Bluntend thanks
Nothing new there, however.
Yes, the threat changed when the tactics changed, even when those changes were forced upon us. We knew the theat and perhaps the risk was adjudged lower for small arms fire - by all levels of 'the chain', even. Nonetheless, it was not up to the sqns to find solutions. People in 2 Gp had found possible protective measures BUT there was no funding from MOD who were, mostly certainly, aware of the risks.
Also, who knows which is a high threat environment and which ac are at most risk from small arms fire? How is that defined? (Bearing in mind Afghans, Iraqis, Africans and, in fact, any where other than N America and Europe treat AK47s as we treat mobiles - ie everybody's got one!).
This is why we should have foam/suppressants in all AT and all SH ac (not just the Hercs - what about VC 10/Tri*etc).
Yes, these protective measures are not a panacea for all ills - but they would have improved our chances of keeping alive one of our best (and most expensive) crews, along with their most valuable ac. Who is to say that won't be case next time?
Not to fit ESF just because it is not 'guaranteed' is reverse logic. In that case, we shouldn't fit any DAS as we can't be 100% sure of perfect reliability - but we have fitted some pretty good stuff of late, which undermines his argument totally.
Furthermore, there are loads of other threats out there that need consideration and funding - and yes, 2 Gp, AWC and MOD DO know all about these as they did small arms fire. In fact, this is another banana-skin for the Sec Def in the future.... unless he sorts it out now. Perhaps he would like it if we started asking questions about what has been done to counter these threats? Perhaps the circumstances in which he will face corporate manslaughter charges could be widened?
In my opinion, Dr Reid is running a bit scared - but all he has to do to end his nightmare is to act like a man, put out his chin and accept full responsibility for the genuine mistakes of his deptartment. Then he should apologise, recompense the families and make sure all our ac have better protection than at present - for as many threats as possible (present and future). It will cost money and, yes, it will hurt him a bit but he will, at least, be able to look himself in the eye in the mirror of a morning. We could even admire him for taking a moral stance and not hiding behind political spin?
Lastly, Dr Reid can take some comfort from the fact that he is only sorting out problems left to him by his ingnoble predecessors. Mr Reid does seem like an honourable man and I am sure he has some conscience left, despite him being in politics for a long time. The door is open for him and it is his move.