DFly, it has been said that the RAF treats its personnel differently from the other Services. We certainly don't promote airmen as quickly as the Army promotes soldiers but then we do keep them years longer too.
They are treated differently, one reason perhaps is thegreater space on an airbase means that any supervision will often be at a distance; on a ship is could be behind a curtain.
You should be careful how you articulate the difference between Services, it could suggest that you dislike discipline or you prefer to be treated as an individual and given more responsibility.
You say you waited 3 years; was that to time served or did you PVR?
Your previous service will indeed count. It won't necessarily be positive though
. At a lower level it will be banter 'we don't do it like that here.'