Guest Editorial - Festive Living

Festive Living

Scribe: Corps ASM WO1 Mark Lynch

After six months in post as your Corps ASM and with the festive period upon us, I am grateful for the opportunity to write the Guest Editorial this month. It’s the perfect time for me to take stock on what I have sampled since I came into post and to ponder on what was my main concern that affects the people of our Corps; particularly the junior cohort!

December is a time for celebration with long awaited time off for the majority and quality time to be shared with friends and family. It happens every year of course, but oddly this year seems to be a little ‘different’, impacted by the current financial climate. With this in mind, my main concern for our people is the cost of living. The economic landscape has shifted dramatically, and I am certainly worried about those with young families.

The financial challenges for our people would be easier to digest if the issues were concentrated in a certain area, but it’s absorbed into every aspect of living; affecting all in many different guises with the spending power of many being reduced

W01 Mark Lynch

as wage increases are consumed by inflation. Mortgage rates and general borrowing is more expensive compounded by soaring household bills. The consequences can lead to drastic changes in family dynamics, such as a rise in partners undertaking a second job or part-time work as we move into the festive period, possibly taking advantage of overtime, etc. Fuel prices restricting movement and in some extreme cases personnel unable to visit family or friends. Childcare costs spiralling causing an increased reliance on family to support. All aspects that impact on a healthy work/family balance – there is a probability that families may resort to reducing food consumption or be reluctant to heat their home due to their disposable income being squeezed; maybe the possibility of increasing borrowing in-order to have a comfortable Christmas.

A very sombre start to an End of Year message I will agree. However, in the face of cost-of-living issues, I do believe the Army and REME offer isolates us from many of these issues! There is a multitude of benefits from being employed within the Corps, I can reflect on my own experience as a re-joiner that sometimes the grass isn’t always greener. One of the key points from my perspective is our sense of belonging. The industry I was employed in had no sense of team cohesion – our camaraderie, purpose and common bond is something we too easily take for granted in the Armed Forces. Then there is the stability of service and length of engagements bolstered with a regular salary. In my opinion these are the very foundations for a structured and stable life. It’s surprising how fragile some organisations can be! I’m not suggesting all companies are the same, but some organisations heavily prioritise profit over people. Other attractive elements from being in the forces are the financial benefits of free medical, dentalcare and welfare something that became very apparent when I worked abroad as the costs are staggering. although being valuable in the civilian engineering sector due to Military experience and the majority are accredited by an engineering institute whilst serving, there is a wide range of benefits within the Corps which are all articulated in the REME offer.

The main take-away from this article is the fact that you are connected to a wider family and there is a plethora of support available if required. Whilst in the Corps or a Veteran, there is no need to struggle in silence. Lifting the Decks (LtD) continues to grow with the successful completion of this year’s challenge attracting an astonishing 3600 participants. Lifting the Decks is also evolving in to the “What’s on your mind” space, focusing on a multitude of resources available for support across all our community. Confidential links can be found on REME Connect via LtD under useful links and additionally on the QR code self-help posters. The REME family will listen and support free from bias or stigma.

Last but no means least – I hope you have a well-deserved period of leave when it finally arrives and I will conclude by wishing all members of the REME family; Regular, Reserve, Veteran and Cadet as well as all the enabling staff, including members of the Civil Service and contractors, that continue to support our effort and their families, a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.