Bloody Adminers!!
I cannot believe the bare faced cheek of it. RAF (and the other services) aircrew are just about the best anywhere in the world. They are good enough, hard working enough and professional enough to get the best out of the poor and ageing equipment in our inventory. Despite the paucity (look it up thick boy) of the kit we are provided with, we manage to give everyone else a run for their money, even when they are in vastly superior machines.
As well as having to be good at our own jobs, why is it we also have to be good at yours too (not that it's rocket bloody science)? I joined the Air Force to fly, not do the paperwork that some underachieving dimwit "hasn't got time to do".
Go to SHQ and it would seem that all the IT is fully swept up, everyone has a nice comfy swivel chair and foot rest and the temperature is carefully regulated lest anyone breaks into a sweat. It makes me sick. Anybody's Sqn building as well equipped? Don't all rush to respond. HMS Ocean is very nice though.
A few years back a good friend of mine died whilst on duty and an impromptu (unplanned) wake was held in the Sgts' Mess that night. We asked the Snr Member if the O's could join us (mixed rank crews) and it was approved. Sorted. Or so one would think. Half way through their 1st pint, the O's were forced to leave by a chief blunty and told to report to the Stn Cdr's office the following day. I know there are rules but for Pete's sake, when was the last time a blunty got anything more than a paper cut?? What a blatent lack of spirit and camaraderie. Just the kind of thing that is bringing HMF to their knees.
I have got no gripes whatsoever with any member of the RAF who does his or her job to the utmost of their ability. Indeed, given the current climate, they should be given a hearty slap on the back. Everyone, from the chefs, gunners, suppliers and police (OK, so I may be taking it a little far <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> ) to the steely eyed front line aircrew has a role and a place.
Just don't forget where your job fits in to the big picture, or the tail wags so hard, the dog's head falls off. And then where would the tail be smart boy?
End of rant.
... now that feels better, even if it is all one big wind up.
. .PS
How would YOU spend 30 Grand?
[ 13 February 2002: Message edited by: ShutUp and Drive ]</p>