Chitterne Flyer
Few people on here have criticised the original "pause" decision. How the VGS aircraft got into such a poor state of "airworthiness" is quite another question. There are too many vested parties who have had too long to cover their tracks for any investigation to be worthwhile.
The criticism of the leadership of 2 FTS and ACO senior leadership is founded on the many hundreds of people left let down by unworthy and aloof Officers who have been promoted and appointed into these positions after an undistinguished RAF career to supplement or enhance their pension.
In normal times these characters would not be found out as the organisation would continue to function despite their efforts, however, these are not normal times. In true military fashion whilst the important issues are ignored or nudged in one direction and another the focus turns to the trivia such as flying badges and empire building. More effective leadership could well have found us on this very same path with the same outcome. The timescale may not have been that much different. What would have been different is the communication and leadership from the very top all the way down to Staff Cadet level in the various VGS and the newly joined youngster in the ATC squadrons.
Unlike the regular forces where poor leadership has to be tolerated due to military law and discipline, outside in the Civilian world poor leadership is quickly spotted and is generally dealt with quickly to remove obstacles to success. This is the reality of modern management for business to survive. The VGS is operating with British Leyland style leaders in a Google world.