Generally speaking I’d say that from the amount of unpaid work given back to the community that your average CFAV gives, a voluntary scheme for retailers to opt in for a small discount has been well earned. Even if it is intended for regulars/veterans. If the scheme didn’t feel us worthy it wouldn’t agree to let us be part of it.
Getting a bit fed up of this forum constantly talking down its volunteers.
We shouldn’t be grovelling. An awful lot of time and effort goes into giving thousands of youngsters a fantastic start - the organisers of this scheme obviously feel that is worth something.
So yes, a thank you to them for recognising that. But at the same time do we have to feel guilty and apologetic for every benefit it brings?
Sorry if I’m taking you out of context, it just feels like a lot of apologising and not a lot of pride seems to be going on at the moment.
That I should feel almost guilty and apologetic to spend a night in the officers mess, be able to join the raf club, claim VA, be given back mileage or be part of a discount scheme or wear the uniform of my parent service…
When hours and hours are given to develop young people, expanding its blue footprint and preparing some of them for a career in its service.
The thing that gets me the most is it isn’t even the parent service personnel that has this problem. It is its own volunteers.
A lot of places that are accepting of these types of schemes are basically daylight robbery anyway! Might as well take the discount that is available to you to bring them down to a normal price.
Yes we aren’t the same as regular/reserve service but we do provide a useful service to cadets some who join the forces, to and actually I get a lot from it as a volunteer too.
I felt guilty to ask Wing to sign off my card (before I became eligible through other means). I also feel guilty about becoming a member of the RAF club so I haven’t yet joined (also partly because I don’t know if I’d get value but that’s another story). I don’t feel guilty claiming VA, but can see why you may, but I do find it a massive faff to do so.
Maybe we need to create a more positive movement about celebrating what we do.
I joined the RAF Club this year; had one visit and the place was superb, and it turns out my money is as good as a regulars! They’re up against it at the moment with covid, they’d like you to join and will give you a warm welcome when you visit.
But yes, certainly we should be a lot more positive about our cadet version of service.
When I say we’re lucky to be in it it’s more a case of the MOD appearing to be anti-cadets in many situations so I’m surprised they allow us to be part of the scheme. I tend to see using it as covering my costs and time in volunteering. As for the RAF Club they welcome us there. Don’t feel guilty, if anything they need the money.
I’m fortunate enough that I get 6 days paid volunteering leave (not just for cadet stuff) plus paid time off for an annual camp each year (it doesn’t explicitly say a week but I’ve not wanted to push it yet for a longer camp).
Yes it is franchise specific. Near me don’t get anything. I did manage to get a meal at the staff price at a McDonald’s in a service station once but unfortunately I can’t remember which one which is really frustrating! I do think it really depends on who is on the till!
