The Regular/Reservist relationship is divisive and creates a 2nd tier of RAF citizen. Reserves always struggle for kit, are last on the list for overnight accommodation. I could go on, but hopefully you get the picture
Outward appearances suggest for some regular organisations the increase of reserve forces and subsequent integration and training system is all too much like hard work. If they ignore it for long enough it will go away. There is a basic lack of understanding of what the reserves offer and how they work. Training information is geared around regulars - reserves centric packages are needed.
I have been in 10 years and have been mobilised twice. You always feel the regulars don’t want you but once integrated we prove we can bring a lot of skills energy and
enthusiasm.....and they are surprised by the commitment. Overall it’s been a great experience and I have been to Iraq, Cyprus Germany, Sweden and Belgium, promoted once can’t really complain that much.
Training has been sporadic, and when delivered by Regulars has often been perceived as a “punishment” for the DS, who have to work on the weekend or in the evening. Lessons are poorly prepared and delivered by non-SMEs. DS solutions are often wrong, and the standard of support services (accommodation/catering) is noticeably and dramatically lower at the weekends than during the working week. Feedback to this effect from Reservists is often ignored as “reservists don’t understand training”; with the results that badly run courses continue for many years without review.
I feel very privileged and indeed humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve in The Royal Air Force.
Terms of service for FTRS could be in line with regulars and be 9 year contracts rather than 4
I love my job but I feel that losing my pension and also medical and dental is unfair for the amount or work and overtime I put into my job, so am actively looking to see if there is something else out there.
It would seem that while the reservist is attending training at their parent unit things plod along administratively. Upon mobilisation the reservist is transformed into some form of hot potato which no one seems to want to take proper and continued responsibility for. This includes the parent unit the reservist has come from, through the pre-deployment training establishment and on into theatre, where our administration was at best an afterthought. There is a need for the complete process to be looked at from the perspective of all those involved.
If we are to develop a capable and adaptable reserve force similar to that sported by countries such as Israel, then we need: The regular forces to embrace and understand the reserve forces and the role they can and do play; to encourage and forge closer relations with employers so that to employ someone who has volunteered to help their country is seen as something to be proud of and beneficial to the company; to ensure that the reservist is made to feel that their contribution and the upheaval they are putting their family and employer through is worthwhile.
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www.raf-ff.org.uk
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