I agree with most of LNB's post. Only thing I would add is regarding the leave bidding system. You go to the bottom of the list on your first year and move up over a 3 year period and then down to the bottom again. It's the same for everyone regardless of senority. This means you have a better chance of getting what you want the closer to the top of the list you are. Plenty of guys get close to what they want in the first year, so just because you are new does not mean you end up with rubbish!