Gay recruitment drive by RAF
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Just down the road from ISK
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And how much is this gay recruitment drive going to cost the MOD??
Probably enough for individual sets of body armour for all AT crews, ESF for all transport aircraft and an updated DAS for all!!!
We don't need to be targetting individual groups in society - the truth is no-one actually wants a career in a dwindling military raped by New Labour. The reason we are so short is that we are sick and tired of being reduced and over-stretched with insufficient funding or equipment.
I have served alongside homosexuals in various theatres and they don't ask to be treated any differently - why should we have to fund a gay recruitment drive??
What next? - a Yorkshire recruitment programme??
PC and EO spin - they can stick it up their arse!!!
Probably enough for individual sets of body armour for all AT crews, ESF for all transport aircraft and an updated DAS for all!!!
We don't need to be targetting individual groups in society - the truth is no-one actually wants a career in a dwindling military raped by New Labour. The reason we are so short is that we are sick and tired of being reduced and over-stretched with insufficient funding or equipment.
I have served alongside homosexuals in various theatres and they don't ask to be treated any differently - why should we have to fund a gay recruitment drive??
What next? - a Yorkshire recruitment programme??
PC and EO spin - they can stick it up their arse!!!
I imagine that the homosexual community are equally annoyed at this ludicrous positive discrimination...... A desperate attempt to augment the recruiting deficit; a finger in the crumbling dyke (sorry).
As others have said, surely the real reason for recruitment difficulty is the self-induced implosion of the UK's armed forces this century? Overstretched, underfunded - and anyone who dared to raise his/her head above the parapet with the slightest criticism or complaint was jumped on mercilessly by the inadequately testiculated 'middle managers'.....
Or rather, 'muddle mis-managers'?
Just what has been achieved over the last 10 years? Anyone can list a dozen or more things which have destroyed service quality of life - but what has actually been improved? Anything at all?
OK - perhaps one thing. Recognition of military flying skills and experience by the CAA which has made transition to a second career in civil flying much easier.
As others have said, surely the real reason for recruitment difficulty is the self-induced implosion of the UK's armed forces this century? Overstretched, underfunded - and anyone who dared to raise his/her head above the parapet with the slightest criticism or complaint was jumped on mercilessly by the inadequately testiculated 'middle managers'.....
Or rather, 'muddle mis-managers'?
Just what has been achieved over the last 10 years? Anyone can list a dozen or more things which have destroyed service quality of life - but what has actually been improved? Anything at all?
OK - perhaps one thing. Recognition of military flying skills and experience by the CAA which has made transition to a second career in civil flying much easier.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Abbey Inn
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 734
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Totally agree Antique, although I think there is some merit in returning to tried and tested recruitment grounds, such as the Northeast, (read: working class areas) traditionally being good areas.
But we do seem to waste an inordinate amount of time and effort trying to recruit minorities - the ethnic minority recruitment teams are a prime example of disproportionate effort to results. A couple of asian servicepeople I knew were regularly poached from their primary duties to attend all expenses paid, high-profile events across the country, but where are the asian recruits? (and yes, you could argue that's the point!)
By targetting homosexuals I think the policy people have, as usual, missed the point - people aren't choosing other careers because they're gay, they're not bothering with the military because it has a growing reputation for being undermanned and underfunded.
Perhaps we should devote more time and effort to recruiting people who like travelling a lot, who don't get offended by paying tax while pissing in a hole in the ground somewhere crap, who can see the funny side when their tax revenues go to scroungers while their equipment pre-dates them or simply doesn't work.
Just not sure how you'd market it...
But we do seem to waste an inordinate amount of time and effort trying to recruit minorities - the ethnic minority recruitment teams are a prime example of disproportionate effort to results. A couple of asian servicepeople I knew were regularly poached from their primary duties to attend all expenses paid, high-profile events across the country, but where are the asian recruits? (and yes, you could argue that's the point!)
By targetting homosexuals I think the policy people have, as usual, missed the point - people aren't choosing other careers because they're gay, they're not bothering with the military because it has a growing reputation for being undermanned and underfunded.
Perhaps we should devote more time and effort to recruiting people who like travelling a lot, who don't get offended by paying tax while pissing in a hole in the ground somewhere crap, who can see the funny side when their tax revenues go to scroungers while their equipment pre-dates them or simply doesn't work.
Just not sure how you'd market it...
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm able to speak from both sides of the proverbial fence on this one, being both actively involved in a major RAF PR project at the moment, and also being a gay man.
It's probably fair to say that 99 percent of us "queers" (as quaintly described by our beloved Army brethren on Arrse) also think it's vaguely ridiculous to be diverting MoD money to Stonewall for no obvious reason. Clearly, it won't result in so much as one additional recruit but it will put a bit more money in Stonewall's pocket so that they can continue their heroic campaign of achieving er... nothing. Unfortunately, Stonewall has long lost most of its credibility with us fags and it is now seen as a political group which spends more time in bed with Tony than Cherie does.
Naturally, anyone with an ounce of common sense agrees that the RAF wants the best people for the job, be they gay, lesbian, bisexual, green, yellow, whatever. It's going to take much more than Stonewall's claptrap to change attitudes within the RAF so that any potential recruit feels comfortable at the prospect of announcing his sexuality to his work mates. The sad aspect of this saga is that it really shouldn't be an issue. A gay man has no interest in the sleeping arrangements of straight men therefore it seems ludicrous that the converse shouldn't apply.
In reality, it's pointless to make any effort to change people's attitudes. People's attitudes cannot be "made" to change; they inevitably change gradually thanks to the influence of society as a whole, personal experience, age and wisdom. Sooner or later we'll reach a stage where anyone can join the RAF's ranks and be happy to tell anyone that he's gay without raising so much as an eyebrow. We're already getting there but Stonewall's involvement won't make anything happen any faster.
I fear that this latest MoD crusade is just another hair-brained attempt at plugging an ever-widening hole in a proverbial dyke (if you'll pardon the expression). I've sat in plenty of crew rooms and listened to all kinds of banter, much of which has contained all manner of "gay" comments. But I have to say that I've never heard anything which I found offensive and one gets the impression that the whole "gay thing" is already something which is rapidly becoming an issue which is of no more interest than the colour of one's skin.
Ultimately, this latest nonsense probably has more to do witha desire to be seen to be competing on a level playing field with the Navy. The Navy went off to do their "let's get gay-friendly" thing and one presumes that the RAF simply want to do likewise, rather than be at risk of missing the political boat. Whilst any attempt to out-grow institutionalised homophobia has to be applauded, it's difficult not to conclude that this latest move is unnecessary, pointless, and probably another major waste of money.
It's probably fair to say that 99 percent of us "queers" (as quaintly described by our beloved Army brethren on Arrse) also think it's vaguely ridiculous to be diverting MoD money to Stonewall for no obvious reason. Clearly, it won't result in so much as one additional recruit but it will put a bit more money in Stonewall's pocket so that they can continue their heroic campaign of achieving er... nothing. Unfortunately, Stonewall has long lost most of its credibility with us fags and it is now seen as a political group which spends more time in bed with Tony than Cherie does.
Naturally, anyone with an ounce of common sense agrees that the RAF wants the best people for the job, be they gay, lesbian, bisexual, green, yellow, whatever. It's going to take much more than Stonewall's claptrap to change attitudes within the RAF so that any potential recruit feels comfortable at the prospect of announcing his sexuality to his work mates. The sad aspect of this saga is that it really shouldn't be an issue. A gay man has no interest in the sleeping arrangements of straight men therefore it seems ludicrous that the converse shouldn't apply.
In reality, it's pointless to make any effort to change people's attitudes. People's attitudes cannot be "made" to change; they inevitably change gradually thanks to the influence of society as a whole, personal experience, age and wisdom. Sooner or later we'll reach a stage where anyone can join the RAF's ranks and be happy to tell anyone that he's gay without raising so much as an eyebrow. We're already getting there but Stonewall's involvement won't make anything happen any faster.
I fear that this latest MoD crusade is just another hair-brained attempt at plugging an ever-widening hole in a proverbial dyke (if you'll pardon the expression). I've sat in plenty of crew rooms and listened to all kinds of banter, much of which has contained all manner of "gay" comments. But I have to say that I've never heard anything which I found offensive and one gets the impression that the whole "gay thing" is already something which is rapidly becoming an issue which is of no more interest than the colour of one's skin.
Ultimately, this latest nonsense probably has more to do witha desire to be seen to be competing on a level playing field with the Navy. The Navy went off to do their "let's get gay-friendly" thing and one presumes that the RAF simply want to do likewise, rather than be at risk of missing the political boat. Whilst any attempt to out-grow institutionalised homophobia has to be applauded, it's difficult not to conclude that this latest move is unnecessary, pointless, and probably another major waste of money.
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Lincs
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This farcical announcement will make absolutely no difference whatsoever to recruiting at all. It is yet another nail in the coffin of a dying RAF that is slowly being eaten alive by the maggots at the MOD. Time is running out fast for the RAF, and unless action is taken soon, it will be gone forever.
If the CAS is reading this then may I make this plea....
Glenn, for Christs sake wake up and put a stop to all this kind nonesence NOW. If you or the MOD have money to waste, then 'waste' it on those that are under your command now, and need it urgently, not on a tiny few who may be under your command in the future.
The boys and girls need flying suits, socks, boots - the essentials Sir! They cannot get them because stores don't have any! Put the money towards the AT fleet to help them out or some other needy outfit; SAR maybe?? Spend it on the front line, they are the ones that need it NOW, please. Here is a real opportunity for you to make a name for yourself in history. Not just as the CAS but as the man who told the government that 'enough is enough' and it has to stop. You are the CAS, NOT some 20 yr old spotty civil serpent. You should decide what is happening, NOT them
Come on Sir, this is the chance of a lifetime to make a real difference. Dont throw it away.
Kind regards
TSM
If the CAS is reading this then may I make this plea....
Glenn, for Christs sake wake up and put a stop to all this kind nonesence NOW. If you or the MOD have money to waste, then 'waste' it on those that are under your command now, and need it urgently, not on a tiny few who may be under your command in the future.
The boys and girls need flying suits, socks, boots - the essentials Sir! They cannot get them because stores don't have any! Put the money towards the AT fleet to help them out or some other needy outfit; SAR maybe?? Spend it on the front line, they are the ones that need it NOW, please. Here is a real opportunity for you to make a name for yourself in history. Not just as the CAS but as the man who told the government that 'enough is enough' and it has to stop. You are the CAS, NOT some 20 yr old spotty civil serpent. You should decide what is happening, NOT them
Come on Sir, this is the chance of a lifetime to make a real difference. Dont throw it away.
Kind regards
TSM
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Last year I saw on my local website a link to LGB Training.
"That's handy I thought, I need to know more about the EPW III. Unfortunately it was the wrong link.
"That's handy I thought, I need to know more about the EPW III. Unfortunately it was the wrong link.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Scotland
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I must confess to being intrigued as to what happens at LGB training sessions.
As a card-carrying poofter (to whom it all seemed to come fairly naturally), were I to rejoin, would I be able to skip the lesbianism syllabus or would I have to sit bored to tears through that to get my diploma? Does one get a diploma?
Is there a syllabus anywhere that I can check? Is the Bisexual Training session just the elementary Lesbianism and homosexuality sessions chucked together with intermediate heterosexuality?
Does the advanced syllabus in all 3 disciplines include any heavyweight 'slap and tickle'? I've never been averse to a bit of tickle but I draw the line at anything involving pain. Can one opt out of nipple-clamps and piercings and still get one's diploma?
Is there an exam? Is it a practical, viva-voce, written or multiple choice?
Can anyone enlighten me?
As a card-carrying poofter (to whom it all seemed to come fairly naturally), were I to rejoin, would I be able to skip the lesbianism syllabus or would I have to sit bored to tears through that to get my diploma? Does one get a diploma?
Is there a syllabus anywhere that I can check? Is the Bisexual Training session just the elementary Lesbianism and homosexuality sessions chucked together with intermediate heterosexuality?
Does the advanced syllabus in all 3 disciplines include any heavyweight 'slap and tickle'? I've never been averse to a bit of tickle but I draw the line at anything involving pain. Can one opt out of nipple-clamps and piercings and still get one's diploma?
Is there an exam? Is it a practical, viva-voce, written or multiple choice?
Can anyone enlighten me?
Perhaps it's an oral exam?
Sorry - just banter!
This must be the biggest pink jet the RAF ever had:
But there was once, of course, a hideous brown Nimrod!
Sorry - just banter!
This must be the biggest pink jet the RAF ever had:
But there was once, of course, a hideous brown Nimrod!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Scotland
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Air Force enlists Stanedyke for Scots recruits
1 Jan 07
Air Force enlists Stanedyke for Scots recruits
The Royal Air Force has called in a Scots pressure group to help solve its recruitment crisis. The Service will take advice from Stanedyke on how to make itself more attractive to Scots and Multi-national men and women, and is aiming to spend tens of thousands of pounds on advertising in the "tartan" media.
As part of the initiative, the RAF will pay Stanedyke an undisclosed sum to join its "Diversity Champions" programme, under which commanders have to demonstrate the Service's commitment to implementing a range of policies to promote "Scots and Bi-national (S&B) equality in the workplace". The measures will include offering Whisky rations to Scots couples, creating an S&B staff group and sponsoring events such as the annual Scots and Bi-National Pride festival, featuring the world-famous RAF Regiment Synchronised Bagpiping Morris Dancers.
The "contract" between the RAF and Stanedyke follows 18 months of negotiations in which senior military chiefs were told that the Armed Forces were a "turn-off" to Scots men and women because of the belief that they were "entrenched with anti-Scots and bi-national prejudice". A trawl of websites such as PPRuNe reveals deep-seated prejudice with frequent use of derogatory terms such as Sweaty-Sock and Porridge-Wog.
Many of the estimated 35,000 Scots personnel in the Armed Forces have fought – and in some cases been killed – in Iraq and Afghanistan but, according to Stanedyke, few if any serving Scots troops feel confident enough to declare their nationality publicly.
As part of the new undertaking, the RAF has agreed to be placed on a Workplace Equality Index, which showcases Britain's top 100 employers for Scots and bi-national staff. Stanedyke will offer RAF personnel the chance to attend its intensive two-day Whisky appreciation exercise for "rising Scots & Bi-National professionals in the workplace".
Senior RAF officers will also receive a training package "designed to educate employers and their staff about the benefits of building an inclusive workplace environment for Scots & Bi-National staff".
Scottishness was taboo in the Armed Forces until 1746, when the Government was required by its need for an empire to lift the Armed Forces' ban on Tartan.
An Teallach, Stanedyke's chief executive, described the decision by the RAF to join forces with his group as "marvellous". He said: "After decades of entrenched [anti-Scots] prejudice across the Services, it would have been almost miraculous to imagine that the day the ban was lifted in 1746 everything would be hunky dory.
"I can punt out courses on Burns and Bagpipes and laugh all the way to the bank. Would you recommend the Seychelles for a holiday? There’s one born every minute in the NuLabour Public Sector."
Gerald Howarth, the shadow Tory defence minister with responsibility for the RAF, said that he thought that "taxpayers would be aghast" that public money was being used to support a pressure group. "This is an extraordinary exercise in political correctness," he said. "The idea that the Scots & Bi-National community is not already aware of the opportunities in the Armed Forces is ridiculous, and to go out and specifically recruit on the grounds of a person's nationality seems to defeat the whole purpose of anti-discrimination legislation."
A spokesman for the MoD said: "The Armed Forces are committed to establishing a culture and climate where those who choose to disclose their National orientation can do so without risk of abuse or intimidation. This is a far more PC use of the Defence Vote than body armour or explosive suppression in our aircraft. Anyway, we pished millions up the wall on lawyers fighting the Scots and we now have to use the Bigotry Budget for something. Rather than lose it back to the Treasury, we’ve renamed it the Patronizing Budget."
Can we expect a whole new re-write of RAF slang in light of the new program under discussion?
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 33,068
Received 2,939 Likes
on
1,252 Posts
I can see it now..........
"Join The Navy and Feel A Man" ( We have lots of them for you )
"Are you Male 16 and over with Transexual Tendancies? Well Join the Army" (You haven't tried on webbing till you try on ours)
I suppose the ideal applicant for the forces these days is a, Disabled, Gay, Ethnic Minority Illegal Immigrant with strong Pacifist tendancies............... as that should just about tick all of the PC boxes...
"Join The Navy and Feel A Man" ( We have lots of them for you )
"Are you Male 16 and over with Transexual Tendancies? Well Join the Army" (You haven't tried on webbing till you try on ours)
I suppose the ideal applicant for the forces these days is a, Disabled, Gay, Ethnic Minority Illegal Immigrant with strong Pacifist tendancies............... as that should just about tick all of the PC boxes...
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: UK
Age: 55
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SASless:
The phrase, used when clipping the edge of the tanker basket, "Rim, no damage" took on a whole different meaning a few years ago.
Also, the annual report phrase, "he has a good pair of hands" also ceased to be used.
The phrase, used when clipping the edge of the tanker basket, "Rim, no damage" took on a whole different meaning a few years ago.
Also, the annual report phrase, "he has a good pair of hands" also ceased to be used.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The land of prince bishops....looking up
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Will that make "just nipping out for a Fag" a thing of the past, the future, or fall into the category of "Don't ask, don't tell" 
Dallas has got it right, target the areas of high unemployment which have always been the richest recruiting ground for the RAF. The specific notion of the North East is a little off the mark though. There is next to no RAF footprint in the north east. It lies just about halfway between RAF Scotland and RAF Lincs/south. If you are on Tyneside and see an aircraft, 9 times out of ten, it'll be Queazy Jet or some such. Very few machines with roundels seen in these parts.
Dallas has got it right, target the areas of high unemployment which have always been the richest recruiting ground for the RAF. The specific notion of the North East is a little off the mark though. There is next to no RAF footprint in the north east. It lies just about halfway between RAF Scotland and RAF Lincs/south. If you are on Tyneside and see an aircraft, 9 times out of ten, it'll be Queazy Jet or some such. Very few machines with roundels seen in these parts.
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Somewhere, deep inside their dark minds, the MoD must know that the fundamental cause of recruitment problems has nothing to do with attracting gays, ethnics or anyone else. The fundamental shift for all three services has been caused by the sudden realisation that joining HM Forces is now no longer a mere career opportunity. Joining-up now runs a very considerable risk of being required to fight and put one's life at risk. Consequently, all the traditional attrractions like decent pay, job security and career advancement don't seen quite so appealing.
Ultimately there's not much the MoD can do to shy away from this fact. Tinkering with recruitment campaigns is fine but it's not going to create a change of attitude. Indeed it's difficult to think of any obvious means of attracting people back through the Careers Office doors.
Ultimately there's not much the MoD can do to shy away from this fact. Tinkering with recruitment campaigns is fine but it's not going to create a change of attitude. Indeed it's difficult to think of any obvious means of attracting people back through the Careers Office doors.