§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action the Government will take to ensure that those soldiers, sailors and airmen who have not been able to undertake the work and practice necessary to achieve Operational Performance Statement while covering for the fire strike and therefore will not reach their next promotion level and an increased pay band, do not lose out; and if he will make a statement. [102611]
§ Dr. MoonieEvery effort is being made to ensure that personnel who covered for the fire strike will not be disadvantaged.
For the Navy, deferral or cancellation of planned training due to Op. FRESCO is recognised as an exigency of service and such delays in individuals' promotion will be considered on a case by case basis. However, the position of individuals who have been withdrawn from career training courses whilst in attendance and have suffered a delay in their promotion as a result, has been recognised as unique. On return to normal duty and on completion of outstanding training, such individuals will be entitled to have their effective date of promotion backdated to the day that they would have been promoted but for Op. FRESCO.
For the Army, Op. FRESCO is also seen as an operational commitment under the terms of Military Aid to the Civil Administration (MACA). Soldiers deployed on operations will receive due credit for the operational experience gained and selection for both promotion and development training will be addressed on a case by case basis. Where individuals have been removed from career courses to participate in the operation, qualifications and benefits will be back-dated to the conclusion of the original course once the training has been completed.
962WIn the RAF, personnel whose courses were delayed, or who were withdrawn from training on courses that affected pay and seniority, will receive pay and seniority backdated to the original date of graduation on subsequent successful completion of the course.