Red Arrows in Turmoil ?

[reheat module]

"Ding Ding - all aboard the annual 'Scrap the Reds' Bus" ... plenty of room left.

[Unknown74]

Missile lock on that bus straight away!

[blakey]

"Ding Ding - all aboard the annual 'Scrap the Reds' Bus" ... plenty of room left.

I'd put my name down to drive that bus

[reheat module]

"Ding Ding - all aboard the annual 'Scrap the Reds' Bus" ... plenty of room left.

I'd put my name down to drive that bus

I'm guessing that bus would be running on schedule 24/7, no strikes, as there'll always be plenty of keen drivers...

[C24]

Confirming the rumour that RAFAT will be using

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AEC_Routemaster

They will be arriving as normal in flights of 3

[welshandy]

This just posted on the BBC 20 mins ago. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62664654

[iainpeden]

I have just read the BBC article and suddenly it all makes sense.

ACM Sir Michael Wigston was a surprise appointment made by Gavin Williamson - the well known fire place salesman and former Secretary of State for Education who presided over the total debacle of exams in the first Covid year.

[Phoon]

I have just read the BBC article and suddenly it all makes sense.

ACM Sir Michael Wigston was a surprise appointment made by Gavin Williamson - the well known fire place salesman and former Secretary of State for Education who presided over the total debacle of exams in the first Covid year.

Rumour is Wigston isn't going to the closure ceromany at RAF Scampton because he doesn't want to be associated with 'negativity and bad news'. An example of an individual who has said yes to all the right people to get where he is, even though he is probably useless at the job. It's a massive problem in the RAF, where certain decisions are being taken that are clearly wrong, but if they offer cost savings then those suggesting them are rewarded.

[POL]

Considering everything that's coming out I'd probably say anyone who wants a shred of credibility left needs to be as far away from Scampton as possible!

[Philly1971]

I have just read the BBC article and suddenly it all makes sense.

ACM Sir Michael Wigston was a surprise appointment made by Gavin Williamson - the well known fire place salesman and former Secretary of State for Education who presided over the total debacle of exams in the first Covid year.

Rumour is Wigston isn't going to the closure ceromany at RAF Scampton because he doesn't want to be associated with 'negativity and bad news'. An example of an individual who has said yes to all the right people to get where he is, even though he is probably useless at the job. It's a massive problem in the RAF, where certain decisions are being taken that are clearly wrong, but if they offer cost savings then those suggesting them are rewarded.

I think if that rumour was true, and the head of the RAF avoided the closure of a base with a long and important history, just because of current issues, would make him pathetic and a coward, neither of which are characteristics I would want for a head of the armed forces.

[Drinkmat]

With the current revelations about the team I can only speculate that the squadron has suffered a massive and chronic failure of leadership, management and direction for them to arrive in this state. I cannot imagine that some of the reported issues (assuming for a moment that they're accurate) have happened all of a sudden, or in the recent past alone. The Reds have frequently played on the "close knit" aspect of their operations so if their leadership, at all levels have not noticed anything untoward occurring, perhaps they aren't as close knit as claimed previously.

I can see a case for standing the team down for 2023 and having a root & branch clearout from top to bottom. Currency flying and aircraft maintenance could continue. Re-organised (and reformed?), they could resume aerobatic training in September/October next year and come back as a cohesive unit under close and firm leadership for the 2024 season. Other teams have had "safety breaks" imposed for different reasons and appear to have benefitted from those.

Whichever way you choose to look at it, it's a bit of a mess right now, and a shame they have got themselves into it.

[Andy_99]

What a complete show various branches of the RAF is showing itself to be at present.

Clearout of much of the PC/Woke/Yes man leadership required & replacement with people fit to lead the Airforce to achieve what it's meant to do.

Diversity Targets - Nope Best person for the role is selected regardless of anything else. If there needs to be a target then the push should be to recruit the Diverse to apply not skew the recruitment to favour them.

If the culture in the Reds is so Toxic then I agree an immediate pause in operation, clear out the issues & reset for next year, limping on as is does nothing for morale.

Would love to see the Reds in new jets but money is tight so reequipping with Hawk T2's or Typhoons isn't going to happen.

Then there's the mess of Pilot training but that's a whole new ball game, we need to be getting pilots trained up with the current world situation.

[100arw]

I can only speculate that the squadron has suffered a massive and chronic failure of leadership, management and direction for them to arrive in this state.

I am not so sure management style causes romantic and or sexual relationships to form.
P.

[mustang5861]

I am not so sure management style causes romantic and or sexual relationships to form.
P.

Perhaps 'hands-on' management does?

[Knife 04]

[Vulture 01]

Perhaps the Reds situation is indicative of the country as a whole. Everyone knows there are problems, yet no one will do anything to sort it out.
Maybe the time has come for the team to stand down. I never thought I would ever support such a move, yet here I am doing so. The service and the country
are close to bankrupt, so let's suck it up, make hard decisions and go for the best value for money we can get.

[slogen51]

Stand down !

No I personally can't go along with that

Like all great teams they will have up and downs and I hope they continue to inspire youngsters to want to join up

[blakey]

Maybe the time has come for the team to stand down.

Motion seconded

[100arw]

The service and the country
are close to bankrupt, so let's suck it up, make hard decisions and go for the best value for money we can get.

Whilst many may not agree, or like the idea, the annual overseas Government sponsored "sales trips" that the Reds take part in, help promote the UK and assist in a number of large contracts being signed.
P.

[Drinkmat]

I can only speculate that the squadron has suffered a massive and chronic failure of leadership, management and direction for them to arrive in this state.

I am not so sure management style causes romantic and or sexual relationships to form.
P.

Of course the management style doesn't cause the relationship to form. The leadership, management and direction from those in charge certainly affects how a situation like that is subsequently handled and dealt with once it's known about.