sumps - That's lunacy
. Where do I start?:
The first few parts are situation normal - (except EOPS used to allocate tails based on known future hours / Return To Works etc requirements and daily 700 updates from the line)
Removing a dedicated depth of trade knowledge and more importantly, focus from the 1st Line Engineering organisation is nuts. I used to advocate the use of a 'ramp tramp' with a small forward holding of consumables but this is that writ large - too large.
Having (as a generalisation) relatively junior 'Preppies' who would snag things back to a trade desk was a good thing - it forced an assesment by a specialist eye. Dumping a SNCO with having to pull trade cover from someone generating aircraft or exercising some other judgement is piling many eggs in ever smaller baskets. Yes there would often be banter about the fairy preppers bringing in sumpy snags all night (inserts trades of choice here) but I think everyone liked the fact that there was always someone, a specialist, who had to get it checked out. I don't mean to imply that anyone's professional standards are being eroded, just that this current system seems to place more obstacles in the way of getting the right skills in front of the right snags in a timely fashion.
As for the lack of consultation with the Seniors - I have to say I am not surprised. Lyneham seems to have a reputation for militant SNCOs - I just wish those on high would stop and think why they think that - perhaps because it is one of a few units which retains it's experience in long-on-unit SNCOs who know WTF they are talking about !
As for the unreserved h'officer bashing on these boards, it'll always rankle but I would never challenge anyone's position on it: In my time on tours at Lyneham I met some total fools (at every level) who were an embarassment to to their colleagues. I also met one or 2 absolute stars who fought hard and bravely for what they felt to be right, sometimes to their own detriment (I'm talking from FgOff through to 2 OC Engs here). That said the people I met in my (brief) 10 year stint that I have heartfelt respect for to this day are SNCOs (some of whom may still be there so I'll shut up!
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