![Vivek Sapphire](/img/default-banner.jpg)
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Vivek Sapphire
United Kingdom
Registrace 18. 01. 2023
On the journey to become a member of the Royal Air Force and to help others who are going through the same application process. Through my personal experiences, I aim to provide helpful insights about successfully navigating the RAF application process, and soon training and life in service.
How I Passed The Royal Air Force Selection Interview - My RAF Application Process
In this video, I'll be providing you with insight into the RAF Selection Interview. I'll be covering the Selection Interview questions, what your experience will be like, and ultimately provide you with advice and tips for you to pass your interview too.
If you have any questions that I didn't answer, or would like me to explain something further, let me know in the comments section below and I'll get back to you. And if you need any help with creating answers for any questions, feel free to drop them too, and I'll help you out.
For your information, I'll be covering the entire application process on my channel and I'll be posting the 'Medical' video in 2 weeks.
I'd really appreciate it if you could leave a like and subscribe too, as it lets me know that people actually find these videos helpful!
And if you're watching this, you've probably got your Selection interview soon. On that note, I wish you the best of luck. Let me know how you get on!
- Vivek
RAF training breakdown link:
recruitment.raf.mod.uk/how-to-apply/application-process
Scroll down to the 'Full-Time Role' and select your trade. Please note that not all roles have a breakdown of phase 2/specialist training.
Additional questions that you may be asked:
What hobbies do you have?
What are your proudest achievements?
What qualities could you bring to the RAF?
What type of responsibilities do you have?
Tell me about RAF air power?
Tell me about the RAF core values?
What is NATO?
What additional training and qualifications can you get during training?
What happens during the PJFT?
Tell me about the current RAF operations/deployments?
What transferrable skills does your role offer?
Tell me about the advantages and disadvantages of service life?
Who is the Air Chief Marshal?
Tell me about diversity in the RAF?
0:00 - Intro
0:54 - Selection Interview Experience
1:48 - RAF Questions
4:37 - Personal Questions
6:14 - Preparation Advice/Tips
9:21 - Outro
Disclaimer: This video is not in any way sponsored, endorsed or paid for by the Royal Air Force or the Ministry Of Defence. All experiences and opinions expressed are my own.
If you have any questions that I didn't answer, or would like me to explain something further, let me know in the comments section below and I'll get back to you. And if you need any help with creating answers for any questions, feel free to drop them too, and I'll help you out.
For your information, I'll be covering the entire application process on my channel and I'll be posting the 'Medical' video in 2 weeks.
I'd really appreciate it if you could leave a like and subscribe too, as it lets me know that people actually find these videos helpful!
And if you're watching this, you've probably got your Selection interview soon. On that note, I wish you the best of luck. Let me know how you get on!
- Vivek
RAF training breakdown link:
recruitment.raf.mod.uk/how-to-apply/application-process
Scroll down to the 'Full-Time Role' and select your trade. Please note that not all roles have a breakdown of phase 2/specialist training.
Additional questions that you may be asked:
What hobbies do you have?
What are your proudest achievements?
What qualities could you bring to the RAF?
What type of responsibilities do you have?
Tell me about RAF air power?
Tell me about the RAF core values?
What is NATO?
What additional training and qualifications can you get during training?
What happens during the PJFT?
Tell me about the current RAF operations/deployments?
What transferrable skills does your role offer?
Tell me about the advantages and disadvantages of service life?
Who is the Air Chief Marshal?
Tell me about diversity in the RAF?
0:00 - Intro
0:54 - Selection Interview Experience
1:48 - RAF Questions
4:37 - Personal Questions
6:14 - Preparation Advice/Tips
9:21 - Outro
Disclaimer: This video is not in any way sponsored, endorsed or paid for by the Royal Air Force or the Ministry Of Defence. All experiences and opinions expressed are my own.
zhlédnutí: 10 278
Video
Tips & Advice On How To Pass The Royal Air Force DAA - My RAF Application Process
zhlédnutí 6KPřed rokem
In this video, I'll be covering things I wish I knew before about the Royal Air Force DAA. I'll be covering the Defence Aptitude Assessment, what your experience will be like, and ultimately provide you with advice and tips for you to pass your DAA too. If you have any questions that I didn't answer, would like me to explain something further, or would like me to provide you with resource links...
I am from commonwealth countries.. To apply RAF is it compulsory to resided in uk. I had some trouble in registration as they ask me uk addresses even i am from commonwealth.. Please help
how's it going >? what trade you go for?
You don't need any qualifications to be in the Regiment, yet you must pass an aptitude test with a-level arithmetic. Ridiculous.
Very helpful
Hey bro, why did your videos just stop? Did something happen? I hope all is well!
I've got my interview tommorow wish me luck!
Hey Vivek just wanted to say "THANK YOU" for sharing you're experience and for the advice and tips. Helped me prepare and know what to focus on. I am very proud to say I passed my DAA yesterday for Regiment Gunner! :D Very excited about it and hope you're RAF journey is going well! All the best to you, Keep up the great work and channel.
Hello Please how was the maths?
@@andrewaizehinomo9447 Hey! The maths was some what ok and not as bad as what I thought it was. I would defiantly take Vivek's advice on what to practice on. I would recommend doing the practice tests on the RAF site to as I'd say that is one of the best resoruces to get a rough idea of what it's like,it's literally the closest thing apart from alot more questions lol. Even if you have to take maths back to basics that's what I did as I've been out of school for a looooong time (I'm mid 30's). You applied/appyling ?
Thank you bro..yes I applied just got my recruiter today on my portal and was told to upload some documents because And some questions like tattoos…so I’m getting ready for the aptitude test because I applied for the regiment gunner as well
Did you join though and apprenticeship?@viveksapphire
And what now vivek??!!
Clearly he didn’t pass as his channels been dead for months
Hi can you please tell me what the the 6 phases are at Halton please, the link doesn’t work and my research isn’t really helping
You still looking for information?
I am going to guess the trade you went for, I am assuming it is the RAF Regiment
I am a corporal on 18 Sqn at Odiham as an aircraft technician(Mech)) if you want to ask any questions then I am happy to help anyone going through this process.
Hi sir, I have applied for the same job problem Can you help me with the selection process. I don't know where to start. Is the physical test is the first stage of selection process
@@ajaybaby7696sir? Haha quality. But it looks like they've chinned everyone off.
I’ve just had my DAA two days ago, currently waiting on my call to arrange this, they’ve told me it will be on zoom. How long after the DAA was your interview? Really helpful video, thanks!
Hi I’m waiting for my daa have u got your interview booked yet ?
I’ve got it booked in 2 weeks time! Took a week after my daa to be contacted about it and Christmas/ new year delayed it a bit
Which test come first. Is it fitness test or aptitude test
@@ajaybaby7696the aptitude test comes way before the fitness, im about to do my interview and the fitness test won’t be till after
Apitude@@ajaybaby7696
I’m looking for the different phases of basic recruit training and can’t find anything it just tells me what happens in each week not phases up to 6
How are you getting on with your next steps to join the RAF ? Good to get an update , thanks
I appreciate the information I’ve applied for the regiment gunners and had worries about the interview but this has helped so much and I appreciate you sharing your experience
Awesome video mate , im applying tomorrow, where abouts on the raf website do you get all the information you need? Im nervous with interviews at the best of times but because i want this badly im even more nervous
Did you get through? How did the next part go etc
Yes, I passed the Selection Interview if that's what your referring to. Unfortunately, my application has been put on held until mid December due to a previous foot injury. I'll be posting the medical video very soon.
@@viveksapphire sorry to hear that and good luck with your next steps
@@viveksapphirelook forward to the medical video bro, hope your foot is much better now
During the 10 week training, are you allowed to go back home for emergencies?
As far as I'm aware, you may not be allowed to. I've seen people mention that they've had to miss funerals, weddings, birthdays, etc. However, I'd get this confirmed with your AFCO.
I know this is a late reply, but for anyone else wondering, this was asked at my presentation thing. He said you will most likely be able to leave if it is urgent and depending on how important it is, so for example someone died or your family member was in hospital, you would be able to leave. But you would have to stay back a couple weeks or even be placed in a different group meaning you could be waiting months to do your training again. He said it’s not advised that you leave but if you have to you have to, you will just have to sort it with your leader or whoever is in charge.
got mine tomorrow
Good luck! Let me know how you do.
Great video ..i wish you a successful career..our son has been in for 7 years im a very proud mum ..Good luck and enjoy your new Adventure
Thank you, I appreciate that!
Good luck to everyone and best wishes for a fulfilling career in the RAF. Thank you for helping to keep us all safe.
Thank you!
Quick question. Once you are selected, do they choose the bases for you or do you get to choose yourself? secondly seeing that you are a person of color is diversity a thing at the RAF
Once you finish your phase 2 (specialist) training, they will give you a sheet to pick 3 bases that you'd like to go to. However, the RAF have the final say in where you go, so you could be posted to a base you didn't even select. Yes, there are people of all types of genders, religions and races in the RAF. You may find this webpage helpful. recruitment.raf.mod.uk/diversity-and-inclusion
@@viveksapphire okay thanks. Also I graduated university in business. I want to go the supplier route in the RAF. Since I have a degree would it be better for me to apply for the logistics officer role or supplier. I’m 22 btw. Also do we have to cut our hair?
@@aceboogie5054 I would personally join as an officer if I had a degree. Compare the differences between those roles, and see which one is more appealing for you. Think about what you will enjoy the most. It depends really. You need to keep your hair short and tidy, but you don't need a buzz cut. There are exemptions for religious reasons. Also, for some unknown reason, skin fades are banned...
@@viveksapphire okay. Thank you for giving your time to respond. I appreciate it
I've been waiting for your medical video 😢 when is it coming out ?
I'm sorry, the video should have been uploaded by now but I've been really busy with work and not had time to edit the video. I'll definitely get that uploaded early next week!
@viveksapphire thanks bro, will be waiting for that 👍🏾
Great video. What stage are you at now and how long did you wait between the stages? Also were you a cadet or a UAS member?
Thank you. I'm at the PJFT (fitness) stage. Everyone's timeline will differ depending on what happens during the medical stage. They suspected that I had hearing loss and made me TMU for 4 months. If everything goes well, you can expect each stage to take place within a few weeks, to around a month on average.
Thanks for the video man. Bookmarked and will revisit when I want to join. I would also like to say to anyone else reading this comment that the RAF have a mock DAA on their recruitment website.
That's not a problem, glad you found it helpful.
This helps loads !
Thank you, I'm glad to hear that!
Really helpful video, thank you so much! I've just begun my application process as an Air Ops Officer, I was wondering what does CBAT & DAA stand for? I might make similar videos on the application process since there aren't many on here!
You're welcome and appreciate the feedback. CBAT stands for Computer Based Aptitude Test and DAA stands for Defence Aptitude Assessment. Good luck with it all.
I’m trying to do the same in the RAAF good luck
Thank you and same to you.
i failed my first selection interview, however i’m back and ready to try again in February
Ah, that must have been gutting but at least you have an opportunity to attempt it again, better prepared. I hope you the best of luck!
@Daisy-wg4gn what were the questions that tripped you up?
@@BartholomewConstantine well it was the location of bases, ethos core values, how long my contract is as i never did this research before hand- a mistake of my own.
It’s my dream to join the raf I’m only 13 but I’m doing caders
For certain roles, you can apply at 16. Regardless of when you join, being in the cadets will help as you learn some of the essential skills required to be in the Armed Forces/RAF. Best of luck!
Enjoy your youth. Start getting fit and healthy now.
From a Veteran, good luck young sir.
I truly appreciate that, thank you. And thank you for your service too.
Thank you for sharing as i think the very begining interview is one of the most nervous parts of the entire start, not many people go out of their way to share and help others like this. Ill be sure to use lots of tips of yours when i go into my own interview.
You're welcome and thank you, I appreciate it. I hope you the best of luck when it's your time! Let me know how you get on.
Good luck man, glad I stumbled across this vid! I’d love to join the raf but at 31 I feel I’m too old! Good luck with your application! Subbed!
Still got time for many roles I believe👍🏼
I'm going through training at the minute pal and there's a bloke a few years older than you with us so 👍
Thank you, I appreciate it! As others have mentioned you can still apply for many roles in RAF, and you'll certainly train with people around your age too. If it's truly what you want, don't let your age defer you from joining.
You should do it now mate before you truly become too old if it’s something you really want to do
I've been informed that recently (possibly since the 1st of July 23), a new rule came into place, which means that candidates will get one attempt at the DAA, and if they do not reach the required marks for their role, they will have to wait one year until they can attempt it again. Previously, you could try again within 28 days if had failed. So ensure that you are preparing well for the test and good luck.
Good evening Mr Sapphire, If I do not get the results for the role I wanted, would I be allowed to choose a role that I did qualify for or would I have to still wait a year? Thank you
Hello, yes you would still be able to choose a role that you qualified for.
@@viveksapphire Thank you 👍
Hi Vivek, I’m currently going for the Royal Navy DAA and you can still resit after 28 days
Just some added info for others, another system they now use (I believe for NCO and officer roles but it may be wider) is a recorded interview. Where you log into a system and record ur answers with no one on the other side of the camera. You can’t read of notes as they monitor your eye contact but the overall premise is the same; prepare well and you will pass👍🏼
Thanks for sharing that.
@@viveksapphire any more info on the medial stage? Wondering how strict it is and how it’s conducted ie do I need to go to a station or is it just a letter from GP saying I’m fit for service
I'm in the process of creating the medical video and will be posting it very soon. Essentially, it will be done at a local private health clinic/centre and they will conduct various tests and checks. They are strict as they take the medical stage seriously.
Hi, great vid, just wondering did you have the 8-pages in front of you while taking the interview or did you commit them all to memory?
Hi, thank you, I appreciate it! You're not allowed to have any documents/notes so you will need to remember the information.
@@viveksapphire Ok great, did you have it face to face? Apparently, mine will be over the phone.
I personally had mine over the phone too, but I have heard that some people have the interview face-to-face and through MS Teams.
@@viveksapphire Ok great well I pray everything will go well for you and good luck in your fitness test :)
Thank you, and you too!
Hi Vivek, I was hoping you would be able to tell me what you wore whilst travelling to cranwell and what you were wearing on the day of examination thanks
Hi, I've not applied for an officer role, so Cranwell isn't a part of my process. However, unless you have the opportunity to change, which I'm assuming you won't, I'd recommend wearing a suit. You may be uncomfortable, but first impressions matter, especially for officer roles. I hope that helps and good luck!
Hi, I was wondering what role you applied for@@viveksapphire
@@user-gt5me3nf6b Hi, I've applied for the Regiment Gunner role.
@@viveksapphire when you first applied for it on the website how long did it take for them to process your application and send you an invite to the Aptitude test?
This has helped me loads, i keep coming back to this video to work on topics to revise. My DAA is tomorrow and i hope to become an electrician in the RAF. Thanks.
No worries, I'm glad to hear that the video helped! How did it go?
@@viveksapphire i passed with a way higher score than necessary for the role 😀
That's great news, congratulations! Good luck with your selection interview.
i failed ahahahaha
Ah, that must have been gutting! If you're going to attempt it again, then at least you've got an idea of what to expect and you can prepare better this time around. Good luck!
@@viveksapphire yeah got a month to prepare, it’s odd because i was previously in the army and i never had todo any of those kind of tests, apart from a cognitive test
Yes, the assessment definitely needs revising for as some of the topics are somewhat difficult. I hope you the best and let me know how get on!
Wish you were a few weeks ahead of me as I think I am a week or so ahead of you. Have my medial booked in just over 2 weeks. Would love to know what it is like if you have yours before mid August
I'm actually at the PJFT stage, so I've completed my medical. I'll be uploading a video about the medical stage before mid-August, so I hope it helps. Best of luck!
@@viveksapphire ah ok cool. There is something really random I want to ask. With regards to bending over and touching your toes and also heel raises. Did you have to be able to touch your toes or get your leg all the way up for the heel raise? Did you have to be able to do both legs together at the same time for the heel raise?
No, you don't need to be able to touch your toes, and neither do you need able to lift your leg all the way up for the heel raises. You will lift each leg independently. They purely just want to see that you are able to do that range of movement and ensure that you don't have any joint/bone/muscle issues.
@@viveksapphire oh ok thanks. I read somewhere they ideally want you to get to your toes up if you can’t reach your ankles it’s a fail. But cheers for the reply
No worries. Apologies, I thought you were referring to leg raises. Yeah so with the heel raises, you will need to be able to raise your toes up. I did both feet at the same time. I couldn't touch my toes and the doctor didn't say anything.
Dear Mr Sapphire, Thank for for the video it was very useful 👍. I just wanted to ask when you said the DAA was done on an IPad does that mean the answers have to be written on the IPad? Or does it mean the questions will be on the IPad and you write the answers on paper? Thank you 🙂
You're welcome, glad you found the video helpful! The questions will appear on the iPad, and you will answer them on the iPad too. Essentially, it's all done on the iPad. I hope you the best of luck if you have your DAA soon!
@@viveksapphire Much appreciated Mr Sapphire, I just wanted to also ask will the answers have to be answered with an electronic pen that writes or circles things or would you just press an option? Thank you
No worries. They are all multi-choice answers that you would simply press.
@@viveksapphire👍
Super helpful video again! What role did you apply for out of interest?
I'm glad you found it helpful, and thank you for your support! I've applied for the Reg Gunner role. How about you?
@@viveksapphire I applied for pilot as lots of people have recently. I thought it was worth a shot as its really what I want to do and know I have enough motivation to put in the work required. Good luck on your application that looks like a good choice :]
Yes, if that's where your heart is set, then definitely go for it! Thank you, and I hope you the best with your application too.
Hi Vivek I have also applied for RAF, I have done the CBAT and DAA, I have passed both. I have been offered the Regiment Gunner role, I now will have my selection interview in the next few weeks. Have you actually started the role. I’m quite keen to know about how it is. Thanks so much
Hi, I'm currently at the PJFT stage of the application process, so couldn't answer that, apologies. I hope you the best with your interview!
Awesome idea for a channel dude! I'm interested in the raf too so this channel is an invaluable source to me.
Thank you Luke, I truly appreciate the support and your feedback! Glad to hear that the videos are/will be helpful. I'll be posting the Selection Interview video tomorrow.
I've got the DAA coming up soon, I had no idea people went in formal clothes
Yes, there were 5 other applicants at my DAA, and they were all wearing a suit/formal shirt and trousers. You don't need to, but I'd strongly recommend wearing formal/smart attire. I've heard of people wearing tracksuits and football t-shirts to their DAA, but I'd personally never wear anything like that during a military application process. First impressions do matter, but at the end of the day, it's passing the test that truly matters. Good luck with your DAA, let me know how you get on!
Hey vivek, thanks for your help. Do you have any links to lessons or practise questions that you think would be helpful? I have my test this week... :]
Hi, that's not a problem. Happy to hear that the video helped! Of course. When it comes to numerical reasoning, this channel really helped me: www.youtube.com/@tecmath. Click to view their most popular videos and watch the videos which mention "fast way" and "shortcut". If you want examples of the type of questions asked throughout the DAA, then this video is helpful: czcams.com/video/gNHgrxVFqZM/video.html. I found the BBC Bitesize website the best for topics, electrical and mechanical comprehension: www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zsc9rdm, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z82j97h. I hope that helps, and good luck with your assessment. Let me know how you get on!
@@viveksapphire Thank you so much. Subscribed and liked
You're welcome. Thank you for your support, I really do appreciate it.
@@viveksapphire I managed to pass for all roles today thanks to your help. I will be looking out for your interview video :]...
That is genuinely amazing to hear, congratulations! I'm glad to hear that you found this video helpful, and I'll be uploading the Selection Interview video tomorrow. Once again, well done.
I have a question. From when you applied to when they got back to you for the next step, how long was the timespan. I'm looking to do Avionics technician
Mine was about a weekish, I got asked to attend my DAA and that was within the next 2 weeks I started in October and off in to basic in the coming weeks (merch tech)
@ThompsonPlayzhd so we looking around 8 months in total before starting. I guess that's not too bad. Thanks mate 👍
It took around a week or two, for them to get back to me. In all, your application can take 6 - 9 months on average. If anything does get flagged during your medical stage, then this can delay it by a few weeks/months as it has done with mine. I hope you the best with your application and let me know if you have any other questions!
Congratulations, I hope you best with your training!
@viveksapphire Thank you very much for the advice 👍
Thankyou
You're welcome! If you have any questions, feel free to ask away.