Because this is RAFAC and we don’t do common sense here?
Is there a scheme for offering suggestions such as these to the top?
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There is, through Astra, but I’ve no idea how you actually go about it.
Indeed, the only reason I know that this is possible is because I know someone working on Astra. I’ve not seen any comms on the matter though.
They aren’t really.
With the army “guaranteeing” a promotion to Major, as you say, it doesn’t seem the best system. The Air Force promote on merit to Sqn Ldr. They time serve up to Flt Lt, like the army do to Captain, then above that it’s on merit. Exactly the same as the rankers do to get Cpl.
Slowly but surely, I’m starting to build a picture…
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VOP could be a route - asking is idea A viable
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I’ve noticed when the RNR are in camp there are a lot of lt cdrs: whereas our officers get stuck at flt lt unless they have commanded a sqn.
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Very true. The RAF are the odd ones out in this regard.
Seems to have become even more prominent in the RAFAC.
While sometimes it works quite well (I understand one or two RCs are incredibly invested), I think it’s a shame that those at the top of this organisation aren’t of this organisation.
Imagine a true volunteer being offered the opportunity to mix up their career with a full-time job running the RAFAC, assuming qualified to do so.
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Ultimately, this is why RAuxAF had to recruit an Army 2* to take over as C-G.
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I don’t need to imagine - I’ve seen it (with another org)& it turns into an utter mess.
It requires a different mindset to run a volunteer organisation than when you are running things as a volunteer.
The volunteer just tries to make the organisation fit how they think it should be run rather than how it needs to be run.
However what could be done is in the job description for regional commandants etc is that you have to have experience of managing volunteers or a volunteer organisation.
If we had an RC who was RAF but also from the scouting world then that would be fab because it would be the same but different.
Pure volunteers in charge? Just going to lead to cronyism ego empires & very narrow non sustainable vision of cadets.
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That’s a very good observation (and solution).
Alternatively, making the incumbent also join a local sqn as a member of volunteer staff.
Same for all full-time posts in the org.
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Nothing going to change then?
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Interesting the sea cadets have this requirement in many of the job descriptions
As part of the initial induction in order to get to know the Sea Cadets, the post holder will be encouraged to assist as a volunteer with evening activities within a local unit (details to be agreed) for a period of one month within the first year of employment.
I think we should have this for all paid Cadet Forces Roles if nothing more than understanding what the organisation aims to deliver.
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I think we already have IIRC - I think RC W&W was involved in the scouting world. Can’t remember to what extent though.
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True but empires & cronyism set up by paid staff lasts a lot shorter time than those perpetuated by volunteers as paid staff tend to be in post 5-8years before leaving where as some volunteers are about for 20+
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One month is not sufficient for them to get a full appreciation of the organisation. They need to get the experience of delivering parade night stuff and organising and delivering weekend activities / camps. One month, if they have no organisational experience prior, is barely enough to make them a functional member of staff on a parade evening.
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I agree with that, for some people though it’s not their thing & it doesn’t matter too much if the account understands how to book camps
However it is a hook to get staff volunteering & “the details to be agreed” may mean longer volunteering.
However as a standard policy for all new staff, I suppose it’s a start….
And being affected by changes made.
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And the person shouting ‘who decided that policy it should be changed/scrapped’ and the cry back ‘You did’!!
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No, they don’t necessarily need a specific functional awareness of how to put these things together. But they do need an appreciation of how their account (and the decisions made therein) may inadvertently affect such things.
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