I meet all of LJRs requirements except the number of posts (I've been busy) and the fact that I am an ex-career manager in a different staff appointment. I still find it astounding that posters really believe that PMA deliberately set out to mess people about. Desk officers and Trade Sqn Cdrs/staff are just you and me in another job, doing the best they can with a depleted manpower pool and a heavier OOA load. After 27 years I can honestly say I have never had a "bad" posting, I have had some short notice ones (3 weeks was the shortest), but I have always had a choice. I've been to some sh1tty places, but the people have always made up for it. I've got 5 years to do and I am still enjoying every day. I'm glad I didn't apply for redundancy (I was in the bracket) and I am still a volunteer for another OOA. There are still some happy people in the RAF.

I am sure that posters do not look further ahead than tomorrow, furthermore, they do not give a flying toss. I am currently fulfilling an OR9 job as an OR6. I do not get the pay or respect from fellow service colleagues who i work with on a regular basis and I struggle to get my job done (more to it than that) Cant wait to leave as I have had enough. So in summary, I am far, far from happy

Maybe the real question of this thread should not be 'Is anyone happy?', as i'm sure there will be a point were most people will end up unhappy or decide its not for them anymore and leave, the real question should be, given the option now, with all that youthful naivety, would you do it all again?

Happy !!!!!.........I'm bloody delirious. Retirement date November 23rd. All domestic tasks, painting and decorating etc on the back burner til after Christmas. Lots of hill walking to do, pub lunches and getting pleasantly pi$$ed in front of a log fire. Been a long time coming but worth the wait.:D

"I still find it astounding that posters really believe that PMA deliberately set out to mess people about."

Catbert

You obviously have been very lucky in your life.

I have encountered the Innsworth Mafia, and the attitude displayed by those desk jockeys was unprofessional at the very least. I was on an unaccompanied tour - not by choice I may add - and when I contacted my trade desk using 'Open Door' to have a chat about my next posting, I asked if I could be considered for any vacancy for my rank and trade, within commuting distance of my wife and kids. The response... "It's you that's in the Air Force , not your family. You'll go where we send you!" .. followed by the phone being put down.


And you wonder why people are not happy!!

I'm a civvy now and very happy.

Done 30 years in January 08. 8 years to do. Spent this summer in the Falklands and had a great time. Still happy although the constant tempo of change can be a bit wearing.

Happiness maybe rank related!
 

I wonder what the proportion of Happy to Disgruntled people are of the commissioned club as opposed to the non commissioned. Just quickly looking it appears that most aircrew seem happy enough. Guys with usernames which are clearly non-commissioned aren't so. And this is by know means an accurate fact but just an observation.

Maybe its about having a say in your own destiny. More work and less personnel usually means the guys at the bottom of the ladder get it.

Moral is like an infection, it spreads very quickly. Positively and negatively. If we carry on ignoring the decline then its never going to heal. Statements from our intrepid leaders about fast moving trains and getting off if you're not enjoying the ride really do not help.

I really worry where we are heading.

For the record..... Its been good. Not so sure anymore. I just wish some money could be diverted from the money pit called the NHS and put into 'defence'. Sorry to use the swear word.

Typhoon saloon,

I was chatting with a nurse after last week's Top Gear and the point was made.. 'Great, we have no money to clean hospitals, and the military is knobbing about with jets and sports cars'.

This morning, I am happy. Possibly an 8.5. The house is still quiet, the garden is looking good, its a bootiful day, I'm off swimming soon, the coffee is filtered and the sounds of innocent and peaceful slumbering from upstairs reminds me where the real priorities lie. Almost time for stand to.

Sausages.. check! Mushrooms, erm.. check. Scrambled eggs.. check. Bacon, ohhh.. check. Top up Mr Java? Check!

All the best. I hope everyone has a good day.

So ...........is my user name commissioned or non-commissioned?

serf

If I am a Group captain you could be commissioned. If I am a sergeant you are non -commissioned;)

332M

To all those coming to join me DownUnder......

The grass is definately greener on the other side.

See you soon!!!!!!!!!!!:)

Money Pit
 

Al R

Unfortunately I feel the money which is being poured into the NHS isn't getting to the front line. Sounds all so familiar doesn't it. GP's are allegedly on over £100k now and refuse to work out of hours (9-5).

As I inferred, this is not a science about usernames. Just a guess

Is my name zob or non-zob?

Still proud to serve - problems there are - I will not disagree. As long as no one calls me a whinger! 8 years to run and still enjoying nearly every minute.