Amongst other things, Brandnew wrote:
At the same time, Exercise El Centro War-Dodger is taking place, involving medium lift rotary assets. The first Merlin aircrew flight / sub-unit into Afghan will have last served in Iraq OVER A YEAR AGO. The last aircraft left Iraq OVER A MONTH AGO. Why the delay? Some mods need to take place to allow the aircraft to fulfill its full potential, but surely these steely eyed yet freaky helicopter gods can make do with their (rather good) existing capability?
As a spectator and ex mob of many years standing, I can see a bit of both points of view but Brandnew's opinion seems to be that the Merlin crews are themselves responsible for their non presence in Afghanistan. Since when did aircrews/sqns decide where they should operate and when?
I find the expression "War Dodger" distasteful and offensive. Of course, it's not the first time the word Dodgers has been used erroneously and unjustifiably in wartime.
s37