Hello there,
I'd love to help you out with the question, fellow regular from
RSAF here.
I have no idea what is AFE(M), but i am assuming that you would
be applying for air force engineer as an ME4?
Assuming you are 21 this year, you will get to go for studies
right after you commission, provided that you make it for the next
batch of university. For instance, i am assuming you are from the
recent POP batch. Your ORD is expected to be in SEPT 2013. I'm
assuming you have enlisted in SEPT 2011.
Therefore if you are accepted to be an engineer, you will have
to go through an approximate eight months course before you
commission as an ME4. That would be about SEPT 2012. Therefore you
have missed the August 2012 intake for studies.
SAF would let you go for studies at AUG 2012. This is assuming
that nothing goes wrong with your performance, your medical check
is okay, and also you have passed the security clearance as well as
attained a minimum of Local Study Award.
Right after you finish your studies, you will have to serve a
four/five year bond depending on your scholarship. Since you're 21
this year, you will commission and go for studies at 22. You are
expected to finish studies at 26 years old, add another four years
that would be 30 years old before you are released from
bondage.
Regarding military and civillian transition, I am glad you chose
the right path. Though engineers are not as prestigeous as
officers, engineers are considered professionals and your career in
RSAF will be recognised by the civillians. However, do expect a
significant drop in salary. RSAF pays 4.6k for fresh graduates
while civillian averages 2.5k. In addition, i wish to caution you
that aerospace industry in the civillian world is small. I would
advice you to stay in RSAF if you do not mind the regiment. Salary
wise, be assured the MDES scheme ties your salary to outside
profession, meaning to say you will be paid about the same as a
civillian aerospace engineer (outside SIA that is).
Working hours would be a 24 hour stand by. Depending on unit,
sometimes you would have to take turns to be duty officer, so you
would have to stay in camp. While you're on course, depending on
course co-ordinator, you may get to book out at five everyday like
i did. :D
Job scope: RSAF divides the AFE into two main streams -
electronics and mechanical. Electronics would be handling radar,
circuits, etc. Mechanical would be specialising in engines,
ammunition, etc. Though you are expected to know everything in
general in the course, you will only be specializing in one aspect
for the whole of your career. Also expect to take up managerial
roles as that's the role of ME4. You have a big army of ME1s to do
the technical things for you, and as an ME4, you will be stuck in
the office fighting email wars and writing many many
papers.
Good to take note MDES scheme pays you by how much you upgrade
yourself. You are in safe hands for life as you seek to
continuously upgrade yourself.
I would advice you to take up MDES with open hands, however, its
still an interview tomorrow and do take note that AFE are
exceptionally strict and chances of passing are perhaps 50 50, even
though you have a placing. Do your best, and if you do get into the
force as an engineer, you are in good hands.
Don't let the public affect you, many people are merely NSF and
they do not even understand how the SAF works. They often conjure a
false picture of the force and continuously advocate till
today.
Cheers, if you have any problems feel free to contact CPT Flex
tomorrow. Do well for interview, spend the next few days
considering. You are not part of the force unless you sign on the
doted line that is. It's your youth, consider your choice
carefully, and i hope i've painted a good picture of what is it
like.