Ladies and gentlemen,
I am hoping that I might be provided with advice and criticism of the article below? I have been asked to write a very brief (200 words)report on the Red Arrows. I feel that 200 words is insufficient, which is why I have written over 400. The article is looking at "teams". It is aimed at a civilian audience. All comments gratefully received, and thank you for taking the time to read the commentary.
Questions to answer:-
1/ what makes the Red Arrows special
2/ What qualities do the team have
3/ What makes the team different from similar teams
Answer
The Royal Airforce Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), also known as the "Red Arrows" have a history as being one of the best, if not the best, aerobatic display teams in the world. How have the Red Arrows, managed to achieve and maintain this deserved reputation, for so long?
The RAFAT, a team of just over one hundred persons, comprises not only the pilots but also people in other roles whose functions are of prime importance. A failing in any one of the roles can cause the Red Arrows to not be able to act as ambassadors for the UK, the MOD and for the R.A.F.
The pilots, who entertain hundreds of thousands of people each year, are the primary focus of this short report as to why the Red Arrows are a 'top flight' team.
Everyone has heard of "a team", but what is a team, and what makes a team effective. A team is a group of people who are tasked with achieving an objective or objectives. An effective team is much more. An effective team should have the following aspects:-
- Clear objectives and agreed, mutual goals
- An individuals objectives, needs and goals must also be understood, recognised and fulfilled else an individual is demotivated.
- Effective procedures, and understanding of procedures
- The right people in the right role (the right mix of skills versus attitude. The best pilot may not be correct for the team if his personality does not fit).
- Openness
- Honesty
- Support
- Trust
- A desire & willingness to Cooperate
- Appropriate leadership
- Regular reviews
- Individual development and reward
- Good inter group relations
- Pride
- Identify with and feel ownership of the project
- Professionalism
- Empowered team members
- The team strive for perfection. Good enough is not acceptable
- Team culture
- Initiative is allowed
- Being willing to make personal sacrifices. For example commitment to the team includes sacrificing aspects of personal home life
Other factors that go to making the Red Arrows what they are include the fact that the Red Arrows team select new members from those pilots that are invited to attend the week of tests, interviews and socialising.
Something that all pilots have in common is going through officer selection, R.A.F. Cranwell & flying training. These make for basic similarities and an understanding plus acceptance of others who have gone through the same "initiation".
The Red Arrows all fly together and as written above socialise together.
The team practice for five months and up to three sorties a day, five days a week before the display season starts.
To join the Red Arrows 1500hrs (minimum) fast jet flying must be achieved along with at least one operational tour.
There are many aerobatic teams, Military & Civilian, who have very high standards of displays, but the main Red Arrows competitors may be considered to comprise the Blue Angels, the Snowbirds, Patrouille de France, and the Thunderbirds.
What raises the Red Arrows above the others in my eyes is the fact that they have artificial limitations placed upon them including a relatively small budget of circa £9 million per annum. Their success is demonstrated by the fact that people who have no interest in aircraft travel significant distances just to see the Red Arrows, plus their name is a globally recognised brand. Finally, the Red Arrows team demonstrate that they are able to cope with change successfully through the fact that the team change their make up each year successfully and effectively whilst maintains the same high standards in everything that they do, and at all levels.