Something that never gets mentioned

[FormerFlake]

Something I have not heard mentioned on here, which i think hugely effects the branch is......

Mainly for Officers, but also for TG9............

That we so rarely work for Flt Ops people, I never had a Flt Ops RO. In fact I have had the following ROs.

1 x RAF Regt Sqn Ldr
2 x Fast Jet Pilot Wg Cdrs
2 x Multi Engine Pilots Sqn Ldrs
1 x ATC Sqn Ldr
1 x ATC Wg Cdr
2 x Fighter Control Sqn Ldrs
1 x Multi Engine Wng Cdr

And that is not including Stn Cdrs, as it doesn't really count.

How much of an affect does this have on our careers, and the dirrection of the branch? A lot I think, what do all you think?

 

[MeerKat]

FF,
I think it can have quite an effect if the report is badly written anyway, but if the RO knows their people properly then it should come across in the narrative. I've never had a specialist RO, but I have written on TG9's and it gave me a small bit of pride to be able to tick the right box. I think we (branch and trade) are slowly getting there, and yes it it very slow, but still progress.
BTW, still trying to work out who you are fella, still sure we have crossed paths in the past.

 

[M_for_Mother]

Speaking as someone who is not an SME for your trade, having a non-specialist RO somewhere in your reporting chain is never a bad thing. If your reports are frequently signed off by Officers of the same branch, you risk being viewed as a 'limited' subject by the promotion board.

I would certainly look upon an individual from my specialisation, who has worked for an Officer of another branch or Service and recieved a favourable report, as a better promotion candidate than someone who has not. Essentially it means you are more employable in the Joint environment and on Operations.

However, TG 9 is a very different animal to the TGs that I normally work with and I understand that my experience may not translate well into Ops. I would appreciate the views of any others out there.

Can't say what it means for your TG, but the general feeling amongst most of my colleagues is that the Flt Ops Specialisation is going to get S-canned by ATC. My personal opinion is that Flt Ops has been given a sh*tty deal by the RAF, and that the more 'mature' specialisations like Regt & ATC have picked up most of your SO2 & SO3 slots on the sly because no-one was prepared to defend you.

Again, if I'm wrong I would appreciate correction!!

 

[MeerKat]

Future of the Branch

Future of the Branch

Can't say what it means for your TG, but the general feeling amongst most of my colleagues is that the Flt Ops Specialisation is going to get S-canned by ATC. My personal opinion is that Flt Ops has been given a sh*tty deal by the RAF, and that the more 'mature' specialisations like Regt & ATC have picked up most of your SO2 & SO3 slots on the sly because no-one was prepared to defend you.

M,
Firstly, I really hope not, but then wouldn't be surprised if it was s-canned. I also wholeheartedly agree that there has not been enough defense of a whole host of posts that should be Ops.
But then what can you do when your most senior officer is a wg cdr and the branch sponsor has 'more important things to worry about'?
MK