Do we value our veterans V2.0

[minigundiplomat]

To all those that posted on the original thread, you may wish to visit:

www.project-saturn.org (http://www.project-saturn.org)

Although aimed primarily at Odiham personnel, all 3 services are welcome to submit their thoughts.



MODS - the link is to an academic research site directly related to military aviation. Please do not delete - feel free to email me or visit the site for more details.

[Wander00]

Someone give me a convincing reason why the photo of the Stn Cdr at Odiham, on the front page of the linked site, is provided by...Boeing!

[minigundiplomat]

Boeing visited us in theatre recently, and took the photo. I have credited them accordingly.

[chinook240]

The Station Commander, Group Captain Andy Turner has kindly agreed to let me use RAF Odiham as a testbed for my research.

Interesting "project", but I'd want to know who "me" is in the quote on the site before passsing on details. Maybe I missed it but there is no accreditation other than City University.

[Airborne Aircrew]

but I'd want to know who "me" is in the quotePssst... I think the "I have credited them accordingly." in the post directly above yours gives the game away....

Elementary my dear Chinook240... :E

[Wander00]

Fair point, and I guessed it was a Boeing photo, but could not an RAF photograph(er) have been used, and promote the RAF/MOD, rather than a contractor, even one as eminent as Boeing. IMHO makes it look like the Staish works for Boeing.

[TheWizard]

IMHO makes it look like the Staish works for Boeing.

Give it time!!:}










That was banter before anyone starts their engine:)

[minigundiplomat]

Chinook 240.

PM me and I'll divulge all.

[Wander00]

TheWizard

I will now remove tongue from cheek and shut up.

[minigundiplomat]

Any takers? other than queries about the source of the photo?

[Canadian WokkaDoctor]

Isn't there is already a mechanism to use the knowledge that former servicemen take with them when they leave the Service? I thought that was why so many ex-servicemen are contracting!

Just my 2 cents (It was 2 pence until I bailed and moved to Canada)


http://www.google.ca/images?q=tbn:v88oEUF8g55UPM::canflag.com/images/canflag/static/flag%252520canadian.gif (http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://canflag.com/images/canflag/static/flag%2520canadian.gif&imgrefurl=http://canflag.com/gallery.php%3Ffolder%3Dcanflag_static&h=311&w=397&sz=5&tbnid=v88oEUF8g55UPM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcanadian%2Bflag%2Bgif&hl=en&usg=__Aq3JjRkhb8g_QlF06dpEXG1VAyg=&ei=KzxwSsKMKIantge9zd1T&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=3&ct=image)

[talk_shy_tall_knight]

There are several instances on the website that refer to "I", "me" or "we", yet I can't find anywhere that tells me who is behind the project. Not necessarily a show stopper, but perhaps a little off putting.

[x213a]

Is this an on-going project or will it cease to be once you have attained your masters or whatever?
It appears to be a noble cause but - is it just a flash in the pan?

[minigundiplomat]

TSTK,

You raise a fair point but perhaps because of the nature of the research, involving service personnel and former service personnel, I have steered away from personalising the site too much. My details dont appear, just as the details of anyone participating are also very closely guarded.

The Station Commander is already a high profile figure, and features to show the commitment lent to the research by RAF Odiham.

Feel free to PM me and I will furnish you with my details and experience. The same goes for anyone interested in participating.

X213a,

The website will continue until the research is complete sometime in November. At that point, I would like to hand it over to the RAF, and see it rolled out across all 3 services, but I need your help to do so!

[Mr C Hinecap]

I'm curious as to why you think this level (pretty etherial) would work in the MoD? We can't get the daily information mnagement anything close to useful and won't be able to for several years, of not into decades. When I say 'we', I'm talking the MoD as a whole. We are truly useless and haven't got a handle on how to make it work - never mind trying to integrate questionable (in the nicest possible meaning of the word) information into that existing mess. It seems like a massive leap of faith.

[minigundiplomat]

There is a role for identifying whether the concept works. As you point out, there are some huge obstacles to overcome, but the research should also identify those obstacles.

However, if there is very little response because of the obstacles, then they will never be overcome.

Make sense?

[Jackonicko]

MGD,

You're becoming more and more diplomat, and less and less Minigun.

Can't you robustly tell someone to poke off, or get really insulting about Merlins, and restore my faith in MGD's basic inhumanity to man?

On a serious note, good luck with the project, and if a journo can ever be of use......

[minigundiplomat]

Funny you should say that, Jacko!

Veterans are a difficult bunch to reach, and a small article in a publication might just do the trick.

You know where to find me. LOL

To everyone else, this will only work with your support, so check out the website and fill in the online form. Or if you know someone who may be interested, let them know!

It's in your hands now.

[Airborne Aircrew]

Veterans are a difficult bunch to reach, and a small article in a publication might just do the trick.Actually, I'm not sure your correct. I think what is more important is that you are clear about what it is you're looking for. I have skills that I apply to non-profits quite regularly. But they are applied with an understanding of what is required and why and how my time, knowledge and experience will be applied to benefit others.

Otherwise, it all seems like a bit of a crap shoot... (Sorry for the American analogy).

[Roger Sofarover]

MGD

Whilst you are correct that confidentiality should be maintained for anyone who participates in the study, it would be appropriate if the 'I', 'we' etc front up with a photo, full name, potted history etc. Andy's details are up there, therefore the project originators need to be up there, in neon lights. Not hidden away in small print or divulged via PMs. Just a thought mate. Good Luck


edited to add

I just read the site again in case I was being harsh. As feed back, the first photo up there needs to be whoever 'me' is. Hi this is me, my name, this is my study, etc and Andy supports this study etc. if you want info from people your full name and contact details (you can get a PO Box if you want, but something whatever), phone number etc (your personal one, or buy a £10 sim and put it in an old phone, if you do this people will call you) needs to be attached to a study like this. You will get a much better response I promise:ok: Also get on Facebook if you are not already on. There are loads and loads of both retired and serving guys from Odiham on FB, many of whom I know, never come on here, and you could put this is a 'group'. The 'group' principle has been used to great effect by Odi guys to market and sell the new book 'immediate response'.

[minigundiplomat]

Roger,

you can't accuse me of not listening! The site has been updated and awaits your perusal. The online survey also awaits.......

MGD

[Roger Sofarover]

That is much better MGD:ok: Nice one. I have registered. Good Luck.

[minigundiplomat]

Thanks to all of those who have submitted via the website, I have sent replies. They may have been declared spam by your email provider, so if you havent recieved a reply, it may be worth checking spam/junk folders.

To all those tempted, the number of responses has been climbing steadily as more and more veterans take a more active role.

You can join in too, via the website.

MGD

[minigundiplomat]

By way of an update,

several replies have been sent via the website, with some excellent knowledge, some of which is being looked at in much more depth.

Thank you to all those that have contributed so far. To those that have thought about it,or are considering it...

You have nothing to lose and evrything to gain. Your help is invaluable.

MGD

www.project-saturn.org (http://www.project-saturn.org)

[gayn kakken ofn yam]

Out of interest Mick, which MSc are you doing?

[minigundiplomat]

Air Transport Management at City University, London.

They also offer Air Maintenance Management and Air Safety (some of the modules are common between the 3).

It is a lot more interesting than it sounds.

[minigundiplomat]

To all those who have responded via the website - Thanks!

There are several to whom I have responded, but still havent made contact. I'm not sure if my emails may be ending up in your spambox.

If you are awaiting a reply, I have sent it off. Please check to see if it has been marked as spam by your ISP.

Thanks

Mick

www.project-saturn.org