RAAOC to manage more supply

INFANTRY and Engineer clerical and storemen functions will be brought together under the management of RAAOC following a new directive from the CA’s Senior Advisory Committee (CASAC), signalling that these trades will only be provided by RAAOC in the future.

The decision follows the increasing difficulty RAInf and RAE are facing in maintaining the trades in their current structures. CASAC advised the CA that transitioning the trades to RAAOC would increase the opportunities for Army’s clerical and supply specialists.

The CA has directed DGPers-A to develop a detailed transition plan by June 2006. The plan will ensure that soldiers are given options and will not be financially disadvantaged or forced to change corps.

CO SCMA Col Dianne Gallasch said the transition plan would most likely offer three broad options for affected members.

“Soldiers may be offered the chance to stay in their current trade within their corps, however, this would limit posting and promotion options to corps-specific appointments,” she said.

“Soldiers may also be able to choose to remain within their corps, but move to another trade. This could require additional training to be undertaken.

“Finally, soldiers may be able to transfer to RAAOC and enjoy a larger range of posting and promotion opportunities. Soldiers are not expected to make any decision before they have been fully briefed on the implications.”

Full details of the options will be presented in 2006.