Joining the Military as a Physio

[juliej]

I am very interested in joining the RAF as a MSO- Physio, not as a locum. I realise this is a fairly new trade in the RAF and traditionally they employed locum and civvy staff hence why I can't find much info on the web. I'm after some advice or info re joining up/selection/IOT/trade training or anything else, also how I may strengthen my application.

The Medical and Dental selection office suggests rotational experience in the NHS but as this is so rare in the current job climate, I was wondering if I would be eligable without this- I am considering taking a locum ERI position at a regional rehab unit.

Also if anyone has any contacts which would help me arrange visits to any military rehab units to have a look around that would be great??!!

Thanks

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[wriggly_b]

I looked into joining the army - a few years ago now, but I did become quite familiar with the system and was lucky enough to do some placements/attachments with some units. I was interested specifically in the Army - joining the RAMC and even a few years ago the competition was fierce. The commitment was for 3 years initially with the training consisting of the basic officer training at Sandhurst which was about 3 months (as opposed to the year for other officers). If the job descriptor asks for a couple of years experience as a physio then unless you have demonstrated an interest in the military prior to you application then you will most likely need the experience - what I mean by this is that they may be more willing to consider an applicant with a military interest of background. You could always do this by joining the TA!? That way you would be able to get a taste for the professional within a military setting and more than likely create the opportunity to do an attachment within a military physiotherapy post - as an 'attachment'.

I think your idea of being a locum ERI would be ok - assuming you are gaining experience and taking full advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you I don't think anyone could be critical. I think most employers would consider rotations to be the most beneficial way of gaining a good grounding of experience - but in the current job climate its not always possible and so going for other job opportunities is far the better option than doing a job that is unrelated to physio whilst you wait for a rotational post to become available.

Its worth noting that joining the military isn't just a job, its a lifestyle and therefore would urge you to getting involved in some form of 'military' past-time - whether that be joining the TA, or RAF Reserves (sorry - I know little about the RAF reserves) or even volunteering to help at the Air Cadets/Army Cadets - personally I think it would strengthen you application and it would also make the basic training, once you were selected, much more familiar!!

I hope this helps - there maybe someone out there who is a physio in the RAF who can offer you some more specific advice! The only other thing to say is to just go for it - you have nothing to loose by at least trying!!

Good luck