What's good about the RAF at the moment?
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What's good about the RAF at the moment?
At a time when the service is taking a bashing for all sorts of things and from all directions, could I ask those that are left in, 'What's good aboutr the RAF at the moment?' - assuming of course that there MUST be something good...surely?
Winco
Winco
Flying. Without a doubt. Couldn't do something with as much fun, and be paid for it, elsewhere.
The people. Read post 2 on the Remembrance Day 2009 thread. It may say soldier but it could equally be airman. You do not, and can not, get such unswerving loyalty anywhere in 'the outside world'. It may not seem it at times but the enemy are not the staff officers at High Wycombe / Main Building etc.
The fact that, finally, many of our leaders (even at 2*/3*) are experienced in the modern way of conducting warfare. Sure we might still be a bit top heavy (and the new CAS has less (proper) medals than most junior airmen) but we have people in place who are still in touch with the front line and are not cold war warriors stuck in the past. More importantly, the good guys seem to be getting put into places of influence.
Yes, there are things that are bad, frustrating and can get on your t1ts. But if it was that bad why hasn't every one walked with their feet and why is recruiting so buoyant (well, up until it was stopped that is
). And its not because of the economy - the jobs are there if you look hard enough.
What would make it even better - more money for where its needed (rather than robbed from Peter to pay Paul) and less in-Service and inter-Service fighting (from which only the government can gain from). And less armchair Air-Marshals!
PS - don't tar the whole Service because of the behaviour of, at most, half a dozen individuals. The H-C report has clearly stated where the 'buck' stopped. The Catterick crash inquest has also made it quite clear, albeit without saying so in so many words, where the finger of blame should be pointed.
The people. Read post 2 on the Remembrance Day 2009 thread. It may say soldier but it could equally be airman. You do not, and can not, get such unswerving loyalty anywhere in 'the outside world'. It may not seem it at times but the enemy are not the staff officers at High Wycombe / Main Building etc.
The fact that, finally, many of our leaders (even at 2*/3*) are experienced in the modern way of conducting warfare. Sure we might still be a bit top heavy (and the new CAS has less (proper) medals than most junior airmen) but we have people in place who are still in touch with the front line and are not cold war warriors stuck in the past. More importantly, the good guys seem to be getting put into places of influence.
Yes, there are things that are bad, frustrating and can get on your t1ts. But if it was that bad why hasn't every one walked with their feet and why is recruiting so buoyant (well, up until it was stopped that is
). And its not because of the economy - the jobs are there if you look hard enough.What would make it even better - more money for where its needed (rather than robbed from Peter to pay Paul) and less in-Service and inter-Service fighting (from which only the government can gain from). And less armchair Air-Marshals!
PS - don't tar the whole Service because of the behaviour of, at most, half a dozen individuals. The H-C report has clearly stated where the 'buck' stopped. The Catterick crash inquest has also made it quite clear, albeit without saying so in so many words, where the finger of blame should be pointed.
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Wrathmonk
I've read the post you refer to and it's good to have it confirmed by you that this has not changed. You're own post is also a boost having read so much doom and gloom elsewhere
The people. Read post 2 on the Remembrance Day 2009 thread. It may say soldier but it could equally be airman. You do not, and can not, get such unswerving loyalty anywhere in 'the outside world'.
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The opportunity to see the world from a completely different perspective.
Working with people who are prepared to dig in to the reserves and go that bit further when the chips are down and the conditions are pretty grim.
The top level banter.
Working with people who are prepared to dig in to the reserves and go that bit further when the chips are down and the conditions are pretty grim.
The top level banter.
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Well,
All my family have been in it,.... one died whilst fighting in it,
they have some deeds behind them that many mere mortals will never, ever again be able to emulate.... They saved Gt Britain when the rest had given us up,... they frightened the crap out of many bad guys, .. and are admired all over the World for many reasons.
If thats not enough, then we should all be better leaving our Jobs when Comrade Brown and co leave theirs next May or June!!
Chest out, Shoulders back, face up to change ............or walk!!
Peter R-B
All my family have been in it,.... one died whilst fighting in it,
they have some deeds behind them that many mere mortals will never, ever again be able to emulate.... They saved Gt Britain when the rest had given us up,... they frightened the crap out of many bad guys, .. and are admired all over the World for many reasons.
If thats not enough, then we should all be better leaving our Jobs when Comrade Brown and co leave theirs next May or June!!
Chest out, Shoulders back, face up to change ............or walk!!
Peter R-B
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The Banter
There is no where better in the world for banter - ! it just does not get any better! Never did figure out why aircrew wear blue jumpers with wings when its 85 degrees outside....?
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The same things as ever
There will always be those of us who say that things have changed and that it's not as good now as it was in the good old days. The fact is that Her Majesty's Royal Air Force is still be best in the world and has given us all the best years of our lives. At least we had the chance to do the things we did and have that to look back on. I can't see you getting all emotional about Per Ardua ad Tesco.
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There are many more good things about the RAF than you realise when you're serving. It's only when you leave and work in civvy street that you fully understand what these are
