrowly failed OASC last year. Do you know if the WSOp branch offer RJP as well? I know they offer familarisation days, is that the same?

Paul Costigan: Unsure! However your local AFCO will have info regarding this. (Sorry about all the AFCO mentioning!)

rob: hi paul. after basic training (and raf police training) would i have any choice in where i am based?

Paul Costigan: You do get a choice, however, bear in mind that this can't always be fulfilled. Bear in mind that the RAF has bases all over the country with roles that need filling. So if you're trade needs to be filled elsewhere then you might need to be sent somewhere.

Ben.Thomas: Does the RAF teach all officers to fly/

Paul Costigan: Unfortunately not and as the advert says "You don't have to be a pilot to be in the RAF". You can look at the website for info on the various trades.

Matt: whats it like being the officer in charge of the RAF Boulmer football team???

Paul Costigan: It's one of the advantages of being in the RAF, that you get the opportunity to play and be involved with a variety of sports that it offers. I'm fortunate to be in charge of the football team. It's a demanding role, however, the fact that I can get myself picked because I'm the OIC (Officer in charge) is an advantage! (I'm being cheeky there!) I suppose one of the highlights was leading the squad to a tour in Canada. We spent 2 weeks there that was heavily funded from the sports board. We also got to see the sites of Toronto, Niagra falls etc.

Nicola T: What do you see as the key significant activities in world current affairs at the minute? (I'm preparing for OACS and want to make sure I'm focussing in the right areas)

Paul Costigan: Oh very good! Put me on the spot! That's difficult for me to answer. Well today's events are the G20 summit. The one thing I'd suggest, is not to concentrate on Iraq or Afghanistan as your selectors expect you to know about that if you're going to be in the Air force. So look to have a diverse range of topics and don't be afraid to give your opinion on that. As they're looking for a person with personality and not to sit on the fence about issues. That's what I found with OASC. READ THE PAPERS! That will help too.

seandrakett: Are you encouraged to take part in new sports & activities as well as continuing ones with which you were already involved?

Paul Costigan: Yes! Although football is my main sport, I last year was involved in the Joint services tournament for La Crosse (the one with the sticks!). This was a sport which I've never watched before or actually played. However the RAF fully support anybody who wishes to pursue an interest in any sporting activity.

Nat: I am interested in the ABM and I am just wondering whether you are using a computer all the time or is the work varied?

Paul Costigan: Although our core job comes with looking at a radar screen, there are other facets of the job that goes on in the background. Such as, training, mission planning, Mission briefing and de-briefing. I suppose not just as ABM as an officer you have to fulfill additional duties which could mean you're away from your primary role for a period of time.

mo: Why did you choose the RAF, and what inspired/influenced you into doing so?

Paul Costigan: I was interested in the RAF when I was young. Like a lot of people I was always excited when you went to Air shows and saw the aircraft scream by. I also wanted to be in a career which offers variety of not only roles, but geographic location. I also liked to be challenged daily and I believe the RAF offers this.

iain83: what was the best thing you found working overseas ?

Paul Costigan: I suppose meeting different people not only military but also locals. And understanding their lifestyle and culture. And their opinions of the job that we're doing such as The Falklands.

michael andrew: Hi Paul, I'd really like to join the RAF and been thinking about it for sometime. The role I would like to do however after research I have found I dont hold the qualifications to do, which as you can imagine isnt the best and I'm feeling at 20 its going to be hard to gain them before the age range stops for joining. can you offer me any solutions? or advice?

Paul Costigan: You've got to 36 in most trades so you do have time. Unless you wanted pilot which I think (not sure 23 I think) is younger than that. However, my advice is - speak to (again here I go) to your AFCO, explain your situation, and I'm sure they will offer a suitable course of action to allow you to join the RAF for the career that you wish to pursue. So speak to your AFCO and get some course of action first is what I'm saying. What I'd also say is don't sit and wait, dgo and do it now! Because you might regret the fact that you missed the opportunity that you didn't realise you had.

penny: hi paul, i am attending OASC in about 3 weeks and was wondering if you had any advice that you could spare from your time there a few years ago?

Paul Costigan: Be honest, becaue they hate anyone that lies! Be enthusiastic and be yourself (the three hints). I also a similar question above, somewhere up there so if you scroll up and look at that.

seandrakett: I am currently applying to join the RAF as an officer but my girlfriend has reservations in that it may effect our relationship. in your experiences how does the RAF cater for families?

Paul Costigan: I understand where you're coming from with that as I was in a similar situation. However, you both need to be aware that you will have periods where you will be apart. As long as you are aware of this fact, although it's hard being away from the person that's the nature of being in the military. The RAF are first class with families I would say. Although I've not got a family myself yet, I know a lot of people who do. And the support that they get when their partners away on operations is excellent. Also there's the camaradarie that the familes of other personnel in similar situation as yourself, will also offer support for eachother when things get tough. If you're not married yet your girlfriend can visit but cannot live on camp. And also won't see you in initial training (Basic training) but after that you will get time off after initial training (like weekends off). And she will have the opportunity to come in and share the experience.

michaelandrew: whats the lifestyle like you have upheld after joining the RAF?

Paul Costigan: Another good question. Although being an Officer in the Royal Air force is very demanding, we are well rewarded. By that I mean pay and the 'down time' that you get. (Time off!) I have more opportunities now in the military to pursue interests such as sport or further education, and experiencing new experiences (sorry that doesn't make total sense but you get my meaning!) So what i'm trying to say is the lifestyle is good. It's of the mentality of work hard, play hard.

Ben.Thomas: Hi Paul. What is the difference between a Weapons Controller and an Identification Officer? What do they both entail?

Paul Costigan: I'm a Weapons Controller, which entails - controlling the air craft in a tactical environment. Identification Officer produces a recognised air picture based on key information such as our rules of engagement to give full situational awareness of the air battle picture.

reggie: Which part of your job is most important to you ?

Paul Costigan: Professionalism in every aspect of what I do. Whether it be as an ABM or an Officer. And this comes about with maintaining high standards that are instilled from the early days of training.

Shona: is it easier to join the RAF as a officer or is it easy enough to work your way up after some time?

Paul Costigan: Good question again! i would say each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Basic Training at Halton is a lot shorter than IOT! However, if you have the key qualities then I would fully reccomend applying as an officer.

Paul Costigan: Thanks everyone for your questions sorry I couldn't answer them all!

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