Armed Forces Pay Review Body
http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/FFC91A50-1018-43AE-8B7D-9AEA41A0DA8B/0/afprb_rpt_2007.pdf - worth a look.
Reserves
4.25 Second, we are due to review X-Factor for our 2008 Report and note that X-Factor for Reserves had remained at 5 per cent since 1970 (GO MCM 10!!!). We were told on visits and in oral evidence that this no longer reflected the reality of Reserve service. Reserves could now reasonably expect to be deployed on operations, face far greater military discipline and encounter the same negative factors of Regular Service life including separation, turbulence, danger and physical injury (hmmm Helmand, Basra…concur with that) that could, specifically for Reserves, impact on civilian employment and result in loss of civilian earnings (would do if you are blinded).
So we are to go into a War Zone and be paid less than our F/T colleagues. Ah ha…that makes sense now. We are cheaper to send to the front and I thought it was just a case of avoiding sending all those really important desk jockeys and disrupting harmony time. But there again, look at the benefits….
To balance this, MOD acknowledged the positive elements of Reserve Service, including adventure training, travel and the opportunity to learn a specialist military trade that was highly “saleable†in the civilian sector. We look forward to MOD’s evidence for our X-Factor review covering all types of Reserve service.
Perhaps someone should tell those gormless, lilly livered Civil Servants that 2 days at “It’s a knockout†is often the most an RNR sees of AT. I know, I know there are opportunities all year round, but not paid for after you‘ve had your two whole days!
Travel – hmm…the glories of Fas or Pompey…haven’t all the flights been cancelled to anywhere else whether it be simple training or even ORT!!?? Short of the leadership and discipline what are all these “saleable†skills that civilian employers are crying out for? Can you see your local council requiring you to be in date for weapons handling? Maybe if you work in Social Services or Benefits perhaps?
Most of those leaving the f/t Armed Forces in their mid thirties onwards with general skills are pretty much unemployable in today’s world. Employers know that!
I know it’s not all about money, most of us do it because we think it’s worthwhile and we are “doing our bitâ€, however large or small. But if we are to continue we must be shown some respect, not berated, blamed and threatened with extinction for the recruiting problems or the consequent difficulties of mobilising enough people to fill the billets at the drop of a hat. This requires people throughout the whole command structure of the RNR to buy into this. Consistent investment in our specific training will lead to consistent performance and capability - that would be a start.
Drip endeth
http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/FFC91A50-1018-43AE-8B7D-9AEA41A0DA8B/0/afprb_rpt_2007.pdf - worth a look.
Reserves
4.25 Second, we are due to review X-Factor for our 2008 Report and note that X-Factor for Reserves had remained at 5 per cent since 1970 (GO MCM 10!!!). We were told on visits and in oral evidence that this no longer reflected the reality of Reserve service. Reserves could now reasonably expect to be deployed on operations, face far greater military discipline and encounter the same negative factors of Regular Service life including separation, turbulence, danger and physical injury (hmmm Helmand, Basra…concur with that) that could, specifically for Reserves, impact on civilian employment and result in loss of civilian earnings (would do if you are blinded).
So we are to go into a War Zone and be paid less than our F/T colleagues. Ah ha…that makes sense now. We are cheaper to send to the front and I thought it was just a case of avoiding sending all those really important desk jockeys and disrupting harmony time. But there again, look at the benefits….
To balance this, MOD acknowledged the positive elements of Reserve Service, including adventure training, travel and the opportunity to learn a specialist military trade that was highly “saleable†in the civilian sector. We look forward to MOD’s evidence for our X-Factor review covering all types of Reserve service.
Perhaps someone should tell those gormless, lilly livered Civil Servants that 2 days at “It’s a knockout†is often the most an RNR sees of AT. I know, I know there are opportunities all year round, but not paid for after you‘ve had your two whole days!
Travel – hmm…the glories of Fas or Pompey…haven’t all the flights been cancelled to anywhere else whether it be simple training or even ORT!!?? Short of the leadership and discipline what are all these “saleable†skills that civilian employers are crying out for? Can you see your local council requiring you to be in date for weapons handling? Maybe if you work in Social Services or Benefits perhaps?
Most of those leaving the f/t Armed Forces in their mid thirties onwards with general skills are pretty much unemployable in today’s world. Employers know that!
I know it’s not all about money, most of us do it because we think it’s worthwhile and we are “doing our bitâ€, however large or small. But if we are to continue we must be shown some respect, not berated, blamed and threatened with extinction for the recruiting problems or the consequent difficulties of mobilising enough people to fill the billets at the drop of a hat. This requires people throughout the whole command structure of the RNR to buy into this. Consistent investment in our specific training will lead to consistent performance and capability - that would be a start.
Drip endeth
