We congratulate Sarah Hall on completing her Officers Initial Course at RAF Cranwell last month.
Sarah became a member of staff with 625 VGS at Hullavington, as a Flight Staff Cadet, having completed a Basic Glider Training course (what is now a called Gliding Scholarship). After leaving cadets Sarah continued as a Civilian Gliding Instructor, and now, after the amalgamation of the two squadrons is a staff member with 621 VGS.
On taking up her role as Deputy Chief Flying Instructor, it was suggested she became a uniformed member of staff and so Sarah started the application process to become an officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training).
The selection process involved
- a detailed application form,
- an interview with Officer Commanding 621 VGS Sqn Ldr Dave Woolcock MBE,
- an interview with the Regional Gliding Officer Wg Cdr Tony Clavell,
- two days at the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC) at RAF Cranwell,
- five days on the Officers Initial Course (OIC), also at RAF Cranwell.
At OASC students are divided into syndicates on the first day for discussions on current affairs, planning exercises and leadership exercises in the hanger. The second day consists of an interview with two boarding officers.
The OIC course covers drill, uniform standards, oral communication skills, leadership, defense writing, interview techniques and briefings on drugs policy and child protection.
Sarah said: “Hard work but I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.”
Not only did Sarah bring home her Queens Commission scroll, but also a certificate for “Top Student” on her course.
Congratulations!