Thinking to Win
Not much of this "thinking" guff in '82 either. "Launch the wing and kill the bad guys" seemed to work. And yes, we did more with c*ck all - 21v180 springs to mind.
Flexibility, as I recall, is the key to air power and the key to flexibility is lack of forward planning. You can tell that I never did staff college.
Flexibility, as I recall, is the key to air power and the key to flexibility is lack of forward planning. You can tell that I never did staff college.
Just what is this utter 'Thinking to Win' bolleaux supposed to mean?
And why the current enthusiasm for these silly motivational 'vision' phrases, such as 'Agile, Adaptable, Capable' and 'Thinking to Win'? It'll be 'Strength through Joy' and 'Arbeit macht Frei' next....
So glad I never rose above the rank of Sqn Ldr Spec Aircrew as I escaped all such cr@p.
And why the current enthusiasm for these silly motivational 'vision' phrases, such as 'Agile, Adaptable, Capable' and 'Thinking to Win'? It'll be 'Strength through Joy' and 'Arbeit macht Frei' next....
So glad I never rose above the rank of Sqn Ldr Spec Aircrew as I escaped all such cr@p.
In the US, this is how some field grade officers rise to flag rank. We throw in a reorganization once in awhile, too, that helps. Colorful PowerPoint slides especially with animation help too. Keeps most everyone's minds off the substance. A big wave of this historically appears when we are at relative peacetime and no one needs warriors running things. When the balloon goes up, though, it becomes apparent that PowerPoint has little military value, warriors, who have no time for it or other politically correct claptrap, come out of the woodwork and we get on with it.
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,812
Received 137 Likes
on
64 Posts
I guess it's nice for us 'older persons' who have escaped from the system. Our leaders used to speak English, instead of 'Management Scribble'. The curse of the MBA strikes again?
I just hope that today's generation can make some sense of what CAS is talking about. I am, sadly, not optimistic. I'm saddened that this gibberish, along with all the cretinous new civvy-style job titles, is imposed on the guys/gals today.
"What do think of the show so far, chaps?"
"Bolleaux!"
I just hope that today's generation can make some sense of what CAS is talking about. I am, sadly, not optimistic. I'm saddened that this gibberish, along with all the cretinous new civvy-style job titles, is imposed on the guys/gals today.
"What do think of the show so far, chaps?"
"Bolleaux!"
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: England's green and pleasant land
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's encouraging innovation within the RAF. I fail to see the problem with that? Or is it the "way" that it's being encouraged that you old cantankerous codgers detest? Plus ça change! Don't worry though ye Dinosaurs! When the job needs doing, it'll once again be done with all the grit, determination and hallmarks of past heroics that you vaguely recall after 18 whiskies. It'll just be done smarter.
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,812
Received 137 Likes
on
64 Posts
I'm still trying to work out the Logo ... and struggling !
Has anyone emailed CAS to say we think it's cr@p?
>>> bottom of the slide show
CAS-AS CC [email protected]
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Sussex UK
Age: 66
Posts: 6,995
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
The RAS has had a crack at 'decoding' T2W
RAS : RAF T2W a New Leadership Strategy
Thanks MPN11
I thought more along the lines of an 'impressionist' interpretation of 'Young Boy Flying Ballon'
RAS : RAF T2W a New Leadership Strategy
Thanks MPN11
I thought more along the lines of an 'impressionist' interpretation of 'Young Boy Flying Ballon'
To take T2W seriously for a brief moment (limited by my attention span) it seems that they are seeking out of the box thinking since they expect to employ some novel 21st century technology. Wouldn't wargaming be a good way to assess the possibilities of new capabilities? It can be helpful for highlighting strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. No guarantees, obviously, but maybe better than just scratching one's head.
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: England's green and pleasant land
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GlobalNav. T2W is a way (not the only way) to encourage a culture of innovative thinking by all. It is akin to the old but true mantra of, "Flight Safety is everyone's responsibility!", which was aimed at encouraging wider involvement and responsibility towards the air safety culture. To think of it as a solution or tool (a wargame) is to miss the point IMHO.
MSOCS Thank you for clarifying that, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I was clearly too optimistic and humbly withdraw my suggestion. Clicking on PowerPoint.
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Maine USA
Age: 82
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We had something similar in USAF circa 1970 called, IIRC, the 'Creative Officer Program'. The object of the program seemed to be to have a program with that name, and it eventually faded away.
I'm sure this will get a stiff ignoring by all, well apart from those 'yes sir', 'that's a great idea sir' types. CAS needs to realise everyone's a little busy, he does know the RAF is in the middle of a manning crisis doesn't he?
Thought police antagonist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Where I always have been...firmly in the real world
Posts: 1,373
Received 118 Likes
on
85 Posts
"is intended to create a culture of innovation within the Whole Force and to applaud and encourage the thinking power and opinions from all individuals."
There is but one small flaw within the above.......the bit about offering an opinion which may be well be different to that of the recipient.....it can, and usually does, get a shade problematic thereafter.
It's always concerning however, when, senior management be they military or civilian decide to produce such presentations, because you have to wonder if there is more to come......and why.
However, you should be grateful for the omission of a recently viewed, and similar in content, proclamation to the masses ....
"Our centre of gravity is"......I kid you not.
There is but one small flaw within the above.......the bit about offering an opinion which may be well be different to that of the recipient.....it can, and usually does, get a shade problematic thereafter.
It's always concerning however, when, senior management be they military or civilian decide to produce such presentations, because you have to wonder if there is more to come......and why.
However, you should be grateful for the omission of a recently viewed, and similar in content, proclamation to the masses ....
"Our centre of gravity is"......I kid you not.
Even if 'Thinking to Win' is considered to be A Good Thing, it loses all credibility by being shrouded in the management wanqueword bolleaux which is so utterly despised by normal, sane folk.
Perhaps the PowerPoint should have included subtitles for normal readers?
Perhaps the PowerPoint should have included subtitles for normal readers?