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Serving Personnel LIFE IN THE RAF • 28% of personnel believe that the secure employment offered by the RAF is the best thing about RAF life.


• 10% of respondents stated that Sport and AT opportunities are what they enjoy most about RAF life. These figures were significantly higher with junior workshop/seminar audiences.


• 16% of personnel remain unhappy with the pay and pension.


• Alongside ‘Lack of recognition of the effort you put into the job’ (11%) and ‘Poor career prospects in my Branch/Trade’ (10%) a ‘Distrust/dislike of the current appraisal system’ (13%) has been a feature this year.


• 82% state that they are proud to serve with 70% still enjoying their life in the RAF. • 28% of personnel would not recommend a career in the RAF.


What do you ENJOY MOST about RAF LIFE? Other (Please specify) I don’t enjoy RAF life


1% The Service ‘Offer’ as a whole


Access to affordable accommodation Community spirit and social life


Sport and Adventurous training opportunities Training and Education


Being part of a team of like-minded, motivated people My pay and/or pension Secure employment


Possibly serving overseas Serving in different parts of the UK Secure Employment


As in the previous five years of reporting the results of these questions, Secure Employment is still by far the leading retention factor for a lot of personnel. It is also pleasing to see that the number is broadly similar to last year’s 29%.


Sport and AT opportunities


It was particularly pleasing to hear that at least 1 in 10 of our serving respondents considered that the ability to take part in Sport and AT was highest on their list of things they most enjoy about RAF life. As one may expect this figure was greater amongst our younger and more junior audiences and respondents. Therefore, it is clear that maintaining these opportunities are essential in attracting, motivating and retaining personnel in the service.


“Although I have indicated sport and adventurous training, I must also stress that these opportunities are becoming fewer and fewer.”


“Pay is rubbish, the pension has been whittled away, SFA is on the way out, manning levels are so low now, sport is all that is left to enjoy.”


2% 3% 2% 10% 6% 15% 11% 28% 9%


7% 7%


raf-ff.org.uk


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