Preparing The Country For The Disbandment Of The Raf?
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Preparing The Country For The Disbandment Of The Raf?
Is it me? Or is there a distinct “denigrate the RAF at every opportunity” culture in the air? A few recent examples:
The now (in)famous “ the RAF is utterly, utterly useless” quote; did that remark really get released into general circulation by accident? ie was one person’s emotional and personal remark worthy of all the coverage that it got?
No mention of RAF losses in current operations (that I heard) during the annual Remembrance Day coverage or even during the BBC (!) Festival of Remembrance TV coverage – despite the Nimrod and C-130 tragedies.
The first female fatality in a combat zone was RAF (an ATC/Ops O if I am not mistaken) but the recent Army loss was extensively reported as the first female death. (Heartfelt sympathies to all families who have suffered loss – whatever Service or gender)
Every TV shot of helicopter support operations always implies that the Chinooks, Merlins and Pumas are Army operated.
Disproportionate coverage of the ‘Nimrod teapot’ story.
The constant carping about Air Transport Operations.
The constant carping about Typhoon.
Even the abandonment of the RAF Antarctic expedition was covered on Teletext over Christmas and portrayed as an only-to-be-expected failure.
I would be pleased to be corrected on any of the above. But nothing positive currently seems to be reported about the RAF; I just smell a rat.
Not having a pop at the Army at all – they are deserving of all the positive reportage that they get.
Now, the really cynical person may just suspect that a distinct policy is being pursued here, whereby the Media are being manipulated by a manipulative Government (well versed in the art) to condition the populace that the RAF is now redundant and can safely be disbanded as an ‘efficiency measure’. Such preparatory work would result in a much-muted outcry from Joe Public, when it’s announced (following the obligatory leak - to test reaction- of course!).
If I am wrong, and I truly hope I am, then the RAF PR machine wants sacking in toto and a new Team needs to start actually doing something to redress the balance. Today wouldn’t be too soon.
The now (in)famous “ the RAF is utterly, utterly useless” quote; did that remark really get released into general circulation by accident? ie was one person’s emotional and personal remark worthy of all the coverage that it got?
No mention of RAF losses in current operations (that I heard) during the annual Remembrance Day coverage or even during the BBC (!) Festival of Remembrance TV coverage – despite the Nimrod and C-130 tragedies.
The first female fatality in a combat zone was RAF (an ATC/Ops O if I am not mistaken) but the recent Army loss was extensively reported as the first female death. (Heartfelt sympathies to all families who have suffered loss – whatever Service or gender)
Every TV shot of helicopter support operations always implies that the Chinooks, Merlins and Pumas are Army operated.
Disproportionate coverage of the ‘Nimrod teapot’ story.
The constant carping about Air Transport Operations.
The constant carping about Typhoon.
Even the abandonment of the RAF Antarctic expedition was covered on Teletext over Christmas and portrayed as an only-to-be-expected failure.
I would be pleased to be corrected on any of the above. But nothing positive currently seems to be reported about the RAF; I just smell a rat.
Not having a pop at the Army at all – they are deserving of all the positive reportage that they get.
Now, the really cynical person may just suspect that a distinct policy is being pursued here, whereby the Media are being manipulated by a manipulative Government (well versed in the art) to condition the populace that the RAF is now redundant and can safely be disbanded as an ‘efficiency measure’. Such preparatory work would result in a much-muted outcry from Joe Public, when it’s announced (following the obligatory leak - to test reaction- of course!).
If I am wrong, and I truly hope I am, then the RAF PR machine wants sacking in toto and a new Team needs to start actually doing something to redress the balance. Today wouldn’t be too soon.
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You'll only get an outcry from people with ounce of respect for their armed services and a degree of common sense realising what the role these services play in the nations overall strategic picture. Unfortunately such persons are few and far between and I doubt the new army of eco-nazis, social freeloaders, giddy matron style female voters could care less.
I sincerely wish there was a more passionate debate about this but alas no, shame that .....
I sincerely wish there was a more passionate debate about this but alas no, shame that .....
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Is it me? Or is there a distinct “denigrate the RAF at every opportunity” culture in the air? A few recent examples:
The now (in)famous “ the RAF is utterly, utterly useless” quote; did that remark really get released into general circulation by accident? ie was one person’s emotional and personal remark worthy of all the coverage that it got?
No mention of RAF losses in current operations (that I heard) during the annual Remembrance Day coverage or even during the BBC (!) Festival of Remembrance TV coverage – despite the Nimrod and C-130 tragedies.
The first female fatality in a combat zone was RAF (an ATC/Ops O if I am not mistaken) but the recent Army loss was extensively reported as the first female death. (Heartfelt sympathies to all families who have suffered loss – whatever Service or gender)
Every TV shot of helicopter support operations always implies that the Chinooks, Merlins and Pumas are Army operated.
Disproportionate coverage of the ‘Nimrod teapot’ story.
The constant carping about Air Transport Operations.
The constant carping about Typhoon.
Even the abandonment of the RAF Antarctic expedition was covered on Teletext over Christmas and portrayed as an only-to-be-expected failure.
I would be pleased to be corrected on any of the above. But nothing positive currently seems to be reported about the RAF; I just smell a rat.
Not having a pop at the Army at all – they are deserving of all the positive reportage that they get.
Now, the really cynical person may just suspect that a distinct policy is being pursued here, whereby the Media are being manipulated by a manipulative Government (well versed in the art) to condition the populace that the RAF is now redundant and can safely be disbanded as an ‘efficiency measure’. Such preparatory work would result in a much-muted outcry from Joe Public, when it’s announced (following the obligatory leak - to test reaction- of course!).
If I am wrong, and I truly hope I am, then the RAF PR machine wants sacking in toto and a new Team needs to start actually doing something to redress the balance. Today wouldn’t be too soon.
The now (in)famous “ the RAF is utterly, utterly useless” quote; did that remark really get released into general circulation by accident? ie was one person’s emotional and personal remark worthy of all the coverage that it got?
No mention of RAF losses in current operations (that I heard) during the annual Remembrance Day coverage or even during the BBC (!) Festival of Remembrance TV coverage – despite the Nimrod and C-130 tragedies.
The first female fatality in a combat zone was RAF (an ATC/Ops O if I am not mistaken) but the recent Army loss was extensively reported as the first female death. (Heartfelt sympathies to all families who have suffered loss – whatever Service or gender)
Every TV shot of helicopter support operations always implies that the Chinooks, Merlins and Pumas are Army operated.
Disproportionate coverage of the ‘Nimrod teapot’ story.
The constant carping about Air Transport Operations.
The constant carping about Typhoon.
Even the abandonment of the RAF Antarctic expedition was covered on Teletext over Christmas and portrayed as an only-to-be-expected failure.
I would be pleased to be corrected on any of the above. But nothing positive currently seems to be reported about the RAF; I just smell a rat.
Not having a pop at the Army at all – they are deserving of all the positive reportage that they get.
Now, the really cynical person may just suspect that a distinct policy is being pursued here, whereby the Media are being manipulated by a manipulative Government (well versed in the art) to condition the populace that the RAF is now redundant and can safely be disbanded as an ‘efficiency measure’. Such preparatory work would result in a much-muted outcry from Joe Public, when it’s announced (following the obligatory leak - to test reaction- of course!).
If I am wrong, and I truly hope I am, then the RAF PR machine wants sacking in toto and a new Team needs to start actually doing something to redress the balance. Today wouldn’t be too soon.
Have felt this way for quite a time now - too many things tied together - none of them too big on their own. The faceless/nameless ones are playing their games with our lives.
Never mind - soon be Christmas<img>
Is it me? Or is there a distinct “denigrate the RAF at every opportunity” culture in the air?
But nothing positive currently seems to be reported about the RAF; I just smell a rat.
Not having a pop at the Army at all – they are deserving of all the positive reportage that they get.
Now, the really cynical person may just suspect that a distinct policy is being pursued here, whereby the Media are being manipulated by a manipulative Government (well versed in the art) to condition the populace that the RAF is now redundant and can safely be disbanded as an ‘efficiency measure’.
If I am wrong, and I truly hope I am, then the RAF PR machine wants sacking in toto and a new Team needs to start actually doing something to redress the balance. Today wouldn’t be too soon.
But nothing positive currently seems to be reported about the RAF; I just smell a rat.
Not having a pop at the Army at all – they are deserving of all the positive reportage that they get.
Now, the really cynical person may just suspect that a distinct policy is being pursued here, whereby the Media are being manipulated by a manipulative Government (well versed in the art) to condition the populace that the RAF is now redundant and can safely be disbanded as an ‘efficiency measure’.
If I am wrong, and I truly hope I am, then the RAF PR machine wants sacking in toto and a new Team needs to start actually doing something to redress the balance. Today wouldn’t be too soon.
Before I left the RAF in 99 I happened to mention to some of the management that the new policies/management had put the RAF on the rim of the toilet bowl and that in the near future someone in the MOD/Government is going to slip and flush the RAF down the pan.
I have read so many things on this site that makes me concerned for those current members of the forces and fighting in areas without support and proper equipment and the MOD/Government seem to be blind to what is staring them in the face.
I have read so many things on this site that makes me concerned for those current members of the forces and fighting in areas without support and proper equipment and the MOD/Government seem to be blind to what is staring them in the face.
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Now there, dearie, You just sit there and relax. Try and think of nothing while I give the cristal a rub. A bit cloudy at the moment, you see. That's it dearie, just relax. Ahh. It is starting to clear. What have we here? There is a sight to behold, but it is still a little bit murky. Easy my dear. Don't get too excited. I'll keep rubbing. That's better. I can see. Ah, yes. The future is the past, and the past is the future. Oh, it makes so much sense. Yes my dear, I can foretell your future. I can see it so clearly.
Before your very eyes, all your problems will be solved. For you have a future. It is not a future that you want. Nor is it a future that your people want. But it is what your elected representitives have been working hard at for many years. And they will only do their best for you, won't they, dearie?
Behold, in the cristal ball, you can see...the Canadian example. This is your future, my dear. One service combining all three arms. It is a wonderful idea, don't you think? If one side is short handed, take from the other two. And Your government has been practicing this policy so successfully for years, hasn't it?
Think of the money it will save. Only one uniform. Only one band. Only one HQ building. Only one admin department. Only one person in charge. Your government will be able to cut so much. I am sure they will give it back to the country somewhere. Oh, what wonderful benifits for you.
Oh, oh dear. The cristal is going dark. Oh, what is this? Mayhem. Distruction. Doom. But don't worry about that, my dear. It might never happen.
Yes, dearie. That is what I see in your future. What did you say your name was?
The price?
Oh, that's ok Britannia, just your soul.
Before your very eyes, all your problems will be solved. For you have a future. It is not a future that you want. Nor is it a future that your people want. But it is what your elected representitives have been working hard at for many years. And they will only do their best for you, won't they, dearie?
Behold, in the cristal ball, you can see...the Canadian example. This is your future, my dear. One service combining all three arms. It is a wonderful idea, don't you think? If one side is short handed, take from the other two. And Your government has been practicing this policy so successfully for years, hasn't it?
Think of the money it will save. Only one uniform. Only one band. Only one HQ building. Only one admin department. Only one person in charge. Your government will be able to cut so much. I am sure they will give it back to the country somewhere. Oh, what wonderful benifits for you.
Oh, oh dear. The cristal is going dark. Oh, what is this? Mayhem. Distruction. Doom. But don't worry about that, my dear. It might never happen.
Yes, dearie. That is what I see in your future. What did you say your name was?
The price?
Oh, that's ok Britannia, just your soul.
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And the Canadian example was such a disaster that they have all but reverted back to single service.
Not that our lords and masters ever take any notice of history or other examples of things that go wrong - they'll blindly go their own way, regardless of the top rate advice they will be given...
Not that our lords and masters ever take any notice of history or other examples of things that go wrong - they'll blindly go their own way, regardless of the top rate advice they will be given...
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I have many Canadian service friends, and was without doubt the greatest stuff up, one has ever seen.
The only people who did well out of the Canadian program, were those who played the party game, and many who perhaps just made the grade were promoted.
However those who did not conform, quickly found they had no career and in many cases no job at all.
A sad situation, how short peoples memories can be, one of the finest air forces, all but destroyed, by people who had no interest bar their own.
Find me a serviceman from Canada who was in at the time, who thought was a good idea, they would be well and truelly outranked by those who thought it was a great step backwards.
Regards
Col
The only people who did well out of the Canadian program, were those who played the party game, and many who perhaps just made the grade were promoted.
However those who did not conform, quickly found they had no career and in many cases no job at all.
A sad situation, how short peoples memories can be, one of the finest air forces, all but destroyed, by people who had no interest bar their own.
Find me a serviceman from Canada who was in at the time, who thought was a good idea, they would be well and truelly outranked by those who thought it was a great step backwards.
Regards
Col
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I've also noticed this dangerous trend and, yes, we'll learn sod all from the Canadian's experience. It's also disturbing that the concept is projected very forceably on ARRSE and RumRation; eg http://www.rumration.co.uk/cpgn2/For...261.html#55261 . If it was simply banter, fine.
I also see another trend towards the Army being the predominant Service. Whether that's because nothing that happened more than 10 years ago is relevant these days, I don't know. I can tell you now that, as far as military logistics is concerned, the only accepted solution to anything is the Land one.
I also see another trend towards the Army being the predominant Service. Whether that's because nothing that happened more than 10 years ago is relevant these days, I don't know. I can tell you now that, as far as military logistics is concerned, the only accepted solution to anything is the Land one.
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As a citizen, I wonder how the current slimmed down (???) military is supposed to ensure the security of the nation. Unfortunately, as an ex-serviceman, I suppose I understand the issue better than most of today's electorate, so politics will solve nothing. The Empire has gone. The Commonwealth is meaningless to almost everyone except The Queen. The Europeans, quite sensibly, don't give a stuff about anything outside Europe. Nor should we. TB and New Labour (what's new about them???) use the armed forces as a means of sitting at the top table with the USA. TB and his cronies never see how ridiculous they look to the rest of the world and even ordinary folk only get the authorised message threough the carefully manipulated news media. They never get to see it the way those of us who live and work on the outside can view the farce.
We have most of our people committed to fighting in a place where we have no strategic interests whatsoever. What did we ever get from Afghanistan? Iraq? Trouble from the natives has always cost us much more than we ever gained from dominating them. Iraq has to sell its oil on the open market at the market price, regardless of who's in control. As for Afghanistan, apart from half the drug dealers in Europe, hardly anyone would notice if an asteroid plunged into the place and vapourised it.
Our armed forces in the field don't, according to reliable reports, have adequate equipment, ammunition or air support. There also seems to be a problem with getting supplies and materials flown into the operational areas. I'd be perfectly happy to see 150,000 civil servants fired and sent out to look for proper, wealth creating jobs. Their salaries could be spent on recruiting and equipping say another 75,000 soldiers sailors and airmen to defend our shores. That would still leave us short handed and exposed, but much better off than we are now. Especially if they were all in UK where they're supposed to be if they're defending us.
Defend our shores? Where's the threat?
History tells us that threats appear from unexpected places whenever there's a weakness. Should we wait and see? We need a large, strong navy equipped to fight submarines to protect our supply lines, not with a couple of carrier groups to deploy British "Peacekeepers" in support of US operations. We need an air force that can repel air attack and control our own skies. We need a few soldiers to fight anyone who tries to set foot on our soil. Even tiny Singapore does a better job at protecting itself than Britain.
Its not only the RAF that's being undermined, for just like the hospitals, schools and universities, the state of all our armed forces is a damned disgrace.
We have most of our people committed to fighting in a place where we have no strategic interests whatsoever. What did we ever get from Afghanistan? Iraq? Trouble from the natives has always cost us much more than we ever gained from dominating them. Iraq has to sell its oil on the open market at the market price, regardless of who's in control. As for Afghanistan, apart from half the drug dealers in Europe, hardly anyone would notice if an asteroid plunged into the place and vapourised it.
Our armed forces in the field don't, according to reliable reports, have adequate equipment, ammunition or air support. There also seems to be a problem with getting supplies and materials flown into the operational areas. I'd be perfectly happy to see 150,000 civil servants fired and sent out to look for proper, wealth creating jobs. Their salaries could be spent on recruiting and equipping say another 75,000 soldiers sailors and airmen to defend our shores. That would still leave us short handed and exposed, but much better off than we are now. Especially if they were all in UK where they're supposed to be if they're defending us.
Defend our shores? Where's the threat?
History tells us that threats appear from unexpected places whenever there's a weakness. Should we wait and see? We need a large, strong navy equipped to fight submarines to protect our supply lines, not with a couple of carrier groups to deploy British "Peacekeepers" in support of US operations. We need an air force that can repel air attack and control our own skies. We need a few soldiers to fight anyone who tries to set foot on our soil. Even tiny Singapore does a better job at protecting itself than Britain.
Its not only the RAF that's being undermined, for just like the hospitals, schools and universities, the state of all our armed forces is a damned disgrace.
Last edited by Blacksheep; 28th Dec 2006 at 04:44.
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I'd be perfectly happy to see 150,000 civil servants fired and sent out to look for proper, wealth creating jobs.
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(following the obligatory leak - to test reaction- of course!).
Perhaps the CAS needs to be very very careful next time he's logging hours. Should the need arise to eject then he may find himself ending up as wobbly jelly at the end of his 'chute on account that bang seats don't work too well if you haven't got a backbone.
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From the Daily Telegraph's Pictures of the Year:
The caption reads:
Nato continued its mission to subdue insurgency by the Taliban in Afghanistan as British Army troops patrolled Kabul.
Really?
Wonder why a British Army soldier is wearing RAF Flt Lt rank?
You would have thought the DT would know the difference between the services by now.
The caption reads:
Nato continued its mission to subdue insurgency by the Taliban in Afghanistan as British Army troops patrolled Kabul.
Really?
Wonder why a British Army soldier is wearing RAF Flt Lt rank?
You would have thought the DT would know the difference between the services by now.
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It's a pity that a well presented Post was marred by broad generalisations. Has Willi B copied that point?
I must confess to being fed up of continually arguing the Air Force's corner. When the other 2 Services don't understand its role, how the hell can we expect the Public or some f**kwit politician to. CAS needs to make some pre-emptive strikes, I think.
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If I am wrong, and I truly hope I am, then the RAF PR machine wants sacking in toto and a new Team needs to start actually doing something
Jesus bloody wept!
I've read many reports over the years that certain high ranking military/MOD persons regard the RAF as 'unnecessary' as a separate entity from Army and Navy and proposing it's merger with these two forces. Personally I think the roles of all three services have become 'diluted' by 'overlapping' of their specific duties, but I regard the present system as the best there is; I would also add that I think the Royal Marines ought to have more autonomy as do the USMC; whatever happened to Royal Marines helicopter flights?
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I have to concur with many of the posts above.
The RAF PR machine, (usually supernaturally successful) certainly seems to be failing to do its job recently.
What I would say however, is that the frustrating feeling you are experiencing is the same one that traditionally the RN have felt when our PR team has repeatedly let us down. (RAF SAR from Culdrose stories etc)
The RAF PR machine, (usually supernaturally successful) certainly seems to be failing to do its job recently.
What I would say however, is that the frustrating feeling you are experiencing is the same one that traditionally the RN have felt when our PR team has repeatedly let us down. (RAF SAR from Culdrose stories etc)
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I have to concur with many of the posts above.
The RAF PR machine, (usually supernaturally successful) certainly seems to be failing to do its job recently.
What I would say however, is that the frustrating feeling you are experiencing is the same one that traditionally the RN have felt when our PR team has repeatedly let us down. (RAF SAR from Culdrose stories etc)
The RAF PR machine, (usually supernaturally successful) certainly seems to be failing to do its job recently.
What I would say however, is that the frustrating feeling you are experiencing is the same one that traditionally the RN have felt when our PR team has repeatedly let us down. (RAF SAR from Culdrose stories etc)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/liv...n_page_id=1770
"Mate, you're on the money. Time wasting oxygen thieves who contribute nothing civil and even less service. Time to put them on three year contracts, with renewal subject to both Service requirements and superior performance assessment."
How strange, I was going to suggest the very same thing for the not insignificant number of forces personnel in my part of the MOD who treat their office posting as an excuse to get drunk, come in late (usually hungover), take every Wednesday afternoon off for "sport" and the f*ck off home early on Friday. Doubtless were a CS to act in this way you'd be screaming from the rooftops, or is it just double standards for HM Forces?
How strange, I was going to suggest the very same thing for the not insignificant number of forces personnel in my part of the MOD who treat their office posting as an excuse to get drunk, come in late (usually hungover), take every Wednesday afternoon off for "sport" and the f*ck off home early on Friday. Doubtless were a CS to act in this way you'd be screaming from the rooftops, or is it just double standards for HM Forces?