Originally Posted by
Shadwell the old
I have read this thread with interest. Cards on the table, I am 71, retired and served from 17 to 55 years old with a 3 year gap. So I no doubt fall into the category of an old fart, who knows nothing and is out of touch with the modern RAF's world.
I consider that an important word often neglected and that has sadly fallen into disuse is standards.
Shadwell
Unfortunately, that is where your argument falls down. These people with long hair, beards, tattooed necks etc etc are conforming to the standards laid down in Kings Regulations. They may not be to your standards, or even mine (currently RAF Regt FS with 36 years in) but, like it or not, they are what the RAF want. They all know it's ridiculous in uniform, they are just taking advantage of stupid rules. Times change, the airmen of 1918 would have mocked the airmen of 1948 for being undisciplined slackers. Harsh as it sounds, the day you leave the gate is the day your opinion is just hot air.