What Are The R.A.F. Regiment For?
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LCpl in the Regt
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This is a long overdue and logical step and merely reflects the different way that the RAF Regiment operates and should go some way towards recognising the levels of commitment and huge direct responsibilities and challenges that young SAC Gunners thrive on (as well as aiding retention?).
I think back to dozens of superb and enthusiastic airmen who simply left because there was no promotion prospects for that massive leap to Cpl even though they were doing, and proudly so, the role of section commander with almost subliminal ease. Many people join the RAF Regt to infanteer because they want to do the job but also have a slightly wonky, left field view of life. Many are quick minded and clever and will move on if they think someone is either taking the piss or if they need a challenge or deserve proper recognition which isn't forthcoming.
My 2ic's cadre was harder than my FT1, and although we almost mock the role of the RAF Regiment in main base defence, as a very young 2ic, when I commanded men against various terrorists who had demonstrated time and time again, their ability to successfully target innocent people. I didn't hear anyone complain then, that I wasn't fit to do the job that a L/Cpl does.
So if a man is considered capable of commanding and leading (not managing) an 8 man section plus some serious weight of fire support, plus being the man on the ground coordinating a larger response, why should he not (in principle) be considered suitable to discipline errant SAC stackers or SAC technicians if the ends justifies the means? I'm not saying that he should, rather reflecting on the previous poster's blanket comment; that 'thankfully', he shouldn't. The RAF at large should be grateful it has youing men of this calibre, and reward and recognise the fact not begrudge it. I'm glad that it has.
edit:
Just read Gunnerrock's link about the new rank being unique to the Regt.
I imagine there would be quite a few other instances of the rank being useful elsewhere, especially at forward refuelling points and the like. I'm surprised it has taken so long to recognise the need, perhaps the move towards all things Purple demands parity. When RAFG closed down, wasn't a certain Bruggen Stn Cdr promoted to Air Commodore to address exactly that?
I think back to dozens of superb and enthusiastic airmen who simply left because there was no promotion prospects for that massive leap to Cpl even though they were doing, and proudly so, the role of section commander with almost subliminal ease. Many people join the RAF Regt to infanteer because they want to do the job but also have a slightly wonky, left field view of life. Many are quick minded and clever and will move on if they think someone is either taking the piss or if they need a challenge or deserve proper recognition which isn't forthcoming.
My 2ic's cadre was harder than my FT1, and although we almost mock the role of the RAF Regiment in main base defence, as a very young 2ic, when I commanded men against various terrorists who had demonstrated time and time again, their ability to successfully target innocent people. I didn't hear anyone complain then, that I wasn't fit to do the job that a L/Cpl does.
So if a man is considered capable of commanding and leading (not managing) an 8 man section plus some serious weight of fire support, plus being the man on the ground coordinating a larger response, why should he not (in principle) be considered suitable to discipline errant SAC stackers or SAC technicians if the ends justifies the means? I'm not saying that he should, rather reflecting on the previous poster's blanket comment; that 'thankfully', he shouldn't. The RAF at large should be grateful it has youing men of this calibre, and reward and recognise the fact not begrudge it. I'm glad that it has.
edit:
Just read Gunnerrock's link about the new rank being unique to the Regt.
However, this requirement will be reviewed should a compelling case arise.
Last edited by Al R; 2nd Jan 2009 at 06:17.
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St John's Wort,
If you want to know what the coppers are for, read your diary from 40 years ago!! And I thought Alzheimers didn't affect long term memory
If you want to know what the coppers are for, read your diary from 40 years ago!! And I thought Alzheimers didn't affect long term memory
Last edited by bigley; 2nd Jan 2009 at 14:07. Reason: To add another witty comment
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Bigley
Ah those were the days.......white gaiters, cross strap and brace and a white detachable cap cover on a 'Martins' hat, with split peak of course! Nostalgia aint what it used to be!
Cx your PMs
Cx your PMs
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I doubt it, there is no requirement for it either.
Several years ago the RN implemented the WO2 rank, not to be in line with the army but to serve their own purposes. At the same time the RAF said no.
Several years ago the RN implemented the WO2 rank, not to be in line with the army but to serve their own purposes. At the same time the RAF said no.
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Army Ranks for the RAF
It might do but I think this has been covered before. It was rejected when the powers that be decided that an RAF Cpl might object to being called 'Major'.
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Now thats what I call 'blue sky thinking' Bigley.
In the meantime the RAF should try to get some of the more experienced AAC & FAA pilots to transfer in thereby bringing a much needed breath of fresh air. Innovation is my middle name!
To avoid thread creep, as i understand it the RAF Regiment is for training airmen soldiery stuff to implement Winston Churchills vision and to defend airfields as they see fit. If required they also parachute in to take and hold an airfield for our use.
In the meantime the RAF should try to get some of the more experienced AAC & FAA pilots to transfer in thereby bringing a much needed breath of fresh air. Innovation is my middle name!
To avoid thread creep, as i understand it the RAF Regiment is for training airmen soldiery stuff to implement Winston Churchills vision and to defend airfields as they see fit. If required they also parachute in to take and hold an airfield for our use.
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To avoid thread creep, as i understand it the RAF Regiment is for training airmen soldiery stuff to implement Winston Churchills vision and to defend airfields as they see fit. If required they also parachute in to take and hold an airfield for our use.
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Just Airmen
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A response to your question.
If the poster of the original question has gleaned anything out of the petty squabbling over the past x number of replies I would be surprised. It's sad but true that this is no forum for accurate intelligent responses to genuine questions, but one for idle squabbling amongst people with little to do.
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ATCChap:
Outstanding second post. Do me a favour though, trot on over to stores and sign out a sense of humour there's a good lad...
There has been relevant discussion and some "sparring"... This is the interweb you know...
Outstanding second post. Do me a favour though, trot on over to stores and sign out a sense of humour there's a good lad...
There has been relevant discussion and some "sparring"... This is the interweb you know...
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good job
I think some of them do a good job!!
As for someones daughter finding a SAS lay up? Dont be silly mate - the best trained guys in the world getting done by some SAC WAAF!! I nearly pee pee my pants then
As for someones daughter finding a SAS lay up? Dont be silly mate - the best trained guys in the world getting done by some SAC WAAF!! I nearly pee pee my pants then
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As for someones daughter finding a SAS lay up?
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Army Passing on skills
Keep it Tidy,
army units have their own organic trainers, sometimes they bring in teams to train the trainer, but not long each sub unit will have qualified trainers. Regiments have training wings when on garrison.
If you are a trademen with a line unit you get roped into your Corps or attached Unit training, no one wants to be around someone who is not proficient with weapons etc.
Probably the Army do not realise that the RAF is reliant on the RAF Regiment for skill at arms or whatever it is called now. Most percy Pongo's will give you time of day if you ask them? either individual in your own time or when needed as a unit. why not more people can carry a gnat more for stagging on the gate and bigger duty pool LOL.
Davo
army units have their own organic trainers, sometimes they bring in teams to train the trainer, but not long each sub unit will have qualified trainers. Regiments have training wings when on garrison.
If you are a trademen with a line unit you get roped into your Corps or attached Unit training, no one wants to be around someone who is not proficient with weapons etc.
Probably the Army do not realise that the RAF is reliant on the RAF Regiment for skill at arms or whatever it is called now. Most percy Pongo's will give you time of day if you ask them? either individual in your own time or when needed as a unit. why not more people can carry a gnat more for stagging on the gate and bigger duty pool LOL.
Davo
