I would echo racedo's HR managers advice here, albeit not the time scale.
Irrespective of whether you currently like / loathe the RAF ( and loathing is probably in your favour here ) the most significant problem most people encounter is the pyschological transition back to being, and living life, as a pure civilian.....not simply living off base and commuting in.
This is applicable to all ranks / trades and over the years I have met many who found this difficult ( I recall 3 F/O's and one Capt..no loss in his case...who returned after leaving, plus several engineers) who simply couldn't adapt to what is, a complete change of culture and lifestyle.
It helps, to an extent, if you stay in an aviation related environment but be prepared for the fact that a lot of civilians don't actually give a toss about the Military, your former rank and experience...and will happily tell you as much. Don't bother trying to counter them, just demonstrate your ability to do the work in a professional manner....and don't ever fall into the "when I was in / on etc we always did things this way" trap....on a daily basis...some do and most regret it. Learn (rapidly ) how to "suggest" ideas rather than impose your thoughts.
I would say the period of transition varies, but at least 12 months and even once you have made the transition, there are times when you revert and use the better aspects of Mil life to your advantage.
It's easy to be derisory about advice in returning to the civilian world, and there's plenty offered of course, but not so easy to extricate yourself from some very serious brown stuff....by virtue of not doing so.
Last edited by Krystal n chips; 18th Jul 2011 at 03:15.