34 Years Ago Today
Fat Albert
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34 Years Ago Today
34 years ago today, 10th January 1978, I took the Queens Shilling and joined the Royal Air Force. Following attestation at the Southampton CIO I was given an advance of pay of £3.50 and 1 days Rate 4 (95p) for travelling expenses.
The following day I took the train to Newark where a ‘shouty man’ politely invited me and a number of others to get on a bus going to Swinderby. After a haircut which cost 35p, filling in lots of forms, being used as a pin cushion and getting some new clothes, we spent the next 6 weeks learning to walk in formation, to climb ropes and jump over boxes, shoot a gun and wear a rubber face. As part of the fun we also got to spend 3 days in Sherwood Forest in the snow for which we were rewarded with a trip in a shiny (relatively) new VC10.
Off then to Halton for 13 months of Techie training before passing out as a shiny new Junior Technician, with more money that I could spend, so it seemed and a posting to St Athan.
It all seems (and was) a long time ago now. The RAF I joined has changed a little. Then, it numbered almost 120,000 people who rarely seemed to be concerned by budgets or money. Over the years we have seen a whole raft of studies, incentives, pay reviews etc, which has brought us to today’s 38,000 (and falling) with the entire focus seemingly driven by (lack of) money.
Over the years I have managed to miss every retention bonus, been ineligible for every redundancy package, had my trade name changed a couple of times and changed trade groups. 34 years has seen many highs, a few lows, some amazing experiences and camaraderie.
Today I have three and a half years to go (assuming I get the push at 55). I have reached the top of my particular tree, am still fully fit and deployable. I still thoroughly enjoy the job I am doing and the daily challenge despite the best efforts of constant change, increased beurocracy, the odd war and uncertainty to thwart that feeling.
As has been said many times it’s all about the people and I work now as I have over the years with some great characters.
Looking forward to the remaining years.
The following day I took the train to Newark where a ‘shouty man’ politely invited me and a number of others to get on a bus going to Swinderby. After a haircut which cost 35p, filling in lots of forms, being used as a pin cushion and getting some new clothes, we spent the next 6 weeks learning to walk in formation, to climb ropes and jump over boxes, shoot a gun and wear a rubber face. As part of the fun we also got to spend 3 days in Sherwood Forest in the snow for which we were rewarded with a trip in a shiny (relatively) new VC10.
Off then to Halton for 13 months of Techie training before passing out as a shiny new Junior Technician, with more money that I could spend, so it seemed and a posting to St Athan.
It all seems (and was) a long time ago now. The RAF I joined has changed a little. Then, it numbered almost 120,000 people who rarely seemed to be concerned by budgets or money. Over the years we have seen a whole raft of studies, incentives, pay reviews etc, which has brought us to today’s 38,000 (and falling) with the entire focus seemingly driven by (lack of) money.
Over the years I have managed to miss every retention bonus, been ineligible for every redundancy package, had my trade name changed a couple of times and changed trade groups. 34 years has seen many highs, a few lows, some amazing experiences and camaraderie.
Today I have three and a half years to go (assuming I get the push at 55). I have reached the top of my particular tree, am still fully fit and deployable. I still thoroughly enjoy the job I am doing and the daily challenge despite the best efforts of constant change, increased beurocracy, the odd war and uncertainty to thwart that feeling.
As has been said many times it’s all about the people and I work now as I have over the years with some great characters.
Looking forward to the remaining years.
Glad to hear it...
.....C130 techie. There are so many miseryguts in this forum these days I sometimes wonder whether I really did enjoy my service as much as I did.
I'm well aware that many,many things have changed (and not for the better) but the grass isn't always greener outside.
I sincerely hope you do continue to enjoy the rest of your time.
The Ancient Mariner
I'm well aware that many,many things have changed (and not for the better) but the grass isn't always greener outside.
I sincerely hope you do continue to enjoy the rest of your time.
The Ancient Mariner
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C130 Techie, I sincerely hope that the RAF will find some tangible way of rewarding you for your 34+ years of loyal, hard-working service when you finally retire. I doubt very much whether there will be many others of similar calibre able to fill your footsteps when you leave.
After joining in 1968, I stuck it out for 35 years, but left at 52 when I couldn't stand the way loyalty, effort and initiative were being sacrificed on the altar of yes-man penny-pinching. Worse still were the selfish ambitions of thrusting, sycophantic 'leaders' whose only real interest was their next promotion.
Good luck for the next 3½ years!
After joining in 1968, I stuck it out for 35 years, but left at 52 when I couldn't stand the way loyalty, effort and initiative were being sacrificed on the altar of yes-man penny-pinching. Worse still were the selfish ambitions of thrusting, sycophantic 'leaders' whose only real interest was their next promotion.
Good luck for the next 3½ years!
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You can see how age diminishes ones memories, in 78 it would have been the Queens 5p 
C130 Techie.
From the heart, my friend. Well said. I left, not too long ago after 30 years and you could hardly have summed up my feelings better.
I have been writing a rather poor journal about my time in the RAF (and before and beyond) and I wonder if you would mind me quoting you?
Enjoy it for now, there is nothing like it!!!
Courtney (RAF 1977-2077)
From the heart, my friend. Well said. I left, not too long ago after 30 years and you could hardly have summed up my feelings better.
I have been writing a rather poor journal about my time in the RAF (and before and beyond) and I wonder if you would mind me quoting you?
Enjoy it for now, there is nothing like it!!!
Courtney (RAF 1977-2077)
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Well if you make it to 2077, If I am around I’ll paint the Centenary artwork on you.... 
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Time Served and never looked back
I served from 1970 through 1995 as a TG2, Air Comms and then became a Sim Tech guy, left when the Berlin wall was no longer a problem and the planners decided that my trade was no longer needed in uniform.
I was fortunate to have worked for over half my RAF career in F2/F3 software development/maint and last 7yrs as AWACS data center implemetation and management.
Why was I fortunate, simple, I planned ahead, saw the opportunities and made sure I got selected..
On leaving the RAF, like many others I had limited confidence in my capabilities, boy was I wrong.
I spent a couple of yrs as an IT director in a small brewery, then got hired by a US company working in the outsourcing business in Nottm.
In 2002 they moved me to Texas, promotions kept on coming, (no dead mans shoes - its all on merit), headhunters kept on tracking me down and I moved up the tree and now live in the Valley of the Sun (Phoenix Az)
Now some 16+yrs later after leaving the RAF I am a C level executive (COO) for a innovative global US company that is going public in 2012.
The RAF enabled me to be what I am today, but you need to work at it, never take anything for granted.
Guys - if I can be successful, you can too, looking back my dear mother reminds me that I failed the 11+, didn't study as a spotty teenager and only started to learn when I went to Cosford as an apprentice.
I was fortunate to have worked for over half my RAF career in F2/F3 software development/maint and last 7yrs as AWACS data center implemetation and management.
Why was I fortunate, simple, I planned ahead, saw the opportunities and made sure I got selected..
On leaving the RAF, like many others I had limited confidence in my capabilities, boy was I wrong.
I spent a couple of yrs as an IT director in a small brewery, then got hired by a US company working in the outsourcing business in Nottm.
In 2002 they moved me to Texas, promotions kept on coming, (no dead mans shoes - its all on merit), headhunters kept on tracking me down and I moved up the tree and now live in the Valley of the Sun (Phoenix Az)
Now some 16+yrs later after leaving the RAF I am a C level executive (COO) for a innovative global US company that is going public in 2012.
The RAF enabled me to be what I am today, but you need to work at it, never take anything for granted.
Guys - if I can be successful, you can too, looking back my dear mother reminds me that I failed the 11+, didn't study as a spotty teenager and only started to learn when I went to Cosford as an apprentice.
C130 Techie.
Sorry, just cannot let this statement pass:
“Then, it numbered almost 120,000 people who rarely seemed to be concerned by budgets or money.”
It is really strange how perceptions change over the years, memories dim and facts can become distorted.
The REAL Royal Air Force of 1978, as opposed to that dimly recalled through rose tinted spectacles by C 130 Techie, was:
Still reeling from 11 consecutive cuts in defence expenditure, having suffered severe financial cuts in each of the preceding five years, was in the process of reducing its strength of 103,000 (It had not been anywhere near 120,000 for a long time) by losing 18,000, of which 4,000 were compulsory redundancies, including 600 aircrew, was in the process of closing 18 stations in the UK, closing the last stations on Malta, pulling out of the Near, Middle and Far East, axing entire fleets (Britannia, Comet, Andover, Belfast) reducing others (Support Helicopter by 25%, Nimrod by 25%) disbanding squadrons, merging Commands and Groups and suffering fuel restrictions and something called a ‘moratorium’ on expenditure.
You see, it wasn’t all quite so rosy 34 years ago...........
Sorry, just cannot let this statement pass:
“Then, it numbered almost 120,000 people who rarely seemed to be concerned by budgets or money.”
It is really strange how perceptions change over the years, memories dim and facts can become distorted.
The REAL Royal Air Force of 1978, as opposed to that dimly recalled through rose tinted spectacles by C 130 Techie, was:
Still reeling from 11 consecutive cuts in defence expenditure, having suffered severe financial cuts in each of the preceding five years, was in the process of reducing its strength of 103,000 (It had not been anywhere near 120,000 for a long time) by losing 18,000, of which 4,000 were compulsory redundancies, including 600 aircrew, was in the process of closing 18 stations in the UK, closing the last stations on Malta, pulling out of the Near, Middle and Far East, axing entire fleets (Britannia, Comet, Andover, Belfast) reducing others (Support Helicopter by 25%, Nimrod by 25%) disbanding squadrons, merging Commands and Groups and suffering fuel restrictions and something called a ‘moratorium’ on expenditure.
You see, it wasn’t all quite so rosy 34 years ago...........
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C130 Techie
An absolute pleasure to read your thread at 0600 on this dark chilly morning. It has brightened up my day no end. Thank you and I wish you all the best in your remaining years.
PS We were at Swinderby at the same time. I was two weeks behind you
An absolute pleasure to read your thread at 0600 on this dark chilly morning. It has brightened up my day no end. Thank you and I wish you all the best in your remaining years.
PS We were at Swinderby at the same time. I was two weeks behind you
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My 2 Cents worth:
Halton Brat 1971-73
Sgt age 22yrs
Demob 1995 (22yr point) as a 10yr Chief (Gorbachov wrecked my career plans with his bleedin' Glasnost/Perestroika.....).
I've enjoyed a good life & career; my humble successes are built on the solid foundation of my Service experience, which, from a distance in time, I remember fondly. I'm now Maintenance & Engineering Manager for a B747 Cargo Airline.
A message for all of you guys & gals due to leave the Service in the coming months/years - don't underestimate your own value in the market; you have much to offer. Get civilian qualifications in your field, and remember, 'adapt & survive'. You will need to step out of uniform both physically & psychologically - remember your Service experience & utilise it, but you must integrate into civilian life fully - make the transition.
Being in the Service is like being at a really good house party - you've had plenty to drink, & the voice of wisdom in your head tells you it's time to go. However, the devil on your shoulder whispers in your ear that it's OK to stay a while longer & drink lots more.
Result:
You make a pass at the hostess (she's your best pal's wife).
You have a fist fight with your best pal in the garden due to the above.
The Police are summoned by neighbours & you are both arrested.
You wake up in the cells with a broken nose & black eyes (your pal also).
You then get to deal with your wife when you are released.
Moral: choose your own time to leave, & plan a graceful exit. Good luck to all!
HB
Halton Brat 1971-73
Sgt age 22yrs
Demob 1995 (22yr point) as a 10yr Chief (Gorbachov wrecked my career plans with his bleedin' Glasnost/Perestroika.....).
I've enjoyed a good life & career; my humble successes are built on the solid foundation of my Service experience, which, from a distance in time, I remember fondly. I'm now Maintenance & Engineering Manager for a B747 Cargo Airline.
A message for all of you guys & gals due to leave the Service in the coming months/years - don't underestimate your own value in the market; you have much to offer. Get civilian qualifications in your field, and remember, 'adapt & survive'. You will need to step out of uniform both physically & psychologically - remember your Service experience & utilise it, but you must integrate into civilian life fully - make the transition.
Being in the Service is like being at a really good house party - you've had plenty to drink, & the voice of wisdom in your head tells you it's time to go. However, the devil on your shoulder whispers in your ear that it's OK to stay a while longer & drink lots more.
Result:
You make a pass at the hostess (she's your best pal's wife).
You have a fist fight with your best pal in the garden due to the above.
The Police are summoned by neighbours & you are both arrested.
You wake up in the cells with a broken nose & black eyes (your pal also).
You then get to deal with your wife when you are released.
Moral: choose your own time to leave, & plan a graceful exit. Good luck to all!
HB
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How life changes
C130 Techie, thank you for a ripping yarn. My service career was with the Royal Australian Air Force (1958-1981). Enlisted to train as a technician, streamed into the aircraft engine trade. Spent time in Engine Rebuilding, Line Servicing including 3 years working with a large number of RAF techo's at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. Well remember the RAF Hastings, Britannia, Argosy and ACE Freighter Constellations (on charter to the UK MOD) transiting as well as the three V bombers being based at Edinburgh. Moved to C130's in 1968 and became a C130 FE (Air Engineer) on A-E & H's, then the B707 before leaving the RAAF. Later got a position on the L1011 with Cathay and then the B747. Things I will always remember. The training I received in the RAAF made it possible for me to join Cathay. More importantly, I had not been flying for 30 months (Had been driving buses & coaches, only way I could get a command) when I was offered a job with Cathay and had not been in a C130 for over 54 months. Had to renew my civil FE licence and, thanks to the RAAF, I was able to do so using their C130E Simulator (after "bottling up" for two weeks) and two pilots to crew for my Proficiency Test by a departmental examiner. It just proved there is no point in burning bridges when leaving an employer. Another thing I will always cherish is the memories of shared experiences with the many personnel, from the RAF, RAAF and USAF, with whom I worked over my 23 years in the RAAF.
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Sage words from HB and others - I love to hear WIWAL etc, but not in the job interview. Make your experiences relevant to the civvy world and you will piss on all the other candidates - emphasise your ability to learn quickly, adapt and display talents for similar things.......
I.E. I say have you ever worked on xyz?
You say, no, but i have worked on zxy which is quite similar and I don't forsee any problems in the transition....
Also realise civvy street needs people who understand that the business needs to ake a profit (duh) and that it will expect its staff to work on if needed and step up......
Fly safe now
CS
I.E. I say have you ever worked on xyz?
You say, no, but i have worked on zxy which is quite similar and I don't forsee any problems in the transition....
Also realise civvy street needs people who understand that the business needs to ake a profit (duh) and that it will expect its staff to work on if needed and step up......
Fly safe now
CS
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Wish mine was so rose tinted.
Mine was arrived Swinderby May 76 to be met by the coach with a Corporal in number ones and a leg in plaster...
Arrive at the station to be issued a v neck jumper to wear with Civi's as the clothing store was closed..
Also the Barbers was closed, so it wasn't until the second day that we could get a really terrible haircut and then pay for the privilege, seemed to remember feeling like a sheep and thinking this guy must be on piece rates...
So first day consisted getting the p*ss exctracted in the Naaf 1 with our long hair and civi dress with a temporary jumper on.
Camping was done at the bottom of the Airfield for one night only due to AOC's parade, which we got extra drill for...
Supposed flight was cancelled, so we could do more drill for the AOC's parade...
Ahh and the Muskets for the parades, both AOC's and Passing out were old .303's that had been mucked about with to make them look like SLR'S..
Guy on a flight before us was standing by one of those gas heated water boilers when camping, that were 45 gallon drums on the side, when the Gas tank exploded, he had both arms seriously burnt and they were bandaged and strapped to his body, he had to go to the medical centre to be fed, washed, dressed and erm a male nurse would hold his tadger whilst he went for a leak... ohh and wiped his erm butt...... we all felt sorry for him as he was continually being backflighted whilst he healed up, was still there when I left. He wasn't exactly popular at the medical section either amongst the male staff.
Mine was arrived Swinderby May 76 to be met by the coach with a Corporal in number ones and a leg in plaster...
Arrive at the station to be issued a v neck jumper to wear with Civi's as the clothing store was closed..
Also the Barbers was closed, so it wasn't until the second day that we could get a really terrible haircut and then pay for the privilege, seemed to remember feeling like a sheep and thinking this guy must be on piece rates...
So first day consisted getting the p*ss exctracted in the Naaf 1 with our long hair and civi dress with a temporary jumper on.
Camping was done at the bottom of the Airfield for one night only due to AOC's parade, which we got extra drill for...
Supposed flight was cancelled, so we could do more drill for the AOC's parade...
Ahh and the Muskets for the parades, both AOC's and Passing out were old .303's that had been mucked about with to make them look like SLR'S..
Guy on a flight before us was standing by one of those gas heated water boilers when camping, that were 45 gallon drums on the side, when the Gas tank exploded, he had both arms seriously burnt and they were bandaged and strapped to his body, he had to go to the medical centre to be fed, washed, dressed and erm a male nurse would hold his tadger whilst he went for a leak... ohh and wiped his erm butt...... we all felt sorry for him as he was continually being backflighted whilst he healed up, was still there when I left. He wasn't exactly popular at the medical section either amongst the male staff.
Fat Albert
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Pr00ne - So I got my figures wrong! What do the odd 17,000 people matter anyway. Very little to today's goverment it seems. Anyway my point was meant to be simplistic and light in line with the rest of my post. As a 17 year old up for the challenge of a new life and career the woes you list meant little then (and my memory is just fine thanks). I was aware that all was not sweet and rosy as my father had just left the Army somewhat disillusioned after serving 22 years. Through my young and naive rose tinted glasses it wasn't all about money back then even though to those making the decisions in reality it probably was. Today with experience and a small part in the decision making process money clearly is significant.
I am pleased that most read my post with the sentiment intended and I am grateful for the kind words, the advice given and the shared experiences. The prospect of a future beyond the blue suit after so many years seems a little scary as I am sure many will agree. But then many have done it and survived the experience. Good luck SFFP
Nutloose - You must have had the 'Friday afternoon' model experience.
Courtney Mil - If any comments are worthy of use feel free.
Srennaps - Thanks. 2 weeks behind at Swinderby eh? To quote the 70s Sitcom, Get Some In!!
I am pleased that most read my post with the sentiment intended and I am grateful for the kind words, the advice given and the shared experiences. The prospect of a future beyond the blue suit after so many years seems a little scary as I am sure many will agree. But then many have done it and survived the experience. Good luck SFFP
Nutloose - You must have had the 'Friday afternoon' model experience.
Courtney Mil - If any comments are worthy of use feel free.
Srennaps - Thanks. 2 weeks behind at Swinderby eh? To quote the 70s Sitcom, Get Some In!!
C130 Techie,
Thank you. Very worthy. I shall credit you a C130 Techie unless you prefer anything else.
Pr00ne will always pick you up on everything. Smart guy, I think, but tending towards the harsh. No offence, pr00ne.
Courtney
Thank you. Very worthy. I shall credit you a C130 Techie unless you prefer anything else.
Pr00ne will always pick you up on everything. Smart guy, I think, but tending towards the harsh. No offence, pr00ne.
Courtney
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C130,
Take absolutely no notice of Proone, he is rarely anything but controversial and is talking about an RAF that you and I as very young men indeed would have had no real knowledge of.
I joined as a Nav Inst Mech before reaching Sgt as L Tech FS before swapping my overalls for a flying suit, some would still say they are both overalls
From my younger days there was never a sense of cost and it was nearly always rosy as a rosy thing.
As a shift worker on 10 line at Bzn I worked 3 days 3 nights then had 6 days off so only 6 months at work and that was before you used any leave.
Duty supper for one and all and free for the bean stealer's
More MT vehicles that you could shake a stick at, I remember as a 17 year old driving a huge cherry picker as part of a multi vehicle convoy to the Airman's mess for 3am breakfast and double parking just to annoy the scuffers.
A fitters course and a brief spell in the hell hole that was Sealand was followed by a tour in Germany in the bay at Bruggen, tax free car, petrol coupons, cheap booze, skiing, inter section sport, Deci with 31 Sqn, European holidays, nights out in Roermond, Wine Fest's, Rhine in Flames, Beer calls. The only down side was the almost monthly mini/max/Taceval but a few days of pain for all that fun, fair exchange methinks.
At Valley as a newly promoted Sgt going a trip in a Wessex to Jersey as a "fuel burn" fact finding exercises which was actually 3 days golf and 3 days accom all courtesy of HMG, free golf at Royal Jersey as they were V impressed with us military types.
Going aircrew was an outstanding move, not for everyone but for me it really did work out. The 9 years I did on Puma's were some of the best days of my whole life. Two 8 week tours in Belize were just breath takingly good fun and an experience that some can only dream of.
Being tasked to fly a medical team into a jungle clearing then watching them spend a day as a mobile hospital will live with me for ever. I watched a poor young man have his foot amputated as he had ended up with gangrene, a women being sterilised and a whole host of other stuff and all carried out with a couple of stretchers and what ever else you could shoe horn into the back of a Puma.
Being tasked to take water into the jungle for a bunch of Archaeologists who were uncovering a Mayan? Temple and out of gratitude being showed round, fascinating but kin big steps springs to mind.
Being taught how to fly a Puma, outstanding.
Journey's End..................
Another posting to Germany, this time Laarbruch and this time an even better time. 7 tax free cars in 3 and a bit years, more petrol coupons, more Euro travel, more cheap booze etc etc etc.
Wangling a trip in a Harrier only to find that your pilot is one of the dads you stand on the touchline with each week cheering on each others footballing sons and as you walk he says " It's an hours GH so 30 minutes for me and 30 minutes for you", I am still smiling almost 20 years on.
My last 15 years will have been spent on the Herc. Someone told me when I started the Herc OCU to buy a world map and a tub of pins and mark everywhere you have ever been. Not as lucky as some as the furthest east I ever got was Brunei and the furthers west was Honolulu but in between, what a blast.
By the time I finish it will have been 38 and a bit years and whilst there were a coupe of bad times when I screwed up in spades and a few really really sad times when I saw some really good people lose their lives I would not have missed any of it for the world.
Take absolutely no notice of Proone, he is rarely anything but controversial and is talking about an RAF that you and I as very young men indeed would have had no real knowledge of.
I joined as a Nav Inst Mech before reaching Sgt as L Tech FS before swapping my overalls for a flying suit, some would still say they are both overalls
From my younger days there was never a sense of cost and it was nearly always rosy as a rosy thing.
As a shift worker on 10 line at Bzn I worked 3 days 3 nights then had 6 days off so only 6 months at work and that was before you used any leave.
Duty supper for one and all and free for the bean stealer's
More MT vehicles that you could shake a stick at, I remember as a 17 year old driving a huge cherry picker as part of a multi vehicle convoy to the Airman's mess for 3am breakfast and double parking just to annoy the scuffers.
A fitters course and a brief spell in the hell hole that was Sealand was followed by a tour in Germany in the bay at Bruggen, tax free car, petrol coupons, cheap booze, skiing, inter section sport, Deci with 31 Sqn, European holidays, nights out in Roermond, Wine Fest's, Rhine in Flames, Beer calls. The only down side was the almost monthly mini/max/Taceval but a few days of pain for all that fun, fair exchange methinks.
At Valley as a newly promoted Sgt going a trip in a Wessex to Jersey as a "fuel burn" fact finding exercises which was actually 3 days golf and 3 days accom all courtesy of HMG, free golf at Royal Jersey as they were V impressed with us military types.
Going aircrew was an outstanding move, not for everyone but for me it really did work out. The 9 years I did on Puma's were some of the best days of my whole life. Two 8 week tours in Belize were just breath takingly good fun and an experience that some can only dream of.
Being tasked to fly a medical team into a jungle clearing then watching them spend a day as a mobile hospital will live with me for ever. I watched a poor young man have his foot amputated as he had ended up with gangrene, a women being sterilised and a whole host of other stuff and all carried out with a couple of stretchers and what ever else you could shoe horn into the back of a Puma.
Being tasked to take water into the jungle for a bunch of Archaeologists who were uncovering a Mayan? Temple and out of gratitude being showed round, fascinating but kin big steps springs to mind.
Being taught how to fly a Puma, outstanding.
Journey's End..................
Another posting to Germany, this time Laarbruch and this time an even better time. 7 tax free cars in 3 and a bit years, more petrol coupons, more Euro travel, more cheap booze etc etc etc.
Wangling a trip in a Harrier only to find that your pilot is one of the dads you stand on the touchline with each week cheering on each others footballing sons and as you walk he says " It's an hours GH so 30 minutes for me and 30 minutes for you", I am still smiling almost 20 years on.
My last 15 years will have been spent on the Herc. Someone told me when I started the Herc OCU to buy a world map and a tub of pins and mark everywhere you have ever been. Not as lucky as some as the furthest east I ever got was Brunei and the furthers west was Honolulu but in between, what a blast.
By the time I finish it will have been 38 and a bit years and whilst there were a coupe of bad times when I screwed up in spades and a few really really sad times when I saw some really good people lose their lives I would not have missed any of it for the world.