Mightierthan
Corporal
- 411
- 0
- 16
Ladies & gents, if you are in a Chf Clk role or similar I would be grateful for a bit of impartial advice. I was in a Chf Clk role a few years back and if someone had come to me with a case like mine I don't think I would have been very sympathetic!
I have just been notified of my next OOA, due Jul this year, immediate reserve. I have no problems going and look forward to the healthier lifestyle, extra training etc, as well as the bonhomie that is generated OOA. However, the timing isn't great so I want to defer for 2 roulements (8 months).
Basically I am part of the diaspora - I am the only military person where I am posted. The rest are civvies and civil servants. There is an Army base nearby that provides medical and dental care only - no MT, Admin, Supply, Welfare, CCS or Fitness Testing for non-battalion personnel. My parent unit is 270 miles away and would take 5 hours to get there - I have never been there!
If I went OOA now I would spend the following 4 months travelling to attend the 4 courses I need to do as well as IRT, prep, acclimatisation, RAFFT, CCS and kitting etc. Journeys would involve at least one overnight stay. At the moment my clothing card is in storage at Air Cmd as I don't wear uniform! My JPA and trade skills have faded a bit since being 'out of trade' so I may be a burden OOA without refreshing these skills.
Additionally I am due to be posted end Oct as my job is being civilianised. If I am deferred until after my posting my family will have access to proper welfare and admin support - if I go now they will have nothing.
What do you think? Should I ask or should I just take it on the chin and hope that everything goes okay? I know I can rely on you for honest answers with no punches pulled!
I have just been notified of my next OOA, due Jul this year, immediate reserve. I have no problems going and look forward to the healthier lifestyle, extra training etc, as well as the bonhomie that is generated OOA. However, the timing isn't great so I want to defer for 2 roulements (8 months).
Basically I am part of the diaspora - I am the only military person where I am posted. The rest are civvies and civil servants. There is an Army base nearby that provides medical and dental care only - no MT, Admin, Supply, Welfare, CCS or Fitness Testing for non-battalion personnel. My parent unit is 270 miles away and would take 5 hours to get there - I have never been there!
If I went OOA now I would spend the following 4 months travelling to attend the 4 courses I need to do as well as IRT, prep, acclimatisation, RAFFT, CCS and kitting etc. Journeys would involve at least one overnight stay. At the moment my clothing card is in storage at Air Cmd as I don't wear uniform! My JPA and trade skills have faded a bit since being 'out of trade' so I may be a burden OOA without refreshing these skills.
Additionally I am due to be posted end Oct as my job is being civilianised. If I am deferred until after my posting my family will have access to proper welfare and admin support - if I go now they will have nothing.
What do you think? Should I ask or should I just take it on the chin and hope that everything goes okay? I know I can rely on you for honest answers with no punches pulled!