RAF Halton 2024 - My Time At Basic Training

[@JakeGchannel]

If there is anything else you guys would like me to make a video of then let me know and I’ll do my best 🙂

[@esakhan2991]

Could you make a video on why you chose raf over the navy and the british army

[@JakeGchannel]

@@esakhan2991 good point I’ll add that to the list in the near future 🙂

[@Jack_B_guin_87]

I passed out in 2006 on 5 flight. My sgt was a scouser called sgt mulvihill and he just lost his wife Sarah in Iraq. Had so much respect for him coming back to work and showing nothing but professionalism getting us through basic. Looked up to him a lot

[@JakeGchannel]

My condolences to your SGT may his wife find happiness in heaven 🙏

[@mkjones7603]

Well done 👏 and congratulations on the birth of your little girl 😊

[@JakeGchannel]

Thank you very much! :)

[@almostideal1306]

I'm applying for reserves, I'm so glad for people like you that give me some insight into what I'm getting into.

[@JakeGchannel]

@@almostideal1306 no problem 🙂 I’m glad you find them useful. Good luck with getting in and let us know how it goes.

[@almostideal1306]

@@JakeGchannel Just Aced my DAA :D

[@JakeGchannel]

@@almostideal1306 nice work! Now only the fitness to really train for and before you know it you’ll be stepping into Halton’s gates and that’s when the hard stuff begins 😄 let us know how your medical goes.

[@waynelynch3252]

Well done Jake, so proud of you and the rest of Douglas intake.

[@JakeGchannel]

Thank you very much :)

[@sallyspongebob9058]

Well done and congratulations mate🎉 and thank you for sharing your experience as always! Wish you all the best in phase 2 training!💪

[@JakeGchannel]

You are welcome :) and thank you very much!

[@robscott9449]

Well done mate very proud to see you smash basic and watch your journey, i managed to pass my DAA and I’ve got my interview next week, good luck with the future !

[@JakeGchannel]

Ah nice work on passing your DAA, did you get the role you wanted? Good luck in the interview and the rest of your application process :) and thank you!

[@robscott9449]

@@JakeGchannel yh i did, also did my interview today and passed so im buzzing, just the CPC to go now so only fitness to keep focussing on.

[@JakeGchannel]

@@robscott9449 Oh nice! That's on step closer to the finish line good work. Just out of curiosity what's CPC?

[@robscott9449]

@@JakeGchannelso it’s a candidate preparation course which entails a four day course which has fitness tests swim tests and a taster of life in the navy, it’s a pass or fail course.So I’m just planning on keeping consistent with fitness, and making sure not to injure myself. Also congrats on your child ! 🎉

[@JakeGchannel]

@@robscott9449 Oh right that's the navy side. I know the RAF and Navy are virtually the same for training and yeah fitness is a big one I still have to keep it up even now. Do keep us informed with how it goes :) and thank you!

[@l_trips_]

Congratulations man! I’m proud of your journey so far seeing you start out as an applicant to graduating, time flies by fast for sure. I’m also preparing for CPT, I’m hella hyped for it. Wishing you luck in phase 2 training!

[@JakeGchannel]

Yeah CPT is where it gets interesting just remember to put your effort in and give it everything you got and it will go fine. Do keep us informed with how CPT goes. Thank you very much!

[@l_trips_]

@@JakeGchannelhey man I just came back to the block from CPT a few hours ago,even though we didn’t get a chinook it was still amazing regardless we practiced an attack assault on enemy forces it was so fun. Proper action like in the movies

[@JakeGchannel]

@@l_trips_ yeah those are by far the best parts of CPT and I’m glad you enjoyed it, now enjoy crick and get ready for grad!

[@l_trips_]

@@JakeGchannelthank you brotha, I just finished crick too, can’t lie I had bad instructors but the food was nice and the activities too. Now im preparing for grad

[@JakeGchannel]

@@l_trips_ oh damn what made them bad? And nice not long now, week and a bit and it’s all done! Just make sure you prepare as much as possible when it comes to final and you’ll be fine 👍.

[@CatLawnMeower]

Love the video man, I’m going to basic training relatively soon and I’m stuck on the medical right now.After this I’ll hopefully gonna become a firefighter in the raf.

[@him050]

I hope you’re good at resetting fire alarms!

[@JakeGchannel]

Ah good old medical does keep us stuck in the dirt for a while and I know what that feels like! Hopefully it all goes through sooner rather than later. A firefighter nice! Was there extra steps you had to do on your application process to get that role?

[@CatLawnMeower]

@@JakeGchannel I have a specialist fitness test which I have to do soon and also just get a good score on the defence aptitude test.Somehow I did really well in the defence aptitude test when I was sure I failed haha

[@CatLawnMeower]

@@JakeGchannel I also had my recruiter as the person who I met with at the place where I took the test and so he was able to give me my results straight after the exam.

[@CatLawnMeower]

@@JakeGchannel ah my mistake it’s called the specialist interview

[@NickyGardner-nd3sl]

💙 love this Jake! Congratulations on getting through BRTC with the added load you carried with you. Congratulations on your daughter’s safe arrival. Lots of exciting (and exhausting) things happening all at the same time! Best of luck for phase 2 💙💙

[@JakeGchannel]

@@NickyGardner-nd3sl thank you so much we appreciate it! 🙂 it was a struggle and there was defo extra weight but that also acted as motivation to preserve when needed!

[@samuelOvenden]

just under 30 days till i start my training as a 16 year old and you’ve really boosted confidence. Cheers mate can’t wait to get started

[@JakeGchannel]

@@samuelOvenden I’m glad that I have helped in that way but it was all you at the end of the day 🙂 that’s great to hear! At 16 is crazy you do 10 years of service then you’re my age and I’m just starting my career so well done on you, make sure you keep that good choice making up and see it through, you’ll look back and won’t regret it. Good luck let us know how it goes for you.

[@davegoldsmith4020]

My grandson did his training from May-July. Get your mum to give you a crash course in ironing, and practice, they will teach you to iron uniform. but practice on shirts and trousers before you go, and buy a good iron, it will make life a little easier for you.. Best of luck, I arrived at RAF Halton 54 years ago, Enjoy the journey. my grandson is now training at RAF Cosford. RAF Life after Halton is a lot easier. On a practical note when you have passed out get to where you have your official photos taken as quickly as you can, the queue grows quickly and the wait can be long.

[@samuelOvenden]

@@JakeGchannel will do mate thank you for all the help

[@JakeGchannel]

@@davegoldsmith4020 that’s great to hear, what trade does your grandson do as I’m at cosford currently at the moment.

[@davegoldsmith4020]

@@JakeGchannel ground elect

[@Felix-bs2vm]

Well done Jake, i managed to pass on my CBAT for a couple roles and have my interview soon, so excited for the future and congratulations!

[@JakeGchannel]

Wow I've heard (from staff and other recruits) that the CBAT is no walk in the park so congrats! Do keep us informed with how your interview goes :)

[@waynelynch3252]

Hi Jake, just thought i,d send a message of support, hope the RAF is all that you thought it would be and you,re enjoying phase 2. Take care buddy and all the best.👍✈️✈️

[@JakeGchannel]

@@waynelynch3252 thanks Wayne appreciate it ! And currently on a two week break again for the summer but will be heading back next Saturday so still got a little while! Will be making a video at some point to talk a little bit more. Cheers 🙂

[@jameswebster4507]

Amazing mate, followed since the beginning. Congrats and so happy for you. I unfortunately had to pull out after passing my daa due to the mrs leaving me and leaving our kids with me. Gutted but my kids come first. All the best and look forward to hearing more

[@JakeGchannel]

@@jameswebster4507 thank you so much! And damn I’m sorry to hear that but now being a dad yes kids do come first and I hope everything will work out for you. Maybe in the future (when the time is right) you could reapply. Thank you will upload whenever I have time 🙂 wishing you the best!

[@WeeRosieOurFrenchie]

Fascinating as to how much basic training has changed since my 6 weeks at Swinderby back in 1980 😵‍💫👍🏻👍🏻🤣🤣😵‍💫

[@JakeGchannel]

I have been told that a few times now XD I would of defo preferred 6 weeks over 10 but hey that's why they call it the good old days I guess 😄

[@Stanly-Stud]

​@@JakeGchannel You red arses just don't pick it up quickly I was army myself did basic in '85. Met some of your so called rock apes 😂

[@callummitchell-larkin4655]

Congrats on Phase 1 mate! Great achievement :) Also congrats on your little girl - starting a family while going through this is no small feat. Best to the three of you!

[@JakeGchannel]

@@callummitchell-larkin4655 thank you! And yes it has been a big struggle especially coming back home and getting used to ‘normality’ again but I’m trying my best 😄

[@callummitchell-larkin4655]

@@JakeGchannel I can only imagine - good man! Have you got any holding period until your Phase 2? That's down over at Cosford right?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@callummitchell-larkin4655 yeah so basically my phase 2 starts on the 1st of August so hopefully got that time between then to be at home and yes it’s at cosford which I’ve got a couple of my intake guys already there doing their phase 2 and apparently it’s wicked so looking forward to it a lot!

[@callummitchell-larkin4655]

@@JakeGchannelmega stuff. Excited for you mate! Yeah, 1st August gives you a good break 👍🏼

[@JakeGchannel]

@@callummitchell-larkin4655 Thank you! I can’t remember have you done your phase 1 or you waiting to do it?

[@Tyler-zz2fb]

Damn that really flew by quick to be honest, doesn’t feel like long ago you made your last video. Congrats man

[@JakeGchannel]

Yeah it felt like a life time ago but in reality it really wasn't that long ago. The days go long but weeks go past stupidly quick when you're in there. Thank you!

[@epicmafia2046]

Really proud of you mate sounds like a life changing experience everything you’ve gone through and overcome already and thats only just Halton 😂 massive respect for having that mindset too even when it got really tough u dug deep 🫡, the whole time you’ve been doing your 10 wks I’ve basically been waiting for my toes to heal 😅 which finally has happened and got my limited medical 25 july to review them ive seen a gp etc and they’ve ensured me its all good now 😊 best of luck in Phase 2 keep doing what ur doing

[@JakeGchannel]

Thank you very much and it defo was! I look back and am so glad that I stuck it out to the end and there's nothing more gut wrenching than quitting something when it gets hard, you will always look back with a heavy heart wishing you continued it on so never quit! Ah well it good to hear that it's healed fully and hopefully you get cracking on with your application sooner rather than later! Have you got an idea on when you'll probably be looking at heading to Halton? And will do thank you :)

[@pob1335]

I passed out June 2000 number 6 flight spitfire block next to the drill hanger cpl Smith was our drill instructor good times.

[@JakeGchannel]

@@pob1335 oh nice you must of had a good career 🙂

[@Abarnes6]

Just seen this video on my recommended, pleasure going through phase 1 with you and looking forward to going through phase 2 with you also 😂

[@JakeGchannel]

@@Abarnes6 yeah was class! See you in cosford 🙂

[@JahredReed]

Well done mate… I’m waiting for my MLAT, as I’m hoping to get in as a linguist intAN. Still got my interview as well, I’ll be watching your videos the night before lol

[@JakeGchannel]

Oh wow we had a linguist on my flight and she mentioned how rigorous the selection process was for her so hats of to you! Do keep us informed with how your interview goes and do you know what language you want to pursue?

[@connordoherty1646]

Alreet pal I ended up having to go again before I was able to attest due to mental health again but I was going to be campion which was the course before yours congrats on training pal and all the best with phase 2 I’m hoping to go back soon

[@JakeGchannel]

Damn that must be a pain! Well I hope you are doing much better and ready to tackle phase 1 again. Thanks! Do keep us informed when you do go back and best of luck when you do :)

[@connordoherty1646]

@@JakeGchannel aye it’s more of a pain if anything because I’d have no issue actually doing the training bar the physical side but hopefully gunna go back and smash it

[@JakeGchannel]

@@connordoherty1646 Yeah I'm confident you will, do you have a date set for when you go back?

[@connordoherty1646]

@@JakeGchannel no as I’d need to re apply as I tought when I left again wasn’t really what I wanted to do anymore after trying my for pretty much 4 years now in the recruitment process but after seeing my pals pass out in June it’s making me realise I think I need to pass out for all the effort I had put in and make my dream of actually being in a reality

[@JakeGchannel]

@@connordoherty1646 For sure. It defo makes sense and if it is something you genuinely want to do then do it as the last thing you want to do is regret not doing it later in life (like my grandad). It will be hard and gruelling but in the end when you have that TRF patch on your PCS and looking at your 1's on yourself it starts to really become worth it so I wish you best of luck and do keep us informed when you're heading back in.

[@loualdo]

Well done Jake, I’m about to go into Douglas intake in the next couple of weeks, just bleep test stressing me out a bit

[@JakeGchannel]

Ah nice work I was in Douglas as well! Yeah I won't lie its not the easiest thing (unless you train in running of some form) but you just griz it out get it done and just keep pushing until its finished. Always aim for the best score you can get personally and you'll be fine. Do let us know how it goes.

[@loualdo]

@@JakeGchannel to be fair I’ve only be running it on grass, been hitting the 8.5ish level but I feel like running it indoors and the situation will push me through

[@JakeGchannel]

@@loualdo yeah it does make a difference indoor and before I went Halton I was hitting 8.8 and that’s it so you will get there don’t worry, just focus on increasing your strides more than upping your pace if that makes sense when the levels go up.

[@johndoedoe8614]

Your video on the DAA literally saved the world!!! Loved every minute of it, and got my role as Aircraft Tech 🎉. Thanks to you pal 😎

[@JakeGchannel]

That's great to hear! I'm glad you got the role you wanted, put the work in and look at the outcome! Onwards and upwards now before you know it you'll be graduating on that parade square. Keep us informed with how the next stage goes :)

[@FrankMackey-sb8lw]

congratulations 👏👏👏👏👏

[@JakeGchannel]

Thank you :)

[@Fitnessforeverr]

Am on aptitude test right now but am scared for medical because of a damage knee acl on the records but am fine and work out do everything as a normal person recovered great.

[@JakeGchannel]

@@Fitnessforeverr As long as you are completely mobile and can clearly show everything has healed then it shouldn’t be much of an issue unless it’s a sort of dormant injury just waiting to reactive then that’ll be a problem however, the medical is weird and done via a contracted company so I would take everything I say with a pinch of salt until you get to the medical center.

[@Fitnessforeverr]

Ok thanks i hope it goes well then

[@orbitalforest]

Well done mate . My son is starting Phase 1 today at Halton. Think i'm more nervous than him😆

[@JakeGchannel]

@@orbitalforest thank you and thats great to hear! He should be on Douglas intake which is what I was on only two weeks ago. It seems in the beginning that you’ll never leave Halton but the 10 weeks go quick and before he knows it he’ll be on that parade square graduating as long as he powers through it. Do you know what trade he’ll be going to after phase 1?

[@joewhatcott7824]

I was on the intake 2 weeks before this! Would agree that you should get fit enough BEFORE you go, the majority of people who got re-flighted were for fitness.

[@georgeboulton628]

Hi mate, not sure if I missed it in the video, but what are the policies with hair length / style? I researched it online and it basically said you need to have it short and tidy, but I was previously under the impression you were required to get a grade 2 all over during training. Thanks

[@JakeGchannel]

@@georgeboulton628 hi, yeah basically hair just needs to be short and tidy, don’t need an all over 2 anymore. I think the main things they look for are hair touching the ears, that’s basically too long then.

[@georgeboulton628]

@ Ah that’s perfect thanks. Great video as well

[@jaydeemercadojm]

Thank you for your videos. I have been watching them from the start of my application back in May all the way to now. I also have a starting date in January for phase 1 training. Can I just ask if you were allowed to go home at all at any point in your time at phase 1, As I have a young family. Thanks in advance!

[@JakeGchannel]

@@jaydeemercadojm no problem thank you for sticking around 🙂 nice work on getting this far! You can in theory as long as it’s not far away, I think it’s an hour radius from the base is how far you can go. You basically get a few days leave during the time there they usually are Saturday’s I think it’s week 3 and then week 8 & 9 but I’m not 100% sure. You have a time limit as well I think it was like between 9am-6pm on the week 8 & 9 but week 3 was a little different (can’t remember the times). It might be worth approaching your staff and mentioning about your family especially if your kids are young they might give you the weekend instead of a day as they did with me on week 8 & 9 but that was because my partner gave birth a week before (week 7). Hope this helps.

[@liam_o_c_perks]

Hoping to get through Medical Appeal and get stuck in, love the video.

[@JakeGchannel]

@@liam_o_c_perks ah the medical can be a pain but griz it out and it’ll be worth it! Let us know how it goes 🙂

[@TurfRenovationStevenage]

Great video mate shorty joining raf hoping to build on my fitness and money making skills 👌🏻

[@JakeGchannel]

@@TurfRenovationStevenage thank you and that’s great to hear, little bit of advice I can give is even if your fitness isn’t up to the minimum standard right now don’t let that sway you on not putting your application in (unless you have put it in already) as you’ll have at least 3-4 months to train still. The fitness isn’t until the last thing of the application. Let us know how your application goes 🙂

[@him050]

Tripod 😂. The nickname we all wish we had eh?!

[@JakeGchannel]

Well for the ones who know, then you know 🤣 but not all of us are blessed 😆

[@NathanCumming-p8d]

So inspiring 👏🏻👏🏻

[@JakeGchannel]

@@NathanCumming-p8d thank you 🙂

[@samuelOvenden]

hey mate shooting test tomorrow it’s been a while but is there any like extra tips you have for the unsupported positions as they’re my weakest by a mile

[@JakeGchannel]

@samuelOvenden nice on making it this far. Unsupported was my worst as well especially standing that was rough. Personally, I think for me because I took the same concept as supported into unsupported allowed me to pass. What I mean by that is my 3 step setup is comfy, breathing, squeeze. At the end of the day I don’t spend time thinking about head, arms, legs etc I combine that into feeling as relaxed and comfy as I can (granted those shooting positions are not comfy but do the best you can) then I control my breathing until the sights are ‘sliding’ which means they are just moving up and down in a relatively straight line, at that point I know I’m ready to shoot. Then I keep the same squeeze pressure all the way through until it fires off then repeat. That’s the way I personally shoot but just relax, most people panic and end up shooting to soon or too quick because of the fear of failure, no matter how many tries you have got left or done always go into with a clear heart and head it will make a world of difference I promise. Hope this helps.

[@samuelOvenden]

@ cheers mate i’ll let you know how it goes

[@gonnahavemesomefun]

Hi Jake, I appreciate massively this video, it's fascinating to hear what you have to say thank you. Do you mind if I ask about the careers Initial Enquiry Appointment. My son is attending to discuss which role and whether it's for him. I'd just like to help him prepare, especially to understand what sort of person they are looking for. Thank you :)

[@JakeGchannel]

@@gonnahavemesomefun you’re welcome I’m glad you have found it useful 🙂 unfortunately I don’t recall the careers initial enquiry has your son put his application in yet? In terms of role it’s all personal however, if he can pick a trade that can benefit him while he enjoys or at the very least can tolerate (aka not miserable) then all trades can give fantastic opportunities. It’s more what he’s like as a person plus what he’s good at. I.E if he’s more hands on likes getting in the dirt, wants to travel lots and don’t mind heavy lifting then regiment gunner might be a good choice. If he’s prefers more computer oriented focus then Cyberspace coms specialist (my trade) might be for him. Etc In terms for what they are looking for is simply commitment, discipline and a go-getter. The raf offer so much but you can’t sit on your arse and wait for it to come (and yes there are those people like that in the raf) you need to go out there and get it yourself. I’m still in phase 2 training yet I have a house which will now follow me throughout my career only because I sought it out. Hope this helps and good luck with the appointment.

[@gonnahavemesomefun]

@@JakeGchannel thanks Jake, it’s the apprenticeship that he will be applying for / he is 16. There are several roles he likes the sound of. I am starting to realise that the apprenticeships might be slightly different to joining RAF at 17.5/18?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@gonnahavemesomefun that’s a good question as I have a 17 year old on my phase 2 training and it doesn’t seem to be different for him other than the fact he’s still classed as a ‘child’ as he’s not 18 so the rules are slightly different, the apprenticeship however, is the exact same as us. If you have selected the apprenticeship section specifically then I wouldn’t know if it is different than regular service but we did have a few 17 & 16 year olds on my basic training course. Keep in mind that is regulars do apprenticeships as well, mine is a CISCO cyberspace qualification.

[@willnash5522]

Big ups sir hanfrey the bulling master😮‍💨 Start fuxking sparking troops!!

[@JakeGchannel]

Wait were you the one above 'crepitus/bad knees man' in crickhowl? 😂

[@willnash5522]

Fack me troops you think yer knees are bad? CREPITUS

[@willnash5522]

@@JakeGchannelbut yea that’s me😂

[@JakeGchannel]

@@willnash5522 I thought it was 😄 hopefully you got those shoes up the a high shine 🤨😄

[@joehead8777]

Congrats Jake! How did you find the food at Halton?

[@JakeGchannel]

Thank you :) and for me it wasn't too bad, there were times where it was bad but most of the times it was alright. It was edible to put it bluntly but that's my opinion of course. 99% of the time there will be so form of pasta dish, then 70% of the time there will be a rice dish and like 40/50% of the time there might be a bread dish (meaning like a sub, burger etc).

[@klamzierocks]

Hi Jake :) massive well done on passing!! I’m going to basic in September. I’m just curious at how many runs you do throughout the time you’re there (distances etc) and what the pt entails? Just wanna be as prepared as possible with the fitness! Thanks so much

[@klamzierocks]

Oh sorry & please will you do an updated kit list !!! Tysm 🕺🏼

[@JakeGchannel]

@@klamzierocks thank you! I couldn’t count the amount of runs we did as virtually every session was a run in some form or another. I remember doing like laps of a hill to determine what fitness group you’ll be put in. You’ll also be doing aero booted runs which is basically in the name (running with boots on). Every pt is different tho so what I might have experienced you might not but generally it’s very cardio and body weight based so many burpees, push-ups, running to a point and back, leopard crawls, monkey runs, partner drags etc. I am going to be making a video talking about the PT specific in a couple of days as well as doing another kit list video when I’m packing for phase 2 as the stuff is virtually the same (to answer your other question 🙂) Just remember with pt to just push yourself as much as you can and you cannot fail a lesson even if you’re the slowest/last person. Hope this helps 🙂

[@klamzierocks]

@@JakeGchannel thanks so much for such a detailed response thats helped a huge amount. I think i will be doing a couple of hiit classes as they sound like they'll help if nothing else.. I am looking forward to it, I think it's just the unknown that gets your head going west! Thank you again, I look forward to your future videos and best of luck with phase 2. All the best :)

[@JakeGchannel]

@@klamzierocks yeah I mean anything that’ll push you to your limits physically will get close to it but as you can imagine military fitness is rather different (if you’re not into heavy fitness that is) but it’s better to be somewhat prepared than not.

[@morgenh6930]

I'm hoping to go to basic in September or October 😊

[@JakeGchannel]

@@morgenh6930 oh nice not to far away! It’s defo worth it. Halton will be hard virtually the entire 10 weeks but once you get to phase 2 is so much easier (obviously depending on trades, regiment I know are harder) and enjoyable, so stick it out all the way through! Let us know when you get a date set 🙂

[@morgenh6930]

@JakeGchannel I'll be going in as a aircraft technician mechanical, just got to pass my medical appeal which I didn't need and hoping to get fitness test done soon, don't think I'm too ready which is making me nervous since some parts I'm not there yet for fitness but with timing I think late September October for start date if I can.

[@JakeGchannel]

@@morgenh6930 yeah unfortunately the medical can take the mick sometimes but there’s not much you can do but wait for whatever needs going through. Thinking about it that’s not to long away and before you know it you’ll be in basic hopefully won’t take long. Keep us updated 🙂

[@morgenh6930]

@JakeGchannel had 4 medical reviews that has been going on since April, the issue was I was dehydrated day off and didn't pass the urine test, now it's in the hands of raf Cranwell medics with so much evidence I want to cry about it

[@JakeGchannel]

@@morgenh6930 oh I’ve never heard of that one before so cranwell are now dealing with your medical no Captia?

[@ianhendrytube]

Congrats mate! Ive got my PJFT on thursday and nervous about it. Question... while doing the pushups did the PTI anchor your feet?

[@bendonald5604]

Not for push-ups but for sit ups which I assume you meant, yes they will

[@ianhendrytube]

@@bendonald5604thanks. Are you 100% sure becuase if not im fucked. Not been training that way atall, always an hored my feet

[@SimonB53511]

I'm not sure if I missed this in the video but what role did you join as?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@SimonB53511 I didn’t cover it in the video so don’t worry 😄 I’ve joined as CCS which is basically an IT technician.

[@psychynurse100]

Well done, I joined in 1997, basic was only 7 weeks back then. Do you still have to get up at silly o'clock to march down to regiment?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@psychynurse100 oh wow only 7 weeks that’s lucky! And most nights we woke up at 4:30/5am throughout the 10 weeks but I do recall getting less time after breakfast during ifpt and sometimes we took our kit to the mess to head to the armoury (where we met our regiment staff) straight away as we had to get started. I bet you got up much earlier to meet the reg! What was the earliest time you got up to meet them?

[@psychynurse100]

@@JakeGchannel I reckon it was 4.30/5 as well. During the blue phase I remember having a lie in to around 5.30. Do you have to make bed packs with sheets and blankets? Even back then everyone had duvets at home. Always seemed a bit cruel! Being a female there were spare beds at the far end of the room. I remember sleeping there so we could have our beds made up.

[@JakeGchannel]

@@psychynurse100 No so basically every Friday we would have a fresh delivery of bedsheets, duvet sheets and pillow cases that we changed over the weekend. We had blankets in like the baggage room area but never had to present them on the bed. Well nothing changed since that point as we did the same thing! However, they did (for the most part) make us make the spare beds to stop us sleeping in them but then most people just slept on the floor 😄 so you can’t escape it.

[@owenthfc9055]

Congrats mate. Random one but whats the situation with haircuts. Do you get them on camp?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@owenthfc9055 no they used to apparently. However, you can get someone on camp like one of your recruits to do it for you or you can wait till local leave to go barbers, that’s what I did anyway. I would recommend getting one before hand a couple of days before going in.

[@fyn04-barry9]

In basic you do work through the weekend or do you get the weekends to not relax as such but your own time?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@fyn04-barry9 in the first week it was a working weekend but then from the rest of those weeks it was your own time from Friday evening till Sunday evening (Monday morning in theory) but you find yourself doing kit prep and stuff throughout the weekend anyway. Keep in mind intake staff are different on every course and I believe it’s down to them but as a whole yes almost everyone has the weekend off.

[@fyn04-barry9]

@@JakeGchannelappreciate it mate 👊🏽

[@rileym1273]

Hi mate how soon after you passed your fitness did you get your start date ?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@rileym1273 hi! Roughly around 2-3 weeks and when I received my start date it was roughly 6 weeks before starting (for me personally) if that makes sense. Hope this helps 🙂

[@rileym1273]

@@JakeGchannel cheers mate as I passed my fitness 2 days ago and can’t wait to get started , congrats on passing your basic aswell mate you have helped me loads over the process I have gone through so far👍

[@JakeGchannel]

@@rileym1273 That's great to hear and you are very welcome. Do let us know how it goes :)

[@latingamingttv]

hello there mate i just passed my interview for raf gunner i have my medical coming up then pre fitness test if i failed the pre fitness test first time will i get another chance or is that me done?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@latingamingttv hi, I’m pretty sure you could take it twice with a month break in between I believe, unless it’s changed from when I did it.

[@Tech_wez]

When are you going for phase 2️⃣?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@Tech_wez I’m already there I started at the beginning of august.

[@josiahmcdunning9399]

Could you run me through the swim test for the Raf please? I want to join but my swimming is very basic.

[@JakeGchannel]

@@josiahmcdunning9399 it might be lucky for you that don’t do swimming anymore! (well they didn’t with me anyway) obviously this might change but the pjft and the multistage fitness test didn’t include swimming when I did it. Might be worth checking with your recruiter as they’ll know. Hope this helps

[@josiahmcdunning9399]

@@JakeGchannel Ah ideal, cheers

[@samuelhare7161]

Is accommodation shared or do you have your own room? TIA

[@JakeGchannel]

@@samuelhare7161 for phase one it’s shared room of upwards of like 14 people or so I was rather fortunate to only have like 5 in my room.

[@waynelynch3252]

Hi Jake can i ask you what trade you,ll be learning?👍

[@JakeGchannel]

Sure so I am going in as a cyber space communication specialist.

[@zakmitall4099]

just wondering is basic training the same for all members of the raf (e.g engineering)

[@JakeGchannel]

@@zakmitall4099 yeah so anyone who is going halton will do the same stuff regardless of trade.

[@Ed-2358]

What does it mean when you get reflighted?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@Ed-2358 Reflight is basically to go back to the course below you usually for failing assessments. If you are medically injured you can be reflighted for much longer until the injury heals or if your keep failing the same exam then you can see yourself being reflighted even longer. When I graduated, there were people who have been there way before I was there and were still there when I graduated.

[@Ed-2358]

@ thanks appreciate it, I’m currently in air cadets rn what are your main tips for me to be doing now to increase my chances of success when applying for the raf

[@JakeGchannel]

@ The main thing is to not give up and I extend that into all areas, meaning, if you’re revising for the interview part you don’t quit no matter how much you feel like your failing. If you’re practicing your drills for rifles don’t give up. Most people want to find the ‘cheat sheet’ but its passion, drive for being there and a strong heart to persevere. Speak clearly and confidently and you should be fine to go. All they look for is determination and heart, the rest can be learned.

[@Ed-2358]

Thanks I really appreciate it!

[@Isa-wz5qm]

What trade did you go for mate, im 35 and want gunner. Ive always stayed fit since 16.

[@JakeGchannel]

@@Isa-wz5qm oh nice a lot of my intake were gunners and I went in as CCS (cyberspace communication specialist). Gunner is defo fitness heavy but if you meet the requirements then why not do it! 🙂 I had to admit after blue warrior it was very tempting to join the regiment.

[@memomomomomo185]

Really surprised they made you wash in tents during CPT rather than washing in the field. Is that because of the under 18s?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@memomomomomo185 I have no idea, it might of been a new course thing and the under 18’s defo contributed to it I believe. I would of preferred outside it’s so difficult being crammed into a tent with no light trying to keep everything organised 😄

[@FinleyOsmond]

So, question, for anyone, what is the best way to prepare for bt, and also can you go home on weekends, ive heard u cant on the first one but idk sbout tje others

[@JakeGchannel]

@@FinleyOsmond not to sure if my reply came through as my phone glitched out and it’s not showing, let me know and I’ll re-type it.

[@FinleyOsmond]

@@JakeGchannel sorry for the late reply but no I see no other reply

[@JakeGchannel]

@@FinleyOsmond no problem, basically there is no real way of preparing for basic other than getting your fitness up as best as you can even then it probably won’t be enough. The biggest one I can think of is just get prepared mentally as much as possible really dive deep into your reasoning for being there as there are guaranteed times where you just want to leave. On the weekends no you’ll get three days over the course of the ten weeks to leave base these are called local leaves. They were thinking about changing it to have the weekends off I.E to go home and come back on Sunday evening but not sure if that’s actually happened.

[@FinleyOsmond]

@@JakeGchannel okay thanks this helps alot, im applying in just over a year as then i will be eligible

[@theenglishknight1876]

I hope you asked your line manager or cpl/sgt to see if posting this is a security issue or not. if you've not asked then I would before someone else finds this and reports it. also congratulations on passing.

[@JakeGchannel]

@@theenglishknight1876thanks! And I haven’t and there are a few others on here from last year and a few months ago and they haven’t taken them down either. Few other serving personnel who do day in a life in actual serving as well.

[@liveandgetinspired2016]

What career did you choose

[@JakeGchannel]

@@liveandgetinspired2016 I ended up choosing cyberspace communication specialist.

[@liveandgetinspired2016]

Do you have your own, room or do you share

[@JakeGchannel]

@@liveandgetinspired2016 you share with people, we had the smallest room of 5/6 people, most were 10+

[@ianhendrytube]

Help needed! I attended my PJFT today.... i wasnt allowed to do it becuase of my Blood pressure 144/82. Its rebooked for monday... i need some help from anybody who has done the PJFT. Im 36 years old and been told by my recruiter and stated on RAF website and PJFT manual that its ... 12 mins for 2.4km run. 18 pushups 29 sit ups.... But! Ive just received a email from the health centre with my new confirmation saying its... 11.11 for the 2km run 20 pushups 35 push ups! Can someone whos done RAF Reg gunner Reserves PJFT tell me an accurate target for the 2.4km run, press ups and sit ups? Many thanks.

[@JakeGchannel]

@@ianhendrytube It might be worth getting in touch with your recruiter to confirm this.

[@ianhendrytube]

Spoke to my recruiter, for RAF Reg... 2.4km - 13.02!! But im doing it in 9:30 29 sit ups - im gettin in 35 18 push ups, am gettin in 60 Had my PJFT yesterday, didnt get to sit my PJFT coz of high blood pressure 144/82! I was nervous as hell, he took it 6 times and that was my lowest... so rebooked for this monday. Fingers crossed!

[@JakeGchannel]

@@ianhendrytube nice shouldn’t be too difficult (I hope!) yeah it is nerve racking as I remember my blood pressure was pretty high but just try to keep calm as much as possible although I have been in your position so I know what it’s like. Do let us know how your fitness goes I’m sure you’ll smash it! 👍

[@ianhendrytube]

@@JakeGchannelsmashed it! PASS. Start on 30th July 💪🏻 thanks for your videos and advice Jake! Hopefully we cross paths soon! And congrats on your wee baba and on your progress in the RAF🎉

[@JakeGchannel]

@@ianhendrytube Nice work!! I knew you can smash it. So that's your application virtually done then? Do you officially start training on the 30th? And you're welcome :)

[@nicolepeters830]

is there privacy when you get buck naked ? does anyone look? which would you say is the hardest part? i’m 16 and planning on joining when im 17

[@JakeGchannel]

@@nicolepeters830 erm well for the guys our showers in the block were sectioned off with curtains covering you but in your bed space not really I sometimes pull my locker door a little to cover as much as possible but you become so close with your room I ended up not caring in the end and neither did they 😄😄

[@nicolepeters830]

@@JakeGchannel do you have to wake up to your own alarm or do you get woken up?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@nicolepeters830 we woke up to our alarms and never got woken up apart from our IFPT phase where 1 night or 2 we got woken up. There is a roomer they do but it never happened to us.

[@Marchy22]

do you know ben lennox ?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@Marchy22 I have no idea who that is 🤷‍♂️🙂

[@connerisbauld]

Congrats bro!!! Have you got an instagram I can follow you on ?

[@JakeGchannel]

@@connerisbauld thank you! Er good question I haven’t used Instagram or Snapchat in years I do have a TikTok that I use daily, name is @hoganwzp