Originally Posted by
Pontius Navigator
Always had increments.
Originally Cranwell flt lt had 6 increments. Supplementary flt lt had increments to 38/16. Branch had mark time pay then annual increments.
Around 1972 AFPRB said that with the single list there should only be annual increments for the expected time to next promotion - 6 yrs flt lt - sqn ldr. The existing increments were compressed so the 6 yr man suddenly got 16 yrs of increments. Spec aircrew also had annual increments.
More recently people who didn't know the original rationale started to argue for more annual increments.
Officers yes, Airmen no. Didn't come in till pay 2000 for airmen.