Corporal Shona Brown
Job role: Flight Operations Assistant

Joined the RAF: November 2002

Overseas travel: Oman, Belguim

‘I always wanted to join the forces – the big question was which one. My older brother is in the RAF and I was attracted by the security of the job and of course the career prospects.

‘I work in air traffic control and monitor the movement of aircraft. Today I am working from a caravan at the edge of the runway. I check that the aircraft are serviceable – we look out for things like fuel leaks. I am also listening in to radio transmissions and am currently covering four radio frequencies.

‘If the runway is unsafe, perhaps another aircraft is coming in to land, I will fire a red warning flare from my Very pistol. (We used these for signalling between aircraft and people on the ground).

‘My job is crucial, because at my station we are training pilots. Without me, they wouldn’t be able to fly and there would be serious flight safety issues. It’s a very responsible role and that’s the best part. The contribution that I make adds to the bigger picture. At the end of the day I feel a real sense of achievement.

‘My career highlight to date is being promoted which happened early last year. I worked very hard for this and all the effort paid off!’

Web Chat session with Corporal Shona Brown - Wednesday 27 May 2009

SAVE The Romulans!!!: You said you have a brother in the RAF. Does he work in the same area then? Or did you decide yourself what area you wanted to be in?

Shona Brown: Yeah he does work in the same area - he works at RAF Coningsby. It was pure coincidence that we got posted together. I am in the area of choice, and he is now as well after moving up from down South. With this area, there's so many other bases that you can go to. That's why it was my area of choice. My brother was the driving force that got me in to the RAF. I just realised that the opportunites where what I wanted in the RAF rather than the other forces.

Ross1290: How do you find the job

Shona Brown: The job's challenging, interesting. It's quite a technical trade however, as you progress through the ranks personnel issues become a new challenge which is just as interesting and rewarding.

Nat: Did you consider any other trades?

Shona Brown: When I went to the RAF careers office (AFCO), my aptitude results gave me various trades that I had the aptitude to join. Example: There was Medic, there was dental Assistant, there was also technical trades. And the reason I chose FOA (Flight Ops Assistant), was because I read the information they gave me. And it was best suited to my abilities and interests.

Dan89: What qualifications did you go into the RAF with?

Shona Brown: I had a basic GSCE's. I got all the important ones apart from Maths. Which has held me back I feel to progress either for commisioning or for Air Crew. I would personally reccomend if you were in the same situation to do a re-take if you can. And even if you don't use it - it's there to open different doors.

Siân: Are all corporals NCOs? Sorry, I'm new to this...:-[

Shona Brown: All Corporals are NCO's (Non-commisioned Officers). And it's shortened to JNCO (for Junior).

kp: If you fail to meet the aptitude requirements or fail any stage in the selection/training process for a particular role, can you choose to do one where the requirements are not as tough (as a plan B basically?) or do you need to go thought the whole process again (and perhaps have a "black mark" next to your name? Cheers, KP

Shona Brown: Basically when I was at that stage - you take a generic Aptitude test for all trades and your score deciphers which trade you can go for. So if you've got a certain trade in mind and your Aptitude hasn't reached that level - then you are given a different range of trades which would be more suited to you.

charles waciuma: how long did u train before joining to get your fitness up

Shona Brown: When you approach the AFCO, you're actually given a fitness plan. Which I found useful. But basically the fitness tips were; to start of lightly. To build your stamina and then by the end of your personal training, if you can run 6 miles quite easily, and have basic strength (ie sit-ups, press-ups that kind of thing), then you shouldn't have any problems with the basic fitness test.

Kyle: Hi Shona, what is it like being on operations away from from for long periods of time?

Shona Brown: Everybody's situation is different. I've recently returned from an out of area. It was over the Christmas period. And found that quite hard being away from family and friends. However, I knew that that was part of my job when I joined up and found the working environment out there the camaradarie and sense of achievement got you through the four months. It really feels like you're contributing to the bigger picture.

mojo: Could you please tell me more about life in the RAF ,as in social life?

Shona Brown: The unofficial motto of the RAF is "work hard play hard!" If you get the balance right, it's an essential part of life in the services. On every base there is different facilities. Whether it be the gym for fitness, bowling allies, there's cinema on some bases. And the experience of living with people that you work with never leaves a dull moment really.

Billy Scanlon: Hi Shona i have just got my date for my AST test as im joining as a gunner and was just wondering if i should start training now as if everything else goes to plan and i pass everthing else ? thanks Billy

Shona Brown: Obviously that's not my trade! However, every RAF Regiment Gunner I know are extremely fit and I think it would definitely benefit you to start training now. (Mentally and physically). With Gunners you need to be the best you see. You need to be able to work hard under extreme pressures, so being physically fit is then just one less thing for you to worry about (if you're fit already).

Shannon: Do you live on base? If so what is the accommodation like?

Shona Brown: When I first joined the RAF, I lived in the block (single accomodation). That was BRILLIANT!!! You were literally living with your best friends. I joined up young, I was 17 - you felt like you had enough independance, however you weren't totally on your own. And from going through initial training where you lived in a room with a lot of people - then at your first unit you were given your own single room (so again that gives you your independance). Now I have a four year old son, so live in married quarters. This is a semi-detached house, it's modern, and very cheap!

jack: is it a problem if u cant run 6 miles because i cant even run 1 mile

Shona Brown: Jack if you can't run a mile I think you'd find basic training a LOT harder!!!! Than if you started to train now. (Good on you for your honesty!) So start as soon as possible. 6 miles was just a bench mark by the way - but I got to that level and I personally found the physical side of Basic Training quite easy (note the QUITE!).

iain83: when you stay in the block do you live with people you work with or is it mixed trades

Shona Brown: There's different corridors to a block. Down your corridor in most circumstances is a total range of trades. And on a lot of stations, it's mixed gendre, which I definitely found beneficial because you can then ask different trades and gendres how they find and what their trade is about. Giving you a better knowledge of the RAF.

Welshy: how long have you been in the RAF for now then? how long did it take you to become a Cpl?

Shona Brown: A couple of people have asked about this (so hope this answers all of you). All trades and individual personnel take a different amount of time to get promoted. If you strive to do the best and not just your primary duty, you're annual reports (which are important) will be reported on accordingly. It's the reports that will get you promoted but you've got to be aware that in each trade it's different. I took 5 years from joining up to become a Corporal. As promotion in my trade was very good at that time. And is still one of the better trades to get promoted.

Robyn: What does basic Training actually involve? I know alot of fitness and disipline but i cant actualy quite imaginie it really, so i was wondering if you could give me a more indepth insight into what it would be like :)

Shona Brown: If you arrive at basic training with an open mind, willingness to learn and a level of discipline that they can work with, you shouldn't have many problems. It's a range of physical activities, drill (marching), basic survival techniques out in the field, learning how to use a weapon and other general combat skills. Researching a level of history to the RAF will stand you in good stead. You will feel nervous, when you initially arrive, but I can almost promise that you'll leave there with a group of really good friends.

C Hannah: Did you do any preparation for your aptitude test? if so what did you use?

Shona Brown: I personally didn't do any preperation, however I know of certain books which are just named 'Aptitude test' out there, have helped a lot of my colleagues. I believe they're readily available in book stores. I would reccomend to go there with a clear head, try not to worry too much and take your time and concentrate throughout the test. It's not as hard as you may think!!!!

hatter@32: what is married/family life like in the RAF???

Shona Brown: I myself am not married. However I am a single mum now. I feel the RAF has been very accomodating and even though I still do out of areas for four months, I was very aware that that's what I'd have to do when I returned from maternity leave.

Alex5: You may not have been in the Air Cadets, but i was also wondering is the drill more or less the same in the RAF?

Shona Brown: I myself have never been in the Air Cadets, but a summer camp of air cadets comes to my station annually. I've seen a few parades from the Air Cadets, and all the moves are the same. However, on basic training, they will have to be carried out with a more formal approach. But keep practising!

iain83: Do you think i will find it harded to handle being older than most recruits as i now 26 a could be 27 if i get in to the RAF ?

Shona Brown: When I went through basic training, your flight is given a senior woman/man. This is usually given to the older members of the flight. Which in my case, our senior woman was (what was she 28 I think?) We all respected the fact that she was the senior woman, however age wasn't really a concern to her or us. I'm still in contact with this individual. And she's never expressed any other regrets apart from joining up earlier!

kp: do you have to pay for your uniform?

Shona Brown: Joining up as a ranker you don't have to pay for any part of the uniform. It's replaced when either worn or too small or doesn't fit! As an Officer, your initial kitting is free. And then to replace any item you have to pay for. The only expense I incurred was for an iron that I broke! (I can't even remember how I broke it I just know I did!) So someone else asked about 'do you need an iron for basic training' so I'm answering you here as well and would say 'yes you do need one! especially if you break one like I did!

iain83: hi shona what are the main aspects of you trade? and are there other departments you can move into?

Shona Brown: Flight Operations Assistant is a very versatile job. That's what I like about it. You have more opportunity to change roles than many other trades. Currently I work in Air Traffic Control. Whilst I was out of area, I took on the role of an Ops Manager. The other jobs are Squadron Operations, (very interesting and sought after), Station Operations, Low Flying Squadron, and Area Radar Units. These are located up and down the UK, bags of stuff there. Shifting trades can be complicated so it's better to be sure of what you want to do (but it's not impossible though!)

kp: Shona, do you know how long it usually takes from submitted an interest in joining to actually going to the selection board/commence training? Do you know if this is done in "batches" at set dates? Many thanks

Shona Brown: For an exact answer, speak to your local AFCO (Careers office). However in my personal experience, it took 8 months from my first application form to my date Attes station (That's when you sign on the dotted line basically).

Gemma91: hey im Gemma and i have just applied for the raf as a caterer and then hoping to go on 2 cabin crew in there. how long do they usually take 2 get back to u ? i am hoping so much i get it as i have been up to base and loved it. what would you say was the hardest part ?x

Shona Brown: The hardest parts I found, is the initial leaving home. As soon as I got in to the swing of basic training I loved it too! If your application is in and acceptable they should get back to you very soon.

Adam C: Shona, in all your years in the RAF, what would you say was your proudest moment or greatest accomplishment so far?

Shona Brown: From joining up and passing out of basic training which was my proudest moment at that time, then working as hard as I could for it to pay off quite quickly to the next rank up (so for promotion). I realised, not so long ago - when an emergency situation occured at work, how good the training and initial response was. Even though the adrenalin was pumping - I knew that task in hand was primary and felt I dealt with it well. So that was a pretty good moment.

Dan89: In your opinion, is your wage good?.

Shona Brown: Lots of questions re wages - please look on the RAF careers website at the job selector section which has bags of info on pay structure. Roughly from joining up you could earn around £16k to the highest rank (not officer) around £46k (but that's obviously after you've progressed up the ranks a bit). In my opinion, I'm very happy with my pay and the extra benefits (ie dental paid for, and the gym on your doorstep of a few to mention). Hope that answers all your wages queries!

Alex5: what sort of aircraft do you deal with shona?

Shona Brown: At RAF Cranwell, we train all pilots during their initial training. They start on a tutor (a small aircraft), then progress on to a King Air (it's a medium propeller sized air craft). We also have Domonies and their role is to train to navigators. We also deal with practice diversions which could be any air craft from any station (that can fit on our runway!)

Siân: Do you get weekends off?

Shona Brown: I work one in every five weekends. When you're on station guard (which comes round roughly once a year you will work the weekend). All jobs have different working hours. Some have shift work, but my job is roughly 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

Ken: For adventure training and general trips abroad how does the RAF subsidise the cost?

Shona Brown: The opportunity to experience adventure training, and force development activities is BRILLIANT!! I personally have gone skiing to Austria and France. Various activity days in the UK, at a very subsidised rate. If you are good at a particular sport you'll be encouraged throughout your RAF career to carry it on.

kp: looking back, what did you wish you knew before you started? thanks alot for your time, much appreciated Shona

Shona Brown: Looking back I wish I had my Maths GSCE! I wish I had a better overview of other trades and air craft situated in the Air force. Apart from that - I felt that my AFCO were very informative and would advise you to ask them if you're unsure of anything.

Shona Brown: Thank you all for your productive questions. GOOD LUCK in the future. I hope I've been able to answer some of your queries! And for your information I've got no regrets about joining the RAF.

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