Memorandum from Stephen Wildridge
We have noticed an increase in personnel leaving
the forces over the past five years. I would say that there are
several main reasons for this.
1. People in combat roles feel they could
move into a position with less risk after doing a major operational
role for more money outside of the forces. They could look to
move into different units than being forced to sign off.
2. It is becoming common practise and not
just within the forces that after three to five years people move
on to their next job to further their career.
3. This is coming from a more personal view
that there should be more opportunity to move around within the
forces to different departments.
For example I was in the Signals and wasn't
happy with my trade but some seniors would not allow me to change
trades so I left. If when you were enquiring about signing off
and were given a list of vacant positions within the tri services
you may change your mind about leaving and commit to a new contract
and new challenge. Although this may be expensive to keep retraining
personnel into new sectors your retention will improve and you
will have more highly skilled personnel.
4. The food and accommodation on camps is
not up to a suitable standard and although this might seem an
insignificant point, after time you start to feel that this isn't
good enough and you can do better especially as you are paying
for the food and accommodation out of your wages.
With regards to new recruits although the careers
centre's and special teams visiting schools and universities are
effective this can be seen to be a very bias approach. I have
had many discussions with young people with different backgrounds
where I have encouraged them to join the forces and being an ex
military member they found it very encourage for them to see where
I am now and for them to realise that it is an excellent way to
set you up for the future and teaches you excellent qualities
that civilian employers want to see. I would suggest that you
put together an ex military recruitment team that visits schools,
universities, rugby clubs etc giving presentations and one to
ones with those that are interested and give a completely impartial
advice on what the tri forces has to offer and the pros and cons
of joining.
4 Ex Military
12 March 2008
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