The joys of holding
 

As I am about to pass the 2 yrs worth of holding mark I thought I would ask the slightly more old and bold types around here what they would do, and where they would go, if they had to spend 6 months holding in the RAF.
I think I've been quite lucky (apart from actually having them) with my holds and I've done quite a bit of AT but can't help but feel that maybe I'm missing out on some of the more interesting jobs out there - and there is only so much travelling you can do before funds begin to get a bit low.
I await your ideas gentlemen.

I take it you hoping to be a pilot? Which part of your course are you waiting for??

Without wanting to give myself away too much I'm one of the post Linton restreamees.

Not military but I have a son who is just starting his second year of holds. It is a disgraceful waste of taxpayers' money and, allowing for the inevitable fallout during training, probably means that we pay to train two to three pilots for every one needed. It is time the MOD got their act together and sorted this ludicrous system out. No business would accept such a waste and survive.

Sorry, just ignore me, but I feel better having said it.

It's a long time ago now, but I got checked out for the right hand seat in the Dominie and had a whale of a time.

I suppose that depends on who runs that part of the business doesn't it? Don't aircrew just want more aircrew?

It is entirely possible that the MoD has done a cost/benefit analysis and worked out that the cost of beefing up the flying training system with extra airframes, maintainers, QFIs etc. is more than the cost of keeping guys and gals holding.

Having built up such a capacity it then needs to be kept utilised, or more is wasted. At least having people holding ensures (or should ensure) max utilisation of assets. If student aircrew numbers start to decline, all that happens is that people hold for less.

That said, I can't think of anything worse - in my time RN lookers got 6 months on a fishery protection boat, pilots were going straight through...

If you have done the AT side to death, then get to an SH Unit and find out what it is like to be busy, but with a huge smile. Go for Odiham, they could probably use all the holding offrs they can get!

Had a wonderful time at Leconfield (when 19 and 92 were stationed there). Flew quite a bit as well as doing a lot of helicopter 'survivoring'. Belgian Air Force were involved in a massive exercise at the time...spent much tim in Brussels as a result. Then between courses opted for Dominies at RAF Stradishall where again, a wonderful time was had by all. Have to choose the right place though, and enter with a positive frame of mind.

tpm

Syerston ACCGS - there were some holders there when I was there - they were getting plenty of flying

Arc

Courses were always a good filler; Bad-K was fun - dunno if it still is...?

Bolster the career skills as well....
 

I wangled an MSc out of my holding year--marvellous. Back to being a long-haired carefree student again (with comparative loads of dosh, which made chasing totty great fun, not to mention being able to afford the obligatory open roadster). Plenty of flying too, with UAS and occasional visits. Also strengthened the CV :ok:

Are you a graduate? Having spent a few years holding in the early 90's, the powers that be were prepared to pay a holdee while they undertook a degree. Failing that, Cyprus if you want to learn to windsurf & put on loads of weight through halloumi & Keo beer blow outs. A friend of mine used to help out with the RAF Benevolent Fund & spent most of his time organising elements of RIAT. Most of my other holding units have now been closed, which is more down to funding than my previous behaviour. Whatver you do, enjoy!

My solution would be to join 17 years ago when there was minimal holding.:}

Seriously, though avoid SH unless you want a medal and a visit to somewhere sandy but no sea. My advice would be to try hard for 84 Sqn. It's the only overseas det worth going on.

As an aside, we've had some lucky holders in the past. 28 Sqn in HK was an obvious good hold. I remember well Steady having a whale of a time.

ATPL, obviously!
 

I'd thoroughly recommend giving Alex Whittingham a call at Bristol Groundschool (01934 744 944, or have a look at www.bristol.gs). One of the most worthwhile courses you can do in the RAF- and your ELC will pay for a large chunk of it. Getting your ATPL out of the way early means you can spend the rest of your career hours building....

southbound - I think that's AT as in 'Adventurous Training' rather than 'Air Transport'!

But yes, go and eat mud with the camo-dudes of the RW world to get the full perspective - if that doesn't make you sign up with Alex's ATPL theory school, then nothing will! And ask Basil about Abbotsford......;)

Some interesting ideas, thanks to all so far.

AT was adventurous training, of which we are now restriceted to one course per hold, I'm glad I won't be holding for almost a year then...oh...wait.
I'm thinking about reintroducing a 1000 days holding badge, I won't be far short by the time I start my next course and another hold is almost a certainty. I remember holding pilots on my UAS who had held for this long and I also remember upon joining how glad I was those days are over.

<rant over>

At least I'm still getting paid, can't imagine industry standing for paying some one for 4 yrs but only making them work at there proper jo for 2 of them. I just have to think of some more imaginative ways to get onto yet more adventurous training courses.

Burns

If you are a post Linton restreamee I assume you have your wings. Get yourself off to an AEF, plenty of nice locations to choose from, and get some flying in. I think most AEFs would bite your arm off:ok:

Why not get JOCC and ISS out of the way - hardly demanding courses so whilst you have the flex do them now. Saves doing them when you get on a Sqn and there really is no time.

"Why not get JOCC and ISS out of the way..."

Don't bother with Idiot Scribbly School or other such triv - go for the ATPL option....

Mind you, back in the good old days of holding at Biggin Hill when lots of lovely little fighter controller babes were sent there for reselection, one could often end up 'holding' something quite delightfuly warm and curvaceous...:E

Or so I'm told.