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Conference repair::reserve_forces

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Created:Wed Nov 15 1989
Last Modified:Thu Jan 01 1970
Number of topics:0
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194.0. "Movers of the world unite..." by PEKING::NASHD () Mon Feb 22 1993 09:37

    Last September I joined a reserve Movements Squadron based at Brize
    Norton, UK. After enjoying the pleasures of a 2 week recruit course and
    5 months in the classroom we finally got into the mock-ups of various
    aircraft at the weekend. We were lashing down various boxes, cans ,
    tyres etc etc. Much to my surprise I really enjoyed it.
    
    Prior to the weekend I had been thinking about going back to my
    previous squadron, a reserve RAF Regiment unit, but I'm not so sure
    now.  
    
    Anyway, what I wondered is: are there any other movers out there? What
    does your training program consist of? How long does it take? etc etc
    
    For my part we learn Air Movements only on Hercules Mk1 and Mk 3,
    Tristars and VC-10's on a 10 month course at one weekend every 3 weeks
    approx. There are theory and practical tests at regular intervals. Once
    we complete the course we get "promoted" to Leading Aircraftman (wow!)
    and we can call ourselves Movements Operators.
    
    Also, has anyone ever worked with people from 4624 Air Movements
    Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force?
    
    Dave
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194.1and I got my bounty ;-)PEKING::NASHDMon Apr 19 1993 10:3520
    just finished another training weekend, we spent all our time in one of
    the hangers practising but, the time allowed was gradually reduced for
    each circuit. The "prize" being that for each penalty point one
    press-up was required. I had to do 17 :-)
    
    Also, we had to sign for our dog tags. We weren't actually issued with
    them but they are in our files - come the day they'll be ready ;-(
    
    Other than that it was a quiet weekend. Another flight went on a
    weekend jaunt to Italy via Scotland, rumour has it these sort of
    weekends are going to be more frequent.
    
    We took control of a new Commanding Officer -  a Wing Commander no less
    when the normal rank for the position is one lower, a Squadron Leader.
    I wonder if there's any significance in this appointment.
    
    Oh yes, three more people resigned and one transferred to the regulars
    so out of 30 that started there's about 12 left.
    
    Dave
194.2PEKING::NASHDTue Jun 22 1993 13:2613
    The powers that be made another stupid decision IMHO and I couldn't
    hold my tongue any more. RESULT: I'm out of the reserves. Damn!
    
    Although I miss the reserves I'm in no hurry to consider rejoining.
    I'ld have preferred to have kept my mouth shut but having effectively
    written off any chance of rejoining I'm left with the medics or
    infantry. 
    
    I'll give it a few months.
    
    Anyone else suffered from post-reserves blues?
    
    Dave
194.3PEKING::SERJEANTSDon't end up a Victim of LoveTue Jun 22 1993 14:097
      To satisfy my curiosity what was the decision and what did you say??
    
    
    
    						Steve..
    
    
194.4It was like this.PEKING::NASHDWed Jun 23 1993 14:1720
    Well, now Steve. 
    
    I've noticed that usually whenever there's someone in charge
    of others ( ie a number 1 ) there's a colleague to help ( number 2).
    The No 1 is given a task and delegates it to No 2. So, the competance
    of the number 1 doesn't really matter. But, the number 2 must know what
    he/she is doing.
    
    Well, a person was appointed as our #2. This person had been #2 before,
    panicked and yours-truly had to sort out the mess. When it was
    announced that this person was to be #2 until our training was completed 
    in November I let out a few comments on her competance and the wisdom of 
    the NCO(s) who had made it.
    
    I was told that as I didn't like the decision I could go on to the
    next training flight starting in June, or leave. I told them I wanted
    no part of a group who couldn't recognize an ar*&#le! Then left.
    
    Why didn't I keep my mouth shut... 
    
194.5Sounds familiarPEKING::SERJEANTSDon't end up a Victim of LoveWed Jun 23 1993 16:2910
      Unfortunately Dave, the situation you described has a very familiar
    ring to it, but there is nothing that you as the guy at the bottom can
    do about it. I guess it's the system. You live with it or go.
    Unfortunately you chose the latter.
    
    						Steve..
    
    PS What about joining the Wessex Regt ?????
    
    
194.6PEKING::NASHDWed Jun 23 1993 16:547
    Steve,
    
    I'm too old for the TA hence the RAF!
    
    :-(