Transferring between services - HELP

[Killbox]

I am having a midlife crisis, and for a number of domestic and professional interest reasons I (& family) are fairly certain that I should transfer from RN to RAF.

Before WAFUs ask WHY? I have spent alot of time with the RAF and the Sqn/Area I am thinking of.

Before Crabs ask WHY? Its not to move to RW as I already have a sun tan. (Background does include RW)

So....has anyone done this before? If so, what is the best way forward. I have a specific aircraft type I wish to move across to and given my background and experience I am fairly confident they would snap me up. I am also only 2 years from IPP (with 14 yrs service - FTC). Obvious I am keen not to hack off my appointer (posty) too much and would also appreciate thoughts on Flying Pay...Pensions....etc..

How do I do this? Anyone done it before.

[PompeySailor]

First point of call must be your appointer. Don't sweat it, they have dealt with these before. Let them know what you are planning. Next, you need to talk to the RAF Recruiters and confirm that you will be offered a job. Don't assume that you will slide easily from one to the other (however, I have seen others who have moved right and upwards at the same time!). Once you have both sides of the equation lined up, the appointer will take you through the whole process - they have examples of the letters, etc that you will need to raise to COs and all other interested parties. It's not as daunting as it sounds.

Only word of warning is to bear in mind the JPA transfer that the RN is about to start. Transfers are actually termination in one service and reenlistment in another, and this can cause pay problems.

You will also need to assess your honest promotion prospects, and the chances of staying in the location that you have identified. As we all know, nothing stays the same, and you should be prepared to end up somewhere else (exigencies of the Service, and all that). Your appointer should have a good RAF contact for you to work this out.

Good luck.

[Killbox]

Pompy S,

Thanks for the prompt reply:O

How about the pension side of things? With 2 years to go I am a little nervous. Shall standby for Ops2 job on CVS once I inform the appointer:bored: .

How long can this process take?

Would love to here any personnel experiences.

[PompeySailor]

Pompy S,

Thanks for the prompt reply:O

How about the pension side of things? With 2 years to go I am a little nervous. Shall standby for Ops2 job on CVS once I inform the appointer:bored: .

How long can this process take?

Would love to here any personnel experiences.

Pension should be unchanged - the HR/PSF side of things will handle it, you may have to sign on for one extra day to cover the leaving RN/joining RAF, depends on how they match the paperwork.

Process can take anything from 1 month to 6 months, again depending on how quickly each side can get their act together. For most transfers there is a well-trodden path to be followed.

[Killbox]

Pompy S.

You're a star, and have put my mind to rest. Thanks - Are you an appointer??

Look forward to anyone elses experiences.

Killbox

[geniculate]

A small point on the subject of pensions. My understanding is that you keep your existing mil pension as long as you are outside of either service for less than 30 days. Therefore ensure that if you cut loose from the RN, the RAF pick you up within a month.


http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/Issues/Pensions/AFPS75/Afps75FrequentlyAskedQuestions.htm

[SirToppamHat]

Not directly related, but a mate in the RAF has transferred from SSC tp PC. In the conversion, they forced him to change from old to new pension arrangements. Find out what you want and get it in writing. He is going to have to go through the redress and MP palava (sp?) to try and sort it out - the change also meant he lost some of his time served to qualify.

Many of the FCs that come to the RAF on exchange stay or transfer at a later date. I would reiterate that it doesn't seem to be a major hurdle, though it may of course be a bit different if you fly.

STH

[Spurlash2]

Killbox,
You might also find that it may take up to 12 months for your pay to be finally 'sorted'.
If you are successful with the new job, be prepared for some manual pay chits:hmm: , and....relax....

[Twopack]

Killbox

Sorry to disappoint, not sure about rotary, but no FW OCU will 'snap you up' with 2 years to go. By the time you've applied, got in, done some sort of short occifer-type conversion course, you'll presumably have a lot less than 2 years, in which case it would not be worth their while to put you through an RAF flying course.

Normal amortisation is 3 years from finishing OCU; I've got chums who have crossed over from other services who have to do 6 years, although I don't know their exact terms.

Best of luck.

[Killbox]

Killbox

Sorry to disappoint, not sure about rotary, but no FW OCU will 'snap you up' with 2 years to go. By the time you've applied, got in, done some sort of short occifer-type conversion course, you'll presumably have a lot less than 2 years, in which case it would not be worth their while to put you through an RAF flying course.

Normal amortisation is 3 years from finishing OCU; I've got chums who have crossed over from other services who have to do 6 years, although I don't know their exact terms.

Best of luck.

Twopack,

2 years to IPP, but at the moment I am signed on until 50 yrs old....a while away yet, which I plan to keep to (in the services).

Killbox