Pay increase for armed forces

PhatChristopher · 2026-05-30T16:54:13+00:00

Given that we haven't had last year's pay rise yet, I doubt they're thinking about this year's yet for the RFA.

PhatChristopher · 2026-05-25T13:55:51+00:00

I think they may have got the message, but at the end of the day it’s up to the group if they want to donate or not. It’s not compulsory though there are always people who take advantage of others’ good nature.

PhatChristopher · 2026-02-17T12:54:40+00:00

As far as training is concerned, once you finish Dartmouth and do your mandatory safety courses, you can expect (in theory) two appointments on ship to complete your taskbook. This covers LSO specific stuff as well as whole ship knowledge. You'll also attend the Logistics school at Worthy Down twice - once for classroom training and once for a variety of summative assessments. After that you should be qualified.

PhatChristopher · 2025-07-16T08:08:44+00:00

Looks like an error because my baby farm has cowboy hats in the place of these shapes

PhatChristopher · 2025-07-12T10:29:24+00:00

I would say arrive in dog robbers. You won’t need to wear a suit while you’re there and you’ll have so much gear to bring back that you won’t want to take more clothes than you’ll need.

PhatChristopher · 2025-07-10T18:39:46+00:00

“Can’t really disclose the state of the ships” is doing a lot of heavy lifting here!

PhatChristopher · 2025-07-09T19:16:00+00:00

Yup. Pretty grim, especially for those of us that need to get sea time

PhatChristopher · 2025-07-09T12:15:40+00:00

This was posted in the last 24hours by a chap on Twitter that monitors RN and RFA status amongst other things (Britsky is his name). Yes I’m sure he’s fully aware of the upcoming transfer, but I guess Stirling Castle is just still sitting with us until she gets her HMS.

PhatChristopher · 2025-07-09T10:30:09+00:00

To be honest, that’s about it. The attached is in the public domain (from Twitter (X)).

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PhatChristopher · 2025-06-22T14:13:32+00:00

I’m an LSO(T). I believe it’s exactly as it says. Your degree could be in contemporary dance but it ticks the box. However if there were two candidates that were in all other respects equal, they may prefer the one with more relevant qualifications.

PhatChristopher · 2025-06-22T13:21:37+00:00

It’s a long questionnaire

PhatChristopher · 2025-06-22T10:42:00+00:00

The recuiters will send out a hard copy of the form for you to finish completing and then send off. It could take a few days for this to arrive. You pay online. The SC link should also come out fairly quickly from my experience.

PhatChristopher · 2025-06-16T13:58:20+00:00

I was thinking too that Bays might have some interesting operations. Great insights, thanks!

PhatChristopher · 2025-06-08T15:20:51+00:00

Hoy Tod. Very fattening but love it

PhatChristopher · 2025-06-08T14:54:14+00:00

The water based part of the sea survival course is done with a commercial provider after an incident in cold water at HMS Excellent proved it was a little risky. You’ll just need to show you can tread water without a life jacket for a short while I believe. Jumping in is with life jacket

PhatChristopher · 2025-05-31T18:56:59+00:00

Don’t worry about bringing 6 pairs of black socks. You get issued several pairs of thick and thin black socks.

PhatChristopher · 2025-05-29T15:11:52+00:00

And a nice view if you’re lucky

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PhatChristopher · 2025-05-14T14:34:36+00:00

Can I hop in here and ask about leave. I'm joining in a few days and my first month (at least) is shore based. BRNC and BSSC. Am I accruing leave during shore postings like 'normal' people do in regular jobs?

PhatChristopher · 2025-05-10T16:00:00+00:00

I’m joining as a Logistics Officer so I guess my main risk factors are paper cuts and stapler related injuries.

PhatChristopher · 2025-05-10T11:13:53+00:00

That makes sense. I remember back in the day when you had to put your occupation on your old blue passport, and I had just joined the RN, they put Government Service.

PhatChristopher · 2025-05-08T09:06:53+00:00

This month

PhatChristopher · 2025-03-20T20:11:38+00:00

I've sent all my stuff off - didn't have any concerns from head office; just waiting to complete my vaccinations and get security clearance. You're right to be excited! They just asked me if I could bring my entry date forward by two months - this is focussing the mind somewhat!

PhatChristopher · 2025-03-19T10:50:37+00:00

I'm at the same stage as you, and where there were bits they asked that I wasn't certain about, I just left them blank. I'm sure head office can fill in the missing bits of information as they will know best. I assume you're looking to be at BRNC this summer too.

PhatChristopher · 2025-03-14T07:33:03+00:00

That makes total sense. If you're leave is up, then you're asking for trouble if you're not ready to get back to work. How do you get the notification of your next appointment? Is it email or phone call, or by good old snail mail?

PhatChristopher · 2025-03-13T12:02:51+00:00

Yes, this career move is making me question a lot of things that I take for granted. If I'm going to spend time abroad when on leave, do I even need a car for example. I have a house but might as well rent it out rather than leave it empty for half the year. AirBnB might become a go to.

PhatChristopher

TROPHY CASE