There’s a lot of myths surrounding the RAF saying who can and cannot be a part of it, but there’s over 50 different career options available to all walks of life. We talk to 28 year old Carla-Marie Trotter who is a personnel administrator with the force about skydiving, meeting the Queen and even filming with Hollyoaks… Interview by Kippa Brand

Why did you join the RAF?

Because I wanted to have a career instead of just a job and I also wanted to do something I was proud of. I also wanted a career where I could travel and there wasn’t the normal 9-5 routine day in day out.

How long have you been with the RAF?

I have been with the RAF for two and a half years. When I joined I was scared that I would be the oldest person in training but it was quite refreshing to see a few people of the same age group and some even older.

What did your parents think about you joining the RAF?

They were very supportive and knew that I would be well looked after. It did help that I come from a military family though.

Why is it a good place to work?

It gives you an opportunity to do things you would never normally experience as a civilian. The RAF also gives you an opportunity to further your education by helping you with funding towards additional qualifications. Oh and the social life is pretty good too!

What training and support does the RAF provide?

The initial training is learning all about the military and gaining military skills and the second phase of training is learning about the trade you have chosen in the RAF. Throughout the training process you always have the support of your instructors and you are always informed of other people you can go and see if you have any problems. The support network throughout the RAF is very good.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Well the first highlight has to be graduating from basic training, which is one of the proudest days of my life so far. The second highlight was filming an advert with Max and OB, formally actors from Hollyoaks. The third is going to New Zealand on adventurous training for three weeks. I got to see some amazing scenery and did skydiving over Lake Wanaka. I can safely say that had I not joined the RAF I would never have got to do these things.

What do you enjoy most about the RAF?

I enjoy the variation in the job. One minute I could be doing my normal day to day tasks and the next I could be sent to do something else, somewhere else. Also as I love to travel the RAF gives you lots of opportunities to do this. The pay is pretty good too!

Have you had the chance to travel much?

As I mentioned already I’ve been to New Zealand, but I’ve also been to Switzerland, France, Bahrain and Iraq and I’ll be going back to Bahrain again in a few months time. All of this has been in the two and a half years I’ve been with the RAF.

What advice would you give someone else thinking about a career in the

RAF?

I would tell them to do some research on what trade they would  like to do. People should also consider the RAF lifestyle and whether this is something that would suit them.

Have you met anyone along the way worth mentioning?

I have met the Queen and have also seen the Prime Minister and a few celebrities.

When does the scale of what you’re doing really hit you?

I think the importance of my job really hit me when I was deployed to Iraq. It’s what you get trained to do and although it did take some getting used to, I felt a massive sense of purpose which is something I didn’t feel in previous employment.

What do your friends think of you being in the RAF?

Although they were a bit apprehensive at first, because they did not think they would see me as much, they think my job is pretty cool. I have always got something to tell them on the weekends when I go home.

Do you think it shapes who you are as a person? Has it changed your attitude towards certain things?

As I joined up at 25 I do believe that my character was already shaped, but I do believe the RAF tied up the ‘loose ends!’ My time keeping has improved and I’m so much more organized than I was. I do think my attitude towards life has changed though. You get to see the bigger picture and this has made me appreciate the important things and not worry so much over the trivial little things.

What about your spare time? What do you like to get up to away from the job?

I enjoy being with my friends and doing lots of socialising at the weekends. During the week I go to the gym after work and then relax in the sauna which is a perfect way to unwind.