Wing Commander.

A question please to all R.A.F. and flying members particularly.

Is it possible for someone in the RAF to become a Wing Commander by the age of twenty nine.

 

They'd need to be the driver of the successful Winter Olympic Bobsleigh team.
Mind you, he'd need to shove the Sandhurst wannabe out of the seat first.

 

My son was dealing with a clients paperwork today and brought this into question. He doesn't think it's possible. This person is also female, not that - that makes any difference.....or does it?

 

Thanks Armandii,

Unfortunately because of security I can't give you anymore information. I think my sons boss will be questioning this though.

 

I have no first-hand knowledge, but (this is relevant - so bear with me) .... my daughter's husband is a doctor who, during his training, thought about joining the RAF, so he spoke to someone who was already a Dr. in the RAF. Enquiries revealed he'd need to be qualified before he applied - that would have made him 23. The guy he spoke to was a Sqn Ldr and had been in the RAF for 12 years, thus making him about 35.

Considering it would 'normally' take about 5 years to get from Flt.Lt to Sqn Ldr, it follows that it would probably take longer to get from Sqn Ldr to Wg Cdr - if you 'guesstimate' say 7 - 8 years for that next promotion, you've now got at least 12 - 13 years service. Of course, this doesn't take into account the time you'd be required to spend as a Plt Off and Fg Off, before becoming a Flt Lt then Sqn Ldr and finally Wg Cdr. Even for a graduate entrant (at what? 21?) with accelerated promotion via RAF Cranwell, it's one helluva promotion rate to make Wg Cdr by 29.

As ARMANDII has said, '....a mixture of things [c]ould get you promoted, including the type of profession' - and, although I hesitate to say it, in this case, including who you're sleeping with?

 

Thanks Armandii and Fidgetsmum. That was interesting to read and I've passed the info onto my son.

 

You can be a CIVVY VOLUNTEER Staff in the AIR CADETS adults over 21 are called officers, and are ranked on education thus two years with a UNI DEGREE and you would be a WING COMMANDER :-)

It looks very impresive on your CV if the boss, has never served

The real RAF no chance, as at present the position is so precious with the cuts that officers hanging on to pension rights it is a wait until present holder has left or died :-)

Jack McHammocklashing RN VD and SCAR Admiral of the Fleet TYNE &WEAR Sea Cadets

 

I dunno if the RAF were Officers and Gentlemen. My family were all Naval personnel - some were Officers and ......................... some were not!!:WINK1:

 

Okay folks, we have a change of rank............this person is an Air Commander, not a Wing Commander, which I'm told is a higher rank. I suppose this makes it even more unlikely.

 

Sorry Armandii, Air Commodore is the rank. This person is no longer in the Raf and working in an 'everyday' commercial office. At the age of 29, it makes me wonder how long ago this person left to work in civvy street, which again makes it even more unlikely. This person is still under discussion in my sons place of work.