I originally posted this on the AFPS 75 and NEM thread, but having just seen this thread it probably sits better here.
"In case you haven't seen it, there is a draft version of the new Terms of Service IBN doing the rounds. Guess what - the vast majority of people will be transferred to ToS based on Length of Service with most of these only being able to serve to a maximum LoS 35 ie for a 35 year career from joining up. There will be some service to 60 and therefore to pension age for aircrew promoted to sqn ldr, selected flt lts, PAS and for the ground branches (excluding specialist branches) once you hit wg cdr / gp capt and then by selection only rather than automatically, otherwise you're out at LOS 35 at whatever age that might be. So unless you fall in to any of these categories, service to the AFPS 15 pension age will be very difficult for most, especially those in ground branches joining up before they are 25. Edited to add I guess that means more deferred pensions for 10-12 years rather than paying full pensions from kicking out age at 55 and therefore a nice little saving for the Treasury?
If you're already in, as with the pensions, transitional arrangements will apply and nobody will be forced on to the new ToS if it disadvantages them. However, as I read it, there is a caveat to this safety net and it only applies as long as there is no change of circumstance. So if you are promoted or offered PAS or change from a SSC to a PC you are likely to move on to the new LoS based Ts&Cs and may therefore find it harder to serve to the AFPS 15 pension age. Oh and did I mention that for aircrew the change from an initial 12 year commission to a 20/40 commission I.e. the new version of a PC will be automatic on successful qualification on first operational type.
Hands up who fancies leaving at 57/58 and trying to find something meaningful to do until you can draw your pension?????? If this is an example of aligning the pensions and careers, God only knows what they would have come up with if they set their minds to screwing people over. If you can get hold of a copy of it, I really don't recommend reading it just before a medical!!! "