Without the business incentive, nothing changes.
Absolutely - lets not forget, Cmd ATC has just had their building (the bunker) condemned and they are currently looking for their 3rd home since they left B Block! Bit difficult to frame policy when you are constantly moving offices!! Anyone else remember the infamous specialist pay paper ready in 91 but held back as it would be considered bad form to ask for specialist pay when a war was about to happen
Let's face it - the trade is half the size it was 20 years ago with fewer airfields, less trade and a considerable size of the serviceable fleet overseas. Ah, the halcyon days of Eastern Radar all consoles open and 45 tracks on the unit!! A Lakenheath/Heyford mass launch anyone!! I went Civil just to stay current
But to back up SKODMAN it's different and I'm glad I had to go to college to gain my licences because I learnt loads BUT, as in most walks of life there are good and bad and the RAF Training System is extremely good and the other......ahem is VERY personality dependent.
In the RAF you are pretty much spoon fed. Told where to go, what tickets (ratings) you will get, where to live (married quarters) etc,etc. Having to get of your arse and find out about civil training and then getting that break and getting your first job is an excellent eye opener to life after the MOB. I for one hope a simple cross-over does not happen because all it'll do is attract the wrong type of controllers - anyone who's been a UTO will know exactly what I mean!
MATOMAN – you speak sense – any chance you could go back and consult!!