Wearing rings around aircraft was strictly verboten on our squadron, as at least two groundcrew had lost fingers when slipping on wet surfaces. A somewhat uxorious (look it up!) nav radar I knew on a Vulcan squadron told me that he would refuse to comply with such a rule, as his wedding ring meant more to him than the slight risk of losing a finger.

I told him I thought he was a prat!

As regards tattoos my father had two fairly innocuous tattoos done on his arm when he was a young soldier, and he told me he always regretted having them done as he advanced up the ranks. Seeing a picture of the most senior warrant officer in the British army with visible tattoos right down to his wrists probably means the battle has been lost. Personally I am with Beagle on this one - I think it looks bloody awful.

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-...ergeant-major/

TTN Couldn't agree more, looks horrible. I don't think I would want to be the one who told him though.

The AC of the B-52G in which I once had a trip was a dictatorial so-and-so, a young thruster intent on making a name for himself and securing a position at the Pentagon. His CRM even at briefing was radically different to the rather more genial manner in which Vulcan crews operated.

However, as we approached the entry control point in the bus, he snapped out "CREW! Rings off, badges on!", which was a reminder to wear security tags and remove any rings. It was probably about the only sensible order he issued during the entire trip!

I get the removing of rings for PERSEC reasons, but would suggest that it might not work if you still have an indent or a tan line where the ring was. I have seen quite a few who instead wear their wedding rings either on chains or attached to watches precisely to avoid such inadvertent give always.

That’s also potentially a problem with tattoos, makes it very difficult to blend in should the need arise.

I'm also with you BEagle ---

As for sound of the fifties - a far better sound than that of today :ok:

Let me guess ... the prevalence of Susannah York types in the Services? :p

Melchett, as I alluded earlier, the rings get caught in bits of the aircraft. Best case it snags, worst case you lose your finger.

One way of getting out rather than a PVR I suppose....

Given how widespread tattoos are these days, not having them is almost more conspicuous.


I do think the older generation needs to be take a minute and be careful with what we're talking about when we say "tattoos". A single, small logo or emblem the size of £2 coin on your shoulder isn't exactly the same thing as having a full sleeve, which in turn isn't the same as having something cover half your face.

Motn, and I could never see the point of a tramp stamp on your back, but then neither can any female sporting one.

One of my ‘clients’ had ‘sleeve’ tattoos on both arms at £4500 a pop for each arm !

No problem in nearby Spalding! The odd ones out are slim with no tattoos!

Sadly we will never be treated to the sight of Mike Tyson flying the display Typhoon at RIAT.