Would you recommend a career in the military
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The system seems to have worked thus far...........Join Date: Apr 2005
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I was asked at my last assessment (when I has made my intention to serve my current commitment and no more clear) if I would recommend the RAF to a friend. "Not if I wanted them to stay a friend" was the only answer I could honestly give.
If you were at your wits end and had no other options then yes, as a last resort, I would recommend the military but ever since Options For Change the military have taken a beating from its political and quasi-political (high ranking military) masters and it doesn't appear it'll end soon.
Yes I know the military has always played second fiddle to the other government portfolios at the treasury trough but it appears in recent times its been taken to new levels and the lack of ability for the rank and file to realistically do anything about it is being fully capitalised.
As I always say though, overall I have enjoyed my service and feel I have contributed to the best of my abilities and will look back mainly with fond memories but I fear for the future and those I leave to go on.
If you were at your wits end and had no other options then yes, as a last resort, I would recommend the military but ever since Options For Change the military have taken a beating from its political and quasi-political (high ranking military) masters and it doesn't appear it'll end soon.
Yes I know the military has always played second fiddle to the other government portfolios at the treasury trough but it appears in recent times its been taken to new levels and the lack of ability for the rank and file to realistically do anything about it is being fully capitalised.
As I always say though, overall I have enjoyed my service and feel I have contributed to the best of my abilities and will look back mainly with fond memories but I fear for the future and those I leave to go on.
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'Helpful Stacker' you've just reminded me of my final annual assessment before I binned my Number Ones....
Sgt. 'what shall I put as your ambition?'
...'erm, to leave the airforce and specialise in something else'
(wasn't being provocative, just factual)
- pause -
Sgt. 'erm, I can't really put that down'
-pause -
'oh, why not?'
Sgt. ....'well, it's not going to do your career in the RAF much good is it?'
Just couldn't quite grasp the concept that I actually wanted to leave!
Sgt. 'what shall I put as your ambition?'
...'erm, to leave the airforce and specialise in something else'
(wasn't being provocative, just factual)
- pause -
Sgt. 'erm, I can't really put that down'
-pause -
'oh, why not?'
Sgt. ....'well, it's not going to do your career in the RAF much good is it?'
Just couldn't quite grasp the concept that I actually wanted to leave!
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Almost time to leave. 19 years man and boy. Going because:
a. Its time, don't want to be sweaty old bloke in crewroom.
b. Wife wants to move overseas, somewhere nice and sunny where it doesn't take 3hrs to drive 50miles and you don't have to queue for eeeeeeverything! And somewhere that still has English as its primary language when dealing with utilities companies on the phone.
c. I am pretty tired - had 12 years continuously on Op Sqns.
But, I have loved every minute of it!!!! The places I have seen, the things I have done. I am very proud of my contribution. Kids leaving school could really get a lot out of a military career - I am RAF, but I think all 3 services have much going for them. I have seen so many kids over the years who have been made into men (and women) by the services.
We all get a bit jaded after a while - but I must admit I am a little surprised by the whining on this site. I have done 14 or so Op tours and enjoyed them more than everything else. I have also made the point on other threads that I stopped believing a long time ago that I was doing it for Queen and Country (because the Country doesn't give a sh!t). Working hard and fighting with my mates, knowing that the guys on the ground are relying with their lives sometimes on me doing my job right are the reasons that I have stuck with it and the reason that I feel proud to have served - I can't think of too many other jobs, police, fire maybe, that could give even remotely the same sense of comradeship and teamwork.
I have actively encouraged, and still am encouraging my son and the kids from my local cadet sqn to join up.
Life is too short to sit behind a desk and watch it on CNN pass you by.
a. Its time, don't want to be sweaty old bloke in crewroom.
b. Wife wants to move overseas, somewhere nice and sunny where it doesn't take 3hrs to drive 50miles and you don't have to queue for eeeeeeverything! And somewhere that still has English as its primary language when dealing with utilities companies on the phone.
c. I am pretty tired - had 12 years continuously on Op Sqns.
But, I have loved every minute of it!!!! The places I have seen, the things I have done. I am very proud of my contribution. Kids leaving school could really get a lot out of a military career - I am RAF, but I think all 3 services have much going for them. I have seen so many kids over the years who have been made into men (and women) by the services.
We all get a bit jaded after a while - but I must admit I am a little surprised by the whining on this site. I have done 14 or so Op tours and enjoyed them more than everything else. I have also made the point on other threads that I stopped believing a long time ago that I was doing it for Queen and Country (because the Country doesn't give a sh!t). Working hard and fighting with my mates, knowing that the guys on the ground are relying with their lives sometimes on me doing my job right are the reasons that I have stuck with it and the reason that I feel proud to have served - I can't think of too many other jobs, police, fire maybe, that could give even remotely the same sense of comradeship and teamwork.
I have actively encouraged, and still am encouraging my son and the kids from my local cadet sqn to join up.
Life is too short to sit behind a desk and watch it on CNN pass you by.
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A big yes. Have completed the first 16 years with another 16 to go. Loved every miniute. Away as much now as I was when I joined my first Sqn many moons ago. It is not as good as it was but older and bolder guys said that to me 16 years ago. To all potential recruits I advise you to go in with your eyes open, be prepared for hard work and time away but over all enjoy it. Yes the airships need to make some changes as I don't really want to be the one to switch the lights off.
A Merry Christmas to all.
A Merry Christmas to all.
argue for your limitations and they're yours
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Almost time to leave. 19 years man and boy. Going because:
a. Its time, don't want to be sweaty old bloke in crewroom......
But, I have loved every minute of it!!!! The places I have seen, the things I have done. I am very proud of my contribution.....
We all get a bit jaded after a while - but I must admit I am a little surprised by the whining on this site. I have done 14 or so Op tours and enjoyed them more than everything else.....
Life is too short to sit behind a desk and watch it on CNN pass you by.
a. Its time, don't want to be sweaty old bloke in crewroom......
But, I have loved every minute of it!!!! The places I have seen, the things I have done. I am very proud of my contribution.....
We all get a bit jaded after a while - but I must admit I am a little surprised by the whining on this site. I have done 14 or so Op tours and enjoyed them more than everything else.....
Life is too short to sit behind a desk and watch it on CNN pass you by.
Bravo, and from a Crab - well I never!
The military has many issues but I'm still astounded at the whining that goes on as we get paid to complete flying training and then operate front line aircraft. The crewroom will not decide whether the Army gets Chinhooks or the RAF JSF etc.... so why not focus on what you can influence.
It's a job without equal as it's not a job, and you're surrounded by some exceptional people.....
What I'd say is don't expect to warm and comfortable throughout your military career and don't let the whinging majority stop you and make you think life is better sat behind that desk, watching it on a box.
Finally - know when it's right to go and you start to avoid doing what you're put on that op tour and in that aircraft for..... just because you can't think of anything better to do.
Otherwise, I'd recommend it to anyone. It was always different 'In our day'. But, as Desperado, says
I have loved every minute of it!!!! The places I have seen, the things I have done...
I have advised elsewhere, to enlist for the minimum term possible, get what qualifications they can out of it and some really good training and experience in whatever trade/specialisation they wished for.
During their time in (whatever service) they will either like it or not, but can exit as contracted with at least "a trade" and experience behind them.
I have also recommended the easier option of comissiondom first, trade second.
So my answer is Yes! - But use it like it owes you something.
During their time in (whatever service) they will either like it or not, but can exit as contracted with at least "a trade" and experience behind them.
I have also recommended the easier option of comissiondom first, trade second.
So my answer is Yes! - But use it like it owes you something.
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My daughter had a flying scholarship from the ATC and had her sites set on a career in the RAF. My son was intent on joining the Royal Marines. This Government has managed to put paid to all of that. 
Not as a full career. With the amount of "stuff" being done by all 3 services you have pretty much "seen it, done it" very early on. Assuming short term engagements will still be around I still think the military has much to offer up until you want to get some stability, see the wife and kids etc. Stability and military life are genrally not compatible (although I grant you some people have been very lucky). That is then the time to launch a second career be it airlines or something totally different. Personally I'm coming up to an option and will be taking it - I've done "my operational bit" (and more) over the last 20+ years and sadly any future "bits" will always be in a CAOC / HQ or something similar.
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Interesting sub-question ...?
I guess you could pose this one at all those serving members who wouldn't recommend the RAF as a career to a young man/woman ...
"Why do you stay?"
If you can answer that and not use the words "money", "cash" or "pension", then you've obviously found the end of the rainbow.
I think that life is far too short to do a job you don't like or believe in, whatever that may be. You are a long time dead.
For those of you who stay, I recommend the FISH principle.
"Why do you stay?"
If you can answer that and not use the words "money", "cash" or "pension", then you've obviously found the end of the rainbow.
I think that life is far too short to do a job you don't like or believe in, whatever that may be. You are a long time dead.
For those of you who stay, I recommend the FISH principle.
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Me neither, I freely admit I am prostituting myself for the pension; it doesnt make me a bad person. It is clear that the service wants people only to stay for a short time and go before they want stability and qualify for the pension which is expensive. Experience is nice to have but it costs money and uncle Gordy wont give us any, to that end the agile, fit deployable air force doesnt want to deploy with an extended baggage train, however with nearly 40% of the RAf unfit to deploy because of medical/fit test issues it is hard to see how we can be agile!!
PVR timed for 3 days after my pension point............got my tin of green paint and will use it to paint the grass green if it isnt greener out side.
PVR timed for 3 days after my pension point............got my tin of green paint and will use it to paint the grass green if it isnt greener out side.
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Yes, but ...
Strangely, despite leaping out myself, I would still recommend suitable candidates to try to join up, any Service.
The life can be brilliant, camaraderie is still there - especially doing the job we are established for in dangerous locations.
Unfortunately the enjoyment at home bases has been eroded to the point of oblivion, too much trivia, too little time to do the job to the standards we were brought up with - its all 'now, now, now'. Little availablity for longer term outlook.
The life can be brilliant, camaraderie is still there - especially doing the job we are established for in dangerous locations.
Unfortunately the enjoyment at home bases has been eroded to the point of oblivion, too much trivia, too little time to do the job to the standards we were brought up with - its all 'now, now, now'. Little availablity for longer term outlook.
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My advice to anyone considering joining the RAF right now would be to choose very carefully whose advice you take !! - . I have read with interest a lot of balanced and informative posts on this thread and from some of those you an easily pick out the current serving posters who are understandably becoming dis-illusioned with the RAF and the ones who have been out long enough to be viewing thier experiences with the rose-tinted spectacles that a few years away from it all brings (I include myself in this bracket).
Having served 10 years in a non-commisioned ground trade I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed at least 90% of that time. I saw some amazing places & sights, worked with some great people and enjoyed a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that from my experiences in the 6 years I have been out of the RAF I believe does not exist anywhere outside of a military environment.
I am very proud of my time in the RAF, and without question the values, skills and knowledge I picked up during my time have enabled me to get to where I am now - but would I recommend it to anyone else ???? - not a chance !!. Toward the end of my RAF career I saw the way things were going and voted with my feet - I've never looked back since, and from following threads on here and speaking to friends who are 'trapped' by the lure of imminent promotion / looming pension and still serve, I have no reason to think I was wrong.
If I were so presumptious as to think that someone would actually FOLLOW my advice - it would be to think VERY carefully for yourself and don't be swayed by anyones advice good or bad.
Having served 10 years in a non-commisioned ground trade I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed at least 90% of that time. I saw some amazing places & sights, worked with some great people and enjoyed a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that from my experiences in the 6 years I have been out of the RAF I believe does not exist anywhere outside of a military environment.
I am very proud of my time in the RAF, and without question the values, skills and knowledge I picked up during my time have enabled me to get to where I am now - but would I recommend it to anyone else ???? - not a chance !!. Toward the end of my RAF career I saw the way things were going and voted with my feet - I've never looked back since, and from following threads on here and speaking to friends who are 'trapped' by the lure of imminent promotion / looming pension and still serve, I have no reason to think I was wrong.
If I were so presumptious as to think that someone would actually FOLLOW my advice - it would be to think VERY carefully for yourself and don't be swayed by anyones advice good or bad.
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Without a doubt - yes. However, be careful what Service and Branch you choose. The operational branches will provide excellent job satisfaction, whilst the support side of things also have their merits. Having served 18 years as an operator both in the air and on the ground, I can safely say that I have enjoyed every minute, have worked with some exceptional people, done some incredible things and seen some amazing sights. Take the nay-sayers opinions with a pinch of salt. There are a lot of disgruntled people on these forums who I am sure would admit to having had a good time at some point in their careers. Yes, things have changed, mostly for the worse, but the people who I am working with now, only a few months out of training in the majority of cases, are having as good a time now as I did at their stage of career. They listen to my tales of 'the old days' (God, I sound ancient) with a wry smile and buy me a pint of mild every once in a while to keep me sweet, but one thing hasn't changed - you get out what you put in. Give it a go, it is a different way of life, a vocation not a 9-5 job and will give you a great background for other jobs should you find it is not for you. And good luck!
Merry Christmas to all.
Merry Christmas to all.
Northcountryboy: I was thinking the same as you, I joined up in 68 and had every intention of staying in until age 55, unfortunately they changed the rules and I was the wrong rank at the wrong time and had to go at age 47. I concur with your comments, I have been to some amazing places, worked with fantastic guys of all ranks, been to a real war. I have also worked with the worst types of guys (latter part of my 30 years) but despite the huge changes, cut backs and government/MOD abysmal treatment of the forces these days I would only advise my kids/friends kids etc on the opportunities as I see them and show them where to get the latest advice from and then make their own minds up. I would neither recommend nor put off someone who wanted to join up, to discourage them I think could possibly make the future work load of the current serving personnel harder without new blood coming in.
