PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Should officers spend compulsory time in the ranks?
Old 12th Apr 2009, 07:52
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Blighter Pilot
 
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Perhaps we should look at the IOT Flt and Sqn Cdrs?

I know they are all now volunteers and are selected before appointment but I can't help feeling that a certain type of character wants to be a an IOT Flt Cdr!

At least in the days of bad-boy tours you might be fortunate to come across an honest thinking and speaking officer who wasn't there for his or her own career progression

Personally, IOT taught me nothing but sword drill and if I had my way SNCO's would be the syndicate mentors with the officers only holding training officer and sqn commander roles, with specialist teaching appointments filled by the most qualified personnel.

Although IOT is getting better it is still not perfect - as witnessed by some of the young fkwits arriving in the mess at the secret Wiltshire airbase!

Thank god that the RAF has moved on from the bad old days of 'us and them'. Todays RAF is about operationally focused teamwork, from the newest LAC on the EngDet to the 1* FOB Cdr.

Officers do not need to spend time in the ranks - they need to be educated in the ways of operating as team and to get the most out of the personnel under their command. Listen to your JNCOs and SNCO and remember that respect has to be earnt and loyalty flows both ways.

As an aside, I do believe that 875's idea about doing a month as Stn Guard Force would open a lot of newly-commissioned officer eyes to the reality of being an airman!
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