A 21st Century MEAF?
A 21st Century MEAF?
From today's Torygraph website:
Originally Posted by Con Coughlin
If a deal can be agreed – and detailed negotiations have been under way for more than a year – then the six states (Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait) would sign a multi-billion-pound contract to buy Typhoons and military equipment. In return, those countries would like to see Britain strengthen its military ties, with a permanent garrison of troops and an RAF combat squadron stationed in the Gulf.
Last edited by hoodie; 8th Aug 2013 at 20:23.
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Sounds very like the set up posture we all adopted for GW1. At least it would give our servicemen somewhere to serve outside of the UK.
Smudge
Smudge
What about 4 Squadron?
Althenick, my chums in the Typhoon world tell me that retention's already nose diving... it can't nose dive further than it already is, so they may as well base a squadron in Saudi!
A 21st Century MEAF?
The big problem with having a ME based Sqn is how to persuade a bloke to fly Typhoon for the RAF when he could do the same job for BAE and earn a fortune.
The only way it'll work is if it is in a highly desirable location to offset the pay.
So lets all standby for a Sqn based at Some isolated desert poophole then shall we?!
BV
The only way it'll work is if it is in a highly desirable location to offset the pay.
So lets all standby for a Sqn based at Some isolated desert poophole then shall we?!
BV
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The big problem with having a ME based Sqn is how to persuade a bloke to fly Typhoon for the RAF when he could do the same job for BAE and earn a fortune.
The only way it'll work is if it is in a highly desirable location to offset the pay.
So lets all standby for a Sqn based at Some isolated desert poophole then shall we?!
BV
The only way it'll work is if it is in a highly desirable location to offset the pay.
So lets all standby for a Sqn based at Some isolated desert poophole then shall we?!
BV
Gentleman Aviator
as a "home" posting for 2-3 years.....
And a UK postal strike if you're really lucky!
An' yer tell that to t' young folk o' today ...... an' they'll not believe yer!!
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Looks like someone in the higher ups looking for an expeditionary role post Afghanistan. Otherwise, with the exception of those embarked in the QE Class there will be little reason for the RAF to depart these shores.
Pin out, standing back!
Pin out, standing back!
Looking at the Sqn history, 28 has spent most of its time overseas either in the Middle or Far East. They'd no doubt feel quite at home.
As for where, my Qatar, Bahrain or Kenya would seem to tie in with our existing footprints and strategic interests (appreciating that Kenya is probably a bit further away than the UAE would like!)
As for where, my Qatar, Bahrain or Kenya would seem to tie in with our existing footprints and strategic interests (appreciating that Kenya is probably a bit further away than the UAE would like!)
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
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Excuse me.
208.
What about 4 Squadron?
the previous CDS was thinking along similar lines with the concept of a 'regional Bde' - one of the Army's Multi-Role Bde's being permanenttly home based out there.
Saudi wasn't the destination of choice, but Barhain or Qatar were considered runners.
without wishing to ebark on a round of Crab-bashing, if RAF Typhoon pilots would leave so they could do the 'same job' with BA for more money, then i'd suggest that the RAF is recruiting the wrong people to fly its fast jets...
Saudi wasn't the destination of choice, but Barhain or Qatar were considered runners.
without wishing to ebark on a round of Crab-bashing, if RAF Typhoon pilots would leave so they could do the 'same job' with BA for more money, then i'd suggest that the RAF is recruiting the wrong people to fly its fast jets...
cokecan,
You're right up to a point, but it's not just about recruiting and getting people in the door. It's also about retaining and the factors that attract a young and eager 19/20 year old are often 180 degrees out from those that will retain that same individual 20 years down the line when family and stability considerations come to the fore.
Making an assumption that you are Army, it's not that dissimilar to the guys leaving the service and going on to the Circuit - changed personal circumstances and market forces.
You're right up to a point, but it's not just about recruiting and getting people in the door. It's also about retaining and the factors that attract a young and eager 19/20 year old are often 180 degrees out from those that will retain that same individual 20 years down the line when family and stability considerations come to the fore.
Making an assumption that you are Army, it's not that dissimilar to the guys leaving the service and going on to the Circuit - changed personal circumstances and market forces.
Last edited by Melchett01; 9th Aug 2013 at 13:25.