FEATURES INTRODUCING...
WO JON CROSSLEY, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF’S WARRANT OFFICER (CAS WO)
I write this having just taken over as CAS WO and to say that it is an honour and privilege would be an understatement. I feel the same pride over the continued support and commitment that we all receive from our RAF Family, both from those at home and those working tirelessly on our behalf, as the Families Federation does daily.
As a previous Phase 2 Wing WO, WO RTS and SWO at Cranwell, I have had firsthand experience of the pride, commitment and belonging that those joining today feel, which I can honestly say is not that different to what was felt by those who joined more years ago than we may care to remember! The sense of belonging felt by our newest recruits is also felt by their families, who are always bursting at the seams with pride and support for their loved ones. They are though a different generation with different needs and ambitions in an ever changing military environment. These needs are one of the key reasons the wider RAF Family is so important as they support Serving personnel, raising issues and questions to ensure our people are treated fairly across the Whole Force.
Our people are very much in demand across defence and throughout the world providing an unrivalled military capability. While proud to serve our country, being asked to constantly perform to such a high standard and at a non-stop tempo also brings a
degree of risk. The pressure to achieve and to deliver can take its toll over time on both our people
and their families and we need to ensure this is identified, measured and addressed.
So how can we help ourselves? The Families Federation frequently launches fi ve-minute online surveys covering a variety of topics that help create the totally independent voice that they use to represent us as regular Serving personnel, Reservists, singlies, as well as our families. You’ll remember that Bill Mahon, in the Director’s Note has already included before me, the topics of surveys covered so far this year. A broad range of topics, I’m sure you will agree and ones that we all have a view on. I would therefore encourage each and every one of you to fi nd that small amount of time to undertake their surveys.
As we prepare to celebrate our fi rst 100 years as a modern, current and relevant service, we will most defi nitely enter our second century
with eager anticipation of what will come next. But let us not forget that we cannot do it alone and the collective strength we have as a whole RAF Family should not be underestimated.
Once again I am extremely proud to be able to represent the views, opinions and needs of our 23,000 non- commissioned ranks and I am equally heartened knowing that the Families Federation will be working alongside to ensure that all our people and their families are treated fairly in an ever changing world.
I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during my tenure.
8
Winter 2016
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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