Gentlemen,
I have been reading this thread with interest. Some AAC Aviation Crewman (ACM) facts:
The AAC has 4 ACM roles. ADG, Bell 212, Spec Liaison and FW.
Air Door Gunners are primarily responsible for aircraft defence with the Crew Served Weapon (CSW) and, as a secondary duty, carry out voice marshalling although this would become a primary responsibility in benign operations. The Aircraft Commander is responsible in all circumstances for clearances. Although highly trained in these specialist fields they do not carry out C of G calcs, or sign for any detail in the F 700, though in my experience they are more than capable. This is because it is not in their job description and the training would significantly increase the 7 weeks they currently complete. There is also the poor return of service of 2 years for ACM on average. This will remain until a Career Employment Group (CEG) is established.
Bell 212 ACM are employed as Winch Operators in Belize and Brunei. They are primarily concerned with Voice Marshalling and management of the 212's cabin, not to mention operating the Winch and extracting casualties from very small jungle holes using 200' of cable. Exacting stuff. Again, the Aircraft Commander is responsible in all circumstances for clearances.
Spec Liaison is something I refuse to comment on here, enough said on the matter!
Fixed Wing ACM are more 'front seat specialised operators and ordinarily carry out the duties of a FW P2 in 'old-money'. Their duties will involve flight planning, operating cockpit systems such as nav equipment and specialist user equipment.
All these specialisations are not necessarily inter-related and, as previously mentioned, the small return of service means there is no requirement for one trade-master of all. This decision will be revisited if a CEG is established.
Regarding the debate, recent operational experience has proved that the 'benign' rear crew duty of checking the tail clear etc is somewhat omitted when approaching a hot LZ and the requirement to return fire is necessary. This has led to the RAF requiring ADG trained personnel to operate the CSW whilst ALM Voice Marshall and clear the aircraft, a task for which they are culpable for, especially considering the larger size of the aircraft they operate. AAC ACM are more than adequately trained to operate the CSW and with the new ADG Sim established at MW the AAC are probably the service leaders in the employment of 'door gunners'. The RAF (and RN) ALM are experts in the field of rear cabin activities, including voice marshalling, C of G calcs, including servicing the aircraft. In my opinion, there is no argument. One does not threaten the other, rather we are specialists in different fields and should utilise the knowledge from across the three services to get the best possible product.
Feel free to PM me for more information.
h.