SNCOs - A Conspiracy Theory

[Vortex_Generator]

Over the past several years the role and status of SNCOs in the RAF has been seriously undermined. Several threads are testimony to the dissatisfaction of SNCO aircrew, and things aren’t any better amongst those of us on the ground. Many of our former responsibilities are now undertaken by JOs, whilst we are out on the gate with a rifle. Sgts messes are being closed down, or are filled with pimply civil serpents straight off the streets (remember when you had to earn the right to be a mess member?).. .So, is there a hidden agenda to phase out SNCOs? The MOD mandarins and their high paid help seem to be intent on making us do our business like any other large corporation, and have presumably realized that the level of management that the SNCO fills does not exist in other organizations. Simple answer, get rid of them. This would be seen as an opportunity to cut costs and to remove a group of people who question decisions, don’t always toe the party line, and are regarded by many as some kind of Junta that needs to be broken.. .By gradually taking away any powers that SNCOs had, those further up the greasy pole are strengthening their case, and will eventually be able to point out that SNCOs no longer serve any purpose and are an anachronism is this modern air force. The result will be a workforce of airmen, with a few Cpls to act as Chargehands or Foremen, and a completely separate management structure, just like it is in the big, wide world.

Well??

[Hertz Van Rental]

Keep taking the tablets.

[Ralf Wiggum]

The Services couldn't run without SNCOs. Probably the main interface between those who rule and those who work.

What is laughable is that QRs define a Warrant Officer as Junior Management! Training and experience of man management would suggest otherwise. The only aspect that may let them down in management is financial management, but even that is been passed on to them by those with sloping shoulders.

[BEagle]

A wry observation from one of our very experienced SNCO aircrew the other day:

As some will know, all RAF VC10 C Mk 1 aircraft bore the names of individual Victoria Cross winners - Officers and NCOs both featuring. However, now that some VC10C1 aircraft have been withdrawn from service, some of the remaining aircraft now carry 2 names rather than letting the name on the ones withdrawn disappear. Perhaps (I hope!) it was just a coincidence, but one of our most experienced SNCO aircrew noted the names the other day and then observed wryly "Typical - I see only the 'knockers' have had to double up!" For it seems that the double-named aircraft all feature NCO Victoria Cross winners!!

[bluntie]

I think it's just a sign of the times, rather than a deliberate attempt to undermine us, we are on the gate with rifles etc. Not enough bodies to go around, overstretch, civilianisation. We all know the story. The RAF is going down the pan because their 'airships' don't care about people, only kit.. .Run away, run away!!!.. . <img src="mad.gif" border="0">

[Otis Spunkmeyer]

This anecdote could be posted on half a dozen current threads, in fact I've just given it one of its own. But I'll post it here as well, anyway.

At a recent chat between a high ranking officer with some selected SNCO's in the Sgt's Mess, a senior Warrant Officer with days to do casualy asked if there were plans to offer retention bonuses to SNCO's and other ranks. The reply came:-

'The loyalty of the SNCO's in the RAF has never been in doubt'

And no, he didn't get away with that:-

'Does this mean that the loyalty of your officers is in doubt, sir?'

. .All leave cancelled until morale improves.