So I used to be a Flying Officer but left due to relocating to different part of the country with work. When I moved I tried to join the local sqn but WHQ completely messed up my paperwork, my DBS expired in the interim and I was in limbo for 18 months.
I was quite heavy in the FMST, shooting and AT side of things. Never was a fan of ‘blue’ activities, so not having a valid DBS meant i had 18 months of boredom on the sqn. Eventually I got fed up and left.
Fast forward a few years I have relocated again and am considering joining again and getting commissioned and revalidating all my AT and shooting quals.
My question is, is it worth it? I’ve read a bit about recent changes in the ATC and as an outsider it seems things haven’t got better.
The admin has got more onerous, but the kids still make it worth while.
One point though, in case it matters to you, you wouldn’t be rejoining the VR. CFAVs now get a cadet forces commission rather than a reserve forces commission.
If It’s the green stuff you are interested in the you maybe better with the LNR ACF.
Although Leicester district Sea cadets are pushing their marines sections.
It varies massively between Sqns in that area & it’s probably worth it to check things out & really scratch under the surface.
Real question are -
Does it fit in with the day job?
Can you reasonably travel the distance?
Why do you want to volunteer? (Regardless of role)
If it’s out of a sense of nostalgia then it might not present the challenge you want.
The Search & Rescue teams seem to be another volunteer organisation(s) that’s hoovering up CFAVs from across the counties so they may present what you want.
While that may be true - and this site is arguably quite bad for only really highlighting the negative - its also reasonable to say they haven’t necessarily gotten worse, either.
Indeed! We’re a melting pot of bitter cynics and ne’er-do-wells. We’re disaffected rogues with axes to grind! As such, we’ll always find something to rant and whinge about - ACC is simply a outlet of this frustration - BUT - also of support from like minded individuals who are spread across the country and where similar levels of support and comradeship aren’t necessarily available or forthcoming.
Things have probably changed since you last graced the hallowed halls of Deadloss for OIC. In some places better. In some places worse. Some is policy driven, and some personality driven. You’ll find pockets of excellence throughout the Corps - capable, empowered leaders and decision makers delivering fun, safe and memorable experiences to cadets and staff alike. In others areas you may find the ubermilitant fun police, the blockers, the powermad or the mediocre. Sadly, it’s a postcode lottery.
HOWEVER, with passion, drive, determination, motivation, good humour and a A400M full of resilience it is feasible for you to make a difference if you’re dealt the smelly end of the stick. You can break the mold and pioneer things. You can turn things around in your local area. Find your niche and make the difference. Don’t do it for the medals or recognition - but do it for the little people we serve; coz that’s what matters.
So do rejoin - but do so with your eyes wide open (I think being on here helps with that!). Come back as a CI and give what you can. If you go into uniform expect some additional faffage and BS. But from either position you can help make the difference to the cadets in your charge.
I would argue as well that a lot of what is said here is just a public record of mess discussions and group chats - more feel the same and that is something that is not recognised to make ACC out to be a vocal minority.
However, any organisation has problems, many organisations have people at the bottom that don’t understand because the people at the top don’t explain or made whatever decision without knowing what the people at the bottom do.
And we’re British - we complain. It’s practically our culture - the Canadians say sorry, the Dutch do Dutch things, the Americans delude themselves, and the British complain.
For all the whinging, most still hold the positives closer to heart because sometimes - if only briefly - they make the rest seem worth it.
Things have changed, some for the good, some for the bad, but you won’t know until you take the leap