PH-UKU
Of course that is the crux of the matter - cost and the relatively cheap mil ATCO. However, it would not be difficult to create a mil employment contract whereby for a pre-determined return of service, mil controllers would leave with a recognised licence. This would overcome a number of issues including our ability to control on operations overseas, recruitment incentives and job satisfaction. There will always be a number of people who wish to stay in the RAF, but for those who reach a career ceiling, the opportunity to leave with a valid qualification would make joining in the first place a reasonable option. We do it now with aircrew who can leave with an ATPL!! This would disarm the fear of people leaving because they're qualified outside - they would only get that recognition after the appropriate return of service! Surely a 21 yr old would be more attracted to the thought of serving in the RAF with all the opportunities it still offers knowing that at age xx they will leave with a recognised skill. Instead our recruitment posters say things like join the RAF as an RAF Regiment Gunner - salary £24K-£72K!!!