Got my test on the 18th can’t wait Wanted to join the armed forces but medical reasons couldn’t, so this was the option after that and after looking into it I really hope I get the job !!
spent 22 years in the RFA, loved it Met so many people, in my time at sea both on board ship & across so many different countries Only reason I left, I was medically retired otherwise I would still be their
Did a couple of trips when I was in the RN. Enjoyed the fact (at the time), they had a complete clear job of supplying the RN and captains didn't like being fucked about. Later joined the RFA and witnessed the slow transition, from supply ships to doing most of the RN type jobs. I personally was greatly cheesed, that seaman officer advancement, was somewhat accelerated if they had done top ops training and subsequent jobs on RN battle wagons. The latter being key to getting to Choff and skipper, albeit that most 2nd offs, could have become skippers anyway, by doing normal merchant marine boards and exams. Retired in 2010 and glad to go. Have met RFA people since, who preferred the old days and certainly can't stand modern day RFA. I would imagine that stalwart RFA personnel will read this comment and say, "What a wanker". However, I don't give a toss!!!
I was in the RN first ( 1956>1964 ) then after demob went in the RFA, spent a few years on Boom Defence Vessels, picking up crashed planes, Helicopters, spent missiles etc; the BDV's were old coal burners, so sort of crabby but happy. :) Finally ended up as an Esso company man, on super tankers...bliss.
Pennar Pete Got to love the the Blue. Old man was a WAFU ( not his fault, not too bright) but served on many RFA’s as flight. Being a black sheep, and pissing off all my matelot serving family, I joined the RFA. as an Engineer Officer. Best idea I ever had. Trust me though, being an MEO role is way more hands on than what you get in a sleek way canoe. Boiler suit gets dirty for one. Check out RFA Nostalgia for many good pic of Engineers..
Got my test on the 18th can’t wait
Wanted to join the armed forces but medical reasons couldn’t, so this was the option after that and after looking into it I really hope I get the job !!
How did it go?
so what happened 3 years later
spent 22 years in the RFA, loved it
Met so many people, in my time at sea both on board ship & across so many different countries
Only reason I left, I was medically retired otherwise I would still be their
+paulpeters1971 Im looking at joining rfa. Is there still sports and gym In the rfa? please answer anyone?
not my experience.full of fucking idiots and jobsworths
the main activity is drinking and fighting
paulpeters1971
About to apply, any information would be greatly appreciated.
RFA Wave Knight is affiliated with my sea cadet unit TS Fairmaid in Perth, Scotland
Did a couple of trips when I was in the RN. Enjoyed the fact (at the time), they had a complete clear job of supplying the RN and captains didn't like being fucked about. Later joined the RFA and witnessed the slow transition, from supply ships to doing most of the RN type jobs. I personally was greatly cheesed, that seaman officer advancement, was somewhat accelerated if they had done top ops training and subsequent jobs on RN battle wagons. The latter being key to getting to Choff and skipper, albeit that most 2nd offs, could have become skippers anyway, by doing normal merchant marine boards and exams. Retired in 2010 and glad to go. Have met RFA people since, who preferred the old days and certainly can't stand modern day RFA. I would imagine that stalwart RFA personnel will read this comment and say, "What a wanker". However, I don't give a toss!!!
I was in the RN first ( 1956>1964 ) then after demob went in the RFA, spent a few years on Boom Defence Vessels, picking up crashed planes, Helicopters, spent missiles etc; the BDV's were old coal burners, so sort of crabby but happy. :) Finally ended up as an Esso company man, on super tankers...bliss.
Pennar Pete Got to love the the Blue. Old man was a WAFU ( not his fault, not too bright) but served on many RFA’s as flight. Being a black sheep, and pissing off all my matelot serving family, I joined the RFA. as an Engineer Officer. Best idea I ever had. Trust me though, being an MEO role is way more hands on than what you get in a sleek way canoe. Boiler suit gets dirty for one. Check out RFA Nostalgia for many good pic of Engineers..
did some trips as sgia,,,and for all the know alls,,we were merchant navy seamen,,rn too stoopid for merchant work
All those stores going ashore in Africa, straight into some rich blacks freezer