First Joint Graduation at RAFC Cranwell

[Treble one]

I believe WO's in the Army are comissioned as Captains (not Majors).

[Stitchbitch]

Originally Posted by Treble one

I believe WO's in the Army are comissioned as Captains (not Majors).

I believe you’re right, thank you.

[gr4techie]

Originally Posted by BEagle

newt wrote:

And at Leeming, Linton-on-Ouse and Syerston even in my first year at RAFC...

What's at RAFC Cranwell these days? A few Ford Prefects and 3 Phenoms?

I remember Finningley being very busy too

[muppetofthenorth]

Originally Posted by lsh

It would be good if they could continue with this; I am sure it is beneficial to all to "start out" together.

lsh

Do the timings work out for that, though? Halton kicks out every few weeks (there's an intake I think once every 3 weeks at present?), but Cranwell is only once every 9 (?) at the moment, iirc.

[Toadstool]

Originally Posted by BEagle

newt wrote:

And at Leeming, Linton-on-Ouse and Syerston even in my first year at RAFC...

What's at RAFC Cranwell these days? A few Ford Prefects and 3 Phenoms?

News flash. The RAF of today is very different to the RAF of yesteryear. The world has changed and numerous defence reviews and cost cutting has drastically reduced the size of the RAF. You may have seen this in the news. That said, since I've been in the RAF, it has been involved in constant operations, much of which has been the delivery of kinetic effects. Many of the aircrew that I have served with have flown over territory with the constant threat of enemy fire or are now flying in areas where the SAM threat is real. Look at the news today regarding the RAF's role in Op shader.

By all means lament the state of the RAF today and the paucity of assets. In fact, perhaps we need a nostalgia thread "the RAF is rubbish today and was better when I was in because...." but the RAF of today is remarkably different and much busier operationally than the RAF from the late 70s and 80s.

[beardy]

Bravo Toadstool!

So much on here should be under Nostalgia.

[The Nip]

Originally Posted by muppetofthenorth

Do the timings work out for that, though? Halton kicks out every few weeks (there's an intake I think once every 3 weeks at present?), but Cranwell is only once every 9 (?) at the moment, iirc.

There is a school of thought that certain aspects of basic training, drill, GSK, IFPT, should be combined. Then once this is completed, the two rank streams separate to carry on with their own training. Pass out parades would need to be synchronized.

[muppetofthenorth]

Originally Posted by The Nip

There is a school of thought that certain aspects of basic training, drill, GSK, IFPT, should be combined. Then once this is completed, the two rank streams separate to carry on with their own training. Pass out parades would need to be synchronized.

Ah, interesting. Thanks.

[BEagle]

Notwithstanding your rant, Toadstool, what aircraft actually are there at RAFC these days?

Incidentally, you probably have no idea about the potential 'kinetic effects' many of us were facing not that long ago - but we don't find the need to brag about it, generally...

[Toadstool]

Originally Posted by BEagle

Notwithstanding your rant, Toadstool, what aircraft actually are there at RAFC these days?

Incidentally, you probably have no idea about the potential 'kinetic effects' many of us were facing not that long ago - but we don't find the need to brag about it, generally...

Oh, I probably do. Given the number of posts about your career on this forum, it seems that you're not too shy about bragging, so come on, do tell.

[BEagle]

Toadstool, thank you for your post, the contents of which are noted...and will be ignored.

[Bill Macgillivray]

Toadstool,

I think you are correct and well said! We do get a bit nostalgic ( mid-50's to 80's in my case) so give us a bit of lee-way but, please keep up the great work and here's to the next 100 years!! Still the best Air Force by quite a bit!!

Bill

[Dutystude]

Well said toadstool

[Doctor Cruces]

Originally Posted by BEagle

newt wrote:

And at Leeming, Linton-on-Ouse and Syerston even in my first year at RAFC...

What's at RAFC Cranwell these days? A few Ford Prefects and 3 Phenoms?

I remember we had so many aircraft at Leeming there was not room on the ASP for all of them and one of the supernumary officers in Ops had to devise a phased flying plan. First wave towed out and get in the air, second wave ditto. First wave recover whilst second in the air and so on til bed time when they were put to bed in the same order they were brought out. IIRC we had Jetstreams, JPs, Bulldogs and Chipmunks and RLGs at Dishforth and Topcliffe where RNEFTS decamped every day.
.

[newt]

Maybe we need a forum just for the children on here! Talk about Teddy Bears out of the cot! We all know the RAF is doing a splendid job operationally! And long may that continue! You may have a problem with us Old Duffers Toadstool, but you cannot deny we developed and practiced many of the tactics used even today! We fully support the RAF in its hundredth year and should be allowed a bit of nostalgia without any backlash from the younger generation!

Now retired to the bunker with my tin hat on and a nice glass of beer!

[BEagle]

Well said toadstool newt !

I'll even forgive you for some of the Bucc* simulator debriefs you gave me. Not that I didn't deserve them though.

*Youngsters may need to consult Google to find out what a 'Bucc' was.....

[Bob Viking]

BEagle and Newt

I think I speak for everyone when I say we all have the utmost respect for those that came before us. We understand your contributions and I, for one, would never try to throw spears at the Cold War generation. We all play the hand we’ve been dealt.

I don’t believe I have ever made a meaningful contribution to the defence of my nation in my 19+ years and I’m happy to take sh1t for it. It wasn’t of my choosing but as I said, you play the hand you’ve been dealt.

However, you should not consider yourselves immune from criticism. Simply stating you are ignoring someone is the same as putting your fingers in your ears and loudly shouting “la la la la la”. Not very grown up or constructive.

Danny42C is probably the most respected man on this forum and he will gladly admit when he is wrong and accept that his Air Force was a very different beast to my Air Force.

If Danny can do it, then maybe others could try a little harder?

It doesn’t matter who you are. You have to earn respect.

Obviously I shall now don my own tin hat and standby for incoming.

BV

[NutLoose]

Did they stay on for the fireworks?

https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/n...ut-a17-2091484

[Training Risky]

Originally Posted by Melchett01

I’m assuming from the photos it was a former AAC Pilot with the PFB and medals in amongst the graduating officers. If correct and he has come across from the AAC, how does that work his wearing an RAF flying badge if he has passed an Army course of instruction?

Hey Melch. Many of the Army and Navy pilots that I have known to come over to the RAF have often chosen to wear the RAF flying badge after they have swapped uniforms. There is something in QRs about 'if qualified for a different Service flying badge, then the wearer can elect to wear the relevant badge to his current duties...' or something like that. It's been a while since I was in!

Oh, and implying that the current fleet of this sorely-depleted RAF of about 3 front-line sqns is busier, more operationally-focused and delivering more kinetic effect than ever is both disingenuous and insulting to the Op BANNER/REFORGER/TELIC/HERRICK generation. Youngsters eh?!

[BVRAAM]

Originally Posted by Bob Viking

I don’t believe I have ever made a meaningful contribution to the defence of my nation in my 19+ years

I wholeheartedly disagree. Everybody who serves makes a meaningful contribution to the defence of this nation; it's all tiny pieces that fit in to a very big puzzle. Be proud of your achievements, Sir.