RAF Verbal Fractricide
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RAF Verbal Fractricide
Dear all,
I’m sorry I haven’t been around for a while, but there hasn’t really been that much of a need for me to poke my head up from behind the sand dune and lower my blood pressure a few notches by having a good old-fashioned rant. That doesn’t mean to say that there hasn’t been a need to rant, but I’ve been beaten to the punch. Curses! There have been some good ones, so keep it up.
Well, brace yourselves, it’s my turn.
Before everyone starts thinking ‘Who’s pi55ed off AA now?’, take a moment to consider the lucky contestants-
Who will it be?
A: The movers (inc JATEU)
B: The movers (inc JATEU)
Or
C: The movers (inc JATEU)
I know they’ve received a lot of bad press over the past few months, what with the farce that is the pax terminal at the ‘Deid, and more recently, the shambles at Akrotiri (My, how I’m glad I’m not the SAMO there………..).
But this you have to hear.
AA has been lucky enough to be sent away from the UK. Only this time, I’m away somewhere well west of the UK, on exercise. What a nice pre-TELIC holiday, thank you very much.
As nice as it is to be away from the UK, in a particularly humid +30, in a just about air-conditioned 10-man room, with a personal frog chorus (not the Paul McCartney version) every time you go to the ablutions (the same one that is 40 metres away from the 10 man room), with the walk made easier as the mosquitoes carry you to and from said ablutions, there is a contentious issue you need to hear.
But enough of that. The real point is……….
WHY THE FUNK ARE THE RAF MOVERS (inc JATEU) IN A 4* HOTEL DOWNTOWN ON RATES (this is when they’re not driving steps into jets at BZN)?
In the RAF SH force, we have embraced jointery. We have to. It’s called JHC, modesty and frankly, professionalism in today’s Forces. So why the hell do the rest of the RAF pitch up somewhere and totally undermine jointery by sodding off downtown into the 4* hotel to get leathered on rates? It’s certainly not because the hotel is nearer to the airport. Yes boys and girls, the Army have noticed, and yes, they have commented.
Q. Who signed the ‘Non-availability of Service Accommodation’ forms then lads?
A. Hmmmm. I cannot answer that question in case I incriminate the movers (inc JATEU).
Just a little poser for you out there. You know who you are. For those who haven’t figured it out yet, yes, it’s the movers (and JATEU).
That should do it for now. I’ll sit back and watch from the touchline with the half time oranges and the fat wheezy boys with the note from matron (Blackadder Series 4, Episode 6).
AA out (ducking for cover).
I’m sorry I haven’t been around for a while, but there hasn’t really been that much of a need for me to poke my head up from behind the sand dune and lower my blood pressure a few notches by having a good old-fashioned rant. That doesn’t mean to say that there hasn’t been a need to rant, but I’ve been beaten to the punch. Curses! There have been some good ones, so keep it up.
Well, brace yourselves, it’s my turn.
Before everyone starts thinking ‘Who’s pi55ed off AA now?’, take a moment to consider the lucky contestants-
Who will it be?
A: The movers (inc JATEU)
B: The movers (inc JATEU)
Or
C: The movers (inc JATEU)
I know they’ve received a lot of bad press over the past few months, what with the farce that is the pax terminal at the ‘Deid, and more recently, the shambles at Akrotiri (My, how I’m glad I’m not the SAMO there………..).
But this you have to hear.
AA has been lucky enough to be sent away from the UK. Only this time, I’m away somewhere well west of the UK, on exercise. What a nice pre-TELIC holiday, thank you very much.
As nice as it is to be away from the UK, in a particularly humid +30, in a just about air-conditioned 10-man room, with a personal frog chorus (not the Paul McCartney version) every time you go to the ablutions (the same one that is 40 metres away from the 10 man room), with the walk made easier as the mosquitoes carry you to and from said ablutions, there is a contentious issue you need to hear.
But enough of that. The real point is……….
WHY THE FUNK ARE THE RAF MOVERS (inc JATEU) IN A 4* HOTEL DOWNTOWN ON RATES (this is when they’re not driving steps into jets at BZN)?
In the RAF SH force, we have embraced jointery. We have to. It’s called JHC, modesty and frankly, professionalism in today’s Forces. So why the hell do the rest of the RAF pitch up somewhere and totally undermine jointery by sodding off downtown into the 4* hotel to get leathered on rates? It’s certainly not because the hotel is nearer to the airport. Yes boys and girls, the Army have noticed, and yes, they have commented.
Q. Who signed the ‘Non-availability of Service Accommodation’ forms then lads?
A. Hmmmm. I cannot answer that question in case I incriminate the movers (inc JATEU).
Just a little poser for you out there. You know who you are. For those who haven’t figured it out yet, yes, it’s the movers (and JATEU).
That should do it for now. I’ll sit back and watch from the touchline with the half time oranges and the fat wheezy boys with the note from matron (Blackadder Series 4, Episode 6).
AA out (ducking for cover).
Last edited by Amateur Aviator; 25th Oct 2006 at 17:19.
Just beating the air into submission!
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Now look here AA old chap! Its damn hard being important, obnoxious and down right rude to peolpe they have to deal with. It gets is the way of their real extistance; that of playing volley ball, uckers, waddling to the miggins van and destroying as much baggage and the contents therein as they can. Do you really expect these most prized and professional specimens of the Royal Air Force to slum it with you lot? No is the answer! They must be disheartened only to be a a 4 star, surely 5 star plus is the only HOTAC that these genuinely misunderstood chaps and chapesses deserve.
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They are obviously upholding the finest traditions of the RAF that we took so long to establish - we check in, not dig in. I joined the Samsonite Air Force as well and I am damned proud of these plucky young fellas for doing the decent thing and behaving in a proper fashion! You'll be telling me next that they are working beyond 1300 hrs even that heat! I'd be having words myself - quick snooze, game of cribbage and you're set for drinkies then dinner.
SH? You turncoat - STC used to love you but no - you desired the 'tough love' that Land bring. You made yer bed/cot and burned the bridges old fella!
Pip pip.
SH? You turncoat - STC used to love you but no - you desired the 'tough love' that Land bring. You made yer bed/cot and burned the bridges old fella!
Pip pip.
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I'll never defend movers for anything.
But why, why, WHY must 'Jointery' mean bringing everybody down to the lowest common denominator? How about you take a step up and join US?
The Army seems to have a pathological fear of hotels - the reason you're not in one is because your CoC want you to suffer, and won't pay the (amost always cheaper than on-base stateside!) bill.
But why, why, WHY must 'Jointery' mean bringing everybody down to the lowest common denominator? How about you take a step up and join US?
The Army seems to have a pathological fear of hotels - the reason you're not in one is because your CoC want you to suffer, and won't pay the (amost always cheaper than on-base stateside!) bill.
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I'll never defend movers for anything.
But why, why, WHY must 'Jointery' mean bringing everybody down to the lowest common denominator? How about you take a step up and join US?
The Army seems to have a pathological fear of hotels - the reason you're not in one is because your CoC want you to suffer, and won't pay the (amost always cheaper than on-base stateside!) bill.
But why, why, WHY must 'Jointery' mean bringing everybody down to the lowest common denominator? How about you take a step up and join US?
The Army seems to have a pathological fear of hotels - the reason you're not in one is because your CoC want you to suffer, and won't pay the (amost always cheaper than on-base stateside!) bill.
I spent my fair share of time living is muddy holes in the ground in both the infantry and during my time wearing the coveted blue/grey and as I've found out on many occasions, any idiot can be uncomfortable.
Once on an exercise in Cyprus some Sandhurst educated idiot on the joint, non-tac exercise tried to have everyone (well OR wise) living in 12x12 tents at Pine Tracks camp even though there was plenty of transit accommodation available (as the small RAF contingent discovered). Fortunately for the Army lads, with the Army SNCO's briefed on the availability of hardened accommodation by us crabs and the ok given to use it by the accommodation cell a small, yet effective mutiny took place, followed by much happier squaddies and nights of free drinks for us happy few in Tommy Tuckers.
Aaaaahhhhhhhh that's better, all is now right with the world again. Like the sound of leather on willow in the summer, life wouldn't be the same without an AA rant every now and then.
Anyway, look on the brightside, if they are in a hotel, they aren't cluttering up your place and getting in the way being useless and irritating. However, if you feel that strongly about it, between you and the rest of the crews, get a kitty together and speak to the hotel manager. Bribe him to have the little REMFs moved from room to room every other day or so; that should piss them off a bit and spoil their luxury fun. After all, it's central America - a wadge of dollars can achieve ANYTHING down there. And with a bit of creative accounting, you can proably get it to the equivalent of £21/day in dollars
If that fails, find out which part of the hotel they are in and when (if) the cab ever gets re-built, go and do the airtest outside their windows!
Melchett
Anyway, look on the brightside, if they are in a hotel, they aren't cluttering up your place and getting in the way being useless and irritating. However, if you feel that strongly about it, between you and the rest of the crews, get a kitty together and speak to the hotel manager. Bribe him to have the little REMFs moved from room to room every other day or so; that should piss them off a bit and spoil their luxury fun. After all, it's central America - a wadge of dollars can achieve ANYTHING down there. And with a bit of creative accounting, you can proably get it to the equivalent of £21/day in dollars
If that fails, find out which part of the hotel they are in and when (if) the cab ever gets re-built, go and do the airtest outside their windows!
Melchett
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In my time in green, but working for blue, it always struck me how dull the Army can be. At (RAF) Upavon, MT had a boatload of staff cars that we could use as required, instead of taking a black and green battle taxi, as would be the Army norm. Just plain common sense.
On exercise with (IIRC 7Sqn), at sunny Otterburn, it wasnt exactly a hotel, but at least the 7 Sqn guys had the gumption to book the otherwise empty transit accomodation, instead of taking a shedload of tentage.
Occasionally we'd be required (a MAOT team) to help out with an ex on SPTA for a day. No vehs required. So why not just call up Odiham and ask to be picked up from Upavon? It was, after all, an airfield in the middle of SPTA!! Not a hope of anyone in the Army being so can-do.
So good on you RAF types for spotting wastage. "leathered on rates". Hmm, not done that since I served at er.... Upavon!
On exercise with (IIRC 7Sqn), at sunny Otterburn, it wasnt exactly a hotel, but at least the 7 Sqn guys had the gumption to book the otherwise empty transit accomodation, instead of taking a shedload of tentage.
Occasionally we'd be required (a MAOT team) to help out with an ex on SPTA for a day. No vehs required. So why not just call up Odiham and ask to be picked up from Upavon? It was, after all, an airfield in the middle of SPTA!! Not a hope of anyone in the Army being so can-do.
So good on you RAF types for spotting wastage. "leathered on rates". Hmm, not done that since I served at er.... Upavon!
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Why do you feel the need to air this in a public place?
Do you want more press coverage about us wasting tax payers money and them to remove one of the few perks left in the job - even though you personally aren't CURRENTLY benefitting?
You'll feel a little annoyed when you finally end up on something transporty and get to slum it everywhere because of too many complaints that some other RAF types had it better than you did all those years ago...
Do you want more press coverage about us wasting tax payers money and them to remove one of the few perks left in the job - even though you personally aren't CURRENTLY benefitting?
You'll feel a little annoyed when you finally end up on something transporty and get to slum it everywhere because of too many complaints that some other RAF types had it better than you did all those years ago...
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Verbal Fratricide?
So we are planned for a 7 hour JMC (sorry Neptune Warrior) sortie but because of weather the likelihood is we div to Leuchars and have to stay in a hotel for the night
(cost £ hundreds). The option is to div to Geilenkirchen and stay on base ( fuel cost £ thousands) but different budget. Unfortunately there is no on base accomodation at GK so the mission is scrubbed, wasted mission, crew valuable training opportunity lost, all to save a few £ on the station budget.
This has been going on for a while now and it is c&*p!
Y_G
(cost £ hundreds). The option is to div to Geilenkirchen and stay on base ( fuel cost £ thousands) but different budget. Unfortunately there is no on base accomodation at GK so the mission is scrubbed, wasted mission, crew valuable training opportunity lost, all to save a few £ on the station budget.
This has been going on for a while now and it is c&*p!
Y_G
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AA,
Nicely done Sir!
Good to have you back to help pass this night! As most of the deployable RAF (don’t even say ‘everyone is deployable’, as we all know that is utter bollerks!) and Army have probably had similar experiences, no wonder the entire trade has such a bad name. I am quite aware that they are all being tarred with the same brush, but there are not that many lines of defence being presented. Is this not an admission of guilt, or are they too busy glorifying their ‘professional’ trade on e-goat after they knock off when there’s a job to do (see the ‘oh dear’ thread)?
SS
Nicely done Sir!
Good to have you back to help pass this night! As most of the deployable RAF (don’t even say ‘everyone is deployable’, as we all know that is utter bollerks!) and Army have probably had similar experiences, no wonder the entire trade has such a bad name. I am quite aware that they are all being tarred with the same brush, but there are not that many lines of defence being presented. Is this not an admission of guilt, or are they too busy glorifying their ‘professional’ trade on e-goat after they knock off when there’s a job to do (see the ‘oh dear’ thread)?
SS
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I tell you what folks, if there was a chance of rejoining the real RAF, I would have done so yesterday.
But back to the point, before the movers divert the issue at point here to try and stay below the radar.
Don’t get me wrong, it is always good to have the odd perk of the job, but IMHO, it is always best to carefully choose where and when to do so. In the subject of this particular rant, it was most certainly not. There need to be some direct questions to those involved. As for lowering ourselves to the lowest common denominator- I can’t help that (at least last time I checked).
Inquisitor,
None of the accommodation here is Grade 1. We’re in the same boat as the permanent staff, so we have absolutely not a leg to stand on if we were to go downtown. As for the budgets, have you not seen the savings required to be made by front line operational units to pay for A400/FSTA/JSF/CVF/Eurofighter/ MOD tvs and chairs? D’ya see my point?
Glum,
Please.
Do you honestly reckon I’ll ever make it away from JHC with the developments being discussed on this forum? Will any of us?
But back to the point, before the movers divert the issue at point here to try and stay below the radar.
Don’t get me wrong, it is always good to have the odd perk of the job, but IMHO, it is always best to carefully choose where and when to do so. In the subject of this particular rant, it was most certainly not. There need to be some direct questions to those involved. As for lowering ourselves to the lowest common denominator- I can’t help that (at least last time I checked).
Inquisitor,
None of the accommodation here is Grade 1. We’re in the same boat as the permanent staff, so we have absolutely not a leg to stand on if we were to go downtown. As for the budgets, have you not seen the savings required to be made by front line operational units to pay for A400/FSTA/JSF/CVF/Eurofighter/ MOD tvs and chairs? D’ya see my point?
Glum,
Please.
Do you honestly reckon I’ll ever make it away from JHC with the developments being discussed on this forum? Will any of us?
Last edited by Amateur Aviator; 26th Oct 2006 at 01:26. Reason: text formatting
But why, why, WHY must 'Jointery' mean bringing everybody down to the lowest common denominator? How about you take a step up and join US?
The Army seems to have a pathological fear of hotels - the reason you're not in one is because your CoC want you to suffer, and won't pay the (amost always cheaper than on-base stateside!) bill.
The Army seems to have a pathological fear of hotels - the reason you're not in one is because your CoC want you to suffer, and won't pay the (amost always cheaper than on-base stateside!) bill.
WHY THE FUNK ARE THE RAF MOVERS (inc JATEU) IN A 4* HOTEL DOWNTOWN ON RATES (this is when they’re not driving steps into jets at BZN)?
In the RAF SH force, we have embraced jointery. We have to. It’s called JHC, modesty and frankly, professionalism in today’s Forces. So why the hell do the rest of the RAF pitch up somewhere and totally undermine jointery by sodding off downtown into the 4* hotel to get leathered on rates? It’s certainly not because the hotel is nearer to the airport. Yes boys and girls, the Army have noticed, and yes, they have commented.
In the RAF SH force, we have embraced jointery. We have to. It’s called JHC, modesty and frankly, professionalism in today’s Forces. So why the hell do the rest of the RAF pitch up somewhere and totally undermine jointery by sodding off downtown into the 4* hotel to get leathered on rates? It’s certainly not because the hotel is nearer to the airport. Yes boys and girls, the Army have noticed, and yes, they have commented.
TAC Int Bloke
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why the hell do the rest of the RAF pitch up somewhere and totally undermine jointery by sodding off downtown into the 4* hotel to get leathered on rates? It’s certainly not because the hotel is nearer to the airport. Yes boys and girls, the Army have noticed, and yes, they have commented.
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Jointery and movers? Don't make me laugh!!!!
After the last run-in I had with movers - for a very shoddy service even by AKR's standards, I got knocked off my bike by a mover when I was cycling home! Watch out for their hit squads!
Flip
After the last run-in I had with movers - for a very shoddy service even by AKR's standards, I got knocked off my bike by a mover when I was cycling home! Watch out for their hit squads!
Flip
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It has sickened me for years and it still sickens me. Having been with both crabs and pongos and tasted life at both ends of the "relative comfort" scale, I know where I would rather be, but that does not make it right.
Human selfishness is all it can be put down to, close out the guilt and im all right jack, just an indicator of the selfish apothetic quasi civvy corporate bollox that the services have become.
Budget smudget,
oh well, show me the door.
EWOK
Human selfishness is all it can be put down to, close out the guilt and im all right jack, just an indicator of the selfish apothetic quasi civvy corporate bollox that the services have become.
Budget smudget,
oh well, show me the door.
EWOK
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It's just over there to your right.
Try not to let it smack you on the arrse on the way out. There's a good chap.
Try not to let it smack you on the arrse on the way out. There's a good chap.
EWOK
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my my, we are a bitter little man arn't we? 
, bet you wish you tried harder at school now don't you? - remember, CHECK IN, DON'T DIG IN saying that, why were the movers in 4*, did they decide to slum it for a bit? , now, wheres my sampsonite and beachtowel.....
, bet you wish you tried harder at school now don't you? - remember, CHECK IN, DON'T DIG IN saying that, why were the movers in 4*, did they decide to slum it for a bit? , now, wheres my sampsonite and beachtowel.....