RAF or Not: Grass Check?
I am considering PVR and have one simple question – is there anyone out there who has left the RAF (FJ career stream) and regrets it?
I have had a very exciting and rewarding time flying fast and low for almost 20 years but I am struggling to reconcile an increasingly intense life with declining terms and conditions of service, i.e. decreasing family time that, far from being compensated by any real advantages for my family, is actually exacerbated by poor housing, lottery schooling and a complete lack of any medical or dental provision.
I have enjoyed every day of my service but see a (bright) future that takes me further and further away from the people, elements and environment I have enjoyed the most (i.e. the frontline, ops and the genuine ability to lead) and immersion in budgets and politics within declining terms of service.
I would be grateful for informed comment from experienced ex-RAF pilots. On reflection, are you glad you left?