Hot off the press

[Big Cheese]

Hi guys

Well I think TJD mentioned before that they're doing a whole review of manning requirements, and what this will do on recruitment, with the results to be announced in october-ish.

Therefore recruitment is likely to be in rather 'shite state' to put it bluntly until that time.

[icklecathy]

Click the link and have a read of July's news from Sir Jock if you haven't already seen it.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/news.html

[2nd time round]

Hi,

Hope am reading your thread right TJD, at the moment the RAF is under manned. Officially the RAF stands at 53,000 people however they only number 48,500 at the moment. I had heard that there would be more natural wastage than 3,500 more in the region of 5-6000 by 2008.

I still have everything crossed that I will get a yes letter in three weeks time. Am hopeful due to the aircraft the RAF is keeping despite ridding itself of the Jaguar force as theywill always need Engineering Officer to keep them flying.(I hope !)

[icklecathy]

I still have everything crossed that I will get a yes letter in three weeks time.

Is it only 3 wks?? So it is ! Eeeekkkk!!!

[Big Cheese]

I'm sure you'll be fine in regards to the requirements for Jengos. Remember that Typhoon is replacing the Jag aswell, and although tranche 3 isn't certain, I think tranche 1 and 2 add up to about 130 aircraft.

I'm not 100% sure on the figure, I'm sure TJD would know, all I do know is that if we get all three tranches it'll be 232 aircraft.

[icklecathy]

I'm sure you'll be fine in regards to the requirements for Jengos. Remember that Typhoon is replacing the Jag aswell, and although tranche 3 isn't certain, I think tranche 1 and 2 add up to about 130 aircraft.

I'm not 100% sure on the figure, I'm sure TJD would know, all I do know is that if we get all three tranches it'll be 232 aircraft.

I don't think they are getting 232 now. I think it was decided a while back to cut it to 178 ish (I think). That would be in 2 tranches. so it's the 2nd tranche which is now uncertain.

[Guest]

When I was in the mob the number of RAF personnel stood at over 160000 and they were making cuts then, that was when there were bases all over the world (1960).

No one likes to see cuts like this, and I for one would like to see a few Air Marshals getting the big heave-ho, but a leaner, efficient Royal Air Force will always come to the fore.

I'm surprised that the Typhoon programme hasn't been hit.

[2nd time round]

Hi Spannerman,

The typhoon program has been hit as mentioned previously, the typhoons are needed now more than ever due to the withdrawal of the Jaguars and Tornados. Reading the quality press today, looks like the Defence Procurement Agency is getting it;s arse well and truly kicked !.

I take your point about the number of bases being cut, inevitable really, like Sir Jock says, might as well have fewer, bigger and better equipped bases than let a large number of half empty ones go to wrack and ruin due to funds being spread to far.

Funny thing is, everyone is saying how old these planes are and how much we need the new Typhoon but the Jaguar has the RAF's first helmet mounted target location system and the new version of the Tornado is one of the most advanced aircraft of it's type in the world. Amazing that the government fail to mention the upgrade programs that have made these aircraft world class at the moment !.

[Guest]

I'm no expert on all things RAF these days, but isn't the Typhoon over budget by £3billion, overdue by 18 months and out of date. If we are to be a defensive nation , as opposed to one of attack, why do we need so many Tiffies or can it be that France still poses a threat now that the Cold War has ceased to exist?

[Big Cheese]

Spannerman,

If you have a look at recent conflicts, I'd say we're more of an attacking force now than any time during the cold war.

Back then we were just waiting for 'crazy ivan' to come over, but now, its all about expeditionary warfare.

Though it doesn't help the forces when procurement is in such a sorry state

just my 2p's worth