RAAF pilots leaving
Spec aircrew is a bit of a vexed issue, that's for sure.
From a 'greater good' point of view, I think it's great there's at least some mechanism to keep valuable experience in squadrons by breaking that 'must be posted after a couple of years, must be promoted' cycle, particularly when flying hours and opportunities for on some types are limited and it can be hard to really learn the ropes as a boggie prior to being posted out to a ground job (although I can't claim to be in touch with how things are these days - please correct me if that's not the case any more).
On the down side, does spec aircrew really achieve that aim, or is it just a good thing for those who get it (not that I begrudge anyone the opportunity, I sort of did it by default in the end with a combination of luck and some ducking and weaving!)
From a 'greater good' point of view, I think it's great there's at least some mechanism to keep valuable experience in squadrons by breaking that 'must be posted after a couple of years, must be promoted' cycle, particularly when flying hours and opportunities for on some types are limited and it can be hard to really learn the ropes as a boggie prior to being posted out to a ground job (although I can't claim to be in touch with how things are these days - please correct me if that's not the case any more).
On the down side, does spec aircrew really achieve that aim, or is it just a good thing for those who get it (not that I begrudge anyone the opportunity, I sort of did it by default in the end with a combination of luck and some ducking and weaving!)
Spec aircrew is a bit of a vexed issue, that's for sure.
I think the whole - "post 'em out after two years" thing is the main issue and is out of date.
It takes 2-3 years to get a pilot to the level you want in the Squadron (competent, maybe a route checker/IRE/QFI/etc) and then, you send em' away!
Generally speaking, it would make better economics and would retain the corporate knowledge, if tours were around 4 years. Reckon people would be happier, too.
But, then who does the crappy desk jobs for 4 years?? Never an easy solution...
But, then who does the crappy desk jobs for 4 years??
I know, crazy right.
Also this is a rumour website - I heard it's 10% under manned.
Radical suggestion incoming: maybe somebody the government hasn't just spent millions of dollars on training and who has finally worked out how to do their core job?
How are you going to develop your Officer skills in preparation for that promotion you don't want if you don't do a crappy desk job?
Them: You're now trip hazard guy.
Me: Congratulations - you're now short a pilot AND a trip hazard guy.
For anybody interested in why this stuff keeps happening, read this organisational paper on "Functional Stupidity". Your mind will be blown.
http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/15604/1...ed%20final.pdf
From the paper:
Functional stupidity is organizationally-supported lack of reflexivity, substantive reasoning and justification. It entails a refusal to use intellectual resources outside a narrow and ‘safe’ terrain. It can provide a sense of certainty that allows organizations to function smoothly. This can save the organization and its members from the frictions provoked by doubt and reflection. Functional stupidity contributes to maintaining and strengthening organizational order. It also can motivate people, help them to cultivate their careers and subordinate them to socially acceptable forms of management and leadership. Such positive outcomes can further reinforce functional stupidity. However, functional stupidity can also have negative consequences such as trapping individuals and organizations into problematic patterns of thinking, which engender the conditions for individual and organizational dissonance. These negative outcomes may prompt individual and collective reflexivity in a way that can undermine functional stupidity
Quite enjoyed that paper Shags, encapsulated 30 years worth of working for 'organisations' in a nutshell. You cannot make this stuff up. Its as real as the ground job staring you in the face.
Any news on RAAF manning? Pilots leaving in droves to the airline environment as foretold earlier in the thread or not?
Any news on RAAF manning? Pilots leaving in droves to the airline environment as foretold earlier in the thread or not?
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Quite enjoyed that paper Shags, encapsulated 30 years worth of working for 'organisations' in a nutshell. You cannot make this stuff up. Its as real as the ground job staring you in the face.
Any news on RAAF manning? Pilots leaving in droves to the airline environment as foretold earlier in the thread or not?
Any news on RAAF manning? Pilots leaving in droves to the airline environment as foretold earlier in the thread or not?
The masses are starting to roll now.... Allegedly the commanders may have twigged to a retention issue? The wheel is well and truely round
Allegedly the commanders may have twigged to a retention issue?
If only they considered making people WANT to stay, rather than forcing them to stay?
The essential issue is that the structure and function of the ADF is built around a training sausage machine that must contine operating, with a finite staffing establishment for each service arm. Hence by design you are a member that must be replaced from below, and people must leave the ADF to keep numbers within budget.
So... up or out! RAAF pilots are no different, except the timeframes and costs of competent replacement is enormous (esp for FJ pilots), and is becoming more so.
Maintenance of‘ Capability’ is all the system really cares about. You can debate over posting durations, and retention issues that increase your happiness and security, but you must eventually choose UP or OUT, and the opportunity wheel will keep spinning. Right now the wheel is causing great grief and concern for RAAF, but opportunities for both paths. The important thing is to decide what you want, time your strategy and opportunities to maximise your potential either way.
Good luck with your departure strategy, or promotion to a better job.
So... up or out! RAAF pilots are no different, except the timeframes and costs of competent replacement is enormous (esp for FJ pilots), and is becoming more so.
Maintenance of‘ Capability’ is all the system really cares about. You can debate over posting durations, and retention issues that increase your happiness and security, but you must eventually choose UP or OUT, and the opportunity wheel will keep spinning. Right now the wheel is causing great grief and concern for RAAF, but opportunities for both paths. The important thing is to decide what you want, time your strategy and opportunities to maximise your potential either way.
Good luck with your departure strategy, or promotion to a better job.
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