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Are there any advantages in getting a commission from the ranks or getting your third. Is it purely financial in the long run. Over to you true blue jack
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Advantages of commission v being a snec
- Thread starter justintime129
- Start date
True Blue Jack
Warrant Officer
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There were lots of reasons why I wanted to make the jump and the financial advantages definitely made the top five. Another reason was that I got fed up of hearing the words "A grade, not selected" every year so I decided to take matters into my own hands.
As it happens, I came off the board that sat while I was at Cranditz so if I had hung on a bit longer I would now be a snec. I ask myself sometimes whether I would have gone for my commission had my tarot cards foretold of a third banana - I genuinely don't know the answer to that.
But I don't regret crossing over. I am expected to argue the case for people like PSF Angel and as people on here will agree I always stand up for what I believe in, even when that doesn't get the popular vote. If I want something doing, I don't have to waste half a day justifying it, it simply happens. I have to take the rap if it all goes wrong, of course, but I've not had to face that yet. I have a tangible impact on the life of the station and every day is different. Added to all that, the Mess life is incredible and, yes, my bank balance has noticed the difference too.
My advice to anyone thinking they might want to cross to the dark side is to stop thinking about it and give it their best shot. Some of my best friends quit Cranwell part-way through and are now SACs again, happy that they tried it before deciding it wasn't for them.
As it happens, I came off the board that sat while I was at Cranditz so if I had hung on a bit longer I would now be a snec. I ask myself sometimes whether I would have gone for my commission had my tarot cards foretold of a third banana - I genuinely don't know the answer to that.
But I don't regret crossing over. I am expected to argue the case for people like PSF Angel and as people on here will agree I always stand up for what I believe in, even when that doesn't get the popular vote. If I want something doing, I don't have to waste half a day justifying it, it simply happens. I have to take the rap if it all goes wrong, of course, but I've not had to face that yet. I have a tangible impact on the life of the station and every day is different. Added to all that, the Mess life is incredible and, yes, my bank balance has noticed the difference too.
My advice to anyone thinking they might want to cross to the dark side is to stop thinking about it and give it their best shot. Some of my best friends quit Cranwell part-way through and are now SACs again, happy that they tried it before deciding it wasn't for them.
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No problems with that. Just thought I'd take it away from the other thread. Every man has to look after himself
Alanincyprus
LAC
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In the Mess are you known as "retreads" as in the Army?
Alan
Alan
Nicely done. I too thought the responses were a tad over the top.
Glad you felt that you made the right decision TBJ. Just make sure you don't turn into one of those ex-ranker tossers!
My boss was trying to convince me to go for a commission. It's not me though, I'd rather see how far I can get up this ladder!
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I have known TBJ for many years and I concur that he does stand up for what is right. Not for the benefit of himself, but for the benefit of others.
He does seem to attract a degree of vilification on here but that's life.
And he deserves it because he's Welsh!!!
DT_Xtremez_14:TW
I have known TBJ for many years and I concur that he does stand up for what is right. Not for the benefit of himself, but for the benefit of others.
He does seem to attract a degree of vilification on here but that's life.
And he deserves it because he's Welsh!!!
TW
Everyone gets vilified on here if someone else doesn't agree with it...... it is by no means meant personally (not from me anyway) and I would say what I said in the other thread to anyone.... WRT to the 'operation' well that's just the truth!
And he deserves it because he's Welsh!!!
TW
Oh come on TW, thats the ONE thing he has going for him
DT_Xtremez_30:I have known a few ex-rankers in my time and most lived up to the w**ker bit but without doubt the best ex ranker I have known was OC 14 Sqn a few years back (before the fat blob took over).
Crack on..................
DT_Xtremez_09:True Blue Jack
Warrant Officer
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Pensions are massively complicated and very individual as you know so I am loath to give too much specific advice. I'm still on AFPS 75 so all my airman service from age 21 counts - effectively I have lost 3 years which I wouldn't have done if I had made the change to AFPS05. I am pension-trapped until my 38th birthday but my 18 year commission takes me into my 50s if I stay the distance. It's a nice position to be in, I won't lie.
What will happen in the future is anyone's guess right now, of course.
Go on then...so what the pay/pension for Sqn Ldr then ?
Crack on..................
DT_Xtremez_09:I'm an auggie and I have often had a similar discussion with my work managers. I have always asked them if the work/life balance is worth it, as these lofty gods do put in a lot of hours at the office. There has often been a pause before their answer.
Don't get me wrong, every one to their own! If they want to do it then good for them.
I've thought about the 'what if' scenario where you are offered the chance to drink ambrosia, but personally I feel that if you decide to take that drink you end up so far removed from coal face that its not what you really, really love doing. e.g if you start out as a techie then a comission will mean managing budgets, manpower projections, etc. and other non hands on stuff.
It just goes back to what you want to do, manage or be hands on.
Don't get me wrong, every one to their own! If they want to do it then good for them.
I've thought about the 'what if' scenario where you are offered the chance to drink ambrosia, but personally I feel that if you decide to take that drink you end up so far removed from coal face that its not what you really, really love doing. e.g if you start out as a techie then a comission will mean managing budgets, manpower projections, etc. and other non hands on stuff.
It just goes back to what you want to do, manage or be hands on.
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It's a strong point, and one of the reasons I leapt if truth be told. Quite often the only distinction that a civilian corporate organisation can loosely recognise (without research or exposure) is that between an Officer and an NCO - rightly or wrongly. Anecdotal assumptions are made, and if this gets you through the interview door, who is to argue?
You can augment this with the fact that once over the wall, there is a seperate organsiation for Officers specifically designed to look after their welfare and employment after they leave - and its valid for life.
Go on then...so what the pay/pension for Sqn Ldr then ?
Crack on..................
Pay is £47,760.48 up to £52,473.84
Pension obviously depends on circumstances.
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Not a bad wage/pension for one merit promotion in your career!
Mr Trousers
LAC
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In my opinion, you’re doing it for the wrong reasons if it’s just for the wages and subsequent pension. Yes you get paid a bit more, but it’s not exactly pop star wages and the pension can be quite a while away.
There are times when it can be quite an isolated and insular job compared to having the ‘crack’ at the 'coal face'. Do it only if you’re interested in actually doing the job in your chosen branch – if not, it could be a long career.
There are times when it can be quite an isolated and insular job compared to having the ‘crack’ at the 'coal face'. Do it only if you’re interested in actually doing the job in your chosen branch – if not, it could be a long career.
And then that is taxed.......think I'll still to my 5 months off a year
Crack on....................
DT_Xtremez_09: