I've had the privilage of 'serving' (I should hope the pedantic of you participating in this discussion won't read anything into the use of that word) under what was overall a fantastic set of VR(ATC) Officers, AWO/SGTS, CI, and Civilian Commitee members; being an Air Cadet between the ages 16 & 18.
All of these people, INCLUDING those "w*nks" reffered to in earlier posts played parts, big and small, in providing me with opportunities that would most certainly have been unavailable to me had I not been involved with the ACO. Though the status and degree of authority given to some of these so called "substandard" VR(T) Officers is a source of resentment for some members of the parent service; I believe it to be barely worthy of discussion.
Let those service members with issues deal with them in their own way; be it through not saluting a VR(T) Officer, or through mocking they're ability/intelligence etc. But at the end of the day... it's all about the kids...
For every "w*nk" in contact with the kids who perhaps isn't a fantastic role model, there's also someone having a positive effect on their lives.
And for every regular serviceman carrying resentment and disrespect for those in the ATC VR(T), there is someone with respect for what they do (as a whole), and are happy to help enhance the experiences of the kids.
"W*nks" are present in all walks of life including the VR(T) I expect... being 20 I don't feel as if I can say that with absolute certainty!
But as with most organisations, within the ACO remains a net positive effect, and as long as there is a net positive effect, criticism directed at ATC VR(T) Officers (that isn't on an individual basis) is unwarranted, and when you look at what really matters - the kids - a disgruntled regular's opinion is of little significance.
The ACO played an immeasurable part in making my dreams come true, and I'm sure I'm not alone. And as it stands, I won't hear a bad word said about it.
