Mil non-ME pilots lapsing of ME/IR on fATPL

[abbotyobs]

Chaps,
Please forgive this question, as a.n.other licence one, the answer I could not find in LASORS 08.
I have a fATPL with ME/IR, with the instrument rating about to expire, however since I am staying in the service for a while could I use my current FJ RAF Green rating to revalidate the ME/IR or do most people just let their civilian rating lapse, but then renew it within the 5 years to avoid further pain, when leaving for a job etc.
Many thanks

[BEagle]

You cannot revalidate a civil IR using a military IR. However, the renewal requirements can be based on the expiry date of your most recent military IR (FW or RW).

See LASORS Section E 1.5.

I understand that most employers will require you to hold a valid civil IR when seeking employment.

HEALTH WARNING!! If you let your military IR lapse by 7 years, then you will need to pass ALL the exams again!

[abbotyobs]

Thanks Beagle, as informative as ever, many thanks!!