As with previous reports, we have included a representative cross section of the comments received as part of the survey responses, to add colour and emphasis to the raw data.


Comments:


Operational deployments frequently come forward due to medical and other “fall downs” often throwing family life into turmoil (spouse’s employment, childcare etc).


As the wife of a successful high-ranking officer, I feel very torn about the decisions we make regarding our future. I want to be a supportive wife to my husband who enjoys his job and is very good at it; however as a mother, I am concerned about the effects our frequent moves have on the children’s education. We are aware of the assistance available with boarding schools but we simply could not bear to be separated from our children like that. Even the possibility of my husband “living in” during the week and returning to a family home at weekends is very difficult to contemplate. As a woman who had a career herself, I have felt unable to return to work due to the needs of our children, wanting to be their stable parent, always there when they need me but somewhat frustrated that I cannot return to work.


Frequent deployments mean that support has to come through service community. Access to facilities can be challenging e.g. dentistry. Children’s education and ability to socialise can also be affected. Wife’s ability to have a fulfilling career is also compromised With over 50% of the past 2 years spent overseas on training and operation, the family is feeling significant disruption.


Service children gain bonus funding at school for a reason. Almost every aspect of service life impacts negatively on the family. Frequent location moves, absence of parents through deployment and long normal hours all contribute to a lack of stability.


The disadvantages are starting to outweigh the advantages. Turbulence on children and spouses employment are now a big ‘leave’ factor, as is the condition of quarters.


I don’t think just one disadvantage can be put forward at present as there are many that impact upon each other.


Leave is too difficult to take due to work, low manpower levels and block leave bans.


All the cuts to staff means those still serving are doing two or three people’s jobs. Okay to do this for a short period of time, but not sustainable. The powers in charge need to stop cutting staff levels before they burn out those who are trying to bridge the working gap. They can’t maintain these levels of workloads, leaving people mentally and physically exhausted will just create bigger problems in the future


RAF service is great when the service person is at home. Whilst working long hours during the week it’s actually a stable lifestyle we can enjoy. However, longer operational deployments with no R+R impact on the family life especially given the current 18 month turn around for the branch.


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