Ranksof squadron boses in the RAF

[cornwallis]

To settle an argument on a different forum ,which RAF squadron has the most senior/junior boss?

[Max Contingency]

I assume you are talking about flying squadrons (we do have many others!)

There are some sqns (rotary/trg etc) where the OC is a sqn ldr. Sometimes a flt lt may stand in for a lengthy period of time.

Most sqns have a wg cdr OC. Sometimes the OC is promoted gp capt while still in post and holds that rank until starting the next tour.

So in answer to your question flt lt to gp capt.

[QFIhawkman]

I've got a feeling that cornwallis isn't referring solely to most senior or junior rank commanding a squadron, but rather the least and most senior in terms of time in, age etc.

I could be wrong, and please feel free to correct me if that's the case.

Cornwallis, over to you to clarify.

[hobie]

If you make a right B$lls of your "thread title" can go back and edit it after posting? .... I can't remember .... :confused:

[ChezTanker]

Is the title from Allo Allo?:ok:

[QFIhawkman]

Erm, apple orgies are in udder. I same to have pisted without engaging the broon.

It was indood made clear by the pooster. I quoot:

"Ranksof squadron boses in the RAF"

I did not leak in the root place. I.E. the teatle.

Stupid twot.

(SIQ).

Sorry all!

[alex_holbrook]

Call me silly here, but I think Cornwallis wants to know which squadron has the most senior boss, and which has the most junior boss.

[Max Contingency]

Now that is an interesting subject.

Is there a glass ceiling on sqn command at age 40?

All sqn commands are approved by the CAS and there certainly was one previousCAS who made no secret of this maxim.

[99redballoons]

CINCSTC endorses AOC's recommendations for STC Sqn Command nominations.
No glass ceiling.

[Max Contingency]

Bow to your knowledge.

I appreciate the argument 'why waste a sqn command on someone who doesnt have the potential to go much higher' ie. performing AND with youth on their side but this must mean that we dont always put the best man or woman into the job?

So what is the oldest age that we know of for someone who got a STC sqn?

[BEagle]

There is only one rank which really runs a squadron.....

W/O Eng!

[Ken Scott]

There is only one rank which really runs a squadron.....
W/O Eng!

Said in jest I know, but we don't have engineers on my sqn, of the air or ground variety! That said, the 'ship' does often seem to drift rudderless, so perhaps you have a point....

[HOODED]

Beagle has a good point there but sadly with all the recent cuts he has few men left to lead. The real question should be why is a Group not run by a Gp Capt a Wing by a Wg Cdr and a Squadron by a Sqn Ldr etc.
If the officer corps did this instead of creating jobs for the boys whilst sacking the real workers at the coalface, the RAF may have a little more money to buy equipment and spares. The Officer to airmen ratio may also become more balanced and paid gardening leave for Star ranks could be abolished.:ugh:

[soddim]

circa 1976 By Gen Haig 'The British forces comprise mainly Admirals and Bands'

We seem to have lost the bands

[The Swinging Monkey]

HOODED,
Come off it man, you cannot possibly reduce the Senior Officer/Airship Brigade - absolute No No.
After all, who would there be to invite to all of those RIAT parties at Fairford each year??

Kind regards to all
TSM

[Pontius Navigator]

So what is the oldest age that we know of for someone who got a STC sqn?

Generally sqn cdrs do not prat around with "I am 40" badges on. In NEAF we had one who definitely on a sunshine tour. I guess mid-late 40s or even pushing 50. He got gp capt not too long before he retired. A real gent.

His replacement also seemed old. He had already been a sqn CO as a sqn ldr and seemed a little out of place in a new role. He eventually left on promotion and was posted to 18 Gp in yet another role change. He was short toured and got Scampton. Last I heard he retired as a 3* AOC 18 Gp, COMAIREASTLANT, COMAIRCHAN etc. As Brucey would say, " didn't he do . . . "

[airborne_artist]

Come off it man, you cannot possibly reduce the Senior Officer/Airship Brigade - absolute No No.
After all, who would there be to invite to all of those RIAT parties at Fairford each year??

How many of the turkeys have voted for Christmas since Options for Change? Have any of the services reduced the number of 1* and above in line with the reduction in "troops".

[spectre150]

circa 1976 By Gen Haig 'The British forces comprise mainly Admirals and Bands'
We seem to have lost the bands


Has anyone informed Admiral Sir Jonathon Band?

[bad livin']

As CINCFLEET, Adm Band totally silenced our wardroom a while back by openly and very loudly insulting the physical stature of a senior member of my department in front of his peers and CO.

What a charmer.

[Art Field]

Band, yes he should be!!!!.

[cornwallis]

The answer i was looking for was rank not age.I thank you all for your answers.To diverge a bit perhaps I could ask the question again over non-flying units and extend it to all of the UK forces.I must get a new computer keyboard!