T h e W o r k p l a c e
A Good Round for the RAF
T
he Planning Round is the means by which the Defence Board allocates funding to the Armed Forces. Te net result of Planning Round 2008 (PR08) for the RAF was, on balance, a good one.
BACKGROUND
The PR08 enhancements for the RAF are noteworthy, especially given that the round was issued against a background of tight financial constraints on public expenditure. They reflect CAS’ priorities, namely: continued success on current operations and strong, balanced support for the RAF’s people.
There are to be an additional 629 posts from 1 Apr 09 giving relief and enhancements to some of the most hard pressed operational areas.
RAF Regiment Field Squadron and Force Protection Wing Headquarters. The RAF Regiment is among the busiest areas in the Service at present. The PR08 additions,136, rising to 184 posts over 3 years, will enhance the RAF Regiment's capability and increase the time that its personnel spend at home between operational tours.
Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS). Recognising the pressure that personnel are under, funding has also been approved for an increase in MPGS guarding at RAF bases – a total of 482 staff. This will ensure that, over the next 3 years, the vast majority of RAF personnel will be able to focus on their primary task without the additional burden of guarding duties.
Additional Personnel Staff. There is funding for 42 Trade Group 17 (Personnel admin) posts and funding for around 20 posts that will be used to improve the career management service.
Air Transport. An extra 99 ground crew posts have been funded to support the RAF’s 6th C17 Globemaster III. To help to mitigate the pressures on the current AT fleet to deliver the airbridge to operational theatres.
Support Helicopter Force. With the addition of 6 Merlin helicopters comes a further 116 personnel for 78 Sqn. This significant
enhancement is coupled with a further 8 Chinook and 108 more personnel to bolster 18 and 27 Squadrons, which will improve the ability to support current and future ops.
Quality of Life Enhancements. An additional £3.7M funding per year is provided for quality of life improvements. The money will be given to RAF unit commanders, who are best placed to decide how to meet local needs.
Support for Recruitment. Recognising that to increase manpower numbers and sustain the force will require us to make the RAF a career of first choice within an increasingly competitive employment market, an additional £4M per year has been allocated to recruiting.
Enhancing the Air/Land Interface. The creation of additional air staff posts at Army Brigade and Divisional HQs will help support current ops and ensure the RAF’s ethos is maintained in the Joint environment and that the contribution being made by the RAF is better understood by all.
The Harrier Force. The Harrier GR9 is a very capable Close Air Support platform. PR08 funding has been made available to restore the Harrier training base, ensuring the Harrier continues to deliver campaign success.
The Hawk Fleet. In order to maintain the wider training base, the Hawk Fleet Out of Service Date (OSD) has been extended.
Future Aircrew Training. Additional funding has been found to exploit technologies that allow aircraft simulators to link together in an interactive virtual training environment. The benefits include the ability to conduct effective multi-platform training irrespective of weather and aircraft availability.
Multi-Engine Pilot Training. PR08 has allowed funding for two King Air B200GT aircraft to train additional RAF and Army multi-engine pilots which will assist in relieving the pressure on the front line.
24 Autumn 2008
www.raf-families-federation.org.uk
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