My regular Service spans from the 80s to the 20s and the attitude displayed by WhoNeedsANav is one that I remember all too clearly from the early days of my time. The attitude of hiding things under the carpet, breaking the rules and sorting things out ‘unofficially’ with a chat (or a percussive interview behind the hangar) was prevalent across the Service. Bullying, often disguised as banter, was rife and I could name several VSOs whose behaviour was little more than abuse (in at least one case, sexual).
The RAF today is a million light years from the RAF I joined and while I sometimes get nostalgic for long-closed bases or aircraft types, for Friday happy-hours, sports afternoons or flaming pianos, there is no doubt that the Service of today is a fairer, more open, tolerant and frankly, nicer place to live and work than it was 30+ years ago. And, without doubt, it is also populated with people who are every bit as dedicated, professional and brave as have ever worn our monarch’s uniform.