Aircrews are at the end of their tether
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Grimweasel - yes the accom at BZN is close to the runway (but way more than 50m) but it has brick built walls, double glazing, proper beds and 1 man per room (it is also cool enough to be able to sleep in!).
Hengist - the rotary guys do not night fly all night and the camp site area is reasonably quiet at night and as such allows the crews to get some sleep. The chaps who are "whinging" here are sleeping yards from a 24hour per day active runway operating some VERY noisey aeroplanes. Try that, along with a few long sectors.
WWW - you seem to like stirring things up from the comfort of you "STOP-fly" 737. For example on a thread about the spotters in Greece you made a comment about how "hard" the Brits are and how we "don't mind the body bags coming home"! Have you any first hand experience of military ops or have you just seen too many Vietnam war movies?
Yes, the Harrier boys only fly short sorties but a 14hour crew duty day with 6 sectors is pretty rough - especially when you can't go for a walk to the bog. I have been an Ops officer on those deployments many a time and these guys work bloody hard. The sole plus point is the absence of night flying - but 2 weeks of this kind of thing is debilitating.
Now, the point is tyhat any git can be uncomfortable - but lack of sleep (and that is the real issue here) is a MAJOR flight safety hazzard and should not be tolerated. While it is fair to say that there has to be some extra "give" with ops, the loss of an aeroplane and crew due to fatigue puts a hole in your effectiveness for no good reason. Even those crews who stay airborne and alive will have their operational effectiveness compromised by fatigue - NO-ONE works at their best when knackered and those who say they do are hallucinating.
Fatigue+aircrew=potential disaster , not to mention lack of Op effectiveness. It is tempting for those not directly involved or those who think the truckies have it too easy, to forget that the mission is compromised if anyone does not perform at their best in these circumstances. Yes, life is full of sh@t but no-one should have to take it the way the British Military do.
We do this every conflict - from Paras robbing dead Argies of their boots and jackets because ours were crap to Military pilots flying tired old jets while even more tired themselves, and still being expected to perform at 120+ flying hours per 28 days.
WWW will probably never do more than an average of 60 per month because BALPA will back him - there are no unions for the RAF and these flying rates and conditions are f@cking dangerous and their airships should be ashamed of themselves.
Hengist - the rotary guys do not night fly all night and the camp site area is reasonably quiet at night and as such allows the crews to get some sleep. The chaps who are "whinging" here are sleeping yards from a 24hour per day active runway operating some VERY noisey aeroplanes. Try that, along with a few long sectors.
WWW - you seem to like stirring things up from the comfort of you "STOP-fly" 737. For example on a thread about the spotters in Greece you made a comment about how "hard" the Brits are and how we "don't mind the body bags coming home"! Have you any first hand experience of military ops or have you just seen too many Vietnam war movies?
Yes, the Harrier boys only fly short sorties but a 14hour crew duty day with 6 sectors is pretty rough - especially when you can't go for a walk to the bog. I have been an Ops officer on those deployments many a time and these guys work bloody hard. The sole plus point is the absence of night flying - but 2 weeks of this kind of thing is debilitating.
Now, the point is tyhat any git can be uncomfortable - but lack of sleep (and that is the real issue here) is a MAJOR flight safety hazzard and should not be tolerated. While it is fair to say that there has to be some extra "give" with ops, the loss of an aeroplane and crew due to fatigue puts a hole in your effectiveness for no good reason. Even those crews who stay airborne and alive will have their operational effectiveness compromised by fatigue - NO-ONE works at their best when knackered and those who say they do are hallucinating.
Fatigue+aircrew=potential disaster , not to mention lack of Op effectiveness. It is tempting for those not directly involved or those who think the truckies have it too easy, to forget that the mission is compromised if anyone does not perform at their best in these circumstances. Yes, life is full of sh@t but no-one should have to take it the way the British Military do.
We do this every conflict - from Paras robbing dead Argies of their boots and jackets because ours were crap to Military pilots flying tired old jets while even more tired themselves, and still being expected to perform at 120+ flying hours per 28 days.
WWW will probably never do more than an average of 60 per month because BALPA will back him - there are no unions for the RAF and these flying rates and conditions are f@cking dangerous and their airships should be ashamed of themselves.
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It has been many severals since I was in such conditions as are being described in this thread and I would like to say that, for the most part, I agree with the lot of you - there's a world of difference between "hacking-it" and "putting up with it".
One thing nobody has mentioned yet though is the personal health hazard regarding noise. This subject is one I know about as I now have to use a hearing aid after many years "in" (mostly Canberras which shows my age).
"Hearing" is a thing which happens even when you're asleep, so being in close proximity to jet noise can really screw you up for the long term. It can start the long, irreversible slde to hearsight probs when you get older. Now some would say this is a blessing, at least I can turn the world off when it gets too noisy (or irritating), but if I recall, the RAF are duty bound to protect you from sustained high noise levels. So are you all sleeping with your ear defenders on?
One thing nobody has mentioned yet though is the personal health hazard regarding noise. This subject is one I know about as I now have to use a hearing aid after many years "in" (mostly Canberras which shows my age).
"Hearing" is a thing which happens even when you're asleep, so being in close proximity to jet noise can really screw you up for the long term. It can start the long, irreversible slde to hearsight probs when you get older. Now some would say this is a blessing, at least I can turn the world off when it gets too noisy (or irritating), but if I recall, the RAF are duty bound to protect you from sustained high noise levels. So are you all sleeping with your ear defenders on?
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As many of the previous posts have said it's not just the issue of living in s**t; it's too much time getting bored/frustrated 'cos of too few opportunities to do what we are usually there for - aviating. You can only play so much volleyball/speculate over bonuses/swap stories about how much more moolah the fast movers/truckies are getting - so it's settle down for a good old whingeing sesh. There are plenty of luxury fold-out gin palaces available on the market - just try and sleep next to a gas turbine generator that runs 24/7 - earplugs my Aunt Fanny! The days of the SH force being proud of the ability to live in a hole in the road and be deliriously happy are over - to do the job properly we need somewhere comfortable to rest while we write each other up for medals and make up war stories. I really must lay off this extra strength cough syrup Baaaaaaaaaaa
Inter Arma Enim Silentius Lex Legis
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Any one who witnessed buff hoons performance on newsnight tonight will now realise just where our airships get there poor leadership skill examples from!!
Who do I send my claim form to for my spoilt No 1s?
I got white wash all over them whilst trying to use the rowing machine to row to freedom after the AOCs visit.
I got white wash all over them whilst trying to use the rowing machine to row to freedom after the AOCs visit.
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EESDL, couple of points:
a) if you've been anywhere near a rowing machine in the last few days I'll eat that shirt of yours
b) you're a fine one to talk about whitewash...
c) None of the script came through. Pikey.
d) I'm deep, deep undercover.
Everybody else:
Sorry for using this as a personal message board
a) if you've been anywhere near a rowing machine in the last few days I'll eat that shirt of yours
b) you're a fine one to talk about whitewash...
c) None of the script came through. Pikey.
d) I'm deep, deep undercover.
Everybody else:
Sorry for using this as a personal message board
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Ladies Please!
Like most posts it seems to me that this one is getting carried away by people who have not even been out here(MCT) yet with sod all work to do in the UK. Here now the issues aren't accomodation, or food or even noise. They are all bearable and we haven't lost a sortie since the beginning of the Op.
For those who don't know, the domestic site is 500m, not 50, from the runway (not that that makes too much difference with VC10s, Nimrods, and Canberras working 24/7).
The conditions were worse at the start but have eased a little now. The REAL annoyance comes when we see the Spams getting things like proper beds with matresses brought in- IMPROVEMENTS!! The RAF camp has been static since SS2 (with the exception of the no. of hangers on, which has gone exponentional!)
The reason this thread started was to give us something to do out here - there are no other ents. All we can do is type nonsense on Pprune, which is usually negative, and gives us a bad, whinging image.
Those of you not in the 2Gp regime, don't listen to these old farts back home who thing they're doing us a favour by whinging on our behalf - they're not!
Toss Camp isn't that bad
Like most posts it seems to me that this one is getting carried away by people who have not even been out here(MCT) yet with sod all work to do in the UK. Here now the issues aren't accomodation, or food or even noise. They are all bearable and we haven't lost a sortie since the beginning of the Op.
For those who don't know, the domestic site is 500m, not 50, from the runway (not that that makes too much difference with VC10s, Nimrods, and Canberras working 24/7).
The conditions were worse at the start but have eased a little now. The REAL annoyance comes when we see the Spams getting things like proper beds with matresses brought in- IMPROVEMENTS!! The RAF camp has been static since SS2 (with the exception of the no. of hangers on, which has gone exponentional!)
The reason this thread started was to give us something to do out here - there are no other ents. All we can do is type nonsense on Pprune, which is usually negative, and gives us a bad, whinging image.
Those of you not in the 2Gp regime, don't listen to these old farts back home who thing they're doing us a favour by whinging on our behalf - they're not!
Toss Camp isn't that bad
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Trying to seperate the wheat from the chaff now, as the thread attracts the loquacious and opinionated. There are real Flight Safety issues here and there are real concerns. As I don't get my opportunity to visit Oman for another month I though I'd try something constructive while I have time on my hands. So, after a brief chat with AMTW I went knocking on the door marked 'FS1' and here is what I found out:
1. AMTW are interested in receiving anything about fatigue related incidents and any feedback about the conditions during the Ex or the Op would be gratefully received. They may be in a position to put some weight behind us if we send them relevant information.
2. The inspector of Flight Safety took very seriously the letter he received from the Canberra crew in theatre. There have been a number of Condors and HFORs received at IFS and they would welcome any more. The Inspector has also been briefed on this thread; he agrees that the situation is far from ideal.
3. The problems started becoming apparent during SSII and IFS started monitoring the situation. After a number of FS issues were raised inquiries were made into improving accommodation and facilities. But, as the tents were part of the exercise, there was little to be done. When the exercise effectively finished and the Op started the number of Condors and HFORs increased and IFS passed their concerns up the chain of command. Please remember that IFS can only advise; they have no real muscle or remit to intervene (so they're not 'being spineless').
4. The Inspector received a very well written letter that set out the situation in detail. He was so concerned about the FS implications that he had his team conduct a few inquiries. This thread then became part of the Inspector's brief. The Inspector, in turn, wrote to CAS, voicing his concern and copying CAS the Canberra letter (and parts of this thread).
5. CAS has written to PJHQ and they are now aware of the problems. It appears that, previous to this letter, PJHQ were only interested in getting aircraft into theatre and concentrating on the mission; they weren't aware of the problem.
6. So where does that leave us now? Well, PJHQ are reluctant to spend money, of course. But things will change and soon. Various solutions are being looked at, including HOTAC, local rented accommodation (as in Bahrain) or more tents, but better planned tents - further from the runway, 1 crew to 1 tent, a better infrastructure and generally like the old tent city of PSAB or the current one in Incirlik.
7. IFS are monitoring the situation closely and expect things to be done before Christmas; CAS has suggested to the Inspector that he will put greater pressure on PJHQ if things don't change soon.
8. As an aside, I also saw the TCAS in-service plans in writing. I was particularly interested to note that the money was allocated to the VC10 TCAS implementation in mid 1999. Anyway, expect to see the first TCAS fitted VC10 around June next year.
Finally, IFS are desperate for greater feedback from us all. They want information about Ops all over the world and are particularly interested in 833 radio problems. Also, even if it seems trivial that there are no FRCs on your aircraft, report it; at £25 a throw we can afford more.
1. AMTW are interested in receiving anything about fatigue related incidents and any feedback about the conditions during the Ex or the Op would be gratefully received. They may be in a position to put some weight behind us if we send them relevant information.
2. The inspector of Flight Safety took very seriously the letter he received from the Canberra crew in theatre. There have been a number of Condors and HFORs received at IFS and they would welcome any more. The Inspector has also been briefed on this thread; he agrees that the situation is far from ideal.
3. The problems started becoming apparent during SSII and IFS started monitoring the situation. After a number of FS issues were raised inquiries were made into improving accommodation and facilities. But, as the tents were part of the exercise, there was little to be done. When the exercise effectively finished and the Op started the number of Condors and HFORs increased and IFS passed their concerns up the chain of command. Please remember that IFS can only advise; they have no real muscle or remit to intervene (so they're not 'being spineless').
4. The Inspector received a very well written letter that set out the situation in detail. He was so concerned about the FS implications that he had his team conduct a few inquiries. This thread then became part of the Inspector's brief. The Inspector, in turn, wrote to CAS, voicing his concern and copying CAS the Canberra letter (and parts of this thread).
5. CAS has written to PJHQ and they are now aware of the problems. It appears that, previous to this letter, PJHQ were only interested in getting aircraft into theatre and concentrating on the mission; they weren't aware of the problem.
6. So where does that leave us now? Well, PJHQ are reluctant to spend money, of course. But things will change and soon. Various solutions are being looked at, including HOTAC, local rented accommodation (as in Bahrain) or more tents, but better planned tents - further from the runway, 1 crew to 1 tent, a better infrastructure and generally like the old tent city of PSAB or the current one in Incirlik.
7. IFS are monitoring the situation closely and expect things to be done before Christmas; CAS has suggested to the Inspector that he will put greater pressure on PJHQ if things don't change soon.
8. As an aside, I also saw the TCAS in-service plans in writing. I was particularly interested to note that the money was allocated to the VC10 TCAS implementation in mid 1999. Anyway, expect to see the first TCAS fitted VC10 around June next year.
Finally, IFS are desperate for greater feedback from us all. They want information about Ops all over the world and are particularly interested in 833 radio problems. Also, even if it seems trivial that there are no FRCs on your aircraft, report it; at £25 a throw we can afford more.
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Uncle G
When I was there a couple of weeks ago the issues certainly were noise and accomodation. Mixed crews, different crew duty shifts and lots of noise. If you're there long term then I imagine one might get "used" to it all. 48hr stopovers, on the other hand, are just pants. I'm just repeating old whinging now so I'll shut up.
Looking forward to New Year back in the tents tho'.......
D-IFF
Glad to hear things are being done. Pity we have to hear about it second hand through this particular medium.
When I was there a couple of weeks ago the issues certainly were noise and accomodation. Mixed crews, different crew duty shifts and lots of noise. If you're there long term then I imagine one might get "used" to it all. 48hr stopovers, on the other hand, are just pants. I'm just repeating old whinging now so I'll shut up.
Looking forward to New Year back in the tents tho'.......
D-IFF
Glad to hear things are being done. Pity we have to hear about it second hand through this particular medium.
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DIFF
I'd like to echo fat alberts comment and thank you for your comments. I have been aware of the said letter as I have been out there twice now. This is the first I have heard that things are being investigated, and again, it is a shame we have to hear it from this thread.
By the way, the second visit to tent city was worse than the first. The catering has gone down hill since contractorisation and the showers....well, I wouldn't put my dog in them!
Could I make one recommendation. For people who get some time off, a local hotac is making a 3 blat charge to make use of their facilities. Most people are using those to relax, have a swim and generally get sain again. Would it be possible for the RAF to pick up the tab for this as it is the little things in life that are making the difference out there. As you will see, there is no gym as such, and most find the gym and pool a good way to unwind and get some rest, which most resent paying for.
......Just a thought.
Can't wait to get out again!!! and already brought a new shower bag!!!
I'd like to echo fat alberts comment and thank you for your comments. I have been aware of the said letter as I have been out there twice now. This is the first I have heard that things are being investigated, and again, it is a shame we have to hear it from this thread.
By the way, the second visit to tent city was worse than the first. The catering has gone down hill since contractorisation and the showers....well, I wouldn't put my dog in them!
Could I make one recommendation. For people who get some time off, a local hotac is making a 3 blat charge to make use of their facilities. Most people are using those to relax, have a swim and generally get sain again. Would it be possible for the RAF to pick up the tab for this as it is the little things in life that are making the difference out there. As you will see, there is no gym as such, and most find the gym and pool a good way to unwind and get some rest, which most resent paying for.
......Just a thought.
Can't wait to get out again!!! and already brought a new shower bag!!!
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To be fair, IFS did mention that I could pass-on their position by any medium. I think they're right not to post on this medium themselves, but agree that it would have been nice to hear something through official channels. the author of the letter received a reply and was asked to keep IFS appraised of the situation and anyone else who wants to ask specific questions can find IFS in the phone book.
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I do agree with some of what's been said. It's not just a comfort thing, Flight Safety is an issue, even in time of conflict. The issue must be consistant though, not selective.
Seen it a number of times, the Crews getting pie eyed in the Hotac during in OOA, (GDC, Italy for one) within hours of flying. Where's the consistancy?
1st hand witness - seen it with my own blood shot eyes.
[ 07 December 2001: Message edited by: Ralf Wiggum ]
Seen it a number of times, the Crews getting pie eyed in the Hotac during in OOA, (GDC, Italy for one) within hours of flying. Where's the consistancy?
1st hand witness - seen it with my own blood shot eyes.
[ 07 December 2001: Message edited by: Ralf Wiggum ]
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To pick up on the point that PJHQ weren't aware of the problems before the IFS letter went in - what happened to all the Assessreps that I KNOW included an almost daily diatribe on the state and location of the tented accomodation?
Has someone been filtering out the things they thought people higher up didn't want to hear? Heaven forbid!
I spent seven weeks at Seeb on Veritas/Oracle, and had to sleep with earplugs in every night. Admittedly, the noise was at its worst during SSII (with seven VC-10s that can't help but be extremely loud) but what is frustrating is that nothing has changed, except for the catering....
I'm not aircrew, but fatigued ground crew or mission support staff can make mistakes that have equally catestrophic results as tired aviators.
Have a care, O illustrious leaders - we can only take so much of this.
To those on the Op - fly safe chaps.
CV
(Message sent from another piece of desert....)
Has someone been filtering out the things they thought people higher up didn't want to hear? Heaven forbid!
I spent seven weeks at Seeb on Veritas/Oracle, and had to sleep with earplugs in every night. Admittedly, the noise was at its worst during SSII (with seven VC-10s that can't help but be extremely loud) but what is frustrating is that nothing has changed, except for the catering....
I'm not aircrew, but fatigued ground crew or mission support staff can make mistakes that have equally catestrophic results as tired aviators.
Have a care, O illustrious leaders - we can only take so much of this.
To those on the Op - fly safe chaps.
CV
(Message sent from another piece of desert....)
lazy fairweather PPRuNer
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So, D-iff, the story so far as I see it:
People on the ground out there raise flight safety issues with IFS who by way of avoiding actually doing anything about it write a letter (brilliant!). This letter then goes to another abbreviated agency who instantly recognise the urgency of the situation and plough all there resourses into.................ordering an enquirey (great!). Just for good measure and to ensure all the bases are covered another letter is written this time to CAS (even more brilliant!). CAS in turn uses all the executive powers at his disposal to alleviate the problem by writing even more letters to other senior abbreviations.
The upshot of all this is there are a lot of letters circulating (and an ongoing enquiry 'cos they don't really believe it) stating how important it is to try and improve conditions ut in actual fact the net amount of extra resourses made available to the op is.......zero.
Me, cynical?
People on the ground out there raise flight safety issues with IFS who by way of avoiding actually doing anything about it write a letter (brilliant!). This letter then goes to another abbreviated agency who instantly recognise the urgency of the situation and plough all there resourses into.................ordering an enquirey (great!). Just for good measure and to ensure all the bases are covered another letter is written this time to CAS (even more brilliant!). CAS in turn uses all the executive powers at his disposal to alleviate the problem by writing even more letters to other senior abbreviations.
The upshot of all this is there are a lot of letters circulating (and an ongoing enquiry 'cos they don't really believe it) stating how important it is to try and improve conditions ut in actual fact the net amount of extra resourses made available to the op is.......zero.
Me, cynical?
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Whilst I must accept the comment that the "not out there" contributers do not know the exact situation, apart from expressing our sympathy as well as admiration of your operational success, I must make the point, which I believe most of us are, that we are in no way surprised by your problems. Why, because on almost every occasion when an out of theatre blow-up occurs the back-up fails to match the operational efficiency. Many will remember OC Admin at Ascension being more worried about white stones round his paths and guys wearing hats than anything else whilst we relied on our US and Saints friends for most everything. Perhaps it is just one more indication that aircrew are no longer looking after themselves and those that should provide the support do not have the same interest?
Inter Arma Enim Silentius Lex Legis
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Arty
And thus it came to pass "Front Line first" it was called. A marvellous plan, along the lines of the SDR. It makes sure that we can rush to different places in the world and then do the job, relying purely on the good will of the people to make up for years of shortfalls.
I am one of those who has submitted to IFS since SS2 and I do now accept that they may well have no muscle. What I cannot accept are the witch hunts going on at unit level to find out who has submitted condors etc
Brings the whole bally system in disrepute and I for one will not submit to IFS again. But know this CinC,if we have a fatigue related accident resulting in loss of life, then you and all the other poor leaders we seem to be stuck with, WILL be held accountable. Your days are numbered!!!!!!!!
"A volunteer is worth 10 pressed men. A single disgruntled employee can do more damage that a 1000 volunteers"
[ 07 December 2001: Message edited by: The Gorilla ]
[ 07 December 2001: Message edited by: The Gorilla ]
And thus it came to pass "Front Line first" it was called. A marvellous plan, along the lines of the SDR. It makes sure that we can rush to different places in the world and then do the job, relying purely on the good will of the people to make up for years of shortfalls.
I am one of those who has submitted to IFS since SS2 and I do now accept that they may well have no muscle. What I cannot accept are the witch hunts going on at unit level to find out who has submitted condors etc
Brings the whole bally system in disrepute and I for one will not submit to IFS again. But know this CinC,if we have a fatigue related accident resulting in loss of life, then you and all the other poor leaders we seem to be stuck with, WILL be held accountable. Your days are numbered!!!!!!!!
"A volunteer is worth 10 pressed men. A single disgruntled employee can do more damage that a 1000 volunteers"
[ 07 December 2001: Message edited by: The Gorilla ]
[ 07 December 2001: Message edited by: The Gorilla ]
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Which, TG, seems to have been the point of the original letter in the Telegraph.
The facts are now in the public domain so when an incident does happen (if?), there can be no "I didn't realise the conditions were that bad" denial from on high.
They're on a very sticky wicket keeping anyone who could have an impact on flight safety in such conditions when it's so unnecessary. This det will be with us for a long time so it needs to be sorted out before it's too late. At least now they have more to balance than the cost of a hull loss Vs the cost of hotac. If there's a nasty accident, and let's hope there's not, then you're probably right. Their days will be numbered.
Sadly this would seem to matter a great deal more to our airships than the duty of care they owe the men and women under their command.
The facts are now in the public domain so when an incident does happen (if?), there can be no "I didn't realise the conditions were that bad" denial from on high.
They're on a very sticky wicket keeping anyone who could have an impact on flight safety in such conditions when it's so unnecessary. This det will be with us for a long time so it needs to be sorted out before it's too late. At least now they have more to balance than the cost of a hull loss Vs the cost of hotac. If there's a nasty accident, and let's hope there's not, then you're probably right. Their days will be numbered.
Sadly this would seem to matter a great deal more to our airships than the duty of care they owe the men and women under their command.
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Well,Just got myself back from MCT only to find myself going again just after Xmas, ho hum, but all I would say to all those whingers, and you know who you are, is, get on with the Job, it's not all bad (Camels Hump??????), ahem, and it's only because we have got used to living in luxury evertime we go away, I remember a time....blah blah blah, no seriously guys and girls, get on with it, keep up the spirits, and carry on flying safe, roll on TCAS and "Green", see you all after Christmas, and all the best if you're stuck out there over the festive period
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One final push on the LOA issue, and then I will bale out until I get another bee in the bonnet. For those of you who didn't read my earlier missives, you are all losing, on average around £70 per week,tax free, in return for "quote", a substantial welfare package. This was achieved for Safe Surria? by some bluntie simply adding a sentence to the Op Order. Appart from the Gerri Halliwell concert did anyone welfare?
How good is your welfare package on Veritas.
The most valuable asset is your phone card: If you phone from a hotel in Oman it costs R1.45 (£2.90) per minute, however if we had access to standard Omantel lines it cost R 0.5 (£1) per minute. It gets better, if you have your loved ones register with Onetel, in UK, they can call you for 45p per minute. With a little forward planning, your "perk" is worth about £15 per week.
Then there is your 30 minutes free internet access per day. Last time I was ther, I had to queue at midnight. Anyway, I write my e-mails off line then transmit/ recieve for hotmail. I am on line for less than one minute, 2 or 3 times a week.
Then of course we have the "well equipped gymnasium" and the newspapers etc.
When we transit Akrotiri we have access to a real gymnasium, swimming pool, beaches, messes, restaurants, pubs, sports pitches for all sports, welfare and sports clubs with unlimited access to Sky. And we still get paid LOA.
Come on boys and girls, we are all being mugged. It is time to stop merely whinging. Make sure that your Flt and Sqn Cdrs are aware that you know. Then raise a stink with your MP. They will be delighted to make the Treasury sqirm, if they are "blue" and you will find them sympathetic, even if they are not.
How good is your welfare package on Veritas.
The most valuable asset is your phone card: If you phone from a hotel in Oman it costs R1.45 (£2.90) per minute, however if we had access to standard Omantel lines it cost R 0.5 (£1) per minute. It gets better, if you have your loved ones register with Onetel, in UK, they can call you for 45p per minute. With a little forward planning, your "perk" is worth about £15 per week.
Then there is your 30 minutes free internet access per day. Last time I was ther, I had to queue at midnight. Anyway, I write my e-mails off line then transmit/ recieve for hotmail. I am on line for less than one minute, 2 or 3 times a week.
Then of course we have the "well equipped gymnasium" and the newspapers etc.
When we transit Akrotiri we have access to a real gymnasium, swimming pool, beaches, messes, restaurants, pubs, sports pitches for all sports, welfare and sports clubs with unlimited access to Sky. And we still get paid LOA.
Come on boys and girls, we are all being mugged. It is time to stop merely whinging. Make sure that your Flt and Sqn Cdrs are aware that you know. Then raise a stink with your MP. They will be delighted to make the Treasury sqirm, if they are "blue" and you will find them sympathetic, even if they are not.