I firmly believe that it is incumbent on the individual to make the most of the opportunities that are available. Despite this however, the erosion of advantages afforded by service life, alongside increased workload due to a lack of available manpower, make retention a less palatable proposition. I don’t think there is an easy solution, especially in the current climate of saving imperatives and cut backs; however, I do believe we must protect our most valuable asset, experienced and loyal personnel in addition to making retention and recruitment more attractive than it currently is.
As the wife of a serving officer I have to choose between a rock and a hard place: Either buy a house somewhere affordable on an RAF officers salary - which means a long way from High Wycombe/MOD/Northwood etc - and stay put whilst not seeing him for several weeks at a time (weekend work seems to be the norm these days) or ‘follow the flag’ and move home every 2 years or less. If I chose the former, there is the possibility that the marriage will suffer. If I chose the latter, I sacrifice my career and face the stress of having to fight to get a decent house, find decent schooling, a doctors, a dentist etc. And it is a fight now. This is not how it was when we were first married and these things were much easier to sort out. Life now for RAF personnel and their families is harder and more stressful.
A lot of personnel are working extremely hard to make the best of the current situation and, no doubt, Service Chiefs are shackled to the problems that have been created over many years. Family support is essential to ensuring those serving can complete the job in hand knowing that their loved ones are being suitably supported be that through welfare, housing or having a voice.
I am very proud of the role my husband fills and that of the RAF in general. There does however seem to be a shortage of resources (manpower and aircraft) which is resulting in longer hours and a reduction in quality of life. Whilst it is understood that being in the Armed Forces means you are never off duty there has to be some down time and quality of life otherwise it will become increasingly difficult to retain talented people and there will be an impact on people’s health.
Whilst the serving person’s quality of life is good, as a spouse/partner, it is becoming increasingly demoralising to hand in notice in a full time job to then know that on future job applications you will be scrutinised and penalised by employers for your loyalty to the RAF.
I enjoy my job and some of the opportunities it brings, but often the cost is a poor work life balance away from my wife and children either due to displaced locations or long hours.
Quality of life is very good at the moment but long term it is unsustainable for 2 serving personnel with a young family.
I still am very proud to be the Wife of Serving Member of the Armed Forces and it has done us well in terms of been able to get on the property ladder. The quality of Married Quarters is getting worse and when you live in a Quarter that has been so poorly maintained it can be a little depressing.
Accommodation is disgusting and helps to sap every ounce of morale from my bones.
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