Some comments about renewal:
I have applied to renew my commission this year and hope that I will find the challenges that I need. I have considerable experience and still wish to support the RAF, however I am under no illusion that should it not be utilised I will not renew. With the lack of parity of pay and allowances and the view of the reserves held by the regular SNCO and JNCO cadre I would not recommend the reserves to others or those leaving regular service.
I have been very pleased with my decision to join the RAF Reserves, I have learned a lot, tested myself and accomplished things that I hadn’t expected I would several years ago. I have gained a significant pride in myself through my achievements to date and I sense my family have this in me also. I expect and hope that there will be significant future opportunities for me to grow in confidence, ability and experience within the Reserves.
There is time yet for issues to be resolved and the commitment to reserve forces appears to be increasing. Employers are largely clueless about the RAF Reserves and the positive impact that having a reservist can have for the civilian work role and their business. Maintaining a commitment to the RAF Reserves is a tough one as there currently isn’t any support from many civilian employers written into work contracts.
I am proud to be a reservist. I try hard; I apply myself to be the best I can be in my role as a gunner, leader and instructor. I have served in more ways than I expected. I like to fly the flag as a reservist, particularly when challenged by the negative regular attitude, and it flies high. Involve and invest or the Government will fall way short of its aspiration for Reserve Forces. Things could be so much better with some smart investment.
There’s a lot of uncertainty at the moment, especially with operational deployments drying up, but there is still a feeling that we are in a growth area that has a future. I am told that things will improve soon.
Retention appears to be becoming a problem. I am approaching 30 years’ service in 3 different trades and I have always been able to sell the role. However, it is now becoming increasingly more difficult to keep personnel as the recruitment advertising is misleading regarding the reservist experience e.g. sport, AT.
I love being part of the reserves and think it’s a highly reputable and professional organisation to be part of. I’m proud to be part of the Reserves and will certainly be renewing my service when it’s due.
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www.raf-ff.org.uk
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