RAFFT:- Goalpost change.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: The Whyte House
Age: 95
Posts: 1,966
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I cleared, including a chat with the boss and my last 6 months getting paid, wearing scruffy jeans, t-shirt and a goatee.
Mind you, that's how I used to be down route too. Always got some odd looks popping in to work on my second post-route stand-down day sporting* a bushy beard.
* about the closest I got to committing sport whilst working in the raf.
Coffee? Yeah, riiiiiiiiighhht.
Actually I wish I'd tried that with the entire room in my last mess accommodation.
Mind you, that's how I used to be down route too. Always got some odd looks popping in to work on my second post-route stand-down day sporting* a bushy beard.
* about the closest I got to committing sport whilst working in the raf.
I simply circled the huge great coffee stain and signed it...
Actually I wish I'd tried that with the entire room in my last mess accommodation.
Last edited by Willard Whyte; 7th Aug 2012 at 22:30.
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Somewhere nice overseas.
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just realised I didn't clear at all from my last unit. Haven't had any issues, got everything I need at the new place....... Med records, clothing records etc have all found me.
Honestly didn't cross my mind for some reason, I've only realised when reading this. I can't be alone.
Honestly didn't cross my mind for some reason, I've only realised when reading this. I can't be alone.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Well, Lincolnshire
Age: 69
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I signed 70% of my Clearance Chit myself at one unit prior to Commissioning.. (Couldn't see the point in wandering around sections I'd never heard of or visited.)
Came a wee bit unstuck by a phone call from my old unit, some months later, telling me my name had been promulgated in their SRO's and that I was required to do Ord Cpl. Whoops.
Came a wee bit unstuck by a phone call from my old unit, some months later, telling me my name had been promulgated in their SRO's and that I was required to do Ord Cpl. Whoops.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Yes, I could reach the appropriate time but not without being out of breath and having stiff muscles for a day or too.
Our objection then, and what was true until recently, was the lack of time to exercise. It was all very good to say we should have exercised in our own time but when you considered our duty week with sims begining as early as 0600 or ending 2200 not to mention flying 9 hour sorties round the clock, our scope for exercise during the day was strictly limited. Off duty many of us had additional duties such as wife, kids, dogs, gardening, shopping etc as few had two cars.
Now at least the system actively supports PEd training (I think
).
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Somewhere flat
Age: 68
Posts: 5,563
Likes: 0
Received 45 Likes
on
30 Posts
Our objection then, and what was true until recently, was the lack of time to
exercise
exercise
That said, we managed to get 3 or 4 of the guys qualified to run circuits and spinning sessions which we did once per week with a regular gym booking. (Officers to the front of course). However, when we were taken over by the CS run project team there was disapproval about this non-productive activity and it took some persuasion to get the civvy bosses to allow us to continue.
That said, these weekly sessions helped the officers to get to know the troops much better and were instrumental in getting me, as a 54 year old with a bad back/knees etc, through my final bike test.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Angleterre
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Scuttled: Check PM
For other OOA guys, here is the reference should you need it:
IBN Serial No: 27/12
Source: 22 (Trg) Gp ACOS Trg
Date: 1 Aug 12 Released by: M&C
N.B. Policy from 1 Sep 12
THE RAF FITNESS TEST EXEMPTIONS
Or go to the MoD website click 'RAF' hyperlink and look at the drop down list on the right.
For other OOA guys, here is the reference should you need it:
IBN Serial No: 27/12
Source: 22 (Trg) Gp ACOS Trg
Date: 1 Aug 12 Released by: M&C
N.B. Policy from 1 Sep 12
THE RAF FITNESS TEST EXEMPTIONS
Or go to the MoD website click 'RAF' hyperlink and look at the drop down list on the right.
I was at a front line unit a few years ago where the Staish mandated 2 hrs of exercise per week for everyone . When he got a lot of complaints that it would affect output he said, 'Fine, tell me by how much and I'll give you top cover by accepting that reduction' - and he meant it.
The complaints dried up after that...
The complaints dried up after that...
I've turned 50 and continue to do my fitness test (and pass it), even though I am in the 'back of beyond'. A WO recently visited my location - bulging over his belt of his CS95, sweating and generally looking like a sack of sh!t. I suspect he would never pass a fitness test and was, frankly, a disgrace in uniform. I'm sure he is a good technician but I would not want him on my team on ops. The fitness test, unfortunately, hasn't winnowed characters like that out, but I wished it had!
Cue incomiong assaults about whippets dropping like flies on ops....etc etc....
Cue incomiong assaults about whippets dropping like flies on ops....etc etc....
The RAFFT really, really frustrates me. I'd like someone, somewhere to provide the empirical evidence of the problems that existed prior to the RAFFT that have subsequently been reduced as a result of it's introduction. People will say that it helps on Ops, and perhaps it does, but what did we do beforehand? There was no RAFFT, no Heat Acclimitisation Training and we still got the job done well. It appears to me that the PEd Branch & Trade have created this empire to justify their own existence given that there is no other reason to retain the Branch/Trade (PJIs should go to the Army, RIs to the TG15 (Medical) and ATIs could be replaced by civilians as could the unqualified club swingers in the gym). The RAFFT has become a self-licking lollypop that has done nothing to improve performance on Ops as far as I can see. For the record, I have never failed the RAFFT and have regularly deployed to hot/dusty areas of the ME (For example I was on the first plane into Kuwait in 98 to set up AAS - 2 days notice, little of the correct kit, no HAT, no RAFFT and the job was still done). The RAFFT is a total waste of time, effort, and money.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
A little bit of deviation and repetition.
Believe it or not but the modern RAFFT mania can be traced back to the London-Paris Air Race of 1959. The race was won by Sqn Ldr Charles Maughan. As part of his pre-race fitness regime he was reputed to jump from his 1st floor quarter bedroom before exercising on the lawn.
He was smitten with the RCAF 5xX fitness plan and tried unsuccessfully when he was OC IX Sqn to introduce the plan to the whole Bomber Wing at Coningsby in 1964. This scheme was thwarted by a cunning flt lt who intercepted the parcel of 5xX plans.
Later, the CMO at Strike Command produced an article Fit to Survive[/I][/I]. Maughan, now an air officer, seized the opportunity and used this as the reason for introducing the 1.5 mile run on a quarterly basis but still only for aircrew. It was unpopular as a number of highly trained aircrew became temporarily indisposed through injury and I think at least one died. The scheme was quietly shelved when Maughan was posted.
The mid-80s then saw a short lived revival but now involving everyone up to the rank of sqn ldr; nothing like leadership. So the tests went on in fits and starts but no real enthusiasm and a general reluctance to provide or improve facilties, especially changing rooms and lockers. A number of units provided non-public fitness suites which were generally much better equipped and attended than the public ones.
Most guys are happy to get fit if given the right conditions.
Believe it or not but the modern RAFFT mania can be traced back to the London-Paris Air Race of 1959. The race was won by Sqn Ldr Charles Maughan. As part of his pre-race fitness regime he was reputed to jump from his 1st floor quarter bedroom before exercising on the lawn.
He was smitten with the RCAF 5xX fitness plan and tried unsuccessfully when he was OC IX Sqn to introduce the plan to the whole Bomber Wing at Coningsby in 1964. This scheme was thwarted by a cunning flt lt who intercepted the parcel of 5xX plans.
Later, the CMO at Strike Command produced an article Fit to Survive[/I][/I]. Maughan, now an air officer, seized the opportunity and used this as the reason for introducing the 1.5 mile run on a quarterly basis but still only for aircrew. It was unpopular as a number of highly trained aircrew became temporarily indisposed through injury and I think at least one died. The scheme was quietly shelved when Maughan was posted.
The mid-80s then saw a short lived revival but now involving everyone up to the rank of sqn ldr; nothing like leadership. So the tests went on in fits and starts but no real enthusiasm and a general reluctance to provide or improve facilties, especially changing rooms and lockers. A number of units provided non-public fitness suites which were generally much better equipped and attended than the public ones.
Most guys are happy to get fit if given the right conditions.
I liked the wartime quote from an Aussie in the bar at some OM, somewhat peeved at a jockstrapper's rants about fitness training:
"If yer want to get yerself fit, blue, get yerself a heavier glass!"
Isn't it still mandatory for the over-50s (assuming they're not in the middle of nowhere)?
"If yer want to get yerself fit, blue, get yerself a heavier glass!"
I've turned 50 and continue to do my fitness test (and pass it), even though I am in the 'back of beyond'.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Exiled in England
Age: 48
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah, I thought it was time for the next instalment of beep test woes.....
If there could be a better way or one more geared to peoples needs it would be nice - it is a bit of a farce - however, a fitter service is a better service.
I say this as a now 18 stone fat git with a high stress job and ZERO time to exercise at work. take advantage of your narcissistic gym queens to get yourselves fit, keep yourselves fit and put up with the 6 monthly faff about....
here's another aspect to think of, the fitter you are the better your performance in bed with the missus! - so just think of how good you could be.
and I'm so depressed about my shape I am about to spend money on a new treader to cycle to work. I wish I had a gym free, for the use of, where either I worked or outside my house.
Stop your bleating and get on with it. You have to wear a unifrom don't you?
If there could be a better way or one more geared to peoples needs it would be nice - it is a bit of a farce - however, a fitter service is a better service.
I say this as a now 18 stone fat git with a high stress job and ZERO time to exercise at work. take advantage of your narcissistic gym queens to get yourselves fit, keep yourselves fit and put up with the 6 monthly faff about....
here's another aspect to think of, the fitter you are the better your performance in bed with the missus! - so just think of how good you could be.
and I'm so depressed about my shape I am about to spend money on a new treader to cycle to work. I wish I had a gym free, for the use of, where either I worked or outside my house.
Stop your bleating and get on with it. You have to wear a unifrom don't you?
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Germany
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
here's another aspect to think of, the fitter you are the better your performance in bed with the missus! - so just think of how good you could be.
It's not the size of the nail it's, the hammer you drive it in with. Well, thats what John Prescott told me and I am sticking by it.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 32,962
Received 2,859 Likes
on
1,226 Posts
But his answer to fitness was bulimia
It's not the size of the nail it's, the hammer you drive it in with. Well, thats what John Prescott told me and I am sticking by it.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Angleterre
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
- I am getting feedback that the information is difficult to find. When a Dii PC is started, it defaults to the MoD homepage. On this page there are hyperlinks and one one the right side is 'RAF'. Once clicked you will be taken to the RAF MoD webpage and the IBN hyperlink pertinent to IBN Serial No: 27/12 Source: 22 (Trg) Gp ACOS Trg Date: 1 Aug 12 Released by: M&C is to be seen on the right side.
- Some units now have the information on scrolling news.
- N.B. Policy from 1 Sep 12, MAA initiated prior to this will be carried over even though the goalposts have changed. Methinks that an immediate implimention and slate clean would have been a more pragmatic method of introduction to Policy change. For MAA initiated on 31 Aug 12 must surely be contentious and ripe for redress if a career is in jepardy.
Last edited by Yozzer; 9th Aug 2012 at 05:55. Reason: spulling
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: God's own county
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do the fitness test. Be proud that we have started to take fitness seriously. If you don't like it, you have no place in this air force. The old "I have done x dets overseas" just doesn't wash, there are far too many fitter people ready to take your shoes. No-one is indispensable.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Angleterre
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Few people will argue with that but the thread is based on imformation being implimented and poorly distributed to the troops. The wider issue of the merits of RAFFT are wide open to criticism when massively overweight oxygen thieves pop down to the doc and get an immunity chit. Especially when they then enjoy a stable existence in one location free of Op Tours to see out their days. The comments about PTI trade protection will have a degree of integrity to them and if I were a Senior PEdO I would be doing exactly that. It is always an immotive subject and the currency checklist to remain available for OOA is particular is nauseous and when individuals get to the point that Afgh may as well be a job share, the last thing you need is earache from blunties chasing statistics. Without prejudice, it is fair to say that the bleep test breaks knees and either the Rockport walk for all or a faster (time only) version of the same based on a track would be far better received by all.