Originally Posted by
downsizer
Fairly recent ex-recruiter here - no we are not running out of white male volunteers. Plenty who are good enough.
The real problem is getting people interested in pinch point professions. Loads of applicants for aircrew and TG1, problem is getting people interested in other jobs IME.
Is there an element at work here in that the services in general, as they've been shrunk by the politicians, have begun to become invisible to the general public on a regular basis.
Simple things like the Royal Tournament and other similar events that housed large recruitment and information for youngsters that might prick an interest, and not just aircrew. I remember all sorts of trades and aspects of RAF, RN & Army etc being championed at Earls Court in the displays.
Similar the total lack of any RAF At Home Days on bases now for the recruitment teams and displays to attend.....
Even the demise of things like the RAF and RN Search and Rescue is another readily visible aspect of the RAF (and RN) that has disappeared from public view. Not to mention high street recruitment offices long gone.
And if they think all that sort of thing can be replaced by a few social media posts and a couple of rather vague TV ads, then that just highlights how out of touch with being in touch, they really are. You can't expect to attract some of the people they are trying to attract when the service is largely now invisible to those people.