Which is where I went on to with the application of matrix and triggers for promo.
But how does it solve the issue to force WOs backwards? If we make WO a role-based posting where you can lose the rank then it’s the opposite.
What you then create is a ceiling at FS because the same will happen as does with WSOs.
I’d certainly support that, though it would require better access to courses.
And again, because CPO or C/Sgt is the highest rank that people can achieve on a unit it’s given a series of requirements which mean that the people who hold that rank have earned it through experience and demonstrated leadership.
It’s not so ‘hit and miss’ whether the CPO you’re speaking to knows what they’re doing (as it can be for us, where some are promoted because they did 4 years and have a laxed OC / OC Wing)… They wouldn’t be holding the rank if they weren’t an active instructor and didn’t pass the HQ promotion course.
In my opinion it is exactly what we should be doing.
We should though it would require our systems to be upgraded to support it. Otherwise good people would have to wait to get on a course - like the backlog we had with OASC when that was still a thing.
Reading this I recall a mate of mine in the Navy who couldn’t get promoted as within his trade there wasn’t the space, so he stayed at the top his pay scale and did a number of courses which bumped his money up. He did eventually get promoted, rapidly as I recall, when people left.
Referring to LASER the problem was it’s initial remit was adult SNCO structure, BUT as it went along project creep set in as, they hit upon the assumed problem of over 18 (adult) cadets. When LASER was rolled out, this then became the focus and the SNOO was effectively forgotten about. How many recall the changes to the criteria around promoting cadets to Sgt or FS and the invention and continuing idiocy of cadets needing to prove their worth to stay in over 18. Many OCs like me just promoted cadets as deadlines for a change approached, because we could. Many of us didn’t care as we knew we no one would do anything, they may moan, but so what … sack us. if it’s a problem. We did get a snotty from the Wg Cdr at a COs conference, but we didn’t care and he said after he would have do exactly the same in our shoes.
As I recall part of the LASER SNCO structure was a course for those seeking promotion to FS and WO at Cranwell, which could have been used to delay promotions, I know a number of officers who ‘failed’ their initial course. They never happened. So the SNCO structure was doomed to fail from the outset. The introduction of the matrix is a massive fail as it is a has only produced a race to the top. As alluded to 8-10 years to WO, then what. 30+ years as a WO with no benefits associated with the rank? As the saying goes you’re a long time dead.
What they should have done at the time (and still could) is introduce some sort of ‘trade’ system, that applies to everyone completely separate from rank. Everyone who joins has to be able to deliver the classification syllabus as a first step and then add/pursue things to suit personal interests. If someone is into admin, shooting, AT, FMS, first aid etc etc etc round holes for round pegs. All of these allow for promotion or progression without fulfilling some generic criteria.
There could also be a strand for those wanting to take ‘command’ roles.
If at some point someone says I want to run a sqn, irrespective of “rank” they do a course and follow a path that leads to that and sqn cdr becomes a title and not associated with rank or how far up the greasy pole you may have ingratiated yourself. But at least you get people who want to rather than “oh go on then I’ll give it a go” or just get dumped into it.
I’m not sure what the average CFAV service length is, but providing the cadet experience on squadron you’re not able to progress forever.
I don’t understand why that is such a problem.
I think treating WO and Flt Lt as rank to role positions is sensible and practical way of ensuring there is some sort of logical structure.
For some people I know their real jobs don’t offer much in the way of ‘progression’ or fulfilment so they pursue all they can in their hobby and it becomes their be all and end all, which is why rank, position, role and or status become such big things.
If you treat as a hobby and not a job, none of these things become the problem they seem to be.
Got to agree with Teflon, its a pity that HQAC don’t seem to understand that for 99+% of the ACO
we 'ant got a full time pay or pension its a hobby, but has it ever been different ???
PS sorry all the above was my first post.
It’s a balance though, isn’t it… It’s not just a hobby.
It’s not like going for a round of golf every Wednesday morning; or a Bridge club on a Friday; or volunteering in the local charity shop two afternoons a week…
It’s a structured training organisation that we have all chosen to join. If anyone genuinely dislikes the fact that the rank structure is more than just fancy dress and that progression requires something from the individual beyond “well, you turn up…” then they’ve possibly taken up the wrong hobby.
In which case, welcome! 
You can say this about many things, there are thousands of community groups, clubs, churches etc many with people volunteering; there are people who do a bit and others who do a bit more and all are accepted equally and whatever it is they are doing happens, because they are content in what they are doing, with no pressure.
Why is it then in the Air Cadets (can’t speak for the ACF or SCC) there is this choking obsession with progression etc and anyone not wanting to play that game seen as a lesser being and can apparently “do one” as they’ve taken up the wrong pastime. With attitudes like that we will leak staff.
I’ve been approached several times to go onto Wing (which could be regarded by some as a progression), but I’ve declined the offer as I can’t see what I get from it. Since Wing posts became an apply and interview process not applying is easy.
Teffers fella… You are the only person who is implying that someone is a ‘lesser’ person because they don’t want to, or are unable to, progress up the ranks.
Nobody else… Just you.
The RAFAC doesn’t say that. In fact, it couldn’t be clearer in telling everyone that there is no stigma attached to being a Sgt - happy and content to do their bit on a Sqn.
The Comdt sent an email 2 weeks a go saying exactly that.
Haven’t seen that
Was sent to Wg Cdrs ref WO Promotions, maybe ask the question.
What’s this I hear, more poor communication?! Consider me shocked! 
In fairness that wouldn’t really concern me. So might be why I’ve not seen it!
So what exactly does this imply?
The Cmdt may say this, but time will tell.