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Hi,

Whilst I would agree with some of the points you raised, let me give you a situation I heard about within the RAF and how a 'young' Flying Officer dealt with it. Bearing in mind this young flying officer had been through OASC and IOT and was therefore 'ready' for his command post !.
Said Flying Officer was JEngO, on a squadron at a large base with transport planes shall we say. One of his fitter's goes on detachment, he gets a call from said fitter's wife saying she has problems with a piece of kit at home. Being the dutiful Officer he asks one of his other fitter's to go round and sort it out. Not only does the nice fitter sort out the piece of equipment but he sorts out the wife as well !.
Other fitter gets back, finds out, starts leaving tools in engines etc etc because he's at his wits end. Two said fitters have fight and JEngO wants to throw the book at the fitter for incompetence / subordination. Not once did the 'experienced young' flying officer ask the fitter what the problem was. He had to call on the older admin officer to help him out. Admin officer found out the problem within five minutes of talkin to fitter who promptly burst into tears. Said admin officer then promptly gave young flying officer a flea in his ear for not doing his job !.
I would imagine VERY few youngsters would be able to handle this situation even after going through IOT, and therefore older candidates have life experience to deal with this. By all accounts, this incident is not an isolated one.
2nd time round - Flying the flag for the 'OLD GITS' !!!!! lol

Very true. That's why any Jnr Officer should make best use of his/her SNCOs. This was also the reason why the new IOT course has put experienced Flt Sgts onto each flt....to give green Officers the opportunity to learn how to rely on their SNCOs for advice and experience.

Bit scary that, considering yours truly is going straight in as a SNCO...
Good job I'm a sensible type!

Bit scary that, considering yours truly is going straight in as a SNCO...

I wouldn't worry about that too much Hyper, no one takes any notice of baby aircrew anyway.

Splitter - you beat me to it. A gentle warning as well, there is nothing more infuriating than seeing baby Aircrew plastic Sgts acting like tossers in the mess. Some of us spent and awful long time getting there...that may be worth remembering. Please take this in the spirit it is intended ...friendly advice.

Sticky Blue wrote:As we've known for some time:
The officers run the forces... under the careful guidance of their SNCOs

Indeed saw that first hand this week!

Then Rockapemk1, you have already learnt a very VALUABLE lesson that will stand you in good stead. I have had to baby sit a few very junior officers, some have been fantastic and asked and listened. Others have been arrogant, aloof and stupid - a warning to those in IOT or getting close to going. Treat your SNCOs with the respect they deserve and they will help and back you, ignore, patronise and look down on them and they will allow you to drop yourself in an almighty load of shit!!!

Flintham block
I echo your earlier sentiments, It took me 14 years to get to the Sgt's mess and that is quite quick. There is nothing more infuriating than 21 year old aircrew giving it the big one, so take my advice and sit quietly in the corner

That's advice I give to the potential NCA that I meet. They achieve the same rank in 19 weeks that it takes a good airmen to achieve in approx 12 years.

Frankly, I don't envy a baby aircrew having to prove his credibility in a Sgt's Mess!

I've already done it.
Lived in the Sgts' mess while I was working down at Innsworth for the Ben Fund, and currently looking at moving to the mess at Digby. Beats the grotty barrack block I'm in now...
Even got invited along to the dining in night at Innsworth, which was a good laugh.

But then I'm neither 21, nor a tosser, and I think the old blokes were glad to see a young female....

Saw your comment on this forum board and had to reply. Trust me when I say you must be mad to join up and especially at 25. Not good vibes at the mo.

It is more and more like being in the Army (without the same rapid promotion). That isn't a whinge, it's just the way our organisation is structured. Advancement is soooooo slow and your mates are zooming away.

Don't feel bad about the commissioning lark, It's not all it's cracked up to be.

Speak again soon,
Galanthophile