It doesn't get much better than this
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It doesn't get much better than this
Hi everyone,
Its been a bit of time, I know, but as I've had all of 10 weeks away from the sandpit, there hasn't been too much to comment on. But here I am, back again, living the life of an SH mate in the hottest place on earth. Are you sitting comfortably? If not, prepare yourself by having a seat.
**RANT ON**
I know that I have seen a load of changes out here in the Middle Eastern sandpit since summer '05. Some of them have been great to see, some haven't. I'm sure you can understand why I can't go into too much detail, otherwise instead of men in suits and black Omegas coming to knock on the door, the RMPs will come round in their really shiny, new, top-of-the-range Land Rover LR-somethings. There is no bitterness here at all, especially as we are stuck with the good old fashioned relics last used in the Balkans. Goodness only knows why they need the best vehicles in the fleet. I look forward to a response from the Redcaps, if they can manage one.
But I digress.
What was I on about? Changes. That's it.
Here's the deal. We are now banned from wearing civvies, unless you are inside your block/domestic area, or going to and from the gym. So for all meals, chilling out in ECHOS, going to the phone, using 'tinters, going to the bar- in essense, lock, stock, the firkin' lot, you wear full uniform.
Now that's a sh1t sandwich if ever I have seen one.
The reasoning behind it? Those who go out on the ground, might see off duty chaps and chapesses going out to relax and wind down, all dressed up to the nines (or eights, depending on who you are). Someone, somewhere, has decreed that it is bad for the morale of those going out on the ground. Well, I'm sorry, but where do they think those off duty are going to go? The cinema? Bowling? What about going to the water park? Clubbing? My f***ing ARSE they are! They are going to watch Maria Sharapova, Roger Federa (I had to put that in for the equal oportunities police) and other such beauties play at Wimbledon. They are going to play chess, poker or backgammon. Maybe they are going to have a milkshake or a cuppa with a few mates after a long day at work. Or maybe they just want to spend a bit of time out of uniform. Admittedly, we could all go to supply/stores, and get a pair on finest issue shorts and pair of desert sandals and wear those instead. Could you imagine that? I certainly can't. What I can imagine though, is the RSM's face when he sees us all in that rig. It would almost be a Mastercard moment!
But that isn't quite the worst part. Apparently 903 EAW have NOT signed up to this ruling. Why can't we be a part of the proper RAF again? Bring back Strike Command. Bring back all the commands. We wear RAF uniforms and RAF rank. We work at RAF stations. We fly RAF, not Army helicopters. It's about time that someone sticks up for us.
I, and lot of others, spend far too much time out here, doing our job to the best of our abilities. Is the end in sight? A very good question, one that sits way above my pay scale. I just do what I'm told (most of the time). But what do we want when we're here? Not much really. Here's a selection: a place to eat; a place to sleep, even during the day; but importantly, the option to be able to to step back from the job that we do. It can be mundane stuff, it can be scary as hell. But when it's over, you generally want to be able to kick back and realx, and dare I day it, almost forget that you are in the hottest place on earth, surrounded by a load of people who don't want you there either.
Oh, there goes the tannoy. 'MORALE, MORALE, MORALE. THERE HAS BEEN AN OUTBREAK OF MORALE. ALL MORALE CREATING ACTIVITIES ARE TO STOP WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. END OF BROADCAST.'
**RANT OFF**
There are always 2 sides to every story. People have attempted to shoot my arguments and opinions down before, but in my eyes, with little success. I'll guess I see what happens now.
AA
Its been a bit of time, I know, but as I've had all of 10 weeks away from the sandpit, there hasn't been too much to comment on. But here I am, back again, living the life of an SH mate in the hottest place on earth. Are you sitting comfortably? If not, prepare yourself by having a seat.
**RANT ON**
I know that I have seen a load of changes out here in the Middle Eastern sandpit since summer '05. Some of them have been great to see, some haven't. I'm sure you can understand why I can't go into too much detail, otherwise instead of men in suits and black Omegas coming to knock on the door, the RMPs will come round in their really shiny, new, top-of-the-range Land Rover LR-somethings. There is no bitterness here at all, especially as we are stuck with the good old fashioned relics last used in the Balkans. Goodness only knows why they need the best vehicles in the fleet. I look forward to a response from the Redcaps, if they can manage one.
But I digress.
What was I on about? Changes. That's it.
Here's the deal. We are now banned from wearing civvies, unless you are inside your block/domestic area, or going to and from the gym. So for all meals, chilling out in ECHOS, going to the phone, using 'tinters, going to the bar- in essense, lock, stock, the firkin' lot, you wear full uniform.
Now that's a sh1t sandwich if ever I have seen one.
The reasoning behind it? Those who go out on the ground, might see off duty chaps and chapesses going out to relax and wind down, all dressed up to the nines (or eights, depending on who you are). Someone, somewhere, has decreed that it is bad for the morale of those going out on the ground. Well, I'm sorry, but where do they think those off duty are going to go? The cinema? Bowling? What about going to the water park? Clubbing? My f***ing ARSE they are! They are going to watch Maria Sharapova, Roger Federa (I had to put that in for the equal oportunities police) and other such beauties play at Wimbledon. They are going to play chess, poker or backgammon. Maybe they are going to have a milkshake or a cuppa with a few mates after a long day at work. Or maybe they just want to spend a bit of time out of uniform. Admittedly, we could all go to supply/stores, and get a pair on finest issue shorts and pair of desert sandals and wear those instead. Could you imagine that? I certainly can't. What I can imagine though, is the RSM's face when he sees us all in that rig. It would almost be a Mastercard moment!
But that isn't quite the worst part. Apparently 903 EAW have NOT signed up to this ruling. Why can't we be a part of the proper RAF again? Bring back Strike Command. Bring back all the commands. We wear RAF uniforms and RAF rank. We work at RAF stations. We fly RAF, not Army helicopters. It's about time that someone sticks up for us.
I, and lot of others, spend far too much time out here, doing our job to the best of our abilities. Is the end in sight? A very good question, one that sits way above my pay scale. I just do what I'm told (most of the time). But what do we want when we're here? Not much really. Here's a selection: a place to eat; a place to sleep, even during the day; but importantly, the option to be able to to step back from the job that we do. It can be mundane stuff, it can be scary as hell. But when it's over, you generally want to be able to kick back and realx, and dare I day it, almost forget that you are in the hottest place on earth, surrounded by a load of people who don't want you there either.
Oh, there goes the tannoy. 'MORALE, MORALE, MORALE. THERE HAS BEEN AN OUTBREAK OF MORALE. ALL MORALE CREATING ACTIVITIES ARE TO STOP WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. END OF BROADCAST.'
**RANT OFF**
There are always 2 sides to every story. People have attempted to shoot my arguments and opinions down before, but in my eyes, with little success. I'll guess I see what happens now.
AA
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Having been in the sandpit myself for months on end, I am afraid that I don't agree totally with your post.
We had no need for civvies, or any with us if we'd needed them anyhow. We neither had a wish to wear them or were ordered not too, just in case someone had smuggled some devils-cloth to the sandy places we were operating out of. At the end of the day, if all you have to worry about is what kind of clothes you are wearing, me thinks you have lost some sense of perspective.
PS - My grandad was in Queens Royal Lancers in WW2 and spent most of his war in Africa. He had to wash his clothes in petrol, because there was more of that than water. Imagine how pished off he would have been, had he needed to wash his cK jeans (if they had existed in 1941) in petrol. Perhaps sticking in rig is a good way ahead.
We had no need for civvies, or any with us if we'd needed them anyhow. We neither had a wish to wear them or were ordered not too, just in case someone had smuggled some devils-cloth to the sandy places we were operating out of. At the end of the day, if all you have to worry about is what kind of clothes you are wearing, me thinks you have lost some sense of perspective.
PS - My grandad was in Queens Royal Lancers in WW2 and spent most of his war in Africa. He had to wash his clothes in petrol, because there was more of that than water. Imagine how pished off he would have been, had he needed to wash his cK jeans (if they had existed in 1941) in petrol. Perhaps sticking in rig is a good way ahead.
Fly-Friendly
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AA
100% agree it is a bunch of small minded people (normally TA WO filling regular slots) who have nothing better to do than try and 'enforce' a policy which no one wants, needs or cares for!!
100% agree it is a bunch of small minded people (normally TA WO filling regular slots) who have nothing better to do than try and 'enforce' a policy which no one wants, needs or cares for!!
Red On, Green On
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In the RN when at sea, all ranks wear uniform at all times except when doing sport, even if in their mess/wardroom off duty.
What's different about your situation, except for the incoming mortars?
What's different about your situation, except for the incoming mortars?
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The difference is that we have much more space to put civvies - we're not limited to the size of the boat.
I agree with the opening post - it's the tiny things which make all the difference. And it costs nothing, too...
I agree with the opening post - it's the tiny things which make all the difference. And it costs nothing, too...
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Mr AEO
You demonstrate a very narrow-minded there. Just because you had no need or wish to change into civvies, is that an acceptable reason why no-one should be able to change into them? I'm afraid the military are all very quick to default to the lowest common denominator (and often the minority), rather than improve/sustain the situation (often the majority).
Having done a det to Basrah last year, whilst I didn't change every night, it was a relief to be able to change into civvies on the odd occasion during my 3 month tour. It certainly did something to improve my morale and I'm sure the ability to do so went some way to improve the morale of the guys going out on the ground when they got back and wound-down. A change is as good as a rest and all that.
Airborne Artist
But it ain't a ship! And surely you would if you could? And what about runs ashore? And just because that's what the RN do on boats, why does it mean we should all do it wherever? Maybe we should all grow beards too.
Nope, I just can't supress it any more...
...Rant On
Conditions at BAS are bad enough without petty little morale sappers such as this. Is the new ruling as a direct result of the teeth-arm guys actually complaining directly? Or did some jumped-up SO2 in Div think it would be a good idea to get him noticed? He was probably jealous that people had enough time to get changed into civvies at all. In fact, I'm surprised he could bring himself to cast his eyes onto the great unwashed out of the tinted windows of his air-conditioned LandRover 3 V8 SE on the way from his air-conditioned and sun-shaded accomodation to his spacious, dust free and air-conditioned office in Div.
And as for the RMPs and other low-lives with their Gucci LandRovers etc, don't get me started. Of course you need a LR to do speed checks with. And with their parking sensors, it makes it much easier to reverse into the slots in the car park. Or alternatively, you could just dump it by the armoury in case you get a shout. Like someone'e nicking a packet of Chewits from the NAAFI, for instance.
Rant Off
There, that feels better.
Am Av
Toot toot old boy. Glad you're back safe and another good post.
You demonstrate a very narrow-minded there. Just because you had no need or wish to change into civvies, is that an acceptable reason why no-one should be able to change into them? I'm afraid the military are all very quick to default to the lowest common denominator (and often the minority), rather than improve/sustain the situation (often the majority).
Having done a det to Basrah last year, whilst I didn't change every night, it was a relief to be able to change into civvies on the odd occasion during my 3 month tour. It certainly did something to improve my morale and I'm sure the ability to do so went some way to improve the morale of the guys going out on the ground when they got back and wound-down. A change is as good as a rest and all that.
Airborne Artist
But it ain't a ship! And surely you would if you could? And what about runs ashore? And just because that's what the RN do on boats, why does it mean we should all do it wherever? Maybe we should all grow beards too.
Nope, I just can't supress it any more...
...Rant On
Conditions at BAS are bad enough without petty little morale sappers such as this. Is the new ruling as a direct result of the teeth-arm guys actually complaining directly? Or did some jumped-up SO2 in Div think it would be a good idea to get him noticed? He was probably jealous that people had enough time to get changed into civvies at all. In fact, I'm surprised he could bring himself to cast his eyes onto the great unwashed out of the tinted windows of his air-conditioned LandRover 3 V8 SE on the way from his air-conditioned and sun-shaded accomodation to his spacious, dust free and air-conditioned office in Div.
And as for the RMPs and other low-lives with their Gucci LandRovers etc, don't get me started. Of course you need a LR to do speed checks with. And with their parking sensors, it makes it much easier to reverse into the slots in the car park. Or alternatively, you could just dump it by the armoury in case you get a shout. Like someone'e nicking a packet of Chewits from the NAAFI, for instance.
Rant Off
There, that feels better.
Am Av
Toot toot old boy. Glad you're back safe and another good post.
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and what do the americans do, they only allow their guys to wear either PT kit or full uniform, seems reasonable.They do however have a full morale and welfare support provided by KBR, stage shows, line dancing etc but are under Gen Order No 1- not allowed to drink any alcohol at all, no porn and no sexual relations. But are you telling me that in an operational theatre there are Officers and SNCO's without Jacket, shirt, tie and slacks? Officers without dinner jackets - ye gods.
However the small minded view of one on ops all on ops in case it upsets someone is ludicrous and morale sapping - everyone should be given timne to relaxand it cant be the fact that a T shirt may offend the locals they are already pretty upset that we are there and short of running a herd of pigs through Kandahar or Basra high street, it couldnt get much worse.
Its typical army Arse...........the RAF SH and a fair chunk of the RAF's morale sold to the Army for a very low price.
However the small minded view of one on ops all on ops in case it upsets someone is ludicrous and morale sapping - everyone should be given timne to relaxand it cant be the fact that a T shirt may offend the locals they are already pretty upset that we are there and short of running a herd of pigs through Kandahar or Basra high street, it couldnt get much worse.
Its typical army Arse...........the RAF SH and a fair chunk of the RAF's morale sold to the Army for a very low price.
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Agree. Uniform is uniform. It is working dress. When not working . . .
When wearing No 1s it is a parade uniform - I don't do ordinary work in No 1s. On occasion when I went to work in civvies it did not feel right. Pockets in the wrong places, didn't want to get it dirty of whatever.
Off duty in uniform and you feel like a sack of spuds or you wear it full-fig and you are NOT off duty.
I take A_As point but I suspect there was also an element of dress down when not actually on watch.
When wearing No 1s it is a parade uniform - I don't do ordinary work in No 1s. On occasion when I went to work in civvies it did not feel right. Pockets in the wrong places, didn't want to get it dirty of whatever.
Off duty in uniform and you feel like a sack of spuds or you wear it full-fig and you are NOT off duty.
I take A_As point but I suspect there was also an element of dress down when not actually on watch.
Red On, Green On
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Airborne Artist
But it ain't a ship! And surely you would if you could? And what about runs ashore? And just because that's what the RN do on boats, why does it mean we should all do it wherever? Maybe we should all grow beards too.
But it ain't a ship! And surely you would if you could? And what about runs ashore? And just because that's what the RN do on boats, why does it mean we should all do it wherever? Maybe we should all grow beards too.
Do you have a Samsonite case?
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Oh so you get runs ashore? Tends not to happen in the places which are actually dangerous
What is the problem with people who are OFF DUTY wearing off duty clothing, i.e. civvies?
As for it being what the spams do, I really don't think that's a country we should look to for inspiration in too many things - certainly not their "worker bee" military mentality.
What is the problem with people who are OFF DUTY wearing off duty clothing, i.e. civvies?
As for it being what the spams do, I really don't think that's a country we should look to for inspiration in too many things - certainly not their "worker bee" military mentality.
Inter Arma Enim Silentius Lex Legis
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There is only one good way to get out of uniform and wear civvies.... Like thousands of others in recent times:
You need to leave and get a proper job!!
You need to leave and get a proper job!!
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I will need 2 possibly 3 eng's in the next 12 months. 1 mech biased and the others elect bias.
Salary good for the region and there aint no trips to the sandpit. interested?????
PM please
The work is FMCG based rather than aviation but my boss loves mil trained types with integrity and professionalism.
Salary good for the region and there aint no trips to the sandpit. interested?????
PM please
The work is FMCG based rather than aviation but my boss loves mil trained types with integrity and professionalism.
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It's not about impressing, it's about being comfortable and relaxed. I certainly won't be wearing (and haven't worn) my best bib and tucker in the sandpit, but the ability to put on a t-shirt and a pair of shorts and flip-flops makes life, if not actually pleaseant, then at least more bearable.
Why make life harder when it's a pain in the ass anyway?
Why make life harder when it's a pain in the ass anyway?
I am reading these threads with growing incredulity. Those in the sandpit are in an operational environment and there is no place for civvies. You are never off duty. I hope that your slacks/shirt are fire proof by the way, for when that mortar round hits your block/tent or the militia storms the base to find you all in nylon shorts and flip flops!
Civvies are fine in the UK/Europe, rest of the world where the security situation allows and you are genuinely "off duty". This totally smacks of totally incorrect focus. You should be complaining about your food, transport, air conditioning etc, not about being able to wear bl**dy jeans. You will be wanting to take your Ipod on patrol with you next. I have not been so open mouthed since the "washing your MT/hire car" thread.
And before the Dark Blue slagging starts, don't forget that there are plenty of them in both sandpits as well.
So you have had your rant, I hope you feel better!
Civvies are fine in the UK/Europe, rest of the world where the security situation allows and you are genuinely "off duty". This totally smacks of totally incorrect focus. You should be complaining about your food, transport, air conditioning etc, not about being able to wear bl**dy jeans. You will be wanting to take your Ipod on patrol with you next. I have not been so open mouthed since the "washing your MT/hire car" thread.
And before the Dark Blue slagging starts, don't forget that there are plenty of them in both sandpits as well.
So you have had your rant, I hope you feel better!
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And before the Dark Blue slagging starts, don't forget that there are plenty of them in both sandpits as well.
You will be wanting to take your Ipod on patrol with you next.
has already been taken up by some of them as at least one had his taken off him by a big, nasty Iranian who called him 'Mr Bean'.
