Magnum Magnum PI
LAC
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Order just out for Branch bun fight 2008 at Waddo.
4 to 5 th of Jun.
Anyone going for beers and an argument ?
DT_Xtremez_43:
4 to 5 th of Jun.
Anyone going for beers and an argument ?
DT_Xtremez_43:-
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Branch Conf 08
- Thread starter Magnum Magnum PI
- Start date
In Tor Wot
LAC
- 34
- 0
- 0
and the point is . . . . . . ?
and the point is . . . . . . ?
Notice any changes since last year's love-in?
12 months later and I still notice that if I joined the Branch I could:
"be attached to an operational flying squadron as a tactical Imagery Analyst. Your abilities will be tested to the full as you rapidly interpret incoming reconnaissance imagery."
or even:
support[ing] air operations policing the UN no-fly zone over southern Iraq
So 12 months after the event and we can't even get our own web page updated - and we tell everyone that we are in the information business . . . . . ::
On the other hand, there is a decent bar-b-q and a pint to be had in town for a lot less than the fine cuisine available at Waddo, so I may well see a few in there.DT_Xtremez_16:
and the point is . . . . . . ?
Notice any changes since last year's love-in?
12 months later and I still notice that if I joined the Branch I could:
"be attached to an operational flying squadron as a tactical Imagery Analyst. Your abilities will be tested to the full as you rapidly interpret incoming reconnaissance imagery."
or even:
support[ing] air operations policing the UN no-fly zone over southern Iraq
So 12 months after the event and we can't even get our own web page updated - and we tell everyone that we are in the information business . . . . . :
: On the other hand, there is a decent bar-b-q and a pint to be had in town for a lot less than the fine cuisine available at Waddo, so I may well see a few in there.
DT_Xtremez_16:In Tor Wot
LAC
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Something's changed . . . . ?
Something's changed . . . . ?
I take it all back . . . . . . the web page has been updated now (http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs/intelligenceofficer.cfm) apparently:
'. . . . . . if you have the aptitude, you can specialise in imagery analysis, working on photo reconnaissance.’
Is this before or after the decision was made (some months ago) that officers would no longer attend the UKIAC.DT_Xtremez_42:
Additionally, Louise's commentary on what she'd like to have done when she was 16 and what she likes to eat in the mess is the most patronising bollox I've had the misfortune to read in a long time.
I've had the pleasure of Louise's company for the last month and I've found her to be a very intelligent and competent operator. This trite crap on the web site neither reflects her role nor competence and is electronically akin to asking the 'little girly' what nail varnish she likes, whilst asking the war-weary bloke how many of the enemy he's bayoneted in the last week.DT_Xtremez_09:
By the way - remind me, when did P*** W*****-R*******leave the RAF?
Try looking at the competition: http://www.army.mod.uk/intelligencecorps/careers.htm
So why (oh why) can't we get our finger out and get something more realistic, accurate, in date and representative for the OSB(Int)?
Something's changed . . . . ?
I take it all back . . . . . . the web page has been updated now (http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs/intelligenceofficer.cfm) apparently:
'. . . . . . if you have the aptitude, you can specialise in imagery analysis, working on photo reconnaissance.’
Is this before or after the decision was made (some months ago) that officers would no longer attend the UKIAC.
DT_Xtremez_42: Additionally, Louise's commentary on what she'd like to have done when she was 16 and what she likes to eat in the mess is the most patronising bollox I've had the misfortune to read in a long time.
I've had the pleasure of Louise's company for the last month and I've found her to be a very intelligent and competent operator. This trite crap on the web site neither reflects her role nor competence and is electronically akin to asking the 'little girly' what nail varnish she likes, whilst asking the war-weary bloke how many of the enemy he's bayoneted in the last week.
DT_Xtremez_09: By the way - remind me, when did P*** W*****-R*******leave the RAF?
Try looking at the competition: http://www.army.mod.uk/intelligencecorps/careers.htm
So why (oh why) can't we get our finger out and get something more realistic, accurate, in date and representative for the OSB(Int)?
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Magnum Magnum PI
LAC
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something to do with Monkeys and peanuts....
The Branch adverts, considering we are apparently trying to surge to fill the manpower vacume, are utter crap. I'ts embarrassing.
The Branch Sponser needs to sort this out... This is what he will be judged on for his tenure in post... Turn the fortunes of this floundering and badly promoted branch around ... or just do bugger all an hope it all goes away...
No chance then...
Grrrrrr
MMPI
The Branch adverts, considering we are apparently trying to surge to fill the manpower vacume, are utter crap. I'ts embarrassing.
The Branch Sponser needs to sort this out... This is what he will be judged on for his tenure in post... Turn the fortunes of this floundering and badly promoted branch around ... or just do bugger all an hope it all goes away...
No chance then...
Grrrrrr
MMPI
Marshalloftheraf
MRAF
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The 'adverts' and recruitment drive are picking up and the web has been changed for the better. I know that certain people in the AWC are working hard to get the message out and up to date.
We are working closer with AFCOs, we are now officially on Facebook and Bebo and there is even money for more 'punchy' adverts coming online.
But I do take your point (IOW), that P*** W-R left years ago... And that needs work.
Anyway, back to the thread... As for the Branch shindig, I will have to miss it this year as I will be floating about on the Solent having a gin or two. Enjoy!
We are working closer with AFCOs, we are now officially on Facebook and Bebo and there is even money for more 'punchy' adverts coming online.
But I do take your point (IOW), that P*** W-R left years ago... And that needs work.
Anyway, back to the thread... As for the Branch shindig, I will have to miss it this year as I will be floating about on the Solent having a gin or two. Enjoy!
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M
Melchett01
Guest
Well, missed yet another one due to being otherwise indisposed. The fact that it finished 3 or 4 days ago and nothing has appeared on here yet suggests one of 2 things:
1. It was good and you're all still hungover and trying to come up with a good excuse why you got so drunk and shagged a FC.
2. It was the usual turgid waffle and nothing of any good came out of it apart from those on a promotion push trying to nuzzle their way up the deskie's backside.
Based on past experience, my money is on No. 2, although I am hoping that someone got blind drunk and created a bit of scandal to brighten up my day.
Also, any news on what badge design we decided to go for this year?
1. It was good and you're all still hungover and trying to come up with a good excuse why you got so drunk and shagged a FC.
2. It was the usual turgid waffle and nothing of any good came out of it apart from those on a promotion push trying to nuzzle their way up the deskie's backside.
Based on past experience, my money is on No. 2, although I am hoping that someone got blind drunk and created a bit of scandal to brighten up my day.
Also, any news on what badge design we decided to go for this year?
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Didn't go to the conference so didn't get drunk, but I am now dating a FC and I have not grown scales just yet!!!
Have not heard anything too much on the grapevine, although I understand that those who went out into Lincoln ended up in Ritzy's!!! - Class!
DT_Xtremez_30:
L
luke
Guest
Long time no see...
Long time no see...
Hi peeps, it's been a while (add appropriate Staind lyric here).
Could not get to the conference.
Unfortunately I'm OOA for only a couple of months on a FU det so no R&R, unlike last year where I managed to time R&R for the Branch Conf - sad I know but as the wife works away midweek I thought I would go drinking with a bunch of like minded tw@ts.
Expected to see a bit more on the conference "messages" and general discussion but appreciate that it's probably beyond the scope of this forum (or site).
More importantly what wasn't discussed - like a meaningful review of Int posts to get rid of those that have little to do with Int but are data entry jobs that require a DV (f'rinstance).
The recruiting thing really bugs me, especially when compared to the Army. Those little videos on TV that can be followed up online are great and have enough "hook" to pique the interest and pursue. Apparently there isn't any money for this kind of campaign for the RAF.
So what do we get? A picture of a factory. A pseudo Matrix mag ad. Hardly inspiring and no doubt cost a fortune to a PR company. At least the FC/Battle Manager mag ad was kind of interesting - but not enough for me to rebranch FC!
To be involved in town shows/priority 1 air displays and have no gizzers or simple/glossy key point literature is a disgrace (and I'm blaming whoever decided that recruiting can be done at no cost for 2 years and only funding for online ads get supported).
The branch and the trade are strapped with people PVR'ing because they feel like they are being bled dry by a system of DWR/FU dets that is only sustainable because people are prepared to do 4 months OOA in every 12. This is not the RAF they joined. More people are needed urgently.
I like ops as much as the next person (in some cases more so) but SOME time at home would be good - and before you start with the whole 8 months thing, The Wing (as an example) splits it down to 2 x 2 month stints because we cannot carry the larger pre and post det burdens that 4 month OOA demands. Try buying a house or planning a wedding in a 3 or 4 month op gap - it's difficult (and luckily for me not an issue) - but smaller things like following a band's tour or going to music festivals also suffer. It's a quality of life issue which doesn't take into account supporting other unit's exercises or PDT (more time away from home - but it's OK because it's in the UK!!).
No doubt we will hear about the 35% (or whatever) upturn in AFCO visits etc but this won't fill the hole now as we lose more experienced analysts - let alone try to fill the current gaps. I get the impression that recruiting is a firefighting exercise as I don't see an overall plan - 10 years is not unrealistic but a 5 year plan would do at a pinch.
What about that banner advert on Facebook? Looked more like a WW2 Tiger tank to me.
If we are going for the younger demographic with a penchant for video games, we must have lots of examples of stuff where IntOs/TG11 directly contributed to the death/capture/destruction of badarses and enemy stuff. At least that might grab people's attention like the Army ads do.
I'd join up to do that! - sh1t, I already have.
On a self help level, members of the Wing have managed to bolt onto others efforts (such as RAF Regt sponsored blog/video diary) and OOA Media Ops (see RAF Website Op Update page in the next week-ish).
At least the grassroots are still seizing the nettle, even if the recruiting powers that be are still not serious about it.
Whoops! Started with the conference then started ranting about recruiting - probably the wrong thread as well.
I leave you with this thought - unless you are doing something that sells the RAF message (such as attending events in an official capacity/"flying the flag"), every RAF recruiting gizzer that remains on a stn (like that nice pen/notepad on your desk, or that glossy calendar on the office wall) is one less recruit we might have reached. Put it to proper use.
You don't need it - you're already in the bloody Mob...
Long time no see...
Hi peeps, it's been a while (add appropriate Staind lyric here).
Could not get to the conference.
Unfortunately I'm OOA for only a couple of months on a FU det so no R&R, unlike last year where I managed to time R&R for the Branch Conf - sad I know but as the wife works away midweek I thought I would go drinking with a bunch of like minded tw@ts.
Expected to see a bit more on the conference "messages" and general discussion but appreciate that it's probably beyond the scope of this forum (or site).
More importantly what wasn't discussed - like a meaningful review of Int posts to get rid of those that have little to do with Int but are data entry jobs that require a DV (f'rinstance).
The recruiting thing really bugs me, especially when compared to the Army. Those little videos on TV that can be followed up online are great and have enough "hook" to pique the interest and pursue. Apparently there isn't any money for this kind of campaign for the RAF.
So what do we get? A picture of a factory. A pseudo Matrix mag ad. Hardly inspiring and no doubt cost a fortune to a PR company. At least the FC/Battle Manager mag ad was kind of interesting - but not enough for me to rebranch FC!
To be involved in town shows/priority 1 air displays and have no gizzers or simple/glossy key point literature is a disgrace (and I'm blaming whoever decided that recruiting can be done at no cost for 2 years and only funding for online ads get supported).
The branch and the trade are strapped with people PVR'ing because they feel like they are being bled dry by a system of DWR/FU dets that is only sustainable because people are prepared to do 4 months OOA in every 12. This is not the RAF they joined. More people are needed urgently.
I like ops as much as the next person (in some cases more so) but SOME time at home would be good - and before you start with the whole 8 months thing, The Wing (as an example) splits it down to 2 x 2 month stints because we cannot carry the larger pre and post det burdens that 4 month OOA demands. Try buying a house or planning a wedding in a 3 or 4 month op gap - it's difficult (and luckily for me not an issue) - but smaller things like following a band's tour or going to music festivals also suffer. It's a quality of life issue which doesn't take into account supporting other unit's exercises or PDT (more time away from home - but it's OK because it's in the UK!!).
No doubt we will hear about the 35% (or whatever) upturn in AFCO visits etc but this won't fill the hole now as we lose more experienced analysts - let alone try to fill the current gaps. I get the impression that recruiting is a firefighting exercise as I don't see an overall plan - 10 years is not unrealistic but a 5 year plan would do at a pinch.
What about that banner advert on Facebook? Looked more like a WW2 Tiger tank to me.
If we are going for the younger demographic with a penchant for video games, we must have lots of examples of stuff where IntOs/TG11 directly contributed to the death/capture/destruction of badarses and enemy stuff. At least that might grab people's attention like the Army ads do.
I'd join up to do that! - sh1t, I already have.
On a self help level, members of the Wing have managed to bolt onto others efforts (such as RAF Regt sponsored blog/video diary) and OOA Media Ops (see RAF Website Op Update page in the next week-ish).
At least the grassroots are still seizing the nettle, even if the recruiting powers that be are still not serious about it.
Whoops! Started with the conference then started ranting about recruiting - probably the wrong thread as well.
I leave you with this thought - unless you are doing something that sells the RAF message (such as attending events in an official capacity/"flying the flag"), every RAF recruiting gizzer that remains on a stn (like that nice pen/notepad on your desk, or that glossy calendar on the office wall) is one less recruit we might have reached. Put it to proper use.
You don't need it - you're already in the bloody Mob...
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M
Melchett01
Guest
Unclean Unclean!
Luke - you do have a point there. The recruiting effort is quite frankly appalling to the point of negligent and lacking a duty of care towards the future of the branch.
However, in addition to the whole recruiting question, I am still amazed by the branch's ostrich-like / laissez-faire approach to people leaving. Now having had a chat with some of the guys up at AWC a while back, it appears that they don't really consider this to be a problem. PVR rates are by all accounts not particularly high and as such we as branch will never see the sort of support and initiatives being wheeled out to pilots and other branches suffering manning dramas.
Whilst the PVR rate may not be any greater than normal, the real problem comes in the deep dissatisfaction with the way things are heading (or have gone), that there appears to be little to look forward to other than a round of desert-same sort of job just at a different location-desert-same sort of job just at a different location-desert.... coupled with the fact that the branch now appears to have reached a state of dead man's shoes.
I realise that we as a branch appear to have done well recently on the promotion front. But let's look at who has picked up; how many people picked up in their early 30s, at a point in their life / career that might inspire them to think that they could make a full career out of things? On the other hand, how many people picked up towards the end of their engagements, with their 16/38 point coming perilously close? That smacks of dead man's shoes rather than career management and pushing people forward and encouraging them to stay in for the full term, and is hardly an encouraging state of affairs.
So rather than sticking their collective heads in the sand, claiming the PVR rate is acceptable, why is the hierachy not looking at ways of developing hte branch at SO3 level? Why is the branch not encouraging people to stay on past their option points rather than shrugging their shoulders saying the PVR rate is acceptable?
If you're going to have a ****-poor recruiting effort such as we have now, then you really need to keep hold of the experience that you currently have. I bet that wasn't discussed at the conference was it.
S
spymaster
Guest
Whatever happened to Tactical Intelligence Support Wing (no, not Tiswas the telly programme or Tiswas as in Tac Supply Wing???
But the Wing intended to takeover all OOA dets.
But the Wing intended to takeover all OOA dets.
In Tor Wot
LAC
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Tiswas
Tiswas
Tiswas died 5 years ago and won't be resurected because when they took a close look at how many people were required to do it properly (6 x SO2, 28 x SO3 IIRC) they couldn't afford it.
I don't know if it has been re-visited in the interveening period, but I strongly doubt it as they've only just removed the 75% manning cap on the Branch.
Tiswas
Tiswas died 5 years ago and won't be resurected because when they took a close look at how many people were required to do it properly (6 x SO2, 28 x SO3 IIRC) they couldn't afford it.
I don't know if it has been re-visited in the interveening period, but I strongly doubt it as they've only just removed the 75% manning cap on the Branch.