TOP GUN : Inside the RAF (where did it go?)
Indeed it is. The modern day SWO is any trade and has been since the GD trade was disbanded in the mid nineties. The tail fin of Jaguar XZ367. Taken from Coltishall on the 13th of June 2006 from Coltishall to 6 Sqns new home at Coningsby. To finish that evening, the rest of the senior NCOs of 6 took me out to celebrate my 40th birthday. To see the new JPs on my old lot. I can name all of them from my time and a few of them ended up as OCs up in Moray. Oh, the tin opener on all the sqn gear. That shape penned on a laptop I once owned. The programme has me pointing out my first tour haunts to the missus. Brilliant.
Thread Starter
A thoroughly enjoyable episode.
Only question it raises for me is why we subject the troops to coach travel to Brize.
Do we not have an effective transport fleet that could do the task in a fraction of the time?
We deployed to Bardufoss and a Herc came to Colt to pick us up, we didn't trog half way across the country to get to Lyneham.
Only question it raises for me is why we subject the troops to coach travel to Brize.
Do we not have an effective transport fleet that could do the task in a fraction of the time?
We deployed to Bardufoss and a Herc came to Colt to pick us up, we didn't trog half way across the country to get to Lyneham.
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A good episode however, a Royal Air Force Squadron Leader ruler writing? Why was he impinging on the bailiwick of the SNCO? I am penning my letter to CASWO just as soon as I can locate my ceremonial (only for V V Important Letters) 12" steel rule.

If I may be allowed an observation or two, what is the seeming obssession among mostly Junior ranks to have designer trimmed beards, which typically goes with a shaven head? Admittedly, it just seems to be the beard which is popular now with the RAF.
Point 2 I think last night's episode was the first time I heard a SWO say please when supposedly barking at an airman for being inproperly dressed? I.E., security pass on lanyard not on display.
FB
Now this is a SWO!
Point 2 I think last night's episode was the first time I heard a SWO say please when supposedly barking at an airman for being inproperly dressed? I.E., security pass on lanyard not on display.
FB
Now this is a SWO!

Last edited by Finningley Boy; 29th Aug 2023 at 07:57.
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If I may be allowed an observation or two, what is the seeming obssession among mostly Junior ranks to have designer trimmed beards, which typically goes with a shaven head? Admittedly, it just seems to be the beard which is popular now with the RAF.
Point 2 I think last night's episode was the first time I heard a SWO say please when supposedly barking at an airman for being inproperly dressed? I.E., security pass on lanyard not on display.
FB
Now this is a SWO!

Point 2 I think last night's episode was the first time I heard a SWO say please when supposedly barking at an airman for being inproperly dressed? I.E., security pass on lanyard not on display.
FB
Now this is a SWO!

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The following 3 users liked this post by BEagle:
If I may be allowed an observation or two, what is the seeming obssession among mostly Junior ranks to have designer trimmed beards, which typically goes with a shaven head? Admittedly, it just seems to be the beard which is popular now with the RAF.
Point 2 I think last night's episode was the first time I heard a SWO say please when supposedly barking at an airman for being inproperly dressed? I.E., security pass on lanyard not on display.
FB
Now this is a SWO!

Point 2 I think last night's episode was the first time I heard a SWO say please when supposedly barking at an airman for being inproperly dressed? I.E., security pass on lanyard not on display.
FB
Now this is a SWO!

A thoroughly enjoyable episode.
Only question it raises for me is why we subject the troops to coach travel to Brize.
Do we not have an effective transport fleet that could do the task in a fraction of the time?
We deployed to Bardufoss and a Herc came to Colt to pick us up, we didn't trog half way across the country to get to Lyneham.
Only question it raises for me is why we subject the troops to coach travel to Brize.
Do we not have an effective transport fleet that could do the task in a fraction of the time?
We deployed to Bardufoss and a Herc came to Colt to pick us up, we didn't trog half way across the country to get to Lyneham.
The following users liked this post:
A thoroughly enjoyable episode.
Only question it raises for me is why we subject the troops to coach travel to Brize.
Do we not have an effective transport fleet that could do the task in a fraction of the time?
We deployed to Bardufoss and a Herc came to Colt to pick us up, we didn't trog half way across the country to get to Lyneham.
Only question it raises for me is why we subject the troops to coach travel to Brize.
Do we not have an effective transport fleet that could do the task in a fraction of the time?
We deployed to Bardufoss and a Herc came to Colt to pick us up, we didn't trog half way across the country to get to Lyneham.
In any case a very good episode.
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Cheaper to move formed units by bus to Brize by bus. Been that way for 20 years. Only occasionally did I.see a VC10 in my days on a VASS fly directly into a home unit to drop off a returnimg detachment. Was on the flight path back to Brize as near as dammit . Last dets I did using Brize was my car. Last deployment was mini bus to and from.Marhell.
The flight to Akrotiri was not just for the Lossiemouth personnel. It would be carrying the usual mixture of service personnel, civilian employees and families travelling from all over the country. It's hardly going to fly around the UK picking up passengers like a bus before heading to Cyprus.
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A thoroughly enjoyable episode.
Only question it raises for me is why we subject the troops to coach travel to Brize.
Do we not have an effective transport fleet that could do the task in a fraction of the time?
We deployed to Bardufoss and a Herc came to Colt to pick us up, we didn't trog half way across the country to get to Lyneham.
Only question it raises for me is why we subject the troops to coach travel to Brize.
Do we not have an effective transport fleet that could do the task in a fraction of the time?
We deployed to Bardufoss and a Herc came to Colt to pick us up, we didn't trog half way across the country to get to Lyneham.

Every day is a school day on Pprune!
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Chap I once served with was out in Sharjah or the Aden region when all the troubles were on, he was on night guard up a sentry tower with instructions if he saw anyone trying to infiltrate the base to open fire and all hell would break loose as every man and his dog would turn out.
As it was he saw some people trying to get in, so shouted a warning and let loose a single round with his .303 in their general direction, the said individuals legged it and in the distance a dog barked then... nothing.
The following morning when relieved he informed them he had opened fire at some individuals and they didn't believe him as no one had heard anything, it was only when they checked and found signs they had been there that he was believed and hasty plans were put in place so next time people would respond.
Chap I once served with was out in Sharjah or the Aden region when all the troubles were on, he was on night guard up a sentry tower with instructions if he saw anyone trying to infiltrate the base to open fire and all hell would break loose as every man and his dog would turn out.
As it was he saw some people trying to get in, so shouted a warning and let loose a single round with his .303 in their general direction, the said individuals legged it and in the distance a dog barked then... nothing.
The following morning when relieved he informed them he had opened fire at some individuals and they didn't believe him as no one had heard anything, it was only when they checked and found signs they had been there that he was believed and hasty plans were put in place so next time people would respond.
As it was he saw some people trying to get in, so shouted a warning and let loose a single round with his .303 in their general direction, the said individuals legged it and in the distance a dog barked then... nothing.
The following morning when relieved he informed them he had opened fire at some individuals and they didn't believe him as no one had heard anything, it was only when they checked and found signs they had been there that he was believed and hasty plans were put in place so next time people would respond.
Last edited by Diff Tail Shim; 29th Aug 2023 at 16:33.
Trade Group 8
RAF Regiment Gunner
RAF Police
Fire fighter. Volleyball players in the main. Did see them react to the crash of the BBMF Hurricane at Wittering in 1991. Highly professional speed and actions in a real time crash.
RAF Regiment Gunner
RAF Police
Fire fighter. Volleyball players in the main. Did see them react to the crash of the BBMF Hurricane at Wittering in 1991. Highly professional speed and actions in a real time crash.
FB