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The RMA
Mutley has hit on all the major issues, with the main one still being that the RMA is a Club with Rank structure driven right through it and starting at the top. Will it ever change? I doubt it untill it has it's direct link with the Corps taken away. After all this id supposed to be for the retired and ex-bootie more than for the enlisted man so why should the Corps get major say in it's running.
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Shoulderholster
- Member
- Posts: 982
- Joined: Thu 27 Dec, 2001 12:00 am
- Location: Whippet Country
This thread has taken a lot of digesting and has raised some very valid points.
As someone pointed out the whole thing is run by officers but does anyone know of any officers who attend thier local RMA (I'm back to bashing officers again!!)how do they find out how folk at grass roots level feel if they don't attend?.
As for recruiting younger members I think this is a non starter,the only appeal being cheaper beer.I think the age gap is so big at most branches(at 44 I'm our branches bit of skin!)that most serving and recently discharged blokes can't find any common ground apart from the fact they are Booties.
As someone pointed out the whole thing is run by officers but does anyone know of any officers who attend thier local RMA (I'm back to bashing officers again!!)how do they find out how folk at grass roots level feel if they don't attend?.
As for recruiting younger members I think this is a non starter,the only appeal being cheaper beer.I think the age gap is so big at most branches(at 44 I'm our branches bit of skin!)that most serving and recently discharged blokes can't find any common ground apart from the fact they are Booties.
Well the agreement on this thread is pretty strong and I'd say growing in it's anoyance with those who think the RMA should be run in the same old way.
Time to bring it into the 21st century. The corps seems to be lacking the willingness to to move forward at all levels. We seem to stagnate, unlike a lot of the other services, our local RAFA has a great cross-section of ages and women.......
Time the RMA looked for those stepping out and look for ways to support and assist in ways that will help those who are leaving.
Lets face it even Marines are elligable for business Grants from the RBL to help with new starts and they also help in a lot of other ways. Time to look for voices and hear them shout for change..
I would drive the forty miles to RMA Tyne if it was geared for the younger ellement and it had a bit more life going on. Just have to look at the pages for the RMA's and see the age grouping.....
So please someone start to listen you need us or you will die out within twenty years!!!
Time to bring it into the 21st century. The corps seems to be lacking the willingness to to move forward at all levels. We seem to stagnate, unlike a lot of the other services, our local RAFA has a great cross-section of ages and women.......
Time the RMA looked for those stepping out and look for ways to support and assist in ways that will help those who are leaving.
Lets face it even Marines are elligable for business Grants from the RBL to help with new starts and they also help in a lot of other ways. Time to look for voices and hear them shout for change..
I would drive the forty miles to RMA Tyne if it was geared for the younger ellement and it had a bit more life going on. Just have to look at the pages for the RMA's and see the age grouping.....
So please someone start to listen you need us or you will die out within twenty years!!!
Well Ratso get in the car.
RMA Tyneside branch is one of the strongest and most progressive in the country.
We have over 70 members (granted not many under 50), but we are very active.We have strong links with other ex-service organisations in the area, and join them for regular social evenings. We have one member who travels from Manchester every month for our meetings, and thinks they're great.We have people travelling from Ashington to Billingham and they too attend all the meetings.
We have social evenings with the ladies, such as, the Corps Dinner, the Commando Association Dinner, occassional ladies nights and special functions at Christmas etc.
We are one of the few branches to have our own web site:-
http://www.geocities.com/rmatyneside/
I would describe the branch members in their 50s' as being young spirit and they will give you a warm welcome.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Brian E on 2002-01-10 10:34 ]</font>
RMA Tyneside branch is one of the strongest and most progressive in the country.
We have over 70 members (granted not many under 50), but we are very active.We have strong links with other ex-service organisations in the area, and join them for regular social evenings. We have one member who travels from Manchester every month for our meetings, and thinks they're great.We have people travelling from Ashington to Billingham and they too attend all the meetings.
We have social evenings with the ladies, such as, the Corps Dinner, the Commando Association Dinner, occassional ladies nights and special functions at Christmas etc.
We are one of the few branches to have our own web site:-
http://www.geocities.com/rmatyneside/
I would describe the branch members in their 50s' as being young spirit and they will give you a warm welcome.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Brian E on 2002-01-10 10:34 ]</font>
Thanks Brian I aim to get up in the next month, have seen the web site and will offer my services to help with that side when we meet (if you want that is).
I think we have a second underlying fact with the RMA very few are like the RBL open most days, this I feel is an area that stops the younger element from taking part. One night a month is not enough to attract the leaver, it makes it a club which precludes a lot of the working element which is a pity.
This would take some changing..
Like your comments on the other thread nice to hear your support.......
I think we have a second underlying fact with the RMA very few are like the RBL open most days, this I feel is an area that stops the younger element from taking part. One night a month is not enough to attract the leaver, it makes it a club which precludes a lot of the working element which is a pity.
This would take some changing..
Like your comments on the other thread nice to hear your support.......
Ratso,
We will all be delighted to link up with you when you come to the meeting. More details if required?
It is wrong to compare the RMA with the RBL, because the RMA is catering for a small number of ex service personnel (ie Marines), whilst the RBL is catering for all ex service personnel. It is like comparing the corner shop with Sainsburys.
The only RMAs' who have a realistic opportunity of having a CLUB are those in the big ex Royal catchment areas ie Deal, Exmouth, Pompey, Plymouth etc., and even these can suffer from lack of support.
One of the major problems between the RMA and the serving Corps., is expectations. The older guys are from the Friday night out with best suit brigade whilst the younger guys are more casual. This is no critism of either group it is simply the generation gap.
_________________
Brian Easton
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Brian E on 2002-01-11 09:43 ]</font>
We will all be delighted to link up with you when you come to the meeting. More details if required?
It is wrong to compare the RMA with the RBL, because the RMA is catering for a small number of ex service personnel (ie Marines), whilst the RBL is catering for all ex service personnel. It is like comparing the corner shop with Sainsburys.
The only RMAs' who have a realistic opportunity of having a CLUB are those in the big ex Royal catchment areas ie Deal, Exmouth, Pompey, Plymouth etc., and even these can suffer from lack of support.
One of the major problems between the RMA and the serving Corps., is expectations. The older guys are from the Friday night out with best suit brigade whilst the younger guys are more casual. This is no critism of either group it is simply the generation gap.
_________________
Brian Easton
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Brian E on 2002-01-11 09:43 ]</font>
Hope to make the next meeting Brian.
One thing I would like to say is with the RMA being for a small number would it not make sence to try to attract new members through contact by mailing a regular news letter.
The Corps should look to backing this approach, along with encouraging the development of advisers who could provide focal poits for meetings, such as chairing discussions on pension rights etc. also weekends for get togethers and reunions should be organised through the RMA's a good way to get traffic moving. I have noticed a few have gone down this route in the past.
Not forgetting the www. and of course there is a good list of e-mail addresses on this site for a virtual newsletter to be sent to.
The push as you leave the Corps should be greater with more for the young member to get involved with, bungee jumping maybee......
One thing I would like to say is with the RMA being for a small number would it not make sence to try to attract new members through contact by mailing a regular news letter.
The Corps should look to backing this approach, along with encouraging the development of advisers who could provide focal poits for meetings, such as chairing discussions on pension rights etc. also weekends for get togethers and reunions should be organised through the RMA's a good way to get traffic moving. I have noticed a few have gone down this route in the past.
Not forgetting the www. and of course there is a good list of e-mail addresses on this site for a virtual newsletter to be sent to.
The push as you leave the Corps should be greater with more for the young member to get involved with, bungee jumping maybee......
Ratso,
If you need instructions re directions of the meeting etc contact me at: brianrma@hotmail.com
In the Globe & Laurel there is a regular column for RMA Association News, which keeps people abreast of what is going on.
If you need instructions re directions of the meeting etc contact me at: brianrma@hotmail.com
In the Globe & Laurel there is a regular column for RMA Association News, which keeps people abreast of what is going on.
Brian Easton
Comments on 3 pages of discussion so far seem to be a 'boxing match' between the RMA and RBL. The RBL does this, the RMA doesn't do that. The RMA is so many thousands of Pounds in debt but so is the RBL . I'm a member who has read in the latest RBL Mag that they are in real trouble to the tune of Millions not Thousands and are asking members for HELP.
We obviously don't want the RMA to go the same way.But this wasn't the reason this discussion site was set up.
What we are after is an All Marine web site with the Corps, the RMA and Once A Marine(Us) all involved. As John D said, the RBL was set up for the sole purpose of Ex-members. And long may it remain so.
But WE don't want just that. We want a web site that includes everyone.serving and ex-serving just like the Yank Marines have successfuly provided. Perhaps those in positions of influence in the Corps should be looking at this more seriously The NET is here. Let's use it to OUR advantage.
What I'm trying to say to everyone who has commented on this site is- Lets keep to it's original intention - which was.
WHY CAN'T WE HAVE OUR OWN ROYAL MARINES SITE?
We deserve it.
Paddy |
We obviously don't want the RMA to go the same way.But this wasn't the reason this discussion site was set up.
What we are after is an All Marine web site with the Corps, the RMA and Once A Marine(Us) all involved. As John D said, the RBL was set up for the sole purpose of Ex-members. And long may it remain so.
But WE don't want just that. We want a web site that includes everyone.serving and ex-serving just like the Yank Marines have successfuly provided. Perhaps those in positions of influence in the Corps should be looking at this more seriously The NET is here. Let's use it to OUR advantage.
What I'm trying to say to everyone who has commented on this site is- Lets keep to it's original intention - which was.
WHY CAN'T WE HAVE OUR OWN ROYAL MARINES SITE?
We deserve it.
Paddy |
Paddy,
The original discussion was about a RM/RMA web site, however some people have joined mid stream and extraneous subjects have crept in.
The subject of the RM/RMA web site is now (I believe) coming to the end of its’ useful like, because: -
1. Former Corps members have no influence upon the future actions of the serving Corps.
2. The only people who have any influence upon the RMA, are its’ members.
Therefore anyone who feels strongly about this issue should be lobbying their Branch officers or writing to the General Secretary of the RMA.
Some steps have already been taken, such as: -
1. I have e-mailed the General Secretary re the web site.
2. Ratso is to send a letter to the Globe & Laurel.
3. Tony L, Jim Ellard and others have been discussing the web site.
4. There is talk of an integrated web site from high up, but I can find no details, so far.
I think the discussion re the RBL & RMA has not been a boxing match but more of a comparison between the two, and in entering this discussion I have been trying to allay peoples misconceptions of the RMA.
My sole intention is to promote the RMA and encourage people to join.
Kind Regards
The original discussion was about a RM/RMA web site, however some people have joined mid stream and extraneous subjects have crept in.
The subject of the RM/RMA web site is now (I believe) coming to the end of its’ useful like, because: -
1. Former Corps members have no influence upon the future actions of the serving Corps.
2. The only people who have any influence upon the RMA, are its’ members.
Therefore anyone who feels strongly about this issue should be lobbying their Branch officers or writing to the General Secretary of the RMA.
Some steps have already been taken, such as: -
1. I have e-mailed the General Secretary re the web site.
2. Ratso is to send a letter to the Globe & Laurel.
3. Tony L, Jim Ellard and others have been discussing the web site.
4. There is talk of an integrated web site from high up, but I can find no details, so far.
I think the discussion re the RBL & RMA has not been a boxing match but more of a comparison between the two, and in entering this discussion I have been trying to allay peoples misconceptions of the RMA.
My sole intention is to promote the RMA and encourage people to join.
Kind Regards
Brian Easton
Brian.E
Thanks for your reply, but I don't think any of us former members who want a dedicated RM website, believes that they could have any influence on future Corps actions, neither would they want to have. That's not the point. All they want is a place for the Corps to have an outlet (besides the bi-monthly G&L) to inform and keep in touch with it's vast 'family'(present & ex).We don't want to replace the G&L (a valuable publication) or Daily Orders. Just widen the scope for the Corps to inform and keep in touch.
Mention has been made of a successful US Marine site, but I think we need to have more direct information (by someone who has seen it) on how it works and it's contents before try to convince the RM that that's the way to do it.
Perhaps, for the present we should keep the RMA out of the discussion and allow it's members to exert their influence and concentrate on the RM/G&L to form an alliance to get the Corps into the 21st century with it's own website involving everyone. Once that is successful, I'm sure the RMA will clamour to be involved or set up it's own site.
Aye
Paddy
Thanks for your reply, but I don't think any of us former members who want a dedicated RM website, believes that they could have any influence on future Corps actions, neither would they want to have. That's not the point. All they want is a place for the Corps to have an outlet (besides the bi-monthly G&L) to inform and keep in touch with it's vast 'family'(present & ex).We don't want to replace the G&L (a valuable publication) or Daily Orders. Just widen the scope for the Corps to inform and keep in touch.
Mention has been made of a successful US Marine site, but I think we need to have more direct information (by someone who has seen it) on how it works and it's contents before try to convince the RM that that's the way to do it.
Perhaps, for the present we should keep the RMA out of the discussion and allow it's members to exert their influence and concentrate on the RM/G&L to form an alliance to get the Corps into the 21st century with it's own website involving everyone. Once that is successful, I'm sure the RMA will clamour to be involved or set up it's own site.
Aye
Paddy
Paddy,
Having been involved with the discussion since day one: the initial question was :How can we get a dedicated web site for the RMA? This was then expanded to consider a Royal Marines web site which would encompass all applicable sites. i.e. RM, RMA, Branches and Once A Marine....etc.
The views of the CGRM is "The RMA is the link between the serving Corps and its' retired members".
I'm still working on the initial point of trying to get the RMA a dedicated web site, which would hopefully be incorporated in the Royal Marines web site.
When I used the phrase "Former Corps members have no influence upon the future actions of the serving Corps" I meant in the context of getting a dedicated RM web site.
_________________
Brian Easton
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Brian E on 2002-01-15 11:01 ]</font>
Having been involved with the discussion since day one: the initial question was :How can we get a dedicated web site for the RMA? This was then expanded to consider a Royal Marines web site which would encompass all applicable sites. i.e. RM, RMA, Branches and Once A Marine....etc.
The views of the CGRM is "The RMA is the link between the serving Corps and its' retired members".
I'm still working on the initial point of trying to get the RMA a dedicated web site, which would hopefully be incorporated in the Royal Marines web site.
When I used the phrase "Former Corps members have no influence upon the future actions of the serving Corps" I meant in the context of getting a dedicated RM web site.
_________________
Brian Easton
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Brian E on 2002-01-15 11:01 ]</font>
