The RAF is Knackered

[helpmaboab]

I think most of us feel the same the RAF is knackered or at least not recognisable to the RAF we knew and loved. If you are in the RAF and feel this way why not do something about it and PVR. The moneys not that good anymore, that’s why experienced trades people are leaving in droves, because they can get their transferable skills and expertise recognised and rewarded in industries such as oil and gas, BNFL etc and not get dicked about and treated like kids.

Personally I am an Avionics Cpl with 12 years service, I have been told I should get promoted to Sgt next year, however I have PVR'd.

The reason I have PVR'd is because; I don’t like the constant penny pinching, too many examples to list, Beurocrasy gone mad, The erosion of the pay structure (certainly for AC Tech’s) the way the hierarchy keep doing things to assassinate moral, boss's who are under immense pressure to achieve unachievable results but don’t have the spine to say so etc etc etc where do I stop. As for promotion to Sgt, no chance I wouldn’t have it in a million years, minimal pay rise, posting, have to sell house, uproot family, all the extra responsibility etc etc etc is simply isn't worth it any more.

Enough of that; I'm sure there is a good few on here who would agree and also a few who would disagree, but that’s not my point.

My point is if you don’t like it just get out (except for the ones in the pension trap), alright it might take you 12 months but so what. Depending on your trade you've probably had fantastic training. You might not agree with this, but when you see the civvy competition you will soon realise you are worlds apart.

You do not realise how high a regard civilian employers have for ex service people until you start going to interviews and you see how impressed they are with the work examples you can give and life experiences etc.

I know oil & gas is not for everyone as some just want to do their time get a pension and work in Tesco's, yeah that’s fine each to their own. A lot of service leavers have got a lot to offer these sort of industry’s and are still young enough and quite happy working away from home, the difference is financially you will be rewarded and you will not be dicked about with silly little penny pinching rules introduced on a whim to save a couple of pence. I do realise the work can be a bit harder depending on the job, but we are all used to 12hr shifts on det with the occasional down day etc, except for maybe PSF with their one seater Pajero’s .

I have just been offered a job starting salary of £35K per year (£5K pay rise straight away) but after 6 months when I rise to the next level this will be £45K and at the 12 month point £55k. These are guideline timings given by the company as to what graduate trainees normally take to get to the next level, however we all no we have got the mentality of just getting the head down and getting on with it so I may get there even quicker who knows.

Back to my original point if you feel the RAF is knackered and you’re not in the pension trap, just leave. I know it’s easier said than done, been there done that but I just feel that there is no point complaining about it. The Bliar/Brown government is not going to change anything I just feel it is easier to move on as my loyalty’s lie with my family and my duty is to provide for them.

I would be interested to hear other service or ex service peoples views, this is just mine, you may agree or disagree I don’t mind I’m just wondering how many feel the same as me. On a final note until about 3 years ago I was completely committed to getting promoted and LOS 30 etc.

All the best!!!