Grand-daughter joining Rock Ape Reserve.

[langleybaston]

What do I say to her?

Her G-Gpa served as RAFVR in WW II, i/c a barrage balloon, Coventry Blitz, Suez 3 years, D Day ships, her G-pa spent 41 years attached RAF [medical reject], her uncle was Regiment at Scampton as Aux. gunner .....
she is nearly 6ft, has a good 2:1, a good job, early 20s, fit as a flea, and wants adventure and challenge. Employer, a multi-national, entirely happy with the idea.

A part of me is delighted:: she did the aptitude thing and could have applied for any Reserve trade, got a massive score but insists on the Regiment.

Any advice please? Not that I dare give advice unless solicited.!

[Bob Viking]

Say good luck and congratulations.

BV

[PICKS135]

Say good luck and congratulations.

BV
What he said.

[Ninthace]

Nothing wrong with that. Some of my best friends were Regt.

[MPN11]

Outstanding, and best wishes to her.

When our niece decided to be a full-time Firefighter, the whole family raised their eyebrows ... and then simply accepted that it’s her life! She’s now in her 40s, still FF-ing, with a husband and an awesome daughter.

[BATCO]

What do I say to her?

Any advice please? Not that I dare give advice unless solicited.!

Having served 37 years as an RAF Regt officer including 2 years as Adjt of 2624 Sqn RAuxAF Regt, 1. congratulate her on her choice, 2. continue to encourage her, 3. PM me if you want to discuss anything in confidence.

Batco

[charliegolf]

What do I say to her?

Any advice please?

Nothing that might annoy her would be my advice:ok:

CG

[langleybaston]

Having served 37 years as an RAF Regt officer including 2 years as Adjt of 2624 Sqn RAuxAF Regt, 1. congratulate her on her choice, 2. continue to encourage her, 3. PM me if you want to discuss anything in confidence.

Batco

That is most kind. I shall most certainly bear that in mind.

[rathebelucky]

BV was quick in there, the consensus appears overwhelming. I might consider asking how good her current job is and if she's interested in a full time position.

[langleybaston]

Supply chain specialist for a big multi national working from home for a full year having been picked as one of five from 200 who were interviewed. I am sure she is craving for company of her own age ....................... did a gap year after A levels at chalet and hotel work in Switzerland, just missed a First.
Obviously one thinks Commission? A year with the Regiment might or might not suggest such a course ............... we shall see.

[BEagle]

Very best of luck to her!

A niece of mine starts ATC Pirbright in mid-May and is thoroughly looking forward to it! Looking at the YouTube videos of Army recruit training, it seems excellent and I hope that your grand-daughter enjoys similarly excellent basic training.

[N707ZS]

Nephew is full time Rock Ape and spends most of his time at home with his parents. Starting to get the name Private Pike.

[NutLoose]

Good for her, one hopes she gets as much out of it as she puts in... Kudos to her.

[Herod]

What BV said. Sounds like an awesome young lady, and must make you proud.

[ExAscoteer2]

What do you say to her? Encourage her of course!

There's no reason why a woman can not serve in the Rocks - they've recently garduated the first female Rock Officer at Honington.

[Wycombe]

As an ex "Oggie" (16 years served, at the other BZN-based Sqn, not Regt) I'd say to her to go for it and the opportunities it might present. I'm sure it's still true that she will get to do things (or choose to) that you never would in civilian life.

Having a supportive employer is very important, although legislation in place today should mean it should be a lot less stressful than it was when I was mobilised for Op Granby in '91 (I had a very supportive US Corp as my employer, who had a policy on reservist mobilisations - a lot of my colleagues were less fortunuate, putting it mildly).

I would also say that a supportive immediate family (if applicable) is equally important - bearing in mind that a lot of your spare time will be spent elsewhere/not doing family stuff.

[Thud_and_Blunder]

The only advice I was expecting from some of the older PPRuNe hands was: "don't grow a beard". Fortunately the general consensus appears to be spot-on, for once :ok:

[TLDNMCL]

What do I say to her?

Her G-Gpa served as RAFVR in WW II, i/c a barrage balloon, Coventry Blitz, Suez 3 years, D Day ships, her G-pa spent 41 years attached RAF [medical reject], her uncle was Regiment at Scampton as Aux. gunner .....
she is nearly 6ft, has a good 2:1, a good job, early 20s, fit as a flea, and wants adventure and challenge. Employer, a multi-national, entirely happy with the idea.

A part of me is delighted:: she did the aptitude thing and could have applied for any Reserve trade, got a massive score but insists on the Regiment.

Any advice please? Not that I dare give advice unless solicited.!
Buy her a decent bottle of wine, sit back and listen to her recounting her adventures after a few months.
In the reserves, therefore retaining her day to day job whilst cramming in a few more interesting weeks and weekends than most of the people she sees 9-5 Monday to Friday, good combination.
Advice? Don't bore the daylights out of your 9-5 colleagues after a weekend exercise, they won't get it unless they've been involved at some point, answer if they ask, but don't push it, speak more about it if they sound interested. Good luck Grand-daughter. Branch/ trade is nothing to sweat about, LB.

[langleybaston]

Great advices, PPRUNERS, thank you very much.

Hoping/assuming she is accepted, I will write an update if there is anything to tell.

[cynicalint]

LB
get her to memorise this confession:-
"Yesterday, I could not spell Rock Ape. now I are one!"

Seriously, I deployed as a Stn Int Officer with a Laarbruch regiment to Banja Luqa, Bosnia, in 1996. My eyes were opened to the professionalism, dedication and effectiveness of the Cpls conducting the patrols, which was second to none. Indeed, it would have put a lot of other senior ranks/officers in other trades and branches to shame. It is unfortunate that most RAF people's experience of the Regt is at the annual gas and gun course, where the lecturers, usually Cpls, are constrained by having to adhere to the lecture packs with absolutely no deviation allowed. On Ops and outside the classroom, the Regt are the finest body of people to trust your life to in the defence of airfields. Encourage your grand-daughter to the best of your ability; she will not regret a moment, and maybe her skills would be better employed, as a graduate, in the Officer Corps.

[George Glass]

My experience of young women (my daughters) today is that if you tell them they cant do something you better be able to duck and cover.
You go girl.

[Training Risky]

I hope the very real risk of hip stress fractures for women carrying large bergan, webbing and weapon loads does not come back to bite the MOD in the behind.

This study (https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0032-1311583) showed '19.3 and 79.9 cases (of inpatient or outpatient stress fractures) per 1000 recruits for men and women, respectively'.

Maybe the loads have been reduced at Honington to reflect the fact that Gunners will do less humping and dumping and more mobile ops and utilising UAVs for short--range ISTAR etc? (And guarding the EFI in sunglasses perched on a WMIK!) (Banter shield on!)

[langleybaston]

Passed medical, attested, 2623 East Anglian Squadron.

Now the hard bit!

[SASless]

The hard bit being called a Rock Ape?

You did raise her to understand she shall be judged by the company she keeps....right?

[langleybaston]

Damn! I forgot that bit.

Anyway, all the Rocks I met were very nice lads, letting me wear [and take off] those respirators in the skin-cleansing, pore-opening perfume chambers.

And they did let me stand very close indeed to a demo of IEDs at HQ 1 Group Bawtry ........... not only buggered the dummy but blew a hole downwards in the table top.
Fortunately I failed to hear what Mike Knight actually said to them..

[MPN11]

Good news, LB. Best wishes for the next bit!

[Herod]

What MPN11 said. Best of luck to the young lady.

[Al R]

Regt? Nightmare. I only wish I hadn’t wasted all those years.. instead, I may have made something of my life.

[Teamchief]

Waiting for the incoming, but I joined the Royal Air Force because I wanted to work on aircraft. All the Rocks I encountered in 28 years service were always looking to put one over on us Penguins! I have always wondered why someone who wants to be an infantryman joins the RAF? In this case I would have thought that 3rd Bn Royal Anglian Regt (The Steelbacks) would have been a better option. Just my opinion!

[Barksdale Boy]

Good to see mention of ACM Sir Michael Knight - an exceptionally fine VSO. I remember him seeing him stride into a reception at Barksdale AFB in 1980 in flying kit, having piloted a Vulcan over the Pond with O/C Scampton, and remarking "Dry old do, this". He saw to it that it didn't remain that way much longer. Spotted him looking sprightly at breakfast in the RAF Club three or four years ago.

[Ken Scott]

Waiting for the incoming, but I joined the Royal Air Force because I wanted to work on aircraft. All the Rocks I encountered in 28 years service were always looking to put one over on us Penguins! I have always wondered why someone who wants to be an infantryman joins the RAF? In this case I would have thought that 3rd Bn Royal Anglian Regt (The Steelbacks) would have been a better option. Just my opinion!


Not just those joining the Regt, I once sat next to the (civvy) OC Supply at a training base (BFT) at a formal lunch, she had recently retired from the RAF after 30-something years and joined the contractor company running the base’s support services. She informed me, with no hint of irony and some pride, that this was the first station she’d served at that had a runway.

Why she hadn’t just joined Boots or another non-aviation related company I was to shocked to ask.

[kaitakbowler]

I was a founder member, permanent staff, of 2503 RAuxaf Sqn in 1979. The only advice I would offer is, listen, ask, soak up everything and above all, maintain a sense of humour. Good luck and thank you.
Paul

[NutLoose]

Waiting for the incoming, but I joined the Royal Air Force because I wanted to work on aircraft. All the Rocks I encountered in 28 years service were always looking to put one over on us Penguins! I have always wondered why someone who wants to be an infantryman joins the RAF? In this case I would have thought that 3rd Bn Royal Anglian Regt (The Steelbacks) would have been a better option. Just my opinion!

Oddly enough there is a lot more to being a Rock than simply being an infantryman, those in the 70’s to 80’s at Odiham used to drive and operate the aircraft bowsers on the Sqns, plus aid / enhance site protection when the squadrons deployed to the field, the couple I knew were really nice guys, had their para wings etc and one eventually left to go onto armour when the Regiment got Scorpions. Those at Brize operated Rapier etc.

So not bog standard cannon fodder.

[langleybaston]

Waiting for the incoming, but I joined the Royal Air Force because I wanted to work on aircraft. All the Rocks I encountered in 28 years service were always looking to put one over on us Penguins! I have always wondered why someone who wants to be an infantryman joins the RAF? In this case I would have thought that 3rd Bn Royal Anglian Regt (The Steelbacks) would have been a better option. Just my opinion!

Point taken, but for her it was only ever going to be RAF if anything ...........if I can claim my being attached to [rather than of], the RAF more or less continuously for 41 years, she is 4th generation. A privileged day at Coningsby in early Typhoon days put her off following GPA into the Met.Office [!], and impressed her deeply with the quality of the serving people and the station.

We shall see..

[Cat Techie]

Just watch out for mortars or launching equipment.

[MAINJAFAD]

Oddly enough there is a lot more to being a Rock than simply being an infantryman, those in the 70’s to 80’s at Odiham used to drive and operate the aircraft bowsers on the Sqns, plus aid / enhance site protection when the squadrons deployed to the field, the couple I knew were really nice guys, had their para wings etc and one eventually left to go onto armour when the Regiment got Scorpions. Those at Brize operated Rapier etc.

So not bog standard cannon fodder.

Quite true in the 1990's I've worked with a number of Rocks that had done CVRT (Armour), normal Field Squadron, 2 Squadron (para) and Rapier at some point of their career.

[MAINJAFAD]

Waiting for the incoming, but I joined the Royal Air Force because I wanted to work on aircraft. All the Rocks I encountered in 28 years service were always looking to put one over on us Penguins! I have always wondered why someone who wants to be an infantryman joins the RAF? In this case I would have thought that 3rd Bn Royal Anglian Regt (The Steelbacks) would have been a better option. Just my opinion!

I know a Rock who joined the RAF to operate Rapier and shoot aircraft down!!!

[Teamchief]

He could have joined the Royal Artillery..... they operate Rapier!

[Teamchief]

Oddly enough there is a lot more to being a Rock than simply being an infantryman, those in the 70’s to 80’s at Odiham used to drive and operate the aircraft bowsers on the Sqns, plus aid / enhance site protection when the squadrons deployed to the field, the couple I knew were really nice guys, had their para wings etc and one eventually left to go onto armour when the Regiment got Scorpions. Those at Brize operated Rapier etc.

So not bog standard cannon fodder.

Not the Rocks I knew at Odious in the early mid 80’s. Also, if they wanted to play with tanks there were plenty in the Royal Tank Regt at the time!

[cafesolo]

Re #38
Remember Aden ? The Northumberland Fusiliers needed artillery; the boy with the armored car needed permission from on high before he could shoot:it never came and a lot of Fusiliers died, needlessly. IF a weapon may be authorized then you want it on site and present an officer with authority to say,"Shoot."

[NutLoose]

Not the Rocks I knew at Odious in the early mid 80’s. Also, if they wanted to play with tanks there were plenty in the Royal Tank Regt at the time!

He was posted off 72 Sqn onto them, the RAF operated a tank Sqn.
one eventually left to go onto armour when the Regiment got Scorpions.

https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/alvis-scorpion/

https://www.rafregimentheritagecentre.co.uk/history/artefacts/fv101-scorpion/

In November 1981, the RAF Regiment took delivery of its first of 184 Scorpions and other variants of CVR(T).

All the CVR(T) vehicles were to be air-portable and two Scorpions could be carried in a C-130 Hercules. Another requirement of the CVR(T) project was the low ground pressure – similar to that of a soldier on foot – and this would serve it well in boggy conditions.

[Shack37]

Re #38
Remember Aden ? The Northumberland Fusiliers needed artillery; the boy with the armored car needed permission from on high before he could shoot:it never came and a lot of Fusiliers died, needlessly. IF a weapon may be authorized then you want it on site and present an officer with authority to say,"Shoot."
Was there, remember it well and agree wholeheartedly.
LB, Very best to your G´daughter, she sounds like she will enjoy and make the most of being a Rock and make lifelong friends.

[Al R]

All the Rocks I encountered in 28 years service were always looking to put one over on us Penguins!

Aw, big hugs.

[ORAC]

In November 1981, the RAF Regiment took delivery of its first of 184 Scorpions and other variants of CVR(T).

Courtesy of the Shah…..

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Vehicle_Reconnaissance_(Tracked)#Scorpion

[Always a Sapper]

Another requirement of the CVR(T) project was the low ground pressure – similar to that of a soldier on foot – and this would serve it well in boggy conditions.

Sorry, experience says one has to challenge that one....

One 'fine' late evening in the early 80's saw me on Soltau Trg Area doing a minefield recce with the Sqn OC in a 'borrowed' CVRT... 'He' decided it would be a really, really good idea to take a short cut across a nice German bog... Cue minor disagreement settled in the traditional manner sans rolled map case enthusiastically wacked across the crewmen's bone-dome I was wearing with the promise he would upgrade to the pick helve if I didn't do a left turn NOW and get on with it....

Cue one left turn and off we went... splosh and all that. To be honest we were doing well, the Sparton took to the task like it was made for it...

Of course, as always when these things are going to plan hrh Emporer Mong (PBUH) is sat in the back planning and scheming... He managed to get the boss to change his mind and demand (more usage of a rolled up map case was involved mind) a 'right turn' and head for this other track.... (I may have mentioned something like this might not be a good idea as we will probably throw a track... or words to that effect) however EM's (PBUH) plan rapidly came to fruition with bells as we managed to throw not one, but BOTH tracks.... And, to just make our day we began to take in water as it became pretty obvious the regular driver of the vehicle hadn't replaced the engine oil drain hatch thing and water was now coming in..... and in.... and in.....Yes, it was sinking!

Now, there are major advantages of being in a RE Field Sqn over one of those Rock Ape ones, and that's having the odd CET (that's a Combat Engineer Tractor btw) complete with a 'rocket powered recovery anchor thing... lying around. The boss got on the Sqn net and got one sent over. To be fair, he did try and be pretty nonchalant about it and tried not to attract attention to the matter in hand, but as always it failed and within the hour we really did feel like Custer with the Indians all lined up on the horizon as the rest of the Sqn lined up on the track we were headed for complete with the compo equivalent of popcorn and ready for the nights entertainment...

Now, we retreated into the vehicle and the rocket powered recovery anchor thing was fired over us (and they even remembered to attach the winch rope this time which was a first as the normal procedure was to fire the anchor, followed by 15 mins looking for the anchor before attaching and re-firing...) The boss, having admitted that ex MT Cpls who had commissioned still came into the 'don't give an officer a map' rule and did the right thing by going to get the wire rope and attaching it to the front recovery eye that was now under water, much splashing and non-gentlemanly language later, and we were finally pulled out... As far as I know, the two tracks are still there....

So, do they work well in boggy ground? kind of... But:
1. Don't let the guy sat in the top hatch navigate.... Giving him the map's okay, even give him some wax crayons to make wriggly lines on it, but give directions???
2. Put the **** hull plates back in following an oil change....
3. Stay on concrete, dry concrete...
4. Quick gear changes (down) always wakes up the guy sat in the top hatch when you can hear snoring coming over the intercom....

Oh and good luck to her... I'm sure she will enjoy her time in the Sqn and do well.

[ancientaviator62]

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/740x503/hercules_scorpion_drop_9979e1880ab66066bc1d8e822d64e0e50bdb9 e39.jpg
We used to airdrop said Scorpion from the RAF C130K. Tracked Rapier came courtesy of the demise of the Shah. Although designed to go in the C130 the tracked Rapier was a tight fit.

[Al R]

Scuttlebutt was that the dimensions were derived from the distances apart that crops were grown in plantations.

[air pig]

Of course, as always when these things are going to plan hrh EmporerMong (PBUH) is sat in the back planning and scheming... He managed to get the boss to change his mind and demand (more usage of a rolled up map case was involved mind) a 'right turn' and head for this other track.... (I may have mentioned something like this might not be a good idea as we will probably throw a track... or words to that effect) however EM's (PBUH) plan rapidly came to fruition with bells as we managed to throw not one, but BOTH tracks.... And, to just make our day we began to take in water as it became pretty obvious the regular driver of the vehicle hadn't replaced the engine oil drain hatch thing and water was now coming in..... and in.... and in.....Yes, it was sinking!


Ahhhhh the Emperor Mong (PBUH) has served in many air forces, usually on all sides at once. His generally army type adventures are related on arrse.

https://www.arrse.co.uk/community/threads/the-emperor-mongs-pronouncements.72507/

Good luck to her for the future.

[SASless]

Although designed to go in the C130 the tracked Rapier was a tight fit.

More barracks bragging by the Rocks!

[Teamchief]

Aw, big hugs.
So, what’s your experience of them Al?

[langleybaston]

Back on thread, said grand daughter has done lots of weekends at Honington and "has now done all the boring bits".
Next stage is a fortnight at RAF Halton in March she says.
Bit of a contrast with the day job: supply chain manager, but that was the whole idea.

[212man]

Back on thread, said grand daughter has done lots of weekends at Honington and "has now done all the boring bits".
Next stage is a fortnight at RAF Halton in March she says.
Bit of a contrast with the day job: supply chain manager, but that was the whole idea.
yes , Halton is very exciting. What with Wendover and Tring right next door!

[langleybaston]

yes , Halton is very exciting. What with Wendover and Tring right next door!

I trust she will not be allowed to indulge in the cornucopia of luscious offerings therein.

[chevvron]

yes , Halton is very exciting. What with Wendover and Tring right next door!
Aylesbury close by too. Many hours spent by me first of all gliding at Halton then microlighting there and around the local area.
(My great aunt used to live in Tring right opposite the museum; does the 'Crow's Nest' still operate?)

[superplum]

does the 'Crow's Nest' still operate?)

It's now a "Beefeater"!

[Vortex Hoop]

Back on thread, said grand daughter has done lots of weekends at Honington and "has now done all the boring bits".
Next stage is a fortnight at RAF Halton in March she says.
Bit of a contrast with the day job: supply chain manager, but that was the whole idea.
Has she done the '5-miler of death' yet...?!

How about EFI-guarding SOPs....?;)

[langleybaston]

I will ask but she is skiing in the Alps at the moment. Alright for some.

[Tocsin]

I will ask but she is skiing in the Alps at the moment. Alright for some.

Basic Winter Training, then? :)

[langleybaston]

Basic Winter Training, then? :)

I don't think snowboarding is on the syllabus ......... she and her sister are rivals on boards.
Never tried myself ....... two skis and two poles seems a necessary minimum. And moneycard for lift.

[Tocsin]

Many years ago, did (I think) two weeks at Oberammergau - half a day of 'how to dig a snow hole' and the rest of the days on skis... great fun, and got paid (LAC rates)!

[langleybaston]

Granddaughter thoroughly enjoying training [really? GAS GAS GAS!] but shunted off a fortnight residential course, along with others, due to a Covid LFT. Will join next course halfway through rather than re-course, fortunately.

[MPN11]

Oh, how frustrating for her! Still, she seems to be retaining her positive attitude, which is great to hear. 👍

[langleybaston]

UPDATE.
Passed Initial Force Protection Training Course 178, and a certificate to prove it ............... says she is really enjoying it.

Learning RAF-speak.

Unusual addition to a CV for a supply chain specialist!

[sittingstress]

UPDATE.
Passed Initial Force Protection Training Course 178, and a certificate to prove it ............... says she is really enjoying it.

Learning RAF-speak.

Unusual addition to a CV for a supply chain specialist!

Many congratulations to her, I know we get the mickey taken out of us but earning our mudguards is something we are all proud of.

Per Ardua (24 years done Rock)

[MPN11]

Excellent news ... well done, Miss

[langleybaston]

Many congratulations to her, I know we get the mickey taken out of us but earning our mudguards is something we are all proud of.

Per Ardua (24 years done Rock)

I believe mudguards need one more step, probably quite soon. The end of course thrash was apparently long and noisy, as it should be.

[NutLoose]

Good to hear she is doing so well. :)

[langleybaston]

Thank you all!

[langleybaston]

At weekend she became covered in spectacular bruises, plus awarded squadron badge.Fitness test menu included :2 hours to achieve all of:
4km march with 18kg Bergen and 9.5kg rifle with webbing, then 2km run/ walk with 6kg day sack and rifle in18 minutes/ 16 repeats of prone then leopard crawl and sprint/ 110 kg man drag for 20m/ carry 2 x 22kg jerrycan 160 m.

Followed by an arduous debrief with Gpa.

At which Gpa wondered if he could ever have done that in his alleged prime. Surely it is a unisex test with those standards, as it should be.

She says mudguards require catching a speeding bullet in the teeth, jumping a 2 storey house from a 10m run-up, and holding her breath for 10 minutes.

[MPN11]

YAY ... plus extra characters!

[Herod]

"Good on ya, girl!"

[langleybaston]

Are those the same as RAF Regt standards?

My understanding is that this is RAF Regt. unisex Fitness standard ............. either that or a lot of fat blanket stackers might struggle.

I am sure a serving Rock will be a long to give chapter and verse.

[i]As apologising is all the rage, I apologise to fat blanket stackers everywhere.

[cheekychimp]

Are those the same as RAF Regt standards?
Those are the standards for reserve RAF Regt personnel.

[langleybaston]

Those are the standards for reserve RAF Regt personnel.

Thank you.

[cheekychimp]

Thanks. Just mildly curious to know how much tougher RAF Regt standards are compared to Oggie. If it's slightly more or a factor of 10 higher. Not that I want to join...
I last did the tests in January, but off the top of my head, the weight carried is a few kilos more and the timings a few minutes less for the same distance, can't be more specific at the moment. The Reaction to Effective Enemy Fire phase has more shuttles. The man drag and Jerry Can carry are the same and a straight lift test is being introduced to simulate extracting a casualty from a vehicle. They're basically the same tests as the Army do now, age and gender doesn't matter, it's the same standard for everyone, great for the 20 year olds, not so good when you've been in 35 years! Come and join, it's great and not at all knackering, really, honest.

[langleybaston]

Update. G-daughter Gunner went to her employer [she is the Supply Chain Manager for a big rice firm] and said she was doing more and more of other people's work [as they resigned] so she wanted more money.
No.
Fast forward a month, she was criticised "you just turn up and do your job these days, try harder". BLX.

She applied for a much bigger and better paid job with a major food manufacturer as the Environmental Standards Manager. "What external interests do you have for developing your skills [she is just 25]. RAF Regiment reservist. Interviewers well impressed, and she has the job, £3000 rise, two days a a week WFH, short journey to work.

And really really enjoys the rough and tumble of training, only two girls left of the intake. Regarding firing the musket, good, and the Flight asked her if she had done shooting before.

Gpa gets frequent updates and photos, the wonders of Whatsapp.

[BlackIsle]

Langleybaston Excellent news regarding her change of employer!

[SASless]

LB,

It is amazing how much the young ones can achieve when they have focus and a desire to go places in life.

No doubt that came from those who have shown her the support and encouragement that helped her be as successful as she is being.

Well Done....bless her support team that cares so much for her.

You may take a smallish bow but don't let her see you doing it.

[WB627]

Some employers realy do not know what talent they have or how to develop it. Took my youngest son three moves to get to an employer that does and they do show their appreciation of what he brings to the party.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/651x535/fltvjuuwqaikxwv_943e8f788bfc71d1afb203c69c8d105f9c51b8c5.jpg

[radar101]

I love it.

[MPN11]

Great news, LB.

[cheekychimp]

I wish her good luck for Ex Omega, not long to go now.

[FantomZorbin]

LB
Excellent news BZ :ok:
You must be chuffed to pieces!!

[langleybaston]

Today I received a photo from her take during range firing. Purports to show all 5 rounds on target, with two sharing the same hole ...... sort of 8-shaped hole on its side. Very nice too.

Reminds me of the .22 indoor range at JHQ ........ my teenage son routinely shot possibles, dad routinely shot 95 or so, and once shot a 99. So rare was the event that I still have the card.

[212man]

Today I received a photo from her take during range firing. Purports to show all 5 rounds on target, with two sharing the same hole ...... sort of 8-shaped hole on its side. Very nice too.

Reminds me of the .22 indoor range at JHQ ........ my teenage son routinely shot possibles, dad routinely shot 95 or so, and once shot a 99. So rare was the event that I still have the card.

I may have shot with your son - used that range regularly from 80-83

[langleybaston]

I may have shot with your son - used that range regularly from 80-83

Very possibly: we came back to UK on my promotion in January 1981. We shot on Saturdays I think ........ which meant my going easy on the sauce on Friday evenings! Strange site, near the extreme West of JHQ estate, and near the German-run plant nursery. We have great good memories.

[SASless]

WB,

If that Meme you posted is accurate (which I am thinking it very much is...) then the Pongo's have to be akin to McNamara's Project 100,000.

[nevillestyke]

Today I received a photo from her take during range firing. Purports to show all 5 rounds on target, with two sharing the same hole ...... sort of 8-shaped hole on its side. Very nice too.

Reminds me of the .22 indoor range at JHQ ........ my teenage son routinely shot possibles, dad routinely shot 95 or so, and once shot a 99. So rare was the event that I still have the card.
My father once took some shots at targets on a 25 yd. range, with .22 long rifle rounds fired from our .22 bolt action garden gun. When they scored it, they thought that he'd got fantastic grouping with five shots all making the same rectangular hole but, as the garden gun had no rifling, the occasional round which had actually hit the target had been going sideways.

[MPN11]

Damn ... .22 Pistol at 25m ...


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1961/scan_a36b4c24d3c8b8e9262a71c9c909f6facfce033f.jpeg

[langleybaston]

Sheesh!

I have a decent .22 air rifle in a long, fully enclosed garden ** with telescopic sighting and cannot now achieve such grouping at about 25 yards.

Granddaughter and I have a contest lined up for her next visit .......... same rifle, and winner pays up a bottle of fizz [WHEN she wins] or a decent red [IF I win].

** A very good definition of the appropriate sized garden was penned by a retired colonel in the D Tel. "Large enough to find a spot for a pee if taken short, small enough for cries of help to be heard by a neighbour*. I have a strategic shed, behind which .............

[SASless]

Use a sheet of targets similar to this one(the linked file is printable).....one sheet for each shooter....take one shot at each of the 25 targets.....hole must be inside the bold black circle...can touch but not cross into the black.

Then score good hits....if tied....Shoot till the first Bullseye is scored and the second shooter misses....if each shooter scores a bullseye...continue till the first bullseye is hit .

Think it is easy....try it at 25 Yards.

My money is on the Grand Baby!

I just thought I knew how to shoot!

.22 Rimfire Cartridges are not very precise and despite using Ruger Precision .22 Rifles and excellent scopes....the sorry things cost me lots in Beer Money!


https://accurateshooter.net/targets/ukbrtarget50.png

[langleybaston]

Thank you. I shall report back ............... if I win.

[No, I am not a total sh1t]

[sittingstress]

Really dragging this from the memory banks now, the mnemonic used when coaching the grouping practice is/was DSMPE
D - Declaration
S - Size
M - MPI - Mean Point of Impact
P - Pattern
E - Encouragement

If this is incorrect or has been superseded my apologies, I am just happy that I have managed to remember something from what seems to be several million years ago.

[langleybaston]

She must be bored: jumped out of a serviceable aircraft at Old Sarum at the weekend.

NOT ON MY BUCKET LIST.

[WB627]

She must be bored: jumped out of a serviceable aircraft at Old Sarum at the weekend.

NOT ON MY BUCKET LIST.


I did that once* never did it again LOL

* Serviceable aircraft (Cessna) was questionable IMHO, much of it held together with parcel tape :eek:. The runway (Ashford International AKA Lympne) looked like a Tornado had used it for target practice with a JP233 :E, so I was quite happy to land under a parachute and not in the aircraft.

I was 17 at the time and immortal LOL as we all were.

[SASless]

LB,

Seems your Grand Baby follows the Ladies in your family with her derring-do!:ok:

[Union Jack]

LB,

Seems your Grand Baby follows the Ladies in your family with her derring-do!:ok:
As I also discovered at one of our periodic Officers' Pistol Shoots when serving with the RAN, and my then NOK came to collect me and was asked if she would like to have a go. Never having touched a weapon before in her life, she promptly achieved better grouping than that shown in MPN11's Post #88 above**! Curiously enough, I never encouraged her to try again....

Jack

** With apologies to MPN11:)

[WB627]

As I also discovered at one of our periodic Officers' Pistol Shoots when serving with the RAN, and my then NOK came to collect me and was asked if she would like to have a go. Never having touched a weapon before in her life, she promptly achieved better grouping than that shown in MPN11's Post #88 above**! Curiously enough, I never encouraged her to try again....

Jack

** With apologies to MPN11:)

I used to be a bit handy with a rifle and taught Mrs WB627 the rudimentaries before we had children so more than a few years ago. Fast forward many years and the Scouts set up a rifle range (air rifles) in the Scout Hut, Mrs WB627 takes her Beaver Colony along to have ago. At the end with much mocking from the instructors about women not being able to shoot straight, not only does she do just that, but manages a better card than any of the instructors. Stony silence and red faces :O, so to save their embarrassment, she fesses up to having been taught by an expert. Made her day.

Edited to add.... I would never argue with a Woman with a gun, you never know where she might be aiming :uhoh:

[nevillestyke]

She must be bored: jumped out of a serviceable aircraft at Old Sarum at the weekend.

NOT ON MY BUCKET LIST.
I did more than 30 jumps from a serviceable aircraft, and enjoyed every one. My mother even did a couple of jumps, at the age of 56, although it took her quite a bit of training before she nailed the PLF.

[langleybaston]

UPDATE.

After a temporary set-back with the 80 kg lift, now repassed fitness after hours in the gym, and nominated for 2 week course end of this month.

I don't understand the subtleties but quote: "hopefully mudguards in October"

So the family will have a trained killer Amazon in its midst.

Point of fact from experts please: at what stage is a trainee rock ranked/ appointed as gunner ....... all this aviator stuff baffles me these days.

[cheekychimp]

On successful completion of Ex Omega at Honington she'll be presented with RAF Regiment "Mudguards" and can then call herself a Gunner.

[langleybaston]

On successful completion of Ex Omega at Honington she'll be presented with RAF Regiment "Mudguards" and can then call herself a Gunner.


Thank you very much. She is fourth generation to serve in RAF if you are kind enough to count my "M o D Civilian / dormant commission" strange status.

[SASless]

"trained killer...." I thought you said she was going to be a Rock....and not an aircraft maintenance technician!

[langleybaston]

"trained killer...." I thought you said she was going to be a Rock....and not an aircraft maintenance technician!

Where was it you live? ...... I'll send her round late October.

[sittingstress]

Where was it you live? ...... I'll send her round late October.

No need, I have his What3Words and am just teeing up the troops for a "visit" :)

[langleybaston]

M U D G U A R D S !
She finished Omega and graduated today, TG 1 - 22.
Only female in 20 I believe.

"Fun, covered in bruises, off to squadron bar to celebrate"

Properly brought up then.

[Big Pistons Forever]

M U D G U A R D S !
She finished Omega and graduated today, TG 1 - 22.
Only female in 20 I believe.

"Fun, covered in bruises, off to squadron bar to celebrate"

Properly brought up then.
:ok::D....................

[MPN11]

M U D G U A R D S !
She finished Omega and graduated today, TG 1 - 22.
Only female in 20 I believe..
:ok: :ok: :ok:

LB, prouder than a Forecaster who got it right 5 days in a row!

[langleybaston]

:ok: :ok: :ok:

LB, prouder than a Forecaster who got it right 5 days in a row!
Thank you ........ that was only possible in Cyprus, and rarely achieved.

[Herod]

Congratulations to the lady. Very very well done.

[Tocsin]

Well done LB Minor :D

(I've worked with some Reserve Rockapes in the past - including both genders - esprit de Corps!)

[WB627]

Congratulations to the young LB

Some early Rocks, interesting combination of uniform

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1183x975/45638239_1803632376433213_151027950823669760_n_d325fa48ecec7 46de31d5d0c8bd3c195c6205389.jpg

[ICATQ]

Congratulations to the young LB

Some early Rocks, interesting combination of uniform

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1183x975/45638239_1803632376433213_151027950823669760_n_d325fa48ecec7 46de31d5d0c8bd3c195c6205389.jpg
Looks like a medal presentation of do sort . Any spotters know what the mk1 Rocks ribbons are??

[Tankertrashnav]

The nearest sergeant has the Africa Star which was actually authorised in 1943, ahead of most of the other campaign stars, thus it is not unusual to see the ribbon being worn alone. The medals themselves of course didnt come along until later. Interestingly the men are wearing the 5th Army formation sign which was worn by both British and American troops in Italy.

There cant be many photographs of major generals wearing regiment flashes,I suspect he may have been the first Commandant General of the RAF Regiment (he bears a striking resemblance to Arthur Lowe, as Captain Mainwaring of Dad's Army!)

By the way when I was in the regiment in the 60s/early 70s we never talked about mudgards, always flashes, I assume the term has come into common usage since I left

[212man]

(he bears a striking resemblance to Arthur Lowe, as Captain Mainwaring of Dad's Army!

Yes - I had to look a couple of times!

[cheekychimp]

Congratulations to her.

[sittingstress]

M U D G U A R D S !
She finished Omega and graduated today, TG 1 - 22.
Only female in 20 I believe.

"Fun, covered in bruises, off to squadron bar to celebrate"

Properly brought up then.

Please pass on my congratulations to your grand-daughter. I hope she had a cracking night celebrating.
Per Ardua.

[langleybaston]

Please pass on my congratulations to your grand-daughter. I hope she had a cracking night celebrating.
Per Ardua.

Thank you.
Friday night celebrate merged into
Saturday overhang
Sunday crawled home
Monday [wisely pre-planned as a day off] mostly sleep.

[langleybaston]

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/936x881/mud_xx_97d4706665bc2f904587dbc66722ad91ba112575.jpg
"grenades yes, pistol not yet ........."
nice Christmas present for us

[Bob Viking]

I know you are very proud but posting a picture of (I presume) your granddaughter in uniform online is not cool unless she specifically asked you to do it. Maybe edit it to blur the face or something?

BV

[langleybaston]

I know you are very proud but posting a picture of (I presume) your granddaughter in uniform online is not cool unless she specifically asked you to do it. Maybe edit it to blur the face or something?

BV
I did ask her permission ...... the other 3 women in squadron have all been on various RAF sites when they qualified ...... can you expand a bit on possible risks please?

[Bob Viking]

I have no more than the fact that I never liked my face to be published anywhere. But then again there was never any good reason for anyone to publish my face so it was kind of a moot point.

If your GD is happy then there is no problem and I retract my statement your honour.

BV

[langleybaston]

I have no more than the fact that I never liked my face to be published anywhere. But then again there was never any good reason for anyone to publish my face so it was kind of a moot point.

If your GD is happy then there is no problem and I retract my statement your honour.

BV
thank you ...... there are many reasons to avoid posting my chops ....... " know your enemy" recognition.
At RAF Nicosia 1963 there was a brilliant charicaturist whose basis began with a shadow side shot

[_Agrajag_]

thank you ...... there are many reasons to avoid posting my chops ....... " know your enemy" recognition.
At RAF Nicosia 1963 there was a brilliant charicaturist whose basis began with a shadow side shot

I remember there being a noticeboard at Akrotiri with photos of suspected Soviet "honeytrap" agents working the bars in Hero's Square. We used them like a bingo checklist, see how many we could spot on a night on the town. I think there were bonus points if you managed to pick one up. IIRC, at least one bar was declared out of bounds because of that game

[downsizer]

I certainly wouldn't be happy with my name and service number being on PPrune.

[Thud_and_Blunder]

Hero's Square in its entirety was out-of-bounds to all 9 Sigs Regt and 33 Sigs Wing folk in 1975-6 - mind you, getting there from Ay Nik would've been a monumental undertaking so we found our entertainment elsewhere.

[langleybaston]

Brief update: she is still very enthusiastic and has now been introduced to the Gimpy but not yet entrusted to fire it. Sounds like a good decision.

Good news is she has been accepted for Ex Wintermarch, Norway next month, Nordic Ski in extreme cold. I hope her year as a chalet/ hotel ski bum a few years ago will help: she is a very good skier downhill, but x-country looks bloody hard work. Only a month ago she was in India at 40C ........... Norway Minus big numbers and wind chill. Gpa will follow her progress from a warm armchair .................................

[SASless]

Downhill skiing in a form fitting ski suit pales when compared to romping with MOD spec death boards while carrying a heavy rucksack....I am thinking.

It must make you just a little bit worried....and fairly amazed.....and really proud of her accomplishments!:D

[NutLoose]

Congratulations to the young LB

Some early Rocks, interesting combination of uniform

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1183x975/45638239_1803632376433213_151027950823669760_n_d325fa48ecec7 46de31d5d0c8bd3c195c6205389.jpg
The reason being RAF dress tended not to be worn by RAF troops in WW2 Europe, as colour wise it could get you mixed up with the German side and shot at by allied troops, so Army uniforms were preferred.

[BATCO]

The reason being RAF dress tended not to be worn by RAF troops in WW2 Europe, as colour wise it could get you mixed up with the German side and shot at by allied troops, so Army uniforms were preferred.

Nutty
I think WB627 was referring to the difference in breast pockets. The sergeant third from the right (looking at the photo) has a pocket minus the blouse. According to Wiki this was an austerity measure introduced in 1942.

regards
Batco

[Squipdit Fashions]

The nearest sergeant has the Africa Star which was actually authorised in 1943, ahead of most of the other campaign stars, thus it is not unusual to see the ribbon being worn alone. The medals themselves of course didnt come along until later. Interestingly the men are wearing the 5th Army formation sign which was worn by both British and American troops in Italy.

There cant be many photographs of major generals wearing regiment flashes,I suspect he may have been the first Commandant General of the RAF Regiment (he bears a striking resemblance to Arthur Lowe, as Captain Mainwaring of Dad's Army!)

By the way when I was in the regiment in the 60s/early 70s we never talked about mudgards, always flashes, I assume the term has come into common usage since I left

Congratulations to the young LB

Some early Rocks, interesting combination of uniform

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1183x975/45638239_1803632376433213_151027950823669760_n_d325fa48ecec7 46de31d5d0c8bd3c195c6205389.jpg

A quick reverse image search reveals this is a probably a colourised version of a B&W photo in the IWM Collection and available on the wonderful Wikipedia, the description of which reads "Major General C F Liardet, Commandant of the RAF Regiment, inspects the NCOs of No. 2788 Squadron at Cassino, Italy. He is seen shaking hands with Sergeant Curtiss from Hull"

Sir Claude Francis Liardet (b. 1881, d. 1966), late various Lancashire regiments and latterly Royal Artillery, was (unusually for a Major General) a Territorial Army officer, who was appointed the Air Ministry Inspector General of Airfield Defence and Director General of Ground Defence from 1941; subsequently becoming the first Commandant General of the RAF Regiment from 1942 - 1945.

2788 Sqn RAF Regiment were the first RAF Regiment squadron to go into the line with the Eighth Army in Tunisia during 1943 (probably hence what appears to be the Africa Star ribbon on the battledress of the four NCO's being inspected, accuracy of the colourisation process notwithstanding) and later transferred to Italy, where they saw heavy fighting at Monte Cassino in 1944; again in an infantry role as part of the 2nd NZ and the 4th British Divisions respectively (also hence the 5th Army formation badge). So I'd suspect the photo was taken shortly thereafter, possibly Jun/Jul 1944, as the squadron was subsequently moved to Corsica and took part in the invasion of southern France (Operation ANVIL / DRAGOON) by the middle of August 1944.

(Of note, The National Archives hold a file (Air 29/97) which includes some 2788 Sqn nominal rolls from the period. Not available online, perhaps somebody local with a readers' ticket could work out who Sgt Curtiss was?!!)

[Lomon]

The reason being RAF dress tended not to be worn by RAF troops in WW2 Europe, as colour wise it could get you mixed up with the German side and shot at by allied troops, so Army uniforms were preferred.
Did some research once for a staff ride to Normandy and found an account of an RAF Cpl radio operator who was sent with the US troops to Omaha beach.

When he went ashore (in a blue RAF battledress) he found that he was being shot at from the front by the Germans, and from the rear by US troops from the other landing craft who weren't expecting someone in a blue/grey uniform on the beach to be friendly.

[OJ 72]

Total thread drift, but is the Sgt, second from right, Jack Watson, the actor? Late of 'The Wild Geese', 'The McKenzie Break', 'North Sea Hijack, 'The Sea Wolves' etc!

If it's not him, then its his bl**dy double!!!

[Thud_and_Blunder]

Brilliant observation, OJ - but wiki tells us that he was in the Royal Navy during the 2nd Mondial Unpleasantness.

[Squipdit Fashions]

Did some research once for a staff ride to Normandy and found an account of an RAF Cpl radio operator who was sent with the US troops to Omaha beach.

When he went ashore (in a blue RAF battledress) he found that he was being shot at from the front by the Germans, and from the rear by US troops from the other landing craft who weren't expecting someone in a blue/grey uniform on the beach to be friendly.

Not faulting your reasoning, Lomon, but, post-square bashing basics, the likes of 2788 Sqn were issued with khaki battledress, worn with RAF Regiment blue shoulder titles, from the onset of their (Guards Division-led) training (at the 'closed for the duration' Filey Butlins holiday camp...) in 1942, onwards.

And, ironically, the largest wartime user of British-issued khaki battledress, outside of the allied Empire nations, was probably the German Kriegsmarine who captured a huge stockpile of them at Dunkirk, re-badged them and issued them to their U-boat crews...

Enough thread drift! Back to you, Langley.....

[langleybaston]

Nothing to beat a good informative digression.
I hope to report end of March.

Next excitement is to fire the Gimpy, not just run around with it. Her uncle, who was a Rock reservist at Scampton c. 1983 advises her to be a bad shot, to avoid carrying it or the ammo.

[langleybaston]

Downhill skiing in a form fitting ski suit pales when compared to romping with MOD spec death boards while carrying a heavy rucksack....I am thinking.

It must make you just a little bit worried....and fairly amazed.....and really proud of her accomplishments!:D

Game on ........... the tall one with dark sunnies fourth from right. The group are not all Rocks, several trades.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/896x659/ella_norway_58e871ebb70154cb3f9ce03252f584e72693ace4.png

[condor17]

LB , good for her she looks like it's enjoyable .
SASl , our lad at 16 had opportunity to x-country ski , snow hole over night , and ice climb with Army cadets in Norway as a 16 year old . He could down hill ski .....
But the adventure was thoroughly enjoyed , even with MOD kit , and especially with some Noggie instructors .
Achievable challenges , the opportunities should not be turned down .. Just don't get old as the ' achicvable ' bits become less !

rgds condor .

[condor17]

LB , she certainly looks like it's enjoyable , congrats to her and you .
SASl , our lad as a 16 yr old Army cadet , had the brilliant opportunity to X-country ski , snow hole overnight , and ice climb in Norway . He had skiied before , and even with MOD kit
[ looked at it afterwards and thought it good ] the group thoroughly enjoyed it , with their staff and some Noggie army instructors .
Achievable challenges should be taken up at every opportunity ..... Just don't get old ... the '' achievable '' bit shrinks .

rgds condor .

[condor17]

Apols for double post didn't think first poost had gone through

condor

[SASless]

At the end of our lives we shall regret some of the things we have done....and really regret not having done things we wanted to do but did not.

[Hydromet]

During a flight from UK-USA I was sat next to a young RAF Cadet who'd just left school. I've also hired a couple of young blokes at times, who were in the Army Reserve. I'm convinced that this experience helps build people who are better organised, show more initiative and are more comfortable dealing with authority than those who haven't had it.