The Fat Lady Has Sung

[Canadian Break]

Well chaps, that's it. As of 10 minutes ago it's all over! 33 years service to Queen and Country done: No fanfare, no "thanks", just a "don't let the door hit you in the arse on the way out" from a Sgt in Handbrake House". Thanks for all the pies! It's "goodnight " from him and "goodnight" :{from me!

[Willard Whyte]

A week (- 50 minutes) to go for me.

Will miss the pay, and the non-chiselers, not the job - at least, not what the job had become in the last few years.

[Laarbruch72]

Seriously though, did you expect some sort of marvellous ceremony at PSF? Trumpets? Angels?

After my 22 I handed in my ID card and the clerk issued a paper one for my last few months, just in case I had to access the Med Centre, and that was us done. I had to ask the clerk, "was that it?". He confirmed that it was.

Come on, you're leaving an employer, just see it as that and then look forward to meeting your new employer. We can be too romantic after a full career in the RAF, just see it as proof that you're loyal. And then move on for goodness sake!

[orca]

Mate. I admire your credentials and think we should be genuinely grateful for the service of those who give up such a massive chunk of their lives to our military.

However...when I come to leave I shall consider myself incredibly sad if Pprune features in my thought process for the first ten days - let alone in the first ten minutes!

Shouldn't you be either down the boozer, on your first ganja bender or possibly even up to your wotsits in...errr..wotsit?

[mini]

I think I speak for the majority here in that most of us just wandered out the gate and got on with it.

We all did our job, decided to move on etc.

No big deal in the greater scheme of things...

PS It happens all the time, you're just one of hundreds others out on your day, get over it and move on.

Times have changed :sad:

[Roadster280]

First thing I did when I left the mob was grow a beard. I'd never seen it. Great big bushy thing. I went back a few months later and popped into see the sergeant major, knowing he'd have an apoplexy. He was on the phone to someone when I popped my head round the door "F*** ME! A yeti's just walked in!".

[endplay]

A whole series of "First time I've done that as a civvie" now awaits. Enjoy it all.

[Whenurhappy]

Two weeks ago I was invited to a retirement function for a USAF Lt Col who was retiring at relatively short notice for family reasons. Like many pruners, I have attended US change of command and promotion events over the years and have laughed at their cheesiness. However, the function was spot on. The Head of Mission presented him with a certificate from POTUS, another one from CJCS and a third from the CSUSAF. This was after a humorous account of the guy's stellar career, and then the retiree spoke for a few minutes in a typically laconic fast jet operator sort of way. We all stood for the US Anthem and then they both walked out as the USAF anthem was played - straight into an informal reception with food and drink.

Those attending (including several British types) agreed that it was a nice thing to do, not OTT and a great recognition by his country and colleagues for his 24 years' service (8 of it enlisted). I think I've said it before on Pprune: our stiff upper lip and cynical approach to individual achievement is looking a bit dated. I'm reasonably senior but have never had a formal letter congratulating me on promotion nor have I ever had any of my 7 UK medals formally awarded (except for the QDJM when a visiting 2* shook my hands, along with several other colleagues who received the gong). I Ls know that there will be no formal recognition when I leave. Sometimes it's nice to get a pat on the back...

Thoughts?

[Pontius Navigator]

Laarbruch, I am sure we take your point, but even in 1990 it was a different air force from the one that Canadian Break had joined in 1979 and others before that even.

Before the military salary it was not a job it was a life, OK maybe only for a number of years, but it was total immersion; we didn't get paid enough to be able to afford a life outside.

Bomber Command, Fighter Command, Coastal Command, MEAF and FEAF all had wars on with Transport Command providing the logistics string except we had not heard of logisitics. It was busy, effective, and still had plenty of time for enjoyment albeit with lots of restrictions and 12 months unaccompanied tours.

We were not lean but then we were only fighting low intensity conflicts awaiting the big match.

Remember when that stude in the TV Programme, Fighter Pilot I think, said it was only a 9-5 job? Their airships blew a fuse and ordered all ab initio aircrew to live in for the first year of their initial operational tour, by then the rot had set in and they were acting like Canute.

Around the time you joined. at the end of my penultimate tour, I went in to my bosses office on Friday afternoon and said good bye. "Oh you're leaving today? OK, goodbye." Really valued. Leaving my final tour it was better.

[jindabyne]

Aside from a memorable alcoholic lunch with a handful of mates in the Samuel Pepys, the sole acknowledgment I had from the 'Firm' was a reminder, two days before leaving, to hand back my aircrew watch. Though departing BAe Warton some twelve years later was, by comparison, a very unemotive affair.
Leaving the RAF was akin to walking out of the family: leaving BAe was a decree nisi!

[ricardian]

I was an instructor at 3 MHU (RAuxAF), RAF Mountbatten when I left in 1973. On my last day I had an interview with the CO, a WgCdr & Master Mariner. I'd never seen him before and he had a piece of paper telling him who I was. It was embarrassing for us both; he asked me what boats I'd worked on, I pointed out that I had no connection with RAF Marine Craft ; he asked if I'd considered signing on for 22 years, I pointed out there were no vacancies in my rank & trade & that I was medically downgraded so I couldn't sign on even if I wanted to; he asked what I was going to do in civvy street, I said I started work with GCHQ at Bletchley Park in two weeks time (on good money); he stood up and wished me well and we shook hands.
I enjoyed 30 years with GCHQ (in Staffordshire, Gloucestershire, Yorkshire & Sutherland) before retiring and moving to Orkney.

[Herc-u-lease]

Whenurhappy,

I too have seen several of the USAF leaving/retirement ceremonies. A you said, not cheesy but sufficient ceremony to recognize a substantial amount of time committed to serving your country. It is not difficult and very much welcomed. Of course there are those of us who don't want such a thing and would think it's bolleaux

We often talk about lack of public recognition of the military's role - perhaps we should make more effort within the forces!

[Pontius Navigator]

We often talk about lack of public recognition of the military's role - perhaps we should make more effort within the forces!

Do unto others as you would have done to you?

[dalek]

Whenurhappy

The way the US treat their retired personnel is very generous compared to the way we in the UK are treated are treated.
Unless things have changed in the recent past, they are still entitled to use Service Accommodation on holidays, MAC Flights, and have access to Military Hospitals. The final perk is (or was?) a massive inducement in recruiting.

[sisemen]

just a "don't let the door hit you in the arse on the way out" from a Sgt in Handbrake House


Seriously though, did you expect some sort of marvellous ceremony at PSF? Trumpets? Angels?

At the end of 30 years - even though PSF was one of my flights - I didn't even get the first quote :{

[Pontius Navigator]

still entitled to use Service Accommodation on holidays, MAC Flights, and have access to Military Hospitals.

What Military Hospitals? There was an active thread on that topic earlier.

You want to stay in a Transit Block in the centre of nowhere?

You want to go on holiday to Afg in a Herc?

The days when we had plenty of spare mess accommodation scattered around the world - Gibraltar, Malta, Nicosia, Aden, Singapore etc have long gone. Regular route flying by regular passenger aircraft - Comet, Britannia, VC10 and TriStar are all long gone.

What might you offer now? The sailing club, motor club, AmDram, Sunday lunch?

[Willard Whyte]

Even in the 'good old days', and whichever era we served in it was generally better towards the beginning rather than end even allowing for rose tinted aircrew spectacles, we generally received better perks when visiting American bases than British.

Unless having to wear a jacket and tie for dinner makes you feel special, of course.

[Lima Juliet]

For a lot of people they don't actually leave there and then as they transfer to the Regular Reserve:

At the end of your service in the Regular Forces you will normally have a compulsory reserve liability. The length of your liability and the circumstances when you may be brought back into service depend upon your Service, rank, age, the type of commission or engagement which you entered and whether you are subject to the Reserve Forces Act (RFA) 1980 or the 1996 Act.

Ratings / Marines / Army Other Ranks and Airmen who enlisted before 1 April 1997 If you were a member of the Regular Forces before 1 April 1997 and did not re-enlist or extend your service on or after 1 April 1997, you will be subject to legislation contained in RFA 80. Essentially, ratings and marines with less than 22*years’ service have a 3-year liability in the Royal Fleet Reserve while Army other ranks and 46 airmen have a maximum 6-year liability in the Army Reserve and Royal Air Force Reserve respectively. On completion of up to 6 years’ service in the Army Reserve, former soldiers are discharged from the Army Reserve and become members of*the Army’s Long Term Reserve with a liability to recall until age 45. Personnel who complete 22*years’ service in the RN or RM have a*liability to recall until age 55, while those who leave the Army or RAF after 22 years’ service have a recall liability until age 60.

Ratings / Marines / Army Other Ranks and Airmen who enlisted from 1 April 1997 If you enlisted, re-enlisted or extended your service in the Regular Forces on or after 1 April 1997, you will be subject to the legislation contained in the RFA 96. Generally, ratings and marines who do not complete 22*years’ service enter the Royal Fleet Reserve for a 3-year period followed by a 3-year recall liability or until age 55*years, whichever is the sooner. Army other ranks, including those serving on the Versatile Engagement (VEng) who do not complete their engagements in full*and who complete less than 15*years’ service enter the Army Reserve for 6*years or until completion of engagement, whichever is the sooner. An airman who completes 16 years’ service or less will be transferred to the RAF Reserve of Airmen for a*period of 6*years. This is followed by a recall liability of 12 years or until age 55, whichever is the sooner. Army other ranks who complete their VEng and airmen who leave the RAF with more than 15 years’ service have a recall liability for 18*years or until age 55 whichever is the sooner. With the exception of those in the Army VEng, personnel who leave the Regular Forces on completion of 22*years’ service have a recall liability until age 55 or for 18 years from the date of leaving service, whichever is the sooner.

Officers Irrespective of the date of commissioning, officers serving on Short Service Commissions are transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve (Emergency List) or the Army Reserve (Regular Army Reserve of Officers) or the Royal Air Force Reserve. They will normally have a call-out liability for 4 years at which point they will be*discharged without any further liability. Officers holding permanent commissions in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines are transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve on leaving the Royal Navy or Royal Marines and will have a call-out liability until age 60 years. Army officers who hold regular commissions are transferred to the Army Reserve (Regular Army Reserve of Officers) until such time as they reach the age point appropriate to their rank and cap-badge. On leaving the RAF, officers serving on permanent commissions in the RAF in the rank of*Group Captain or below and commissioned before 1 April 1997 have a recall liability until their 60th years. 1* and 2* RAF officers have a recall liability until age 65 and 3* and 4* have a liability until 67. RAF officers commissioned on or*after 1 April 1997 and who hold permanent commissions have a liability to recall until age 55*years or for 18 years from the time of leaving the RAF, whichever is the sooner.

So the fanfare could be a transfer to the Reserves and the issue of Reservists' ID Card with an expiry date at the end of liability. That way, you could use the Mess, belong to Service Clubs and enjoy some of the benefits of your service. Also, that way, you would also be told of your responsibilities under the Reserve Forces Act at the same time.

For those that truly retire, then maybe a presentation of your certificate of service in a wooden frame and a hand shake from the Stn Cdr or AOC?

LJ

[Saintsman]

I PVR'd after 14 years. Any doubts I might have had were cast aside when I was getting my blue card completed and I recieved a bollocking for some petty reason.

Yup, definately the right decision.

[Courtney Mil]

My final duty in the RAF was a two-week diving expedition to Thailand, which meant I missed the dining out at High Wycombe, where I might have been acknowledged. But no worries, my dive buddy organized the best farewell dinner anyone could wish for in a tiny Thai restauraunt near Phuket. The team even made me a cake - something the locals found most intruiging. Much better than a stuffy dinner, surrounded by people you barely know with insincere speeches written by someone else.

The lesson, as is often the case, is the best feelings come from colleagues and friends around you than from the heirarchy.

Thanks again, Daz. I still remember my happy departure from the RAF. :ok:

Courtney

[oldmansquipper]

Leaving after 39 years man & boy (Not too long ago, I might add), I was struck by the contrast in "goodbyes" I received at HQSTC (Remember that organisation?)

I had a leaving interview with the incumbent VVSO where I was able to put my views on the way things RAF had gone and were going...:mad: The VVSO seemed genuinely respectful of my views and my lifetime of service. The informal chat lasted a good while and I was impressed that one so exalted could still find the time!

I then handed in my F1250 at SHQ. It was exchanged for a tiny bit of paper by a callow youth in civvies (...and who would have looked more at home in Maccy Ds). Sadly, his only words were:

"Thanks, mate" :\


I guess I was lucky to get that!

[Whenurhappy]

Although troops are well treated within the US whilst they are serving (and that there is very warm and heart-felt recognition of their committment - qv my comments) I think it's time that the myth about the way US 'veterans' are treated is debunked:


Medical Care at VA hospitals - we have a quicker (and by most accounts superior) NHS which is available 24/7 throughout the UK.
Transition assistance - Active Duty personnel get bu&&er all assistance compare like-on-like resettlement offered to UK SP.
Pensions. Certainly those on AFPS 75 get a pretty good deal on leaving regular service; if you are Active Duty Reserve, you get very little - especially as these some of these guys and girls have been active duty reserve for over 10 years. Regular pensions are about the same, but no lump sum.
Access to AFFES and the DECA (Commisary). Access is restricted if you are retired and both the B/P/NX and Commisary are no longer seen as particularly competitive in CONUS. Ideal if you are at Fort Woebegone in the middle of no-where, or in some Johnny-Foreigner's country.
Space-A travel. I was at Ramstein a while back checking into Lodging (local hotels are a comparable price btw) and there was a group of veterans who were trying to get back to the US. And had been for 8 days - caught in the middle of a Theatre rotation. They were also shipped out of the Lodging because of the need for SP undergoing the usual Summer Rotation out of Europe. Good deal, eh?
Special Deals for 'Vets'. How many times do you need to visit Disneyworld or Universal Studios Or get that free coffee at WalMart(TM)? Again, deasl on-line tend to be better, so I have been told.
Undoubtably the US has a lot 'right' but the reality is lot more prosaic.

[Herc-u-lease]

not wanting to deviate off topic too much, the VA is for Veterans; however, if you get a full military retirement (20+ years i think) you are entitled to use the base hospitals, which from experience are far superior to the NHS. Retirees become part of the Tricare scheme, which allows access to these facilities.

PN, agreed - a cultural thing which would need to be promoted from the very top down

H

[Lightning Mate]

CB,

Get over it.

What do you want - a :mad:g column in a national newspaper?

Like me, you are (were) a totally expendable asset, so why don't you just go forth and multiply and enjoy your time in the real world!!!

[Blacksheep]

I walked out of the gate in '77; it was something of a culture shock. By 1980 it was just a nice warm memory. Since leaving I've changed jobs four times and although it was an upheaval each time, with no nice words or ceremony from the company, who cares? Leaving a job is just the same as setting off on a new tour of duty: just treat it like that.

[Rigga]

PVRd in 99 from Laarbruch after 24 years - through the gate on Friday for months of "resettlement" and started work the following Wednesday after moving into a new house. I told the Taxman...but paid no extra dosh.

At first, I missed it all - but no longer. I'd even joined Colt Mess as an Ex but I dont even miss that now.

I remember I had to go to Gloucester/Innsworth to hand my ID back and had an interview with some bloke there - bigger than a Groupie - but I can't remember who or what he was now.

He and that "Job" are now almost irrelevant to what I do now = you do get over it.

[Tourist]

Yes, Rigga, I can tell.

That's why you post on here is it?
Your total lack of "missing it"

[Ron Cake]

It used to be that many approaching retirement found themselves administered by Uxbridge. They were on the SD list which included those at MOD, on foreign exchange tours, with the Inspectorate of Recruiting and on Attache duties -in fact just about anyone who did not have an RAF Station to call home. So there was no ceremony when your time was up. When I PVR'd after 30 plus years I expected nothing more. I just handed in my 1250 at the guardroom then walked through the historic main gates at Uxbridge into a new life.

But there was a pleasant surprise. A telegram had arrived at the end of my last posting (overseas) from a 3 star at MOD wishing me well for the future. The connection? None at all, except that some 15 years earlier he had been the boss of my last squadron.

I really appreciated that gesture. I just hope that today's VSOs have the time and inclination for the 'personal touch. It makes a difference.

[Biggus]

Ron,

Reference your last - nope.....!! :(

[Rigga]

Tourist,
You are of course correct. I found this site when I missed the former job "a bit" and I joined it then. I still enjoy the banter, the insults, the ignorance and the arrogance. Reminds me of what I found since.

[Courtney Mil]

Interesting. Some VSOs are far too busy being important to worry about things like that. I received a very nice letter about a year after my departure. Not from my AOC at the time, but from his sucessor,. One was a nice bloke, interested in his people, one was a chiseler. Guess which was which. I have to say, I was rather pleased to receive the letter.

[Waddo Plumber]

On my last day, in 1989, the chief clerk at Upavon took my F1250 and tossed it in his desk drawer with many more. "That's it" he confirmed. However, I too got a couple of nice letters from VSOs I'd worked for.

[Courtney Mil]

I'm sure it's those generous thoughts that will make us all willing 'volunteers' when they need their reservists after the balloon goes up and there are too few regulars left.

I know what you're going to say.

[sisemen]

What do you want - a http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/censored.gifg column in a national newspaper?

Sometimes you do :} I'm in there somewhere!

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/allan907/LondonGazette.jpg

[Baldeep Inminj]

Unfortunately, the RAF really don't give a rats ar*e when you leave- you are just somebody they don't have to make redundant.

I heard a colleague say once 'Leaving the RAF is like taking your hand out of a bucket of water. It doesn't matter if your hand was there for 5 minutes or 40 years - the second you take it out, there's no hole left.'

[Red Line Entry]

Baldeep,

It's a true statement, and, in a fighting Service, it HAS to be true. The organisation needs to roll on without a blip. But as Courtney highlighted, it's the gestures by friends and colleagues that makes the difference to the individual.

[Whenurhappy]

Siseman,

Perhaps you the Sqn Ldr at the end of the Adminsitrative Branch entry discharged by Sentence of Court Martial?


Does anyone know any more details about this chap. I was around then, albeit a JO, but I don't remember this CM.

[Wander00]

Canot read the name of the guy dismissed by CM - anyone know the name - I was arond the, in UK

[Pontius Navigator]

The name is quite clear if you know how to look. Coincidentally, just two names above is the name of a frequent ppruner. As for the CM name, I do believe I know of that person.

[Prop Fwd]

My last working Day after 30 years man and boy, everybody called into the office and a hearty goodbye and thankyou was said.... to one of the Flt Lt Navs who was off on OOA then over to 39 Sqn.

I did make a point of then saying goodbye to Sqn Ldr, Flight commander and WO, the look of embarrassment from each when I said "right thats me off then" was priceless.

Sad to go but thats life.

[Pontius Navigator]

PF, you are either our ex-copilot or live very near him :)

[BEagle]

Canot read the name of the guy dismissed by CM - anyone know the name - I was arond the, in UK

See http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/53369/supplements/11765/page.pdf

:(

[ricardian]

Nice to see half a dozen former Boy Entrants on that list

[Wander00]

Beagle - thanks, strikes a chorfd but cannot remember anything more - age creepeth on"

[Prop Fwd]

PN,

Alsa I'm from the "2'O' Levels to fix them" group, your old Co-pilot must be round the corner somewhere ;)

[goudie]

When I PVR'd in '74 my Flt Cmdr. shook my hand said ''all the best Chief' and that was it, apart from a few beers in the mess with some mates. I felt it was quite sufficient.

In contrast, a few years later, a Ch/Tech, who is still a good mate of mine, when he PVR'd he booked the Sgt's Mess for a private dinner, attended by serving and ex-serving friends (all accommodated in the Mess). Two WO's flew in from Germany to attend. The Wing/Co. Eng. popped in to propose a toast and during the subsequent p!ss up in the bar the Station Commander also popped in to have a parting drink. In his time my mate was a legendary hard drinking rugby player, who was absolutely supurb at his job and well respected and admired by all.

[Shack37]

Originally posted by Lightning Mate

CB,
Get over it.
What do you want - a http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/censored.gifg
column in a national newspaper?
Like me, you are (were) a totally expendable asset, so why don't you just go forth and multiply and enjoy your time in the real world!!!


So now you're unilaterally banning all forms of sentiment and nostalgia. Well good for you, now take your own advice and leave the rest of us to our memories.

[Q-RTF-X]

I departed the RAF in 1974 of my own volition; I had a good time while serving and learnt a lot, but just felt I’d seen the best and wanted to move on. My last station was Chivenor and having not spent very long there anyhow and knowing few people, my departure was very low key with no brass band lining the street as I departed, though I did not really expect one anyhow.

However, what has been rather nice is that from time to time I have been in touch, one way or another ,with a few who remembered me and most seemed to be genuinely pleased to be in contact; a couple in fact thanking me for some little help or guidance I had given them a long time back. A former commanding officer of mine who was later a contract officer in the Qatar AF when I was working at a nearby location was kind enough to give me a day of his time (and quite a few beers) to bash out a letter I needed to help clear some doubts as to my capabilities in certain areas. A former squadron commander (I was a line NCO then) later worked with me at a Middle East flight department, our rapport was immediate. Over the years I’ve had reason to work with a number of RAF units or sections helping with arrangements for one thing or another and once it was known I was ex Air Force we immediately had a solid base for mutual respect. Oh yes, a former pal from ATC cadet days who had risen to become a onetime CO of QF was one I came to catch up with as a civvie and the beer flowed heavily on the couple of occasions we got together; most likely in fact, had I still been serving, we would not have enjoyed the same freedom to imbibe.

What I’m getting at is that CB might well find his time in the service hasn’t just evaporated without any residual good will; there is a real possibility of situations down the line where his ‘worth’ is proclaimed. I certainly hope so.

As I near my 70th year a long way from the UK I have the unique pleasure of being one of only two members of a rather informal Manila group of former 33rd entry Boy Entrants; we schedule a choir practice every now and then on a Sunday lunchtime at a local Brit pub. It’s good fun and quite often a few other aviation types turn up along with occasional dark blues and brown jobs, all of whom who add a bit of extra colour to our gatherings; I expect at the next assembly we shall “rattle the can” a little on behalf of Hounds for Hero's, which seems to be a worthy cause.

I have been out a long time now, but never totally lost touch and still have many good memories. Look for the good and rewarding in what you shared while serving and consider there might be a reasonable probability some pleasant chance encounters may follow; above all, don’t get bitter and twisted. As for me, the clock is inevitably gradually running down and I still have a lot of goals to kick, I don’t have time to harbor any chips on my shoulders, too much to do.

[Shack37]

Nice to see half a dozen former Boy Entrants on that list


None from my entry (W1941***) but what caught my attention was that in every case listed the letter comes after the service number whereas, when letters were first added to service numbers, the letter (W in my case) came first followed by the original number.

Q-RTF-X.....:D

[The Old Fat One]

I miss it. What's not to miss? The money. The flying. The travel. The sense of "this has gotta beat the crap out of working for a living".

Don't understand the bitter and twisted brigade...never will. (Except those that have been royally screwed over financially...they have my every sympathy).

Were we not all volunteers?

Had a fantastic career; now having an equally fantastic retirement (mostly paid for by my fantastic career).

OP GL

[Pontius Navigator]

TOFO, quite. Of course a lot of the gripes are about change. I have seen more change than almost everyone posting here. Some for the better and some not for the better.

But you only have to read the wanabee thread to see the number of keen young folk that want to join today's air force and intend to enjoy it every bit as much as we did ours.

PS

In my wildest dreams I never thought I would do what I did, go where I went and flew in what I did from Lancaster to AWACS and much in between.

[Geehovah]

Very similar to my own experience despite having enjoyed most of my 37 years. An interview from my ex Boss would have been nice. All very impersonal despite the rhetoric. That said, the resettlement process was outstanding! maybe I was influenced having seen the ceremonies that US colleagues enjoyed when they left the service.

The good news is that life is actually very pleasant once you move on.

[Q-RTF-X]

Shack

Your memory coincides with mine, letter first, mine being M1935***

I understand there was a method of working out the allocation of the letter, it was not a random thing, it was arrived at mathematically. Our WO Adj worked it out for me one time shortly after the letter prefix came out; I had lost the paper I had it noted down on and and had a totally blank memory just at the time I needed to complete some forms.

[EngAl]

If my experience is typical I think you'll find the position of the letter relates to whether you are commissioned or not. I started with a 6 figure apprentice no. then acquired an R0 at the front of it, but on commissioning the R moved to the end with a 0 at the front to pad it to 8 digits.

[ricardian]

I understand there was a method of working out the allocation of the letter, it was not a random thing, it was arrived at mathematically. Our WO Adj worked it out for me one time shortly after the letter prefix came out; I had lost the paper I had it noted down on and and had a totally blank memory just at the time I needed to complete some forms.
Thanks to the RAF Forum (http://rafforum.activeboard.com/t6395896/service-numbers/?page=55&sort=oldestFirst) here is how the prefix letter was calculated (presumably the final 23 = X is a typo for 23 = Z)

Multiply the first number by 8
the second number by 17
the third number by 4
the fourth number by 16
the fifth by 2
the sixth by 13
and the last number by 1

Add the total of the answers (Answer A)

divide total by 23

reduce the number to the nearest integer (ie, 13.26087 would be 13)

multiply that number by 23 (Answer B)

take away Answer B from Answer A above

if your answer is

0 = A
1 = B
2 = C
3 = D
4 = E
5 = F
6 = G
7 = H
8 = J
9 = K
10 = L
11 = M
12 = N
13 = P
14 = Q
15 = R
16 = S
17 = T
18 = U
19 = V
20 = W
21 = X
22 = Y
23 = X

[MFC_Fly]

I must say I thought ricardian's post was utter bolleaux but thought, what the hell, I'll play along anyway.

Bugger me, it worked!! :eek:

[alisoncc]

When you consider a new posting could have been anywhere from Goose Bay to Labuan, from Macrihanish to Eastleigh or Gütersloh, with potential stopovers encompassing Bahrain, Gan or Seletar, then the exhilaration/excitement even apprehension relating to where you would next find yourself made my days in the RAF something very special.

Having been brought up by impoverished parents in Nottingham, a day at Skeggie, Cleethorpes or a trip to far away places like Blackpool had been my previous travel experiences, so joining the air force straight from school would have been akin to finding Aladdin's lamp on a beach. Can't be much fun these days. So whilst I enjoyed my times in the RAF immensely, glad I left when I did.

[Jumping_Jack]

lol...can't believe I went through all of that...right answer tho! :ok:

[Shack37]

Yep, worked for me too.
Any maths genius out there want to start with the letter and work backwards?:eek:

[ricardian]

Any maths genius out there want to start with the letter and work backwards?
Cannot be done - umpteen service numbers have the same suffix (divide the number of servicemen - past and present - by 23)

[Courtney Mil]

Wow. It works. I'm a 'B'.

Surely now people know that they can make up service numbers that check out. Oh well.

[Waddo Plumber]

But, why, what is the purpose? Is like a parity bit in software for error detection?

[Courtney Mil]

Kind of. It was a check letter to make sure the service number was correct or valid or not false.

Courtney

[5aday]

I was at Kinloss - handed everything back and I signed my own blue card with names from Walt Disney, handed it and my ID card to a youngster in the general office just before lunch time on Friday and started at CSE Oxford on the Monday. No recollections of any pangs or sad moments. Several celebratory whiskies on the Viscount service from INV to LHR and that was it.

[Shack37]

No recollections of any pangs or sad moments.


Time is a great healer.......they say.

[QUOTE]Several celebratory whiskies on the Viscount service from INV to LHR and that was it.
[QUOTE]

:ok::ok::ok:

[Burnie5204]

That letter calculator didnt work for me.

My number was O prefixed - according to that I should have been M prefixed (and that O prefixes didnt exist)

Still thats what you get for gaining your number as a Civvie Instructor with the Air Cadets and then becoming an Adult Sgt.

[Pontius Navigator]

Whilst that letter indeed provided a checksum for the service number it also stopped you using a mate's SN. For instance a friend of mine was just 2 digits less than mine. It would have been easy to enter his number in the forms etc except I didn't know his letter. I do now!