It's interesting that for a few years now, there has been a vociferous and justified attack on the erosion of the quality of life in the Services due to the proliferation of bean-counters, middle managers, lean initiatives, investing in paper etc, etc. and a general lack of traditional leadership, obviously designed to create the Royal Air Force PLC - CEO A Blair Esq.
How refreshing then, to see something that must make everyone of these bureaucratic, faceless gnomes, absolutely impotent with frustration when forced to provide support to this activity that has no deliverables, no metrics and little opportunity for continuous process improvement. Instead it brings a sense of pride to millions, genuine joy to Her Majesty, and reminds all of us about "esprit de corps" in a unique manner. It shows the world that DESPITE overstretch, under manning and Wal-Mart management, the Services will always remain professional, dedicated and loyal.
Every individual who supported any aspect of today's events should be very proud of a job well done. To begrudge the weekends, late nights and continuous rehearsals that go in to this, is to forget what signing an oath of allegiance really means, and lends support to those same faceless bureaucrats that will not be happy until they have created the Royal Air Force PLC - CEO A Blair Esq.
Apologies for being a bit of a fence-sitter.
Warning - May contain traces of nuts.