WO promotion is it worth it?

[I'm a liar]

July FS - WO board, does anyone want it? If you are promoted before Apr 11 you will go to level one WO high pay band. After Apr 11 if level 9 FS you would go to level 4 WO high pay band.

Depends where you are in your career depends on the rewards you get. The pension (05) is less than 2K per year; the Grat is less than 5K.

This question is across the ranks, are the financial rewards worth the upheaval, the extra duties, the loss of spouse earnings, school disruptions as well as the other sh1t, that promotion brings worth it?

Interested to hear your views as I'm sure you can see mine.

 

[Drill Bit]

July FS - WO board, does anyone want it? If you are promoted before Apr 11 you will go to level one WO high pay band. After Apr 11 if level 9 FS you would go to level 4 WO high pay band.

Depends where you are in your career depends on the rewards you get. The pension (05) is less than 2K per year; the Grat is less than 5K.

This question is across the ranks, are the financial rewards worth the upheaval, the extra duties, the loss of spouse earnings, school disruptions as well as the other sh1t, that promotion brings worth it?

Interested to hear your views as I'm sure you can see mine.

Can you put a price on:

pride
reaching the very peak
being the best your trade has to offer
being that person the JRs should be aspiring to
scratch that being that person all who are not WOs including JOs should aspire to be like.

If the incentive if purely financial then I guess most wil never attain anywhere near that rank.

 

[BJW]

I have to agree with PG1979; if you only want to be a WO because of the money then don't bother.

I wanted to be a WO because I thought I would be in a better position to influence the decision making that would affect my troops. I have won a number of battles in the last 5 years that I would never have been invited to comment on as a FS.

I wanted to be exposed to more than just the run-of-the-mill trade matters that being a FS usually restricted me to.

I wanted to raise the standard of both the Junior Ranks and Junior Officers that I worked with. I have had a number of one-way conversations with JOs that would have been unthinkable as a FS. Most of the JOs I have had occasion to counsel have thanked me afterwards - but to be fair not immediately afterwards.

I attended many meetings as a FS and always felt that my input was treated as little more than "white noise". As a WO I am listened to and my input is given due consideration. I don't always win but I am always listened to.

Finally, I joined the RAF with nothing, no prospects and little self-respect. I am now in a position shared by only about 3% of the RAF and wear something on my shoulder that is almost universally respected. I have enormous pride in what I have achieved and confidence in what I can continue to achieve.

Money can't buy that

 

[Tin basher]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Ladies and gentlemen of the goat in terms of ,quality posts, the above is about as good as it gets.

 

[RAF Bird]

I have to agree with PG1979; if you only want to be a WO because of the money then don't bother.

I wanted to be a WO because I thought I would be in a better position to influence the decision making that would affect my troops. I have won a number of battles in the last 5 years that I would never have been invited to comment on as a FS.

I wanted to be exposed to more than just the run-of-the-mill trade matters that being a FS usually restricted me to.

I wanted to raise the standard of both the Junior Ranks and Junior Officers that I worked with. I have had a number of one-way conversations with JOs that would have been unthinkable as a FS. Most of the JOs I have had occasion to counsel have thanked me afterwards - but to be fair not immediately afterwards.

I attended many meetings as a FS and always felt that my input was treated as little more than "white noise". As a WO I am listened to and my input is given due consideration. I don't always win but I am always listened to.

Finally, I joined the RAF with nothing, no prospects and little self-respect. I am now in a position shared by only about 3% of the RAF and wear something on my shoulder that is almost universally respected. I have enormous pride in what I have achieved and confidence in what I can continue to achieve.

Money can't buy that

Have to agree with TB... one of the best posts I have read in a long time. My WO at my secret airbase is probably the most respected person I have ever worked for. There isn't one person that I know of who doesn't hold him with the highest regard and if he said jump we'd all ask how high. If he's in a room and he speaks people listen..... and not just the non-commissioned ranks or the juniour officers but higher than that as well. Being a WO shouldn't just be about the money but about the whole package.

 

[mick-a-nick]

BJW: an absolutely cracking post. I can only echo your sentiments. I feel glad that there are people like you still in the RAF.

 

[DNR/DNN.......Discuss]

Finally, I joined the RAF with nothing, no prospects and little self-respect. I am now in a position shared by only about 3% of the RAF and wear something on my shoulder that is almost universally respected. I have enormous pride in what I have achieved and confidence in what I can continue to achieve.

Money can't buy that

Sorry if I appear out of breath. I had an urge to salute the ensign.

A powerful message, and one we should all heed and aspire to.

 

[Soon To Leave]

You don't have to be a WO to fight battles, you just have to work that little bit harder!

 

[Digzster]

I have to agree with PG1979; if you only want to be a WO because of the money then don't bother.

I wanted to be a WO because I thought I would be in a better position to influence the decision making that would affect my troops. I have won a number of battles in the last 5 years that I would never have been invited to comment on as a FS.

I wanted to be exposed to more than just the run-of-the-mill trade matters that being a FS usually restricted me to.

I wanted to raise the standard of both the Junior Ranks and Junior Officers that I worked with. I have had a number of one-way conversations with JOs that would have been unthinkable as a FS. Most of the JOs I have had occasion to counsel have thanked me afterwards - but to be fair not immediately afterwards.

I attended many meetings as a FS and always felt that my input was treated as little more than "white noise". As a WO I am listened to and my input is given due consideration. I don't always win but I am always listened to.

Finally, I joined the RAF with nothing, no prospects and little self-respect. I am now in a position shared by only about 3% of the RAF and wear something on my shoulder that is almost universally respected. I have enormous pride in what I have achieved and confidence in what I can continue to achieve.

Money can't buy that

BJW,

I for one would happily give you a salute. That post restores my faith in the values that I joined up with / for. Why is it that there are not MANY more with your outlook?

 

[Fairynuff31]

I have to agree with PG1979; if you only want to be a WO because of the money then don't bother.

I wanted to be a WO because I thought I would be in a better position to influence the decision making that would affect my troops. I have won a number of battles in the last 5 years that I would never have been invited to comment on as a FS.

I wanted to be exposed to more than just the run-of-the-mill trade matters that being a FS usually restricted me to.

I wanted to raise the standard of both the Junior Ranks and Junior Officers that I worked with. I have had a number of one-way conversations with JOs that would have been unthinkable as a FS. Most of the JOs I have had occasion to counsel have thanked me afterwards - but to be fair not immediately afterwards.

I attended many meetings as a FS and always felt that my input was treated as little more than "white noise". As a WO I am listened to and my input is given due consideration. I don't always win but I am always listened to.

Finally, I joined the RAF with nothing, no prospects and little self-respect. I am now in a position shared by only about 3% of the RAF and wear something on my shoulder that is almost universally respected. I have enormous pride in what I have achieved and confidence in what I can continue to achieve.

Money can't buy that

Sir, as others have said - well done on both your achievement and in penning a truly heartfelt and brilliant post!

I have been an ex-serviceman for longer than I was in, but still remember a number of my own wobblies, some with affection and others with distain that borders on hatred - but life is like that and it takes all sorts.

Its interesting the respect that the 'Tate & Lyle' gives you as opposed to any other rank.... I remember back in the 80's, whilst at a secret RAFG airbase, we shared a hangar with a pongo signals squadron, troop, club, gang.... Anyway, the Lieutenant OIC was an ex RSM and he said that regularly at briefings etc, his experience was ingored because of his JO status, and that anything he did say was 'refered to the RSM for clarification/validation'..... !! What made it more galling for him, was that the new RSM - his replacement, was about 10 years his junior in terms of time in!
Boy, was he pi55ed off when that happened, but did buy the beers at beercalls......

So, Sir, keep on doing what you've already been doing and look after the troops, raise standards in every corner and hold your head up with pride - you have achieved what few ever do!

 

[CC]

I have to agree with PG1979; if you only want to be a WO because of the money then don't bother.

I wanted to be a WO because I thought I would be in a better position to influence the decision making that would affect my troops. I have won a number of battles in the last 5 years that I would never have been invited to comment on as a FS.

I wanted to be exposed to more than just the run-of-the-mill trade matters that being a FS usually restricted me to.

I wanted to raise the standard of both the Junior Ranks and Junior Officers that I worked with. I have had a number of one-way conversations with JOs that would have been unthinkable as a FS. Most of the JOs I have had occasion to counsel have thanked me afterwards - but to be fair not immediately afterwards.

I attended many meetings as a FS and always felt that my input was treated as little more than "white noise". As a WO I am listened to and my input is given due consideration. I don't always win but I am always listened to.

Finally, I joined the RAF with nothing, no prospects and little self-respect. I am now in a position shared by only about 3% of the RAF and wear something on my shoulder that is almost universally respected. I have enormous pride in what I have achieved and confidence in what I can continue to achieve.

Money can't buy that

Sorry, but I find your post a little nauseating. As a FS Chf Clk on a MOB I have, on more than one occasion, pulled up Flt Lts and Sqn Ldrs who have actually listened to what I have said. If for one moment I thought I was simply spouting "white noise" then I wouldn't bother.

I have the ear of all Stn Execs and have an open door with the Stn Cdr. I deal with all WOs at my Stn on a level playing field and have a mutually respectful working relationship with the SWO.

I therefore find your demeaning comments of a FS quite disrespectful.

 

[MingMong]

Sorry, but I find your post a little nauseating. As a FS Chf Clk on a MOB I have, on more than one occasion, pulled up Flt Lts and Sqn Ldrs who have actually listened to what I have said. If for one moment I thought I was simply spouting "white noise" then I wouldn't bother.

I have the ear of all Stn Execs and have an open door with the Stn Cdr. I deal with all WOs at my Stn on a level playing field and have a mutually respectful working relationship with the SWO.

I therefore find your demeaning comments of a FS quite disrespectful.

Re-read BJW's post, and ask yourself, is he being demeaning, or is he telling of his experiences as a WO compared to being a FS.

I suspect the latter.

 

[Gillo]

Re-read BJW's post, and ask yourself, is he being demeaning, or is he telling of his experiences as a WO compared to being a FS.

I suspect the latter.

BJW speaks from the heart and would never meaningly disrespect anyone let alone a FS.

 

[Justacabbie]

As a FS Chf Clk on a MOB
I have the ear of all Stn Execs and have an open door with the Stn Cdr. I deal with all WOs at my Stn on a level playing field and have a mutually respectful working relationship with the SWO.

Aren't Chf Clk's generally WO's anyway? Surely the respect you get as Chf Clk is generated by your status more than your rank? I may be off the mark, apologies in advance if I am!

Mind you many units now have SWO's who are FS, maybe there is a shortfall of WO's and the FS is being used as a stopgap?

 

[Welove31]

Sorry, but I find your post a little nauseating. As a FS Chf Clk on a MOB I have, on more than one occasion, pulled up Flt Lts and Sqn Ldrs who have actually listened to what I have said. If for one moment I thought I was simply spouting "white noise" then I wouldn't bother.

I have the ear of all Stn Execs and have an open door with the Stn Cdr. I deal with all WOs at my Stn on a level playing field and have a mutually respectful working relationship with the SWO.

I therefore find your demeaning comments of a FS quite disrespectful.

Well maybe as this is a Stacker thread, BJW is talking about his experience as a Stacker FS. Your job as a Chf Clk is not exactly the norm is it! You would expect the chf clerk to have an open door with the stn cdr but most FS's within the Supply trade never see him i would think. BJW's post is very well thought out and in no way demeaning to any FS in whatever trade..

 

[CC]

Re-read BJW's post, and ask yourself, is he being demeaning, or is he telling of his experiences as a WO compared to being a FS.

I suspect the latter.

I suspect not. As a FS he is saying he felt he basically spouted "White Noise". Not all FS feel this way, I certainly don't and I'm sure my Stn Cdr doesn't either.

Perhaps he should rewrite his post then!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CC]

Aren't Chf Clk's generally WO's anyway? Surely the respect you get as Chf Clk is generated by your status more than your rank? I may be off the mark, apologies in advance if I am!

Mind you many units now have SWO's who are FS, maybe there is a shortfall of WO's and the FS is being used as a stopgap?

Some units have a WO Chf Clk and FS Dep Chf Clk and other units have a WO PMS and FS Chf Clk.

As for SWOs; my SWO is a Regt WO of some 38 yrs service.

I would like to say that I am in no way meaning to be disrespectful to BJW, who is clearly a well respected WO, and his post in reply to the original post is spot on, but I disagree that all FS are seen as spouting "White Noise".

 

[RAF Bird]

I suspect not. As a FS he is saying he felt he basically spouted "White Noise". Not all FS feel this way, I certainly don't and I'm sure my Stn Cdr doesn't either.

Perhaps he should rewrite his post then!!!!!!!!!!

Off Topicoohhhh hark at her.... the stn cdr loves me..... he listens to everything I have to say.... I can pop into his office whenever I like and he thinks I'm ace... so what? I bet you didn't have OC Ops' head in your boobies at last years crimbo do? Therefore my Dad's bigger than yours! DT_Xtremez_42:Off Topic

 

[RAF Bird]

but I disagree that all FS are seen as spouting "White Noise".

He did not say that. Re-read his post he said:

I attended many meetings as a FS and always felt that my input was treated as little more than "white noise". As a WO I am listened to and my input is given due consideration. I don't always win but I am always listened to.

There is a difference in you saying he said that all FS's are seen as spouting white noise and him saying that he felt his input was little more than white noise. Your twisting his words to try and validate your argument and saying that he should change his post when perhaps it's you who should have took some time to read what was actually written and not what you think was written.

 

[Welove31]

I bet you didn't have OC Ops' head in your boobies at last years crimbo do? Therefore my Dad's bigger than yours!

Didn't get you that Typhoon flight did it!! DT_Xtremez_30: