The threats of PVR are very branch and trade specific. No worries if you cost 99p to train and work in PSF, bit more of a problem for the RAF when it comes to the individuals who operate at the sharp end (ATC, Engineering and some aircrew!) and cost a significant amount to train.
The number of PVRs is fairly significant, but nowhere near as significant as the number that seem to be taking an option and/or leaving at the 38 point. With corporate experience outside of the desert environment and low tech threat area being at a premium, we are going to do serious damage if we cant retain at least some of our old and bolds.
Having spoke to a few techies, mannings policy of scaling back some ranks by 25% is frankly barking. Many the engineering world are going to lose have experience of their type that cant be replaced by a quick course at cosford. The civvie world would be aghast at the thought of binning individuals as they are reaching their prime, on the basis that they are not progressing up the management ladder and instead are more than happy with their lot in their current rank. Is there an arguement for retention incentives or at least 5-6 year postings for a few star individuals who are happy in current rank and in their current role? Here is a tip, why not retain the guy who can clear the AV snag in 5 minutes whilst we wait to launch on tight crew duty, rather than the guy that runs the tea bar and gets written up well for it? Most of those engineers recently leaving for sunnier climes didnt only do it for the cash, job security probably also played a part. They were some of our best people. I also think the devisiveness of pay 2000 that sees a psf blondie payed the same or more as someone completeing aircraft engineering trade training at Cosford is something that needs sorting pronto. Chances with the blunties controlling the purse strings? Not a chance.
Last edited by VinRouge; 11th Sep 2011 at 09:28.