BAE Saudi
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: earth
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just in case the link don't work, here's the latest Brit Embassy Riyadh warden notice. It goes on a bit but this should give the general picture. The good news is that they are no longer locking Brits up for 'booze wars' every time a fanatic plants a bomb. However, it does seem that money makes people blinkered but I guess in the end it boils down to individual choice - long may we have it!
Saudi Arabia
SUMMARY
We advise British nationals against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia. Following terrorist attacks in Riyadh in May and November, we continue to believe terrorists are planning further attacks in Saudi Arabia, and that these could be in the final stages of preparation.
If you choose to travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements.
You should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. You should adopt a low profile and avoid public gatherings which could lead to disorder.
You should remember that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism
There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. We continue to believe terrorists are planning further attacks in Saudi Arabia, and that these could be in the final stages of preparation. The threat includes, but is not limited to, residential compounds.
On 25 November, the Saudi authorities intercepted a terrorist vehicle laden with explosives. They have confirmed that the Seder Village compound was among probable targets. We have no information on whether other compounds might have been targeted. The Embassy remains in close touch with the Saudi authorities, who are enhancing their security measures, including those at compounds.
Terrorists attacked the Muhayya residential compound in Riyadh on 9 November killing 18 and injuring more than 80. This attack followed co-ordinated bomb attacks against residential compounds in Riyadh on 12 May, which resulted in the death of more than 30 people, including two British nationals. Many more were injured.
UK air services were suspended to Riyadh and Jedda on 13 August, following credible information of a threat to British aviation interests. The Saudi authorities have since further increased airport security and UK air services resumed on 6 September.
Prior to the attacks of 12 May, a number of British nationals and other Westerners were killed or injured in a series of smaller scale bombings in Riyadh and al Khobar. The most recent fatal incident in this series killed a German national in Riyadh in September 2002. These explosions have varied: some were car bombs; one was a parcel bomb; others exploded in shopping areas.
In February 2003, a British national was shot and killed while his car was at traffic lights in Riyadh. There have been a number of other recent incidents in which shots were fired at British nationals and other Westerners.
We advise against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia. If you choose to travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia, you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements.
You should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. Visitors to military buildings and bases should take special care. You should take sensible precautions for your personal and vehicle safety. British residents in Saudi Arabia are given specific guidance, including through warden's notices. Advice is available to visitors from the British Embassy in Riyadh, the British Consulate General in Jedda and from the Embassy website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/saudiarabia (click on "Consular"). You are also advised to read: Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism. You should follow news reports and be alert to regional developments. Any increase in regional tension might affect travel advice.
Saudi Arabia
SUMMARY
We advise British nationals against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia. Following terrorist attacks in Riyadh in May and November, we continue to believe terrorists are planning further attacks in Saudi Arabia, and that these could be in the final stages of preparation.
If you choose to travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements.
You should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. You should adopt a low profile and avoid public gatherings which could lead to disorder.
You should remember that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism
There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. We continue to believe terrorists are planning further attacks in Saudi Arabia, and that these could be in the final stages of preparation. The threat includes, but is not limited to, residential compounds.
On 25 November, the Saudi authorities intercepted a terrorist vehicle laden with explosives. They have confirmed that the Seder Village compound was among probable targets. We have no information on whether other compounds might have been targeted. The Embassy remains in close touch with the Saudi authorities, who are enhancing their security measures, including those at compounds.
Terrorists attacked the Muhayya residential compound in Riyadh on 9 November killing 18 and injuring more than 80. This attack followed co-ordinated bomb attacks against residential compounds in Riyadh on 12 May, which resulted in the death of more than 30 people, including two British nationals. Many more were injured.
UK air services were suspended to Riyadh and Jedda on 13 August, following credible information of a threat to British aviation interests. The Saudi authorities have since further increased airport security and UK air services resumed on 6 September.
Prior to the attacks of 12 May, a number of British nationals and other Westerners were killed or injured in a series of smaller scale bombings in Riyadh and al Khobar. The most recent fatal incident in this series killed a German national in Riyadh in September 2002. These explosions have varied: some were car bombs; one was a parcel bomb; others exploded in shopping areas.
In February 2003, a British national was shot and killed while his car was at traffic lights in Riyadh. There have been a number of other recent incidents in which shots were fired at British nationals and other Westerners.
We advise against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia. If you choose to travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia, you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements.
You should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. Visitors to military buildings and bases should take special care. You should take sensible precautions for your personal and vehicle safety. British residents in Saudi Arabia are given specific guidance, including through warden's notices. Advice is available to visitors from the British Embassy in Riyadh, the British Consulate General in Jedda and from the Embassy website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/saudiarabia (click on "Consular"). You are also advised to read: Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism. You should follow news reports and be alert to regional developments. Any increase in regional tension might affect travel advice.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Victoria
Age: 62
Posts: 984
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Started at WSO Flight, 9SQN then 77SQN, 11SQN. Enough clues?!
Had a few beers at your place too....
The only thing I miss about the place is the (expat) people and the money.
Had a few beers at your place too....
The only thing I miss about the place is the (expat) people and the money.
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Not a huge sand box but very nice winters anymore
Age: 57
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CSD,
Ahh you are thinking of the Cocoa Cabana but that is a couple of doors down from my villa.
You didn't have an accident water sking once did you????
Now Min Drag, no need to beat yourself up like that
by the way Abid, says hello between mouthfuls of chips
and how much he enjoyed working with you. He he
Ahh you are thinking of the Cocoa Cabana but that is a couple of doors down from my villa.
You didn't have an accident water sking once did you????
Now Min Drag, no need to beat yourself up like that
by the way Abid, says hello between mouthfuls of chips and how much he enjoyed working with you. He he
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: time2time
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Cocoa Cabana - I remember it well. I certainly remember entering but not leaving the last time I went!! 
I had some good times in Saudi but don't envy the guys just setting out on the venture - anyone on their way? If you are raving hatstand enough to be considering it, then best of luck - keep your heads down and remember that if the locals don't get you down the compnay will.
saudipc-9, nice socks mate - tell Abid that Adolf misses him
I had some good times in Saudi but don't envy the guys just setting out on the venture - anyone on their way? If you are raving hatstand enough to be considering it, then best of luck - keep your heads down and remember that if the locals don't get you down the compnay will.
saudipc-9, nice socks mate - tell Abid that Adolf misses him
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks a Million
The most important thing about leaving BAe Saudi was getting your clause 24(?) - was it? Can't recall, it's been so long. Gratuity and pension anyway. But actually (Like Mike R??, Kim F????? etc it was preferably getting to collect that elusive million dollar payout). Some of us got it but most didn't. Few got both - you had to be lucky. Some (like Cherry) got it the hard way. And Dicky Duck and Mike B never lived to enjoy their pensions. But if you lucked out and the exchange rate was right for you, the cheque was just a few thou short of the magic A$M.
So anyone out there now who gets crippled, blown up, (or otherwise "offed" by the Wahabbis)) will be auto-enriching the family coffers by loads of loot. The odds of you winning that BAe insurance loottery are phenomenally better than your chances of cracking it in LOTTO. I wouldn't hesitate doing it again if I was in the position to. BAe nonsense is no worse at the end of the day than any Air Force trivia - and you get to play superb mind-games with Saud's (juniors and seniors). You also get to take grand holidays anywhere you wish. You learn to brew and make exotic liquors and liqueurs to a very high standard (and I still do) - and live in fine villas with housemaids. And if you find that you don't like it you can just do what some did - go on Ramadan leave and don't come back. If you fall in love with the culture and lifestyle, they'll pay you US$15K to convert to Islam (and give you a free copy of the Quran and a little rule-book and a free 5-alarm alarm clock). And if they find that they don't like YOU, well they'll give you a free air-ticket out of the place to the bolt-hole of your choice. In fact you are spoilt for choice once you're there - truly. Would I lie to you? Why would I lie to you?
So anyone out there now who gets crippled, blown up, (or otherwise "offed" by the Wahabbis)) will be auto-enriching the family coffers by loads of loot. The odds of you winning that BAe insurance loottery are phenomenally better than your chances of cracking it in LOTTO. I wouldn't hesitate doing it again if I was in the position to. BAe nonsense is no worse at the end of the day than any Air Force trivia - and you get to play superb mind-games with Saud's (juniors and seniors). You also get to take grand holidays anywhere you wish. You learn to brew and make exotic liquors and liqueurs to a very high standard (and I still do) - and live in fine villas with housemaids. And if you find that you don't like it you can just do what some did - go on Ramadan leave and don't come back. If you fall in love with the culture and lifestyle, they'll pay you US$15K to convert to Islam (and give you a free copy of the Quran and a little rule-book and a free 5-alarm alarm clock). And if they find that they don't like YOU, well they'll give you a free air-ticket out of the place to the bolt-hole of your choice. In fact you are spoilt for choice once you're there - truly. Would I lie to you? Why would I lie to you?
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: earth
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
UNCTUOUS,
If you are referring to the aircrew insurance for loss of flying category when you refer to "that elusive million dollar payout", it has finished, ended, kaputt because too many aircrew cheated the system and claimed it without just cause. Very disappointing to see because a friend of mine had a genuine claim after ejecting from an ethnically induced accident and had to struggle for a long time to get much less compensation.
There's greed everywhere it seems.
If you are referring to the aircrew insurance for loss of flying category when you refer to "that elusive million dollar payout", it has finished, ended, kaputt because too many aircrew cheated the system and claimed it without just cause. Very disappointing to see because a friend of mine had a genuine claim after ejecting from an ethnically induced accident and had to struggle for a long time to get much less compensation.
There's greed everywhere it seems.
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow.
Age: 79
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Soddim,
I know that you were referring specifically to "Aircrew Insurance" but I think that in general terms it's a case of "the more you have,the more you want" and I'm not just talking about aircrew.
Many people out "there" going back to the year dot have never been satisfied with earning a generous tax free salary but have wanted to enhance that salary by various nefarious activities.
By the way, nice touch that " ethnically induced accident"!!!
Regards
E5
I know that you were referring specifically to "Aircrew Insurance" but I think that in general terms it's a case of "the more you have,the more you want" and I'm not just talking about aircrew.
Many people out "there" going back to the year dot have never been satisfied with earning a generous tax free salary but have wanted to enhance that salary by various nefarious activities.
By the way, nice touch that " ethnically induced accident"!!!
Regards
E5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: earth
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes E5, I agree and there are a lot of sad cases who seem to forget what they wanted the money for - by the time they leave they are too far gone to do anything with it. Must be a limit to how much of one's life is worth foregoing in order to raise money.
Wonder what the optimum solution is?
Shame that military pensions are not enuff below the rank of gp capt.
Wonder what the optimum solution is?
Shame that military pensions are not enuff below the rank of gp capt.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Earth
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey guys, good luck to you. I just got home and am trying to integrate into civilization. Looks like things are getting worse over there. The frequency and severity of the warnings are picking up.
Good luck with (some) of your revised contracts. Hmmm more danger less pay, isn't that counter intuitive and non-sensible or is there some justification I haven't heard of.
I was really suprised to hear that some of you who worked on the flight line were not informed of events such as:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/...546397709.html
Isn't that your flight line they are talking about?
During the later part of my stay, it became apparent to me that BAE was taking the approach of keeping you in the dark about security threats and downplaying any actual events.
Its fine to have a stiff upper lip, but not the Wife and kids I expect their upper lips to be soft and supple.
Good luck with (some) of your revised contracts. Hmmm more danger less pay, isn't that counter intuitive and non-sensible or is there some justification I haven't heard of.
I was really suprised to hear that some of you who worked on the flight line were not informed of events such as:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/...546397709.html
Isn't that your flight line they are talking about?
During the later part of my stay, it became apparent to me that BAE was taking the approach of keeping you in the dark about security threats and downplaying any actual events.
Its fine to have a stiff upper lip, but not the Wife and kids I expect their upper lips to be soft and supple.
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow.
Age: 79
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Moggie,
As usual we all digress and ramble on about this and that.
To get back to the thread - it would be nice to know what decision you finally make and how you get on.
Regards,
E5
As usual we all digress and ramble on about this and that.
To get back to the thread - it would be nice to know what decision you finally make and how you get on.
Regards,
E5
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rorting the System
I'm not aware of any who rorted the system. Of course there were many casting nasturtiums that it may have been the case and quite a few had to enrich lawyers in order to collect - and that could take years. It only cost me a few months in hospital after the bad dudes did me over - but I made a good recovery and didn't have to fight the company for the payout. In fact the cheque came out of the blue with almost no notice and I was told that I'd qualified only about a week to ten days before (I'd completely forgotten about it - or had assumed it only paid out if you had a death certificate). By direct comparison, I never got anything out of Vets Affairs after sustaining injuries in Vietnam as a combatant. But I guess that I cannot complain. I have two arms, two legs, two eyes, I can run, chase tail and don't need a hearing aid - and I've a full medical cat - and I still don't wear glasses (although I have to carry them).
The Canadian bad neck 4WD sand dune roll-overs were all signed off by a huge battery of doctors (US and Canada). The loss of hearing cases weren't paid out on unless you'd been in Kingdom over ten years and anyone who recalls how profoundly deaf John Wh????? became whilst he was there might have thought that a bit stiff. I think that there was a certain element of envy from those who didn't qualify and I'm surprised that the Company has now cancelled that perk. In fact I wouldn't go out there without it - knowing what I know now. You have to be sure that your family will be taken care of and not have to shell out large premiums yourself in order to make it so. It is after all, very very insecure employment - from all sorts of perspectives.
The Canadian bad neck 4WD sand dune roll-overs were all signed off by a huge battery of doctors (US and Canada). The loss of hearing cases weren't paid out on unless you'd been in Kingdom over ten years and anyone who recalls how profoundly deaf John Wh????? became whilst he was there might have thought that a bit stiff. I think that there was a certain element of envy from those who didn't qualify and I'm surprised that the Company has now cancelled that perk. In fact I wouldn't go out there without it - knowing what I know now. You have to be sure that your family will be taken care of and not have to shell out large premiums yourself in order to make it so. It is after all, very very insecure employment - from all sorts of perspectives.