I was a Cadet to 22 as well, went straight into uniform, got my CFM at 30, but only after that did I realise that it wasn’t the organisation giving us any recognition, but my then CO finding out the dates, filling in the paperwork etc.
Since then, I’ve decide that as the ACO/RAFAC don’t actually give a damn enough to have a system that can count 12/8/6yrs etc as appropriate, then any bars don’t count as ‘valued service’ so aren’t worth the bother. (to be fair, I probably would have still applied for the medal back then, but the bars - meh)
I’m not even sure it’s “recognition” that concerns me in terms of ‘having a medal’-- it’s more an acknowledgement of experience: I do sometimes wonder if I’d be less frequently talked down to by older wing staff if there was a clear indication to them that my opinions are formed from experience (most of our wing didn’t know me as either a cadet or CI – I moved around a bit in my 20s).
But I think that’s a rather naive hope on my part
he can put the application in in a months time - nothing stopping that. it does tend to be a 12 month turnaround though until it is received (particularly if you’re in a Wing who like to present it at a Wing event)
i shall offer the a summary of a longer post (found here)
I get where you’re coming from, although as a CI i can’t see it changing things much.
I have been a CFAV longer than I haven’t (ie more than half my life) and have been active at Wing level (in (lead) support of activities rather than a WSO) I am sure there are people in the Wing who don’t know my name let alone could put a face to it!
I had my CFM “presented” to me at a Wing event in front of my peers, but half of those I didn’t know and im sure they’d never heard of me prior.
I only wear No1s a few times a year, and 99% of the time with the Unit so not as if anyone off Squadron sees me wearing the medal (short of some large Wing parade event).
i think for some people, they’ll never “get” the idea of being a career CI and tarnish the role by its “weakest link”* rather than the individual stood in front of them as an individual on merit
*by this i mean the CI who does the lesser roles, perhaps who is happy looking after Canteen and is all they do, but is still a welcome part of the Squadron team
Hahaha fear not I won’t be. Maybe I might really upset the uniform aficionados by wrapping a chocolate coin in tin foil and pinning it too my number ones.
It always chucks it down for any parade I’m on so wont have to worry about it melting
That is shocking. Truly shocking.
Email arrives at HQ requesting medal.
Quick check of your records to determine eligibility
Send on request to medal office
Someone grabs a CFM from the drawer {and sends to engraver.
Engraver does it and send back to medal office} are they even engraved?
Medal office send it to either Wing/TEST Staff (if presentation requested) or to recipient (if no presentation requested on order form.)
I know there are hundreds of extra steps involved but there is no need for them.
Zero excuses for that timescale, even if the Ivory Towers have to wait a month or so to get several sent off for any engraving. If no engraving, should be less than a month from flash to bang.
To hell with it. l volunteer as HQAC Medal Officer ( it will have to be a Wg Cdr post though ). I’ll process claims in my spare time and will endeavour to get that timescale reduced. In fact, just give me a load of medals and I’ll buy my own engraving equipment.
In all seriousness I’m only half kidding. If the delay is down to a manpower shortage I’m seriously willing to step in and try to clear some of the backlog - that’s where electronic submission of claims for medals, travel and VA would help.
