TG1 Retention again

[muttywhitedog]

Techies are paid for what they know, not what they do.

Out of my 22 years, I had about 18 months in 3 separate 'back office' roles.

1) QCIT as the Unit Tool Controller but was still on standby for Afghan with a Tonka Sqn and no protection from DWR.

2) Docs Cell - only put in there to get a Mech SNCO out on the shop floor, and to (WO's words not mine) force the other NCO's who were reticent in gaining the extra auths to do so. I would put the overalls back on when it came time to auth them as I was competent in everything and would train & assess.

3) CAMO - Staff work essentially but so important to Aviation Safety and ensuring compliance from all in an MRP 145 environment.

All that I knew that could be 'accused' of swinging the lead (there probably are others that genuinely were doing that) whilst safe in a warm office were still prepared to bolster the relevant manpower roster.

Jobs like the above (apart from docs cells as they were about prior) have only come about in the aftermath of XV230 and Haddon-Cave in an environment were there needs to be competent fingers on the pulse to remind those holding the safety delegations / responsibilities of their remit.

Still struggling to see what use a Harrier or Jag Q is these days.

Oh, and I did Docs Cell at XV Sqn for 18 months.

 

[Spearmint]

Still struggling to see what use a Harrier or Jag Q is these days.

Oh, and I did Docs Cell at XV Sqn for 18 months.

Accumulated experience dear boy and it is has actually come in useful quite recently as certain equipment a colleague looks after (a recent Naval acquisition) still uses a Two Core, Twisted Pair Databus using Manchester II Bi-Phase ala Harrier. Not just that but all of that fault finding knowledge and ability to conceptualise, built up over easily 20 years of proper spannering gives me a unique perspective which still serves me and ultimately the people I support very well.

It's not about the Q's or the X annotations. Same shit sandwiches everywhere you go, they just need nibbling away at slightly differently.

Oh and I wasn't the Docs Cell tea making bitch with super shiny pants, I was the Docs Cell Super Tech who was happy to put his dirty overalls back on when called up, along with formalising and developing policies for a 5th Gen Aircraft that require actual underpinning technical knowledge and operational (especially QRA) experience.

 

[UlsterExile]

Nothing will change unless the top brass have an honest look as to what is wrong with the RAF. I don't think more money will solve all the issues (don't get me wrong it will go a long way). There needs to be a fundamental shift in how the RAF Operate and what is required of each trade. Need to look at pilots for a start. Why can't we have NCO pilots who just want to fly and be damm good rather than an officer who is just trying to push on to the next rank. If they want to push on take the commission early on.

While some see FTRS as dead mans shoes its a workforce that is not being used correctly. Most capability owners see it as saving money, but change the contract to reflect an OOA in that period and i suspect you will see a significant change on how the FTRS cadre are used and recruited.

TBH can't see anything changing as the TOP Brass won't change it as its not a priority for them. Shame as the RAF is run by those in OR1-OR9. If High Wycombe went up in a puff of smoke the RAF would sill function as all those tasks could be done at Unit/Sqn level and delegated down.

 

[busby1971]

FTRS is just a diversion, relying on the past doesn’t provide a solution for the future, and if you think there’s too much back scratching in the regulars, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

After years of below inflation rises all trades will be impacted sooner or later, if you take into account that UK pay rises would have been higher if it wasn’t previously dampened by people who can’t join the RAF the underlying issue is even bigger.

At some point AFPRB will have to more realistic and put through some honest recommendations, although with a change in Gov
due next year I can’t see that happening.

 

[Rocket_Ronster]

At some point AFPRB will have to more realistic and put through some honest recommendations

The problem with pay review boards is that they get told at the start what money is available. So it's irrelevant what they know, think, or suspect, if they're told 2% is all that can be afforded, then 2% will be their "independent" recommendation.

 

[Cornish_Pikey]

These graphs shows a lot leaving and not being replaced.

 

[Cat Techie]

Is it possible they are holding out until after the Autumn statement on Wednesday?

We've had another 3 PVRs this week, all from the 'Cpl-Sgt 10-18 years service' range.

Because they can join BA and be paid loads more in a short time doing a paid zero to hero licence course.

 

[unruly1986]

These graphs shows a lot leaving and not being replaced.
View attachment 1011967

Annual stats are due out any time now. Will make for interesting reading.

My trade OR7 ET rate is over double the RAF average. As soon as people hit EDP they are gone; that’s if they even wait that long.

For me, pay could fix this. The problem for the MOD is that they don’t have enough to keep me in.

 

[Tin basher]

Minister for military things not happy at the shortages of manpower.

Shortages of soldiers, sailors and aviators hinders the country

James Heappey told the Commons defence committee that the shortages in 183 trades across the Armed Forces in the United Kingdom are affecting the country's fighting ability

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Gilbert]

Mech Cpl to Sgt board now into the 150s, I guess thats one way of filling the gaps. Promote everybody!

 

[Cornish_Pikey]

Mech Cpl to Sgt board now into the 150s, I guess thats one way of filling the gaps. Promote everybody!

It's gutting when you come off in the top ten through busting your balls for a few years to get promoted then you find out there's some proper numpties in the bottom end of the numbers getting promoted whilst doing basically feck all extra.

 

[Downsizer]

It doesn't help that a lot of those high on a list turn down promotion leaving manning to move into the dross at the bottom.

 

[muttywhitedog]

It doesn't help that a lot of those high on a list turn down promotion leaving manning to move into the dross at the bottom.

Not the only organisation that ends up like that DS. Mine has just had a round of internal temporary promotions where only 3 made the pre-agreed minimum grade, so the bar got lowered to ensure positions were filled.

 

[Dirge]

Mech Cpl to Sgt board now into the 150s, I guess thats one way of filling the gaps. Promote everybody!

Is this being reflected across other trade groups or is this across the board?

 

[Downsizer]

Not the only organisation that ends up like that DS. Mine has just had a round of internal temporary promotions where only 3 made the pre-agreed minimum grade, so the bar got lowered to ensure positions were filled.

Interesting.....

 

[Downsizer]

As an aside, 5 TG1s from my old section have joined my company in the last year.....from SAC to FS. Six if you count me.

 

[Barch]

It doesn't help that a lot of those high on a list turn down promotion leaving manning to move into the dross at the bottom.

What are the main reasons for people declining promotion?

 

[Dan_Brown]

Usual stuff - people have realised there is more to life than climbing the promotion ladder and value family time more.

Stability - as we know posting usually comes with a move.

Pay - my last promotion come with a £50 pay increase and a bucket ton of more work.

 

[Gilbert]

Is this being reflected across other trade groups or is this across the board?

Honestly don't know, but when a JNCO I know gets told they are in the 150s and the try again next year chat when the board gets released. To then being invited into the wobblys office for the congrats chat the other week tells me they are flying through the Mech numbers.

 

[vaginator]

Where did they get on the Sgt to CT mech board?