Almost_Done is Done
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Seldomfit,
Despite the "fatherly advice" that you offered some time ago it would appear it fell on deaf ears and the Samuraipratt is still just a silly sprog ( not to mention being a total arrse).
Despite the "fatherly advice" that you offered some time ago it would appear it fell on deaf ears and the Samuraipratt is still just a silly sprog ( not to mention being a total arrse).
Join Date: May 2002
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I just wanted to say goodbye, goodluck and that I will always think of those 'still in'. Thank you to all that understood my intent and reciprocated with kind words.
To the others oh well..........
To the others oh well..........
To Samuraipratt, Tourist and your ilk: Even though I have you 'on Ignore'; and cannot see your undoubtedly pathetic comments, please do us all a favour and stop stealing oxygen from those more deserving than your miserable selves
CS
Join Date: Apr 2002
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Mid life crisis???
NJOE, sadly all so funnily true but lots of us have made the transition to the dark side and are kept going by our constant reminders of where we came from, a reality check if you like. Great to see that the sense of humour learned at many squadron/section barrels still lives.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
SFFP, ?
Cargo,
I am not sure but Tourist's post may have been abrupt and crass but not necessarily deliberately rude. As for Matt, what you don't see you don't know
Cargo,
I am not sure but Tourist's post may have been abrupt and crass but not necessarily deliberately rude. As for Matt, what you don't see you don't know
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N Joe
Brilliant post and having been out for 12 months I can see and feel the experiences apart from:
"5. If you go anywhere near an RAF camp, you will re-acquire your rank whether you like it or not. The guardroom and mess databases just can't cope with "Sqn Ldr Joe" becoming "Mr Joe"."
I try not going to visit an RAF base because, after over 30 years service, I resent having to queue up for a visitor's pass.
Brilliant post and having been out for 12 months I can see and feel the experiences apart from:
"5. If you go anywhere near an RAF camp, you will re-acquire your rank whether you like it or not. The guardroom and mess databases just can't cope with "Sqn Ldr Joe" becoming "Mr Joe"."
I try not going to visit an RAF base because, after over 30 years service, I resent having to queue up for a visitor's pass.
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Whenever I used to clear someone who was retiring (I did 2.5 years on GDT.. call it what you will), the reactions were mixed. Banter at not having to be gassed anymore, no more 'guns' to clean, no more 'gas masks' to wear, assurances that any DPM in the loft was going to be burned, but usually, nearly always.. a thank you. Especially if the person had got some serious time in. Even if I hadn't known the person retiring and hadn't ever taught them, I was thanked not because of what I had done, but because of what I represented. Not a Regt dullard, not someone who enjoyed making people's lives misery, but part of the team who like them, was simply paid for doing his bit to keep it all going. I get slagged off for having been just a Rock, and it makes you wonder what those people also think of the chefs who made their breakfasts, the guys stagging on at the gate in the rain at 0230 who kept their families safe and the MT drivers who shuffled around on endless non glamourous jobs.
Here, we have got someone who has done his bit, and who wants to say farewell and thanks. Its like putting an announcement in The Times, its like a farewell speech at a leaving piss up. Its closure, its a rite of passage, its part of the process and its usually someone's way of affirming some sort of belief in the system despite having been shafted by parts of it and one that he spent a huge chunk of his life subscribed to.
But what really saddens me, is that we see in this thread the electronic versions of the hecklers at those leaving beer calls, those who are unable to allow someone (usually senior) the chance to take one last look around, shake a few hands, turn the lights out and quietly close the door behind them. I feel so sorry for A_d that his last act possibly could be even threatened with being marred by this type of civilian style, loutish electronic vandalism. In my experience, those who use messageboards to vent their spleens at people who they don't even know (the heat of passionate debate excluded) are usually the ones frustrated or transferring something missing in their own lives. The adage, in these circumstances that if you have nothing decent to say, say nothing at all, should be a reminder how common decency, good form and polite manners should be observed. If you can't raise your game fellas, then steer clear.
Finally, civvy street is great A_d. Far more volatile, but that simply means you have far greater control over the risk and rewards that you want out of life.
Here, we have got someone who has done his bit, and who wants to say farewell and thanks. Its like putting an announcement in The Times, its like a farewell speech at a leaving piss up. Its closure, its a rite of passage, its part of the process and its usually someone's way of affirming some sort of belief in the system despite having been shafted by parts of it and one that he spent a huge chunk of his life subscribed to.
But what really saddens me, is that we see in this thread the electronic versions of the hecklers at those leaving beer calls, those who are unable to allow someone (usually senior) the chance to take one last look around, shake a few hands, turn the lights out and quietly close the door behind them. I feel so sorry for A_d that his last act possibly could be even threatened with being marred by this type of civilian style, loutish electronic vandalism. In my experience, those who use messageboards to vent their spleens at people who they don't even know (the heat of passionate debate excluded) are usually the ones frustrated or transferring something missing in their own lives. The adage, in these circumstances that if you have nothing decent to say, say nothing at all, should be a reminder how common decency, good form and polite manners should be observed. If you can't raise your game fellas, then steer clear.
Finally, civvy street is great A_d. Far more volatile, but that simply means you have far greater control over the risk and rewards that you want out of life.
Join Date: Aug 2000
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Good Lord Al, it almost pains me to say it but I think you've hit the nail firmly on the head with those few, well chosen, words. Well said.
A_d - good luck and thanks.
A_d - good luck and thanks.
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Here, we have got someone who has done his bit, and who wants to say farewell and thanks. Its like putting an announcement in The Times, its like a farewell speech at a leaving piss up. Its closure, its a rite of passage, its part of the process and its usually someone's way of affirming some sort of belief in the system despite having been shafted by parts of it and one that he spent a huge chunk of his life subscribed to.
Fred - finally coming to terms with being a TOG and proud of it!!
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QUOTE
Personally I find it very sad that you can't just indulge someone who has probably made a significant contribution to the RAF over the years he has done and bring yourself to at least wish him well for the future.
Opinion on this thread may be split but it's a very uneven split and you and your buddy Samuraipratt are in the minority.
BYALPHAINDIA REPLY
I always thought 'Samurai Swordsmen' were always Pratts'
Why use a sword when you can use the fist you are born with
Personally I find it very sad that you can't just indulge someone who has probably made a significant contribution to the RAF over the years he has done and bring yourself to at least wish him well for the future.
Opinion on this thread may be split but it's a very uneven split and you and your buddy Samuraipratt are in the minority.
BYALPHAINDIA REPLY
I always thought 'Samurai Swordsmen' were always Pratts'
Why use a sword when you can use the fist you are born with
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That is one of the best posts that I have read in a long time.
Here, we have got someone who has done his bit, and who wants to say farewell and thanks. Its like putting an announcement in The Times, its like a farewell speech at a leaving piss up. Its closure, its a rite of passage, its part of the process and its usually someone's way of affirming some sort of belief in the system despite having been shafted by parts of it and one that he spent a huge chunk of his life subscribed to.
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Wow, what a lot of venom!
I think perhaps I should have one last go at stating my point of view and clear up a couple of points.
1. I do not begrudge anyone their leaving call. It is quite correct that everyone who knows, or knows of the leaver gathers round and gives them a pat on the back and sends them off with a warm glow. I would do the same for my mates, and expect them to do it for me
That is not what is happening here. This is more akin to the outpourings of grief after Diana’s death.
No in fact it’s worse.
At least the people weeping inconsolably at her funeral had been looking at pictures of her on the telly for years, following her in the press etc and had some investment in a relationship with her, no matter how warped and one sided.
In this case nobody has any idea whatsoever who he is! He might be a great bloke, he probably is, (I have to admit that he has been very gentlemanly about the whole thing) but some of the eulogising on here is ridiculous.
“Personally I find it very sad that you can't just indulge someone who has probably made a significant contribution to the RAF over the years he has done and bring yourself to at least wish him well for the future.”
Bit of a leap of faith there I think
“The one good thing for certain is that when these sad individuals leave, they will not be able to look back with pride and honour and remember the great times they had and the great mates they made, as people like you and I and several others can.”
Do you know him, or not? Or just projecting your hopes? If you do know him then tell us how good a mate he is.
“the system just doesn't recognise/care or is even aware of the finely tuned personality traits that are about to leave, traits finely honed from a service that was far better at mentoring then than it is now!”
What? A strong shout based upon just his posts on the forum.
If you say this guff about anonymous people it totally devalues the honest statements you might make about people you actually know. Or have heard good reports of. Or at least saw across a bar once for god’s sake!
For all you know, (and I do not suggest this is the case, before I get flamed again, just wish to raise the possibility inherent in an anonymous forum) there is a sqn breathing a sigh of relief right now and celebrating the departure of a waste of rations carried down the decades. We all know one; in fact many on here seem to think I’m one!
For the mate of somebody leaving to post such a thread points to a great bloke, but to post about yourself is a bit like writing your own citation. Do you want everybody who leaves the Military to get their own thread thus flooding the forum in facsimile insincere turgidness? And if not, what makes this bloke special?
2. I ventured over to Egoat after being informed by PM that I was getting a slagging there. I get the impression that they think I was having a go because I did not think that non-aircrew were worthy of eulogy. Wrong end of the stick I’m afraid, just don’t happen to believe anybody is worthy of blind worship.
3. Obviously I am devastated to be “ignored” by so many, how will I cope?
Having never “ignored” anybody, I do wonder though if the only thing worse than having to read the words of somebody who makes you want to start swinging, is having to see one sided conversations involving them?
I think perhaps I should have one last go at stating my point of view and clear up a couple of points.
1. I do not begrudge anyone their leaving call. It is quite correct that everyone who knows, or knows of the leaver gathers round and gives them a pat on the back and sends them off with a warm glow. I would do the same for my mates, and expect them to do it for me
That is not what is happening here. This is more akin to the outpourings of grief after Diana’s death.
No in fact it’s worse.
At least the people weeping inconsolably at her funeral had been looking at pictures of her on the telly for years, following her in the press etc and had some investment in a relationship with her, no matter how warped and one sided.
In this case nobody has any idea whatsoever who he is! He might be a great bloke, he probably is, (I have to admit that he has been very gentlemanly about the whole thing) but some of the eulogising on here is ridiculous.
“Personally I find it very sad that you can't just indulge someone who has probably made a significant contribution to the RAF over the years he has done and bring yourself to at least wish him well for the future.”
Bit of a leap of faith there I think
“The one good thing for certain is that when these sad individuals leave, they will not be able to look back with pride and honour and remember the great times they had and the great mates they made, as people like you and I and several others can.”
Do you know him, or not? Or just projecting your hopes? If you do know him then tell us how good a mate he is.
“the system just doesn't recognise/care or is even aware of the finely tuned personality traits that are about to leave, traits finely honed from a service that was far better at mentoring then than it is now!”
What? A strong shout based upon just his posts on the forum.
If you say this guff about anonymous people it totally devalues the honest statements you might make about people you actually know. Or have heard good reports of. Or at least saw across a bar once for god’s sake!
For all you know, (and I do not suggest this is the case, before I get flamed again, just wish to raise the possibility inherent in an anonymous forum) there is a sqn breathing a sigh of relief right now and celebrating the departure of a waste of rations carried down the decades. We all know one; in fact many on here seem to think I’m one!
For the mate of somebody leaving to post such a thread points to a great bloke, but to post about yourself is a bit like writing your own citation. Do you want everybody who leaves the Military to get their own thread thus flooding the forum in facsimile insincere turgidness? And if not, what makes this bloke special?
2. I ventured over to Egoat after being informed by PM that I was getting a slagging there. I get the impression that they think I was having a go because I did not think that non-aircrew were worthy of eulogy. Wrong end of the stick I’m afraid, just don’t happen to believe anybody is worthy of blind worship.
3. Obviously I am devastated to be “ignored” by so many, how will I cope?
Having never “ignored” anybody, I do wonder though if the only thing worse than having to read the words of somebody who makes you want to start swinging, is having to see one sided conversations involving them?
Avoid imitations
Join Date: Nov 2000
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To those posting their negative, vitriolic posts here:
Thanks for reminding me why I left.
A_D, looks like you made the correct decision if some of this miserable bunch are anything to go by. Well done, thanks, good luck and welcome to the outside world.
Thanks for reminding me why I left.
A_D, looks like you made the correct decision if some of this miserable bunch are anything to go by. Well done, thanks, good luck and welcome to the outside world.
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Oi tourettes
Sorry - thought it was obvious I was being generic.
Oh god! Hope you enjoyed tonights Corrie!
Please feel free to QSY anytime soon!
“the system just doesn't recognise/care or is even aware of the finely tuned personality traits that are about to leave, traits finely honed from a service that was far better at mentoring then than it is now!”
What? A strong shout based upon just his posts on the forum.
What? A strong shout based upon just his posts on the forum.
That is not what is happening here. This is more akin to the outpourings of grief after Diana’s death.
Please feel free to QSY anytime soon!
Below the Glidepath - not correcting
Sadly, Al R has it nailed with his;
This forum is just like real life - despite the majority of witty, intellectual and talented colleagues who made service life the fun it was, we all remember those others who were (luckily) in the minority. You know them;
1. Always late/shoddy for Parades.
2. Never have the right kit.
3. Always scrounging.
4. Rip the Mess for piss-poor standards but never even been on a committee, let alone PMC.
5. Critical of everything but create nothing.
6. Always time for a snide comment.
7. Scrutinising the promotions list to say "how the hell did X..." knowing they will seldom be on it.
8. Shop Steward attitude to unsocial work - especially on Ops.
9. Short arms and deep pockets at the bar.
10. The last one to get "it" on any kind of formal instructional course.
No reason why you wouldn't encounter that behaviour on this forum, after all logging on is easier than finding a tie and going down to the Bar to criticize.
So good luck to you Almost Done, mind the ankle biters on the way out.
electronic versions of the heckler
1. Always late/shoddy for Parades.
2. Never have the right kit.
3. Always scrounging.
4. Rip the Mess for piss-poor standards but never even been on a committee, let alone PMC.
5. Critical of everything but create nothing.
6. Always time for a snide comment.
7. Scrutinising the promotions list to say "how the hell did X..." knowing they will seldom be on it.
8. Shop Steward attitude to unsocial work - especially on Ops.
9. Short arms and deep pockets at the bar.
10. The last one to get "it" on any kind of formal instructional course.
No reason why you wouldn't encounter that behaviour on this forum, after all logging on is easier than finding a tie and going down to the Bar to criticize.
So good luck to you Almost Done, mind the ankle biters on the way out.
Hovering AND talking
Join Date: Feb 2003
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I think certain people on this forum have failed to grasp that it is not as anonymous as they think. There are people here who actually know each in real life; that's REAL life, not just a virtual life.
All the best Almost Done!
Cheers
Whirls
All the best Almost Done!
Cheers
Whirls
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almost done is done
AD. Good luck on the outside. If you look back on the times that you enjoyed, and the good people you met, then the negative times fade. I have been out for over forty years but still meet my old crew from the 50's. You will always be part of the family