Is This how it Still Works?

[vim_fuego]

Interesting 'fictitious' account of the background and issues of running a fast jet sqn.

http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2011/03/raf-squadron-manning/

Sound familiar?

 

[rocket scientist]

Something I'd like to expand on is the exercises/training element and the ever present shortage of cash - we currently have plenty of missiles to fire but no money for targets so whilst simulators and non operational flying can make up quite a bit of the training, when it comes to being combat ready, we've got a bit of a problem.

 

[Barch]

I don't know where he conjured his manpower numbers up from but in my experience they are massively over guestimated. On the worlds first operational Tornado sqn we were at 100% manning with about 120 maintenance bods with one shiney for engineering; since then the overall RAF manpower has reduced dramatically.

Off Topic I wish people would learn the difference between loose and lose.

 

[Stevienics]

This is why we have a Force HQ and move away from Station centric type Ops. However, the crew currency issues are more valid than ever.

I don't think we'd invent a Squadron now as a good and safe way to conclude a mission. Great for the Telly, but a larger force is way more flexible.

 

[vim_fuego]

We flew for currency more than anything else for a few years then some ops came along and your currency was then threatened by serviceability/lack of spares.