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19 December 2008 : Lance Corporal Rank to be Introduced for RAF Regiment from 2010

The rank of lance corporal (LCpl) is to be introduced to the Gunner trade in Apr 10 to identify the critical leadership role undertaken by nominated and experienced Gunners on RAF Regt front-line units.       

As a result of recent operational experience and following changes to equipment and tactics, there is a need to formalise command and control of RAF Regiment combat elements on operations.  The requirement is to identify and mark out the individual who is the section 2IC, in case the section commander is dislocated from his men or injured while on operations.  

To meet this requirement, the rank of LCpl will be introduced for the Gunner trade. The first LCpls will be selected and trained in order to take up their posts, on promotion, from 1 Apr 10.    

BACKGROUND

Experience on Operations HERRICK and TELIC has highlighted the key role played by RAF Regiment SACs appointed as commanders of small combat elements, leading up to 3 other Gunners, such as in the role of ground close combat section 2IC/fire team commander.  The introduction of new weapon systems, tactics and structures has meant that, to a greater extent than before, these SACs have had to operate independently and make command decisions in combat situations. 

The Air Force Board Standing Committee’s recent decision to introduce the rank of LCpl to the RAF Regiment will ensure that these junior commanders are officially recognised in the vital leadership roles which they undertake.  Gunners selected to fill these posts will be trained, remunerated and given formal command authority through promotion to the rank of LCpl; LCpls will not have the power to bring formal charges against subordinate ranks, but will be able to make use of Minor Administrative Action as appropriate.

IMPLEMENTATION

Specific junior commander posts currently established at SAC level on RAF Regiment front-line units will be re-graded to LCpl; no new posts will be established and no cpl posts will be downgraded.  Selection of Gunners to fill LCpl posts will be carried out by ACOS Manning promotion boards, which will be run in the same way as all other ground trade selection boards. 

Gunners will require 2 assessments in the rank of SAC to be eligible and those selected will receive formal training before appointment.  The first promotion board will sit in 2009, to enable the first LCpls to complete training and take up posts on 01 Apr 10.  RAF Regt LCpls will be paid as for LCpls in the British Army and Royal Marines.  On promotion to LCpl, all SACs will receive a pay rise – those below IL5 will advance to IL5, those already at IL5 or above will advance to the next IL or receive a 2% pay rise, whichever represents the greater increase.  RAF Regt LCpls will be paid on the lower pay band. 

The first LCpl training course will commence by Aug 09; however, individuals will not be promoted, paid at the higher rank, or take up post before 1 Apr 10.  Further details will be provided to relevant personnel, especially RAF Regt SACs and their chains of command, and other interested parties as required during the implementation period.  The new rank is to be introduced for the Gunner trade only as there is currently no operational requirement to introduce the rank for other trades.  However, this requirement will be reviewed should a compelling case arise.  

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