im in aos, what is it? :/
why did they have to send me for a medical check up first/?
Haha, every time BMT POP results come out, Stellazio would be
answering questions from new AOS trainees. Let me contribute this
time round. :)
Training
Air Operations Specialist (AOS) is the NSF version of the
ASOX. We would undergo a 5 to 8 weeks stay-in Basic AOSX/AOS
course (though i heard due to space crunch at AFTC, some would stay
out) at AFTC, C3 school. Don't worry, the instructors there are
world class, pass rates of the course is 100%.
After that we would be posted to either aircraft SQNs,
Tower/BCPs, SImulators Training Centres or HQs as Ops
Specialist.
This is a stay-out vocation. but the working hours at fighter
SQNs and Tower/BCPs can be long and graveyard. Expect heavy
responsibilites and get caught in some office politics. Those
posted to be HQs and Simulators would be luckier with fixed working
hours.
Promotion (assuming passed IPPT if not
medically excused)
Skill/Vocation Badge
Currently only the regulars get to don the AOSX
vocation badge. The NSFs currently wear only an empty No.3
unform and sometimes get mistaken for a clerk. ;( There is ongoing
rumour that this is going to change as part of a RSAF uniform
revision exercise. (whether will it be the same cool badge on the
left or a newly designed one, is yet to be confirmed)
Conclusion
A NSF vocation as an AOS can be challenging and rewarding.
Sometimes, you may even get to go overseas as part of a RSAF
exercise/deployment. You would also get to see behind and
appreciate the immense resource and secret-edge techonolgy our
world class airforce employ. You will also get to befriend and
personally know the pilots/WSOs behind our planes. Or would you see
the dark hidden side of the RSAF? To all AOS trainees, all the best
as you embark on this tiring but exciting journey! :)
