RAF Merlins crews unwilling to go to Afghanistan?
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AA's not posting what he thinks
I'm representing the thoughts of Joe and Josephine Public
The general public have none of this expertise nor an understanding of the complexity of operating in this environment.
Saying that at all makes me question your judgement
This forum appears to have its fair share of armchair experts. Have any of you actually been there, or actually have experience in the field of logistics and military operations? Its like watching sky news after a disaster when all of the so called experts come on to the foister their opinions on us.
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Saying that at all makes me question your judgement
Of course you may.
None.
However, I have been lucky enough to fly with the SH force in the past, and know a number of Merlin air and ground crew, who have always struck me as being an exceptional bunch of people. And once the inter-fleet banter dissipates, people I know on the Chinook and Puma whose opinions I respect share a similarly high opinion of 28 and 78.
The idea that No.7 Squadron was needed to "drag the level of the Merlin Force up to an acceptable standard" (and those were the exact words used) is offensive nonsense, so that's why I question Brandnew's judgement.
Now, since you clearly endorse what Brandnew alleges, perhaps you'd justify that accusation, and give details of what makes you qualified to reach such a conclusion.
No?
None.
However, I have been lucky enough to fly with the SH force in the past, and know a number of Merlin air and ground crew, who have always struck me as being an exceptional bunch of people. And once the inter-fleet banter dissipates, people I know on the Chinook and Puma whose opinions I respect share a similarly high opinion of 28 and 78.
The idea that No.7 Squadron was needed to "drag the level of the Merlin Force up to an acceptable standard" (and those were the exact words used) is offensive nonsense, so that's why I question Brandnew's judgement.
Now, since you clearly endorse what Brandnew alleges, perhaps you'd justify that accusation, and give details of what makes you qualified to reach such a conclusion.
No?
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One has to remember that DJtCap in Main Building had to sign off on the Merlin Force conducting a 're-set', so in the eyes of defence it was seen as a pre-requisite. The majority view within HQ JHC at the shop floor level was that this was a barking idea (across all 3 services) and that the Merlin force could attain the required hot, high and heavy training as part of extant exercises that may happen to have incorporated some ground manouevere elements.
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Ducky is right...
Duck Dodgers = a man that speaks sense!
This "Merlin Force re-set / holiday in Las Vegas" is looking very difficult to defend. It is a luxury at a time when we cannot afford luxurys.
The Merlin Force would, in my opinion, be better served by attending the Exercises that the SME's (in this case the Chinook Force) attend. If Morroco is good enough for them, then why not go along and listen. Perhaps you will learn something. Better still, find an Exercise that involves soldiers (they're the blokes in green or sandy clothes that sometimes climb into the back of your aircraft. i.e. the reason you exist) The best solution is to attend one of the many pre-HERRICK MRX's. They're run fairly regulary. If you need directions, ask Odiham.
Wizard Freak, have you deleted your posts and run off squealing into the sunset? No need really as I've quoted your Post 60 in my Post 68! I've also invited you, on two seperate occasions, to correct my "factual errors". You haven't. Is it painful being told something that is true but you don't like to hear?
From what I have seen, the Merlin Force, in keeping with the rest of the SH Force, do an excellent job. However, they have not listened to the advice from those who have operated on HERRICK. This would have made the tranisition between the two theatres a whole lot easier.
ET / EQ can be done in Morroco.
Disimilar formation / SH escort training can be done in the UK.
Deconfliction training with AH fires and other airspace users can be done on MRX's or on a birdtable / CAST / Simulator.
This can be followed by Exercises in Morroco or Kenya, working with land manoeuvre units, via an Ops Room, on a live exercise. Everyone wins. None of this requires poking off to the US to swan around on your own supporting no-one!
In fact, the Merlin Force have problems listening to advice from anyone! I watched a Lynx WO2 trying to explain ECCA / CIFS drills to a Merlin pilot. The three engined freak driver stopped him halfway through and said "We can put 5 guns on our A/C. We're the experts at this. I'll send my crewman round to talk you through it." He then walked off leaving the WO2 speechless! This was a righly regarded WO2 QHI who had returned fire on numerous occasions, both on TELIC and HERRICK. Bear in mind that during the Merlin Force's 4 year stint in Iraq, they failed to return fire on a single occasion. Apart from the numerous ND's not a shot fired in anger. Not even one!
Think that might change on HERRICK boys?
This "Merlin Force re-set / holiday in Las Vegas" is looking very difficult to defend. It is a luxury at a time when we cannot afford luxurys.
The Merlin Force would, in my opinion, be better served by attending the Exercises that the SME's (in this case the Chinook Force) attend. If Morroco is good enough for them, then why not go along and listen. Perhaps you will learn something. Better still, find an Exercise that involves soldiers (they're the blokes in green or sandy clothes that sometimes climb into the back of your aircraft. i.e. the reason you exist) The best solution is to attend one of the many pre-HERRICK MRX's. They're run fairly regulary. If you need directions, ask Odiham.
Wizard Freak, have you deleted your posts and run off squealing into the sunset? No need really as I've quoted your Post 60 in my Post 68! I've also invited you, on two seperate occasions, to correct my "factual errors". You haven't. Is it painful being told something that is true but you don't like to hear?
From what I have seen, the Merlin Force, in keeping with the rest of the SH Force, do an excellent job. However, they have not listened to the advice from those who have operated on HERRICK. This would have made the tranisition between the two theatres a whole lot easier.
ET / EQ can be done in Morroco.
Disimilar formation / SH escort training can be done in the UK.
Deconfliction training with AH fires and other airspace users can be done on MRX's or on a birdtable / CAST / Simulator.
This can be followed by Exercises in Morroco or Kenya, working with land manoeuvre units, via an Ops Room, on a live exercise. Everyone wins. None of this requires poking off to the US to swan around on your own supporting no-one!
In fact, the Merlin Force have problems listening to advice from anyone! I watched a Lynx WO2 trying to explain ECCA / CIFS drills to a Merlin pilot. The three engined freak driver stopped him halfway through and said "We can put 5 guns on our A/C. We're the experts at this. I'll send my crewman round to talk you through it." He then walked off leaving the WO2 speechless! This was a righly regarded WO2 QHI who had returned fire on numerous occasions, both on TELIC and HERRICK. Bear in mind that during the Merlin Force's 4 year stint in Iraq, they failed to return fire on a single occasion. Apart from the numerous ND's not a shot fired in anger. Not even one!
Think that might change on HERRICK boys?
A colleague and myself visited the Merlin Force at RAF Benson last week and while I wouldn't normally plug a piece of ours so openly here, I believe this one might actually provide a response (through quotes from the Merlin Force itself) to some of what is being posted here.
Global Aviation Resource
As you will see, the Merlin Force WAS involved with exercises in Morocco, and while it doesn't feature in the script here, I can assure you that they were involved with the most recent MRX too...
Global Aviation Resource
As you will see, the Merlin Force WAS involved with exercises in Morocco, and while it doesn't feature in the script here, I can assure you that they were involved with the most recent MRX too...
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Merlins
Seldomfitforpurpose
I see that your offensive remarks have arrived here. A similar performance that you have on the Chinook thread. I suggest you retire there with all your open minded fellow travellers.......
I assume you meant to add "it". I think we are glad also
Brandnew - well done mate - a few home truths never hurt anyone!
12 years since I left the SH Force where I worked with some outstanding folk but if brandnew is indicative of todays crop then I am rather glad I am out of, willy waving t0sser
then I am rather glad I am out of,
Brandnew - well done mate - a few home truths never hurt anyone!
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The Merlin Force would, in my opinion, be better served by attending the Exercises that the SME's (in this case the Chinook Force) attend. If Morroco is good enough for them, then why not go along and listen. Perhaps you will learn something. Better still, find an Exercise that involves soldiers (they're the blokes in green or sandy clothes that sometimes climb into the back of your aircraft. i.e. the reason you exist) The best solution is to attend one of the many pre-HERRICK MRX's. They're run fairly regulary. If you need directions, ask Odiham.
You come across as such as a petulant, willy wavy and childish individual. Throw what ever immature and pathetic insults around that you wish. Not bad for a commissioned officer in the British Army. Sandhurst would be proud.
have you deleted your posts and run off squealing into the sunset?
In fact, the Merlin Force have problems listening to advice from anyone!
Over 10 years in uniform, with +1000 hours on Lynx and another +750 on another AAC type.
If it really bothers you that much, drop down to Benson and voice your concerns to the Station Commander.
In the meantime, we will get on with working with the AAC....in America
p.s Have the last word if you wish. I am out of here.
Last edited by TheWizard; 12th Aug 2009 at 16:00. Reason: Edited because Brandnewsance suddenly increases his hours
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I thnk we have a winner for the title 'Most pointless, awful, childish, argumentative Thread EVER' - maybe it was banter at the start but wha a nose dive...
Good luck to the Merlin Crews.
Good luck to the Merlin Crews.
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I think we need a bigger boat!
I was indeed on the last MRX. I've also have a scan through some of the initial PXR notes. Not very complimentary to the Merlin Force at all. A bit embarassing, especially seeing as who was playing Comd JHF(A) .... whoops!
Commuting down from Benson on a daily basis. Refusing to take part in any Mission Analysis / ROC drills. By the way, there were very many MRX's beforehand that passed straight by the Merlin Force. We finally managed to get the freaks to go to one, and they barely attended!
I didn't go myself, but I know that the IPC and FPC lacked, how should I say, suitable attandance from the Merlin Force. Chinook, Apache, Lynx and Sea King all managed to front up, in case you were wondering.
There's no harm in stating my observations. Mr Wizard Freak just doesn't like hearing them. Don't worry, people far more important than little old me have spoken to the Stn Comd of RAF Benson about the woeful performance of the Merlin Force.
Take my +2000 hours and times by five. Wow: 10,000. Do the Merlin Force only listen to people with +10,000 hours? Has anyone in the Merlin Force have +10,000. I know a two Lynx pilots (albeit QHI's) that do. Would you listen to them? They've even been to Afghanistan. Repeatedly.
I have no axe to grind, and am pleased that we will (at long last) reinforce the lift capability of JHF(A). I just don't think that the Merlin Force are going about their preperations in a suitable or justifiable way. Having experienced both Iraq and Afghan, I can state with some authority that HERRICK is a real step up. It is essential that aircrew understand the battlespace within which they operate. It is essential that aircrew understand the Higher Comd's Intent and Scheme of Manoeuvre. It is essential that aviation seamlessly blends with other Land Components. I don't think that you can achieve any of this lying on a sun lounger in Las Vegas, wasting taxpayers money and time, some 3000 odd miles away from the shooting war.
Fly safe!
Commuting down from Benson on a daily basis. Refusing to take part in any Mission Analysis / ROC drills. By the way, there were very many MRX's beforehand that passed straight by the Merlin Force. We finally managed to get the freaks to go to one, and they barely attended!
I didn't go myself, but I know that the IPC and FPC lacked, how should I say, suitable attandance from the Merlin Force. Chinook, Apache, Lynx and Sea King all managed to front up, in case you were wondering.
There's no harm in stating my observations. Mr Wizard Freak just doesn't like hearing them. Don't worry, people far more important than little old me have spoken to the Stn Comd of RAF Benson about the woeful performance of the Merlin Force.
Take my +2000 hours and times by five. Wow: 10,000. Do the Merlin Force only listen to people with +10,000 hours? Has anyone in the Merlin Force have +10,000. I know a two Lynx pilots (albeit QHI's) that do. Would you listen to them? They've even been to Afghanistan. Repeatedly.
I have no axe to grind, and am pleased that we will (at long last) reinforce the lift capability of JHF(A). I just don't think that the Merlin Force are going about their preperations in a suitable or justifiable way. Having experienced both Iraq and Afghan, I can state with some authority that HERRICK is a real step up. It is essential that aircrew understand the battlespace within which they operate. It is essential that aircrew understand the Higher Comd's Intent and Scheme of Manoeuvre. It is essential that aviation seamlessly blends with other Land Components. I don't think that you can achieve any of this lying on a sun lounger in Las Vegas, wasting taxpayers money and time, some 3000 odd miles away from the shooting war.
Fly safe!
Last edited by brandnew; 12th Aug 2009 at 11:19. Reason: Spelling again! Aaaagh
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Some people should not have access to a keyboard
Brandnew
You are obviously in an appointment with not much to do other than clog the internet, and I hope that you are not doing this through the IGS.
Your comments on the Merlin are unhelpful and demonstrate the small-minded, blinkered approach that stifles Jointery and advancement. I cannot be bothered to plough through this whole thread, but what comes across is someone who should not be in a position that requires the Joint approach and whilst you may have been to Iraq and Afghan, you obviously didn't learn much.
Yes, Op HERRICK is a step-change from Op TELIC and perhaps the Merlin Force needs the opportunity to build on the experience gained in Op TELIC which has occupied the majority of the capacity of the small and still very new Force. There are also a lot of young crews who sometimes might make comments that belie their youth, but surely you made some crass comments when you were starting out too.
These forums are read by some who would like to create the lurid tabloid headlines that sell papers, not necessarily tell the truth, and you are fuelling the paper sellers, not the news-makers.
The Merlin Force are preparing well for their next deployment and not lounging round, far from it. Stop speculating about what you don't know and keep your inflammatory, negative and ill-informed comments to yourself. Or have the courage of your convictions and visit the Squadrons and give them a brief, I'm confident they have the humility and sense of foregiveness to listen to you.
This thread is nothing more than malicious crew-room gossip. I have always respected the AAC and you are doing your cap badge no favours, so I suggest you stop now.
Regards
CS
You are obviously in an appointment with not much to do other than clog the internet, and I hope that you are not doing this through the IGS.
Your comments on the Merlin are unhelpful and demonstrate the small-minded, blinkered approach that stifles Jointery and advancement. I cannot be bothered to plough through this whole thread, but what comes across is someone who should not be in a position that requires the Joint approach and whilst you may have been to Iraq and Afghan, you obviously didn't learn much.
Yes, Op HERRICK is a step-change from Op TELIC and perhaps the Merlin Force needs the opportunity to build on the experience gained in Op TELIC which has occupied the majority of the capacity of the small and still very new Force. There are also a lot of young crews who sometimes might make comments that belie their youth, but surely you made some crass comments when you were starting out too.
These forums are read by some who would like to create the lurid tabloid headlines that sell papers, not necessarily tell the truth, and you are fuelling the paper sellers, not the news-makers.
The Merlin Force are preparing well for their next deployment and not lounging round, far from it. Stop speculating about what you don't know and keep your inflammatory, negative and ill-informed comments to yourself. Or have the courage of your convictions and visit the Squadrons and give them a brief, I'm confident they have the humility and sense of foregiveness to listen to you.
This thread is nothing more than malicious crew-room gossip. I have always respected the AAC and you are doing your cap badge no favours, so I suggest you stop now.
Regards
CS
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The main thrust of the angst here appears to be some, if not a lot, of resentment over the Merlin folk going to El Centro.
I happily stand to be corrected but have they not been quite busy in the desert for the last few years? I am not sure how many times they have had a gucci deployment along the lines of El Centro, been there several times now and great it ain't, but surely they are allowed one decent trip to compensate for all the time away on Op's.
It's my humble opinion that rather than criticise the Merlin management for having the spuds to get this thing done those with a slightly green tinge should be asking their own chain of command as to why they cant have at least one decent deployment every now and again.
This sort of thing is not unique to the Merlin as pretty much every other type in the RAF inventory deploys in this manner every year, except of course for the SH force which has a great tradition of doing it on the cheap.
I applaud the Merlin hierarchy for having the balls and the gumption to combine some excellent training opportunities with the chance to reward folks hard efforts on Op's in this manner and if one or two on here had Commanders with a little more imagination more of the same could happen across the JHF.
Oh and bast0n, stop being such a civvy bed wetting girl and get over yourself
I happily stand to be corrected but have they not been quite busy in the desert for the last few years? I am not sure how many times they have had a gucci deployment along the lines of El Centro, been there several times now and great it ain't, but surely they are allowed one decent trip to compensate for all the time away on Op's.
It's my humble opinion that rather than criticise the Merlin management for having the spuds to get this thing done those with a slightly green tinge should be asking their own chain of command as to why they cant have at least one decent deployment every now and again.
This sort of thing is not unique to the Merlin as pretty much every other type in the RAF inventory deploys in this manner every year, except of course for the SH force which has a great tradition of doing it on the cheap.
I applaud the Merlin hierarchy for having the balls and the gumption to combine some excellent training opportunities with the chance to reward folks hard efforts on Op's in this manner and if one or two on here had Commanders with a little more imagination more of the same could happen across the JHF.
Oh and bast0n, stop being such a civvy bed wetting girl and get over yourself
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Seldom fit for purpose
How amazingly apt that name is turning out to be on so many threads!
Oh I'm a civvy am I?
It is clear that always being in the back clouds ones view somewhat! It is also so nice to see a chap at last showing his true colours and background by his amazing lack of manners and inadequate descriptive powers!
Pip Pip
How amazingly apt that name is turning out to be on so many threads!
Oh and bast0n, stop being such a civvy bed wetting girl and get over yourself
It is clear that always being in the back clouds ones view somewhat! It is also so nice to see a chap at last showing his true colours and background by his amazing lack of manners and inadequate descriptive powers!
Pip Pip
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Intolerance
I am amazed how intolerant the military types are about any form of criticism. I am surprised this guy was not kicked out of Pprune for violating some obscure regulation, like was done to me when I suggested on this forum that the requirement by certain countries to have DAS fitted on all troop transport aircraft deployed to Afghanistan was more of a measure to keep an Air Force monopoly on Air Transport rather than a valid security measure based on any kind of real missile threat.
I am a civilian. That is my opinion. It is based on Web based reports that I read and that are openly available on the Web and published by many respected organizations, including IALPA and the FAA. Yet I was kicked out and banned for violating some sort of National Security regulation and my posts were deleted.
You guys sound like the Jewish lobby, whose attitude is that Israel can do no wrong and that anyone who criticizes Israel is anti-semitic or pro-terrorist and that any Jewish person who dares criticism of Israel is a self-hating Jew.
Criticism is constructive and must be accepted. No one is perfect and everyone errs in both action and policy. That includes Israel and the UK military. When an aircraft crashes, the accident report is published and blame is put where it belongs. When the military blunders, it conveniently hides behind the need for secrecy, a requirement which is too often brought up needlessly.
You guys wouldn't even be having this thread if the subject hadn't made the papers. It would be "Top Secret". There are more posts here attacking other posters than discussing the issue. That is what brings the level of discussion to the level it has come down to.
I am a civilian. That is my opinion. It is based on Web based reports that I read and that are openly available on the Web and published by many respected organizations, including IALPA and the FAA. Yet I was kicked out and banned for violating some sort of National Security regulation and my posts were deleted.
You guys sound like the Jewish lobby, whose attitude is that Israel can do no wrong and that anyone who criticizes Israel is anti-semitic or pro-terrorist and that any Jewish person who dares criticism of Israel is a self-hating Jew.
Criticism is constructive and must be accepted. No one is perfect and everyone errs in both action and policy. That includes Israel and the UK military. When an aircraft crashes, the accident report is published and blame is put where it belongs. When the military blunders, it conveniently hides behind the need for secrecy, a requirement which is too often brought up needlessly.
You guys wouldn't even be having this thread if the subject hadn't made the papers. It would be "Top Secret". There are more posts here attacking other posters than discussing the issue. That is what brings the level of discussion to the level it has come down to.
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Seldom fit for purpose
How amazingly apt that name is turning out to be on so many threads!
Oh I'm a civvy am I?
It is clear that always being in the back clouds ones view somewhat! It is also so nice to see a chap at last showing his true colours and background by his amazing lack of manners and inadequate descriptive powers!
Pip Pip
How amazingly apt that name is turning out to be on so many threads!
Oh I'm a civvy am I?
It is clear that always being in the back clouds ones view somewhat! It is also so nice to see a chap at last showing his true colours and background by his amazing lack of manners and inadequate descriptive powers!
Pip Pip
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This thread is in danger of becoming excrutiatingly painful. Opinion should be differentiated from constructive criticism where the criticism is informed and used to develop and amend a process. This has been allowed to devolve into a polarised slnging match by some who have an axe to grind with the Merlin Force.
Gentlemen, live with it. The Merlin Force has deployed to the US to get ready for Op HERRICK. There are many on here who do fly as military aviators, but squadrons are awash with Junior Officers and SNCOs who can do the job better than their Bosses - they allege. That is banter for the crew-room.
The overall aim is to deliver capability to Op HERRICK. The guys on the ground would be appalled to see what prurient children aircrew become.
As for some of the comments, particularly on MRX and PXRs from Brandnew, they are unhelpful and factually inaccurate given from a very biased point of view.
Stop fuelling the tabloids rabid needs for headlines and get back to talking about aviation.
Honestly.
Gentlemen, live with it. The Merlin Force has deployed to the US to get ready for Op HERRICK. There are many on here who do fly as military aviators, but squadrons are awash with Junior Officers and SNCOs who can do the job better than their Bosses - they allege. That is banter for the crew-room.
The overall aim is to deliver capability to Op HERRICK. The guys on the ground would be appalled to see what prurient children aircrew become.
As for some of the comments, particularly on MRX and PXRs from Brandnew, they are unhelpful and factually inaccurate given from a very biased point of view.
Stop fuelling the tabloids rabid needs for headlines and get back to talking about aviation.
Honestly.
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Seldom fit for purpose
No - a rational, unemotional and POLITE aviator who despises ignorant rant and cheap insults. Please go home.....I am surprised the Mods have not sent you a ticket............
Compressor stall you are right to try to drag this back on track but it is interesting to get the current Pongo view even if you personally do not like it. It drives discussion along quite nicely and I do not believe any of the above denudes national security.
My god, a stalker
Compressor stall you are right to try to drag this back on track but it is interesting to get the current Pongo view even if you personally do not like it. It drives discussion along quite nicely and I do not believe any of the above denudes national security.
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Stop squealing!
Wow. A bit of criticism, and people really start squealing!
Just because a little bit of truth can sting, doesn't mean you should hold back from being honest. I am equally as critical about my own service and A/C types when they don't cut the mustard. I was equally scathing of a certain Lynx Sqn a few months ago. They to advice from a variety of sources and got a lot better.
Before Compressorstall has a heart attack about IGS, I am at home lolling around on POTL, waiting for my car to be fixed. Eating toast. In my kitchen. In Shepherd's Bush. Happy?
The sad truth is that the Merlin Force have an great A/C, but only perform to an adequate standard. They caused me and many others scores of problems on TELIC because of their arrogance and lack of professionalism.
"The overall aim is to deliver capability to Op HERRICK". I could not agree more. If that were the case, then the Merlin Force should try attending some of the conferences and meetings about Op HERRICK. It would be a start. One thing I have learned from the last decade is that military aviation is a constant learning process. I contstantly cavass other Squadrons, Regiments, Flights, Brigades, Services, Countries and the civilian world for advice. Not listening and being blindly arrogant, while having your rather good A/C bail you out of self made poo-traps is hardly the way ahead!
With regards to MRX's and PXR's, I'll think you'll find that my comments were fairly representative. Nil or noddy attendance at many planning conferences. Poor performance on the Ex (and seriously embarrassing CO JHF(A) to be). The only time they got excited was when flying journalists. Nothing funnier that watching a 17 stone obese crewman wheezing up the ramp, spinning dales of daring do to fleet streets finest.
Anyway, I hope that the Merlin aircrew enjoy their break in the sun!
Like I said earler, see you all next year in Bastion again. We'll see how they get on.
Fly safe!
Just because a little bit of truth can sting, doesn't mean you should hold back from being honest. I am equally as critical about my own service and A/C types when they don't cut the mustard. I was equally scathing of a certain Lynx Sqn a few months ago. They to advice from a variety of sources and got a lot better.
Before Compressorstall has a heart attack about IGS, I am at home lolling around on POTL, waiting for my car to be fixed. Eating toast. In my kitchen. In Shepherd's Bush. Happy?
The sad truth is that the Merlin Force have an great A/C, but only perform to an adequate standard. They caused me and many others scores of problems on TELIC because of their arrogance and lack of professionalism.
"The overall aim is to deliver capability to Op HERRICK". I could not agree more. If that were the case, then the Merlin Force should try attending some of the conferences and meetings about Op HERRICK. It would be a start. One thing I have learned from the last decade is that military aviation is a constant learning process. I contstantly cavass other Squadrons, Regiments, Flights, Brigades, Services, Countries and the civilian world for advice. Not listening and being blindly arrogant, while having your rather good A/C bail you out of self made poo-traps is hardly the way ahead!
With regards to MRX's and PXR's, I'll think you'll find that my comments were fairly representative. Nil or noddy attendance at many planning conferences. Poor performance on the Ex (and seriously embarrassing CO JHF(A) to be). The only time they got excited was when flying journalists. Nothing funnier that watching a 17 stone obese crewman wheezing up the ramp, spinning dales of daring do to fleet streets finest.
Anyway, I hope that the Merlin aircrew enjoy their break in the sun!
Like I said earler, see you all next year in Bastion again. We'll see how they get on.
Fly safe!
Last edited by brandnew; 12th Aug 2009 at 14:45. Reason: More spelling!