I see where you are going but I still can't see how anybody can make operational command decisions at chief fire officer/brigade manager/executive level, or whatever title they give themselves, either on the fireground or at Gold control without having spent time doing the basics of the job and progressing through. How can this help morale and confidence? Like I said before, CFOs have been in line to become civilianised for a long time, thats not the problem.
The fire service has far too many managers, pen pushers and idea makers. We are now faced with the 'modernised' service where everyone becomes a manager! We don't need an experienced business person manager playing at being a Firefighter. Let the brigade managers, manage and the firefighters command.
As for Retained transfering to WT, I don't know of one retained firefighter that has had a seamless transfer. I know of retained firefighters that have got into WT post by running the gauntlet of the public recruitment campaigns and getting in that way but then having to complete the FULL length of basic training despite being deemed 'competent' under IPDS on the retained. Yes there maybe brigades letting Ret into WT but very few. Im sure the RFU do alot for the retained in certain areas but the LAFBs I have been in, the RFU weren't representing the retained services interest, rather going along with the management like nodding dogs. Credit where credits due, in my opinion, the FBU did more to represent Ret Ffs and fought their corner on many an occasion (no im not an FBU rep or activist!).
O and I have checked out the IPDS site on many occasions to try and make sense of it all and it always sends me to sleep. We've had many discussions on my station to try and work out these role maps ect.. Its seems the only people that realy see the value & benefits clearly, are managers. (must be why they are managers) Im sure one day it'll all make sense. (possibly when I retire)
