New RAF Recruitment Ad.
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RAF Recruiting Ad
Good theory, that it is designed to get the RAF talked about, but having had to deal with media types in the past, I suspect this is off the mark.
Having said that, it was bloomin' hilarious to watch - I'm sure most people, RAF or not, would think it a joke to see their employer portrayed in this light.
Prolly just an ad-exec's idea, which everyone round the table agreed with, because he or she spoke the loudest. Pretty good chance (IMHO) they don't even know what the RAF is, never mind what they do...
Having said that, it was bloomin' hilarious to watch - I'm sure most people, RAF or not, would think it a joke to see their employer portrayed in this light.
Prolly just an ad-exec's idea, which everyone round the table agreed with, because he or she spoke the loudest. Pretty good chance (IMHO) they don't even know what the RAF is, never mind what they do...
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For what it is worth, have the recruiters got under the skin of people and really understood what people (for that read - potential recruits to ALL trades and branches and serving personnel) really want - to be valued. I only make this comment as I was talking to a SNCO the other day who had decided to PVR. Lots of reasons for making his decision but he did say that he felt no one cared as no one had spoken to him about his decsision, PMA had not called him to ask why etc etc etc. Perhaps, although why might not want to admit it coz we are all roughy toughy military types, we do like to be cared about?
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Back to basics, I say: A Tiger Moth with a Raymond Baxter voiceover. If that doesn't draw the youth, automaton-like, to the recruiting office, then what will?
Surely the success or otherwise of this ad ought to be judged on its measurable effect on recruiting, in those advertising regions in which it is aired. Perhaps people should reserve judgment, until the end of the campaign.
Surely the success or otherwise of this ad ought to be judged on its measurable effect on recruiting, in those advertising regions in which it is aired. Perhaps people should reserve judgment, until the end of the campaign.
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I must say when I first had the misfortune to see the “Ad” I was embarrassed to say the least. However when number one daughter, who now resides some miles away, visited this weekend our conversation regarding her joining up came to the forefront again.
I mentioned the ad in the hope of prompting a response. I did get one! The quote “it was a bit strange!” was the first, followed by “I want to work for someone who cares about people like that!” So it appears that to the younger generation it may have hit the mark??
I believe in my many years that it’s the people or team around you that care not the necessarily the senior management, but that is what makes us in the military unique from the normal civilian workforce.
I have subsequently explained this to her and she wholly accepts that as fact. However the advert has not put off one potential little (even though at 15 she’s nearly as tall as me) convert to the cause.
Please before I’m accused she has her own agenda for joining and I for one applaud it. At least she can learn from my mistakes!!!
I mentioned the ad in the hope of prompting a response. I did get one! The quote “it was a bit strange!” was the first, followed by “I want to work for someone who cares about people like that!” So it appears that to the younger generation it may have hit the mark??
I believe in my many years that it’s the people or team around you that care not the necessarily the senior management, but that is what makes us in the military unique from the normal civilian workforce.
I have subsequently explained this to her and she wholly accepts that as fact. However the advert has not put off one potential little (even though at 15 she’s nearly as tall as me) convert to the cause.
Please before I’m accused she has her own agenda for joining and I for one applaud it. At least she can learn from my mistakes!!!
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Talking Radalt
May I suggest you watch the advert! LOL
Tescos ...ASDA...Safeway......Happy Shopper....or
SPAR NAAFI ?
My Ex wife and her partner both work for one of the above, hence my daughters first choice of an RAF career when leaving school. Her starting wage as a trainee AC is more than either of them earn! At 16 she has no worries of accommodation to find or putting food on the table. Although there has been erosion of the Ethos and Lifestyle afforded in my early career, for a young adult, given 6 or 9 years work history with the training now given, will out way 75% of these wishy washy degrees now given out in subjects such as David Beckham! etc. In achieving this she would have received a very decent wage for her age, and could still take up further education to further her career NVQ/Open University, paid for by the MOD. Sales pitch over!
May I suggest you watch the advert! LOL
Tescos ...ASDA...Safeway......Happy Shopper....or
SPAR NAAFI ?
My Ex wife and her partner both work for one of the above, hence my daughters first choice of an RAF career when leaving school. Her starting wage as a trainee AC is more than either of them earn! At 16 she has no worries of accommodation to find or putting food on the table. Although there has been erosion of the Ethos and Lifestyle afforded in my early career, for a young adult, given 6 or 9 years work history with the training now given, will out way 75% of these wishy washy degrees now given out in subjects such as David Beckham! etc. In achieving this she would have received a very decent wage for her age, and could still take up further education to further her career NVQ/Open University, paid for by the MOD. Sales pitch over!
What they should put in!
And don't forget the free dental treatment, nominal Council Tax charge, non-contributory pension, free gym membership, subsidised bar (go easy) and the other fringe benefits.
very decent wage for her age,
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"And don't forget the free dental treatment, nominal Council Tax charge, non-contributory pension, free gym membership, subsidised bar (go easy) and the other fringe benefits."
OK, fair point, we don't do too badly, but...all of the above are about being "looked after" which isn't the same as an overall "feeling" of being valued. Those held in HMPs across the country enjoy roughly the same standard of living and many of the same facilities (if not more) as junior ranks who live in SLA. But how "valued" do you think those prisoners feel?
I make use of all of the facilities mentioned and trust me I'm not ungrateful, but feeling cared for or appreciated or at times even acknowledged as a person doesn't come from cheap housing, swimming pools and free beer. You can be living in a 12'x12' on Salisbury Plain and feel more valued than loafing around a hotel in Vegas, by something as simple as having a boss who gives a $hit (personally got no complaints there)
For me the key is a visible appreciation of what we do, Airships who actually listen and then act on what those at the coalface tell them, execs who know when to say "Stop" and aren't pressurised in to making do, equipment scaling based on what's really needed and so on.
You can have all the material perks in the world but if the worker ants are too busy or too pi$$ed off to make use of them they mean nothing.
OK, fair point, we don't do too badly, but...all of the above are about being "looked after" which isn't the same as an overall "feeling" of being valued. Those held in HMPs across the country enjoy roughly the same standard of living and many of the same facilities (if not more) as junior ranks who live in SLA. But how "valued" do you think those prisoners feel?
I make use of all of the facilities mentioned and trust me I'm not ungrateful, but feeling cared for or appreciated or at times even acknowledged as a person doesn't come from cheap housing, swimming pools and free beer. You can be living in a 12'x12' on Salisbury Plain and feel more valued than loafing around a hotel in Vegas, by something as simple as having a boss who gives a $hit (personally got no complaints there)
For me the key is a visible appreciation of what we do, Airships who actually listen and then act on what those at the coalface tell them, execs who know when to say "Stop" and aren't pressurised in to making do, equipment scaling based on what's really needed and so on.
You can have all the material perks in the world but if the worker ants are too busy or too pi$$ed off to make use of them they mean nothing.
Beags - what do you mean "at least it has us talking about it"!!!! I suggest to you that that amounts to a barrel load of nowt has we are only talking about it because we've been in or are in the Mob and are cringing about the content. An outsider fewing the ad will, I expect, knob off to the City and stay a million miles away from such a pathetically portrayed 'Company'. Maybb, they'll go and make a fortune working for the PR firm that sold us down the river.
Insty66 - you've got a great deal there matey, for at my last review I, and thousands others, were actually contributing to our Pension. I'd keep quiet if I was you, you're on a winner there.
Insty66 - you've got a great deal there matey, for at my last review I, and thousands others, were actually contributing to our Pension. I'd keep quiet if I was you, you're on a winner there.
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"An outsider fewing the ad will, I expect, knob off to the City and stay a million miles away from such a pathetically portrayed 'Company'"
Nail, on head, squarely hit, satis.
I've got no complaint with the "We look after our own" theme because in all honesty we do. Civvy mate of mine was eligible to dine in a JRM recently at a part civvy/part military thing and was astounded by the standard of food, decor and the overall atmosphere.
"What did you expect?!" I asked "Something out of Full Metal Jacket?"
"Errrr, well yes"
was the reply.
So yes, we do have a lot to offer on the warm and fluffy front, but as EESDL says, this advert shows it in a completely and utterly misrepresentative context.
Nail, on head, squarely hit, satis.
I've got no complaint with the "We look after our own" theme because in all honesty we do. Civvy mate of mine was eligible to dine in a JRM recently at a part civvy/part military thing and was astounded by the standard of food, decor and the overall atmosphere.
"What did you expect?!" I asked "Something out of Full Metal Jacket?"
"Errrr, well yes"
was the reply.So yes, we do have a lot to offer on the warm and fluffy front, but as EESDL says, this advert shows it in a completely and utterly misrepresentative context.
All I meant was that was what they should put in the adverts. I do have a very poor boss and currently feel as if my value to the job is lower than " a snakes ass in a wagon rut".
The ad lies and that is one of the reasons it is a poor ad.
When I joined it wasn't to be valued but to be able to work on military a/c and go to lots of fun and new places. I've done those and for the most part enjoyed it. It's just that after xx years you do need to feel valued I never needed it when I was 18 but it would be nice now.
Prisoners well thats another story!! My room at Laarparts was 6 foot wide 11 foot long (Ish) the window wasn't a good fit and I loved living there plus no-one came and woke me up! god knows I needed it on several occasions.
The ad lies and that is one of the reasons it is a poor ad.
When I joined it wasn't to be valued but to be able to work on military a/c and go to lots of fun and new places. I've done those and for the most part enjoyed it. It's just that after xx years you do need to feel valued I never needed it when I was 18 but it would be nice now.
Prisoners well thats another story!! My room at Laarparts was 6 foot wide 11 foot long (Ish) the window wasn't a good fit and I loved living there plus no-one came and woke me up! god knows I needed it on several occasions.
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Lets face it, the new advert is pish, and panders to the PC culture we are nurturing our boys and girls to adopt...!
I remember seeing an advert at IOT many moons ago, shelved before it was released as the board thought it too graphic...! Was punchy, hard hitting and had bags of WOW factor...! and it's slogan: Since the war to end all wars...there have been 54 others..." (this over film footage of SHF in Africa - staged tho)...then it ended with the RAF roundal, and said "their country needs you"...any one else remember seeing it...!?
Thats the sort of recruitment we need....!
Monkey
I remember seeing an advert at IOT many moons ago, shelved before it was released as the board thought it too graphic...! Was punchy, hard hitting and had bags of WOW factor...! and it's slogan: Since the war to end all wars...there have been 54 others..." (this over film footage of SHF in Africa - staged tho)...then it ended with the RAF roundal, and said "their country needs you"...any one else remember seeing it...!?
Thats the sort of recruitment we need....!
Monkey
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What about keeping it simple with the yoof- in my experience dealing with the minties, what they like to see are attractive people doing jobs they enjoy.
So...
Handsome pilots and jets, good looking adminers, beautiful doctors, rakish chefs, etc etc.
Call them by first names, have them running around smiling.
People they can look at and want to be, or get to know!
Bob's your uncle.
So...
Handsome pilots and jets, good looking adminers, beautiful doctors, rakish chefs, etc etc.
Call them by first names, have them running around smiling.
People they can look at and want to be, or get to know!
Bob's your uncle.
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In my opinion the navy are heading in the right direction. Just watched blue peter where they had a presenter having a go flying the Lynx. It only showed flying, but that may get people down the AFCO to find out more who then find other interesting career choices within the service. Plus it was on at the right sort of time - just before neighbours, when a large number of young people flock to their tv sets. (i don't watch blue peter by the way, just changed the channel from snooker!)
Meanwhile the RAFs greatest source of quality recruitment - the Air Training Corps - is being starved of funds, finds diminishing support from operational stations and serving staff ( I know stretch is to blame ) and sees its budget diminished whilst being drizzled with PC EA and H&S bull.
Crikey it makes me mad to see the largest most valuable youth organisation in the country be neglected to death at a time when all manner of people are wringing their hands about the Youth Of Today.
Well listen up - Wet Pants. Life isn't the Womens Auxillary Balloon Corps. Teenagers want to be taught to shoot rifles, drill, go on Night Ex's, fly aeroplanes, go on expedition and do all sorts of other wonderful challenging things. Its good for them and its a damn good way of providing the forces with essential personnel as a by product.
If we could just divert a fraction of the money showered on "youth" and "community" 'projects' administered by left wing numpties into the Air/Army/Naval Cadets we could do wonders for both the country and the military.
Unfortunately the Socialists are in charge and instead Youths are encouraged to make their own 'Garage music' and exhibit their 'Grafitti Art'.
Cheers
WWW
ps - spot whose old ATC unit has just been threatened with closure because they only have 22 super enthusiastic members yet are forbidden from advertising in local schools..
Crikey it makes me mad to see the largest most valuable youth organisation in the country be neglected to death at a time when all manner of people are wringing their hands about the Youth Of Today.
Well listen up - Wet Pants. Life isn't the Womens Auxillary Balloon Corps. Teenagers want to be taught to shoot rifles, drill, go on Night Ex's, fly aeroplanes, go on expedition and do all sorts of other wonderful challenging things. Its good for them and its a damn good way of providing the forces with essential personnel as a by product.
If we could just divert a fraction of the money showered on "youth" and "community" 'projects' administered by left wing numpties into the Air/Army/Naval Cadets we could do wonders for both the country and the military.
Unfortunately the Socialists are in charge and instead Youths are encouraged to make their own 'Garage music' and exhibit their 'Grafitti Art'.
Cheers
WWW
ps - spot whose old ATC unit has just been threatened with closure because they only have 22 super enthusiastic members yet are forbidden from advertising in local schools..
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Whilst the ad is somewhat misleading in the value stakes, I think we are already spending too long wiping the a*se of many of the people we have. We are fostering a nanny force where individuals have stopped thinking for themselves. 
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Interesting thread, I tend to agree with most of what is said here.
From my experience over the last few years the standard of bod joining up has markedly deteriorated, and no I am not a 'In my day' merchant. For me the fundemental problem lis that many forget the RAF is a military organisation and not some hiding place from the harshness of the real world that offers job security; too many people I think, have joined on the wrong premise. Additionally there are real issues emerging with comptency, initiative, resourcefulness et al. It seems an awful lot of todays yoof feel that they can apply minimum effort and still advance, and the sad fact is, many do!
Personally I place the blame more at the feet of many of the seniors who seem unwilling to be a little more forceful and apply too much misguided fluff and tree hugginess in an environment that at the end of the day deals in a grotesque product. I've had all sorts, from know it all LACs to SACWs who are so emotionally immature that it beggars belief why they joined in the first place.
On a positive note, there are some excellent people out there at very junior levels who really should be the future of the Service, ironically many of them are disillusioned with their less able bretheren and are opting to leave and take their undoubted attributes elsewhere. The RAF's loss methinks.
From my experience over the last few years the standard of bod joining up has markedly deteriorated, and no I am not a 'In my day' merchant. For me the fundemental problem lis that many forget the RAF is a military organisation and not some hiding place from the harshness of the real world that offers job security; too many people I think, have joined on the wrong premise. Additionally there are real issues emerging with comptency, initiative, resourcefulness et al. It seems an awful lot of todays yoof feel that they can apply minimum effort and still advance, and the sad fact is, many do!
Personally I place the blame more at the feet of many of the seniors who seem unwilling to be a little more forceful and apply too much misguided fluff and tree hugginess in an environment that at the end of the day deals in a grotesque product. I've had all sorts, from know it all LACs to SACWs who are so emotionally immature that it beggars belief why they joined in the first place.
On a positive note, there are some excellent people out there at very junior levels who really should be the future of the Service, ironically many of them are disillusioned with their less able bretheren and are opting to leave and take their undoubted attributes elsewhere. The RAF's loss methinks.
At the risk of opening up a big can of worms, here are some thoughts from an old git (40-50 age range) reference the 'yoof' of today!
First of all I am talking about aircrew, and Officers in the main. Now when I joined the RAF years ago, going via Biggin Hill for selection (yes, well I said I was old), all the aspiring candidates were avaition fanactics. They had been building airfix kits since about 10, read every aviation book they could get their hands on, been in the ATC, had gliding proficiencies, knowledge of the history and current structure of the RAF, knew which aircraft they wanted to fly, were well turned out, keen as mustard, ... . Well you get the drift.
Now cut to today. During general conversations on the Sqn it has come to my notice that quite a few of the young generation have no previous background in avaiation, and, when asked the question 'why did you join the RAF', answer something to the effect, ' I had to do something/get a job when I left university'. Or 'I had a couple of crap jobs and somebody suggested the military to me', etc, etc.....
Comments, agreement, rebutals, etc!
First of all I am talking about aircrew, and Officers in the main. Now when I joined the RAF years ago, going via Biggin Hill for selection (yes, well I said I was old), all the aspiring candidates were avaition fanactics. They had been building airfix kits since about 10, read every aviation book they could get their hands on, been in the ATC, had gliding proficiencies, knowledge of the history and current structure of the RAF, knew which aircraft they wanted to fly, were well turned out, keen as mustard, ... . Well you get the drift.
Now cut to today. During general conversations on the Sqn it has come to my notice that quite a few of the young generation have no previous background in avaiation, and, when asked the question 'why did you join the RAF', answer something to the effect, ' I had to do something/get a job when I left university'. Or 'I had a couple of crap jobs and somebody suggested the military to me', etc, etc.....
Comments, agreement, rebutals, etc!