I'd kinda disagree that they give FO's their preferred base after 2 years. I was an FO for 3.5 years and never got my desired base, despite countless, and i do mean countless, cadets getting based there in that time. And probably the majority of those did not even want to be based there. Anyway....one of the things they seem to dislike is FO's not wanting to do their upgrade because they are settled and comfortable in their home base.
However, I do find its possible to move base after a year or so in your current base - just NOT to a base in your home country. So if you're a single guy looking to experience living in a couple of different European countries like I was/did/am still doing it's not all bad. If you're a married guy with kids commuting home on your days off and forever trying unsuccessfully to get a transfer to your home base, it absolutely sucks.
Sigh.
Welcome to the mad house.
Last edited by McNulty; 13th May 2014 at 18:15.