Job creation scheme ?

For those without Facebook ...

This morning saw the official stand-up of the RAF Waddington ISTAR Air Wing. The Wing will be under the command of Group Captain Chris Melville with RAF Waddington continuing to be commanded by Group Captain Stephen Kilvington.
The Air Wing has been formed as part of the Royal Air Force Future Operating Model, a proposal that was set out by the Chief of the Air Staff to create the next generation Air Force. The ISTAR Air Wing will comprise the flying Squadrons, Air Support Wing, Air Engineering Wing, Number 1 ISR Wing and the ISTAR Operational Conversion Unit.
RAF Waddington will continue to operate as normal, with the base enabling the ISTAR Force and supporting the operational outputs of the Air and Space Warfare Centre, 8 Force Protection wing and its various Reserve Units, whilst future projects include the integration of Protector and the Red Arrows. Discussing the transition, Gp Capt Kilvington commented; “The restructure of command at RAF Waddington recognises the size, scope and complexity of Station activity and will provide the opportunity to focus on the full breadth of our endeavours. I look forward to working together with Commander Air Wing to develop our people, infrastructure and engagement, whilst sustaining exceptional operational output and paving the way for future capabilities.
The restructuring of command at RAF Waddington follows in the footsteps of changes recently implemented at Brize Norton and is part of the RAF’s continuing improvement focus. Commenting on the undertaking Gp Capt Melville said: “I am hugely excited to assume the role of Commander Air Wing for the Waddington based ISTAR assets. The job will be challenging but enormously satisfying and continues the RAF’s transition towards a new operating model. Throughout its history the RAF has continually evolved and embraced new ways of working, and this is another step on that journey as we head towards the next-generation RAF.”

I wonder how many more jobs are going to be upgraded to keep Group Captains / senior officers in work ?

 

[Cornish_Pikey]

and wings being commanded by group captains. Why not wing commanders. Employ people at the right levels.

 

[norfolkred1]

Top heavy and jobs for the boys.

 

[Talk Wrench]

Nothing like old fashioned rank inflation.

Let's get some Wing Corporals and some Group Sargeants in there. Shake things up a bit.

 

[Late & Tired]

Not be long before the 2 Gp Capts at Widdlington need an Air Commode to oversee both - another newly appointed rank, although if memory serves, didn't an Air Commodore command ISTAR at Waddo in the past?

 

[UlsterExile]

Never going to change as they make the rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rank has been diluted by the fact there are so many now around. When i first joined up a was almost worried when a Sqn Ldr approached me to have a chat, now they make the brews!!!!!!!!!!! And depending on where you work at HQ Air brew bitch could be a Wg Cdr, I had a Gp Capt make mine last time I was working at HQ Air as he was waiting for me to give him all the stats so he could ping an email out. Told him to stop hovering over me and get me some biccies and a brew and it might make it go a bit faster if he wasn't hanging around. He got the hint and didn't make a bad brew but forgot the sugar!!!!!!!!!!!! Criminal on the sugar front for me.

 

[Barch]

At present I think Waddington is now 1x Air Commodore and 3x Group Captain.

 

[vim_fuego]

At present I think Waddington is now 1x Air Commodore and 3x Group Captain.

for very soon to be 3 x Airseeker, maybe a couple of Shadows and a drone sqn.

 

[ERT]

RAF Waddington ISTAR Air Wing - Group Captain Chris Melville

RAF Waddington Station - Group Captain Stephen Kilvington.

Air Warfare Centre - Air Commodore Alistair Seymour*


*Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_and_Space_Warfare_Centre

Actually, its a good idea to split the work up. Three totally different areas of speciality, in-which it needs 3 different command structures.

Note - The last area (Air Warfare Centre) is not just limited to Waddington according to the Wikipedia link.

 

[Barch]

Actually, its a good idea to split the work up. Three totally different areas of speciality, in-which it needs 3 different command structures.

Note - The last area (Air Warfare Centre) is not just limited to Waddington according to the Wikipedia link.

Like it was with Wing Commanders ?

 

[Captain Kirk]

I think that we are due a good old correction. Far too top heavy, with no fat at all at the FL; engineers through to aircrew. Plenty of oxygen thieves justifying an existence at High Wycombe, that bring absolutely zero to the table, but are good chaps.
The Gp WO scheme seems to be the next self-licking lollipop., extra allowances for socialising? Tell a nurse that, or someone else that actually works for a living and there would be disbelief.
How long do I gave to wait before I can repost the morale building Xmas video again?

 

[vim_fuego]

I think that we are due a good old correction. Far too top heavy, with no fat at all at the FL; engineers through to aircrew. Plenty of oxygen thieves justifying an existence at High Wycombe, that bring absolutely zero to the table, but are good chaps.
The Gp WO scheme seems to be the next self-licking lollipop., extra allowances for socialising? Tell a nurse that, or someone else that actually works for a living and there would be disbelief.
How long do I gave to wait before I can repost the morale building Xmas video again?

Hasn’t it always been the case? People in SO positions should treat them like what they are...stepping stones to promotion. Get in, don’t kill anyone through stupid decisions or trying to reinvent the wheel to get noticed, make sure the people you are staffing for get what they need when they need it a d when your 2-3 years is up move on...don’t start thinking it’s what you joined up for or as a way to keep yourself away from front line obligations.

 

[ERT]

Group WO - The reality is these people have been around in the RAF for 25-30 years.

Group Captain - These have likely been around for 20-25 years.

Both very experienced in what they do. Why not reward them with such high profile roles and use the talent they have, perhaps at times overlapping what they do.

Also, a WO can become an officer with just 2 weeks at Cranwell ~ also, i believe after "1 Up = Yes" they jump to become a Sqn Ldr .

 

[Captain Kirk]

Group WO - The reality is these people have been around in the RAF for 25-30 years.

Group Captain - These have likely been around for 20-25 years.

Both very experienced in what they do. Why not reward them with such high profile roles and use the talent they have, perhaps at times overlapping what they do.

Also, a WO can become an officer with just 2 weeks at Cranwell ~ also, i believe after "1 Up = Yes" they jump to become a Sqn Ldr .

There’s an ex SWO, driver I think, had exactly that thought. Sqn Ldr in one year. It didn’t go well initially, as the prom board read WO driver.

I think you miss the point with a Gp WO. They’re a volunteer for that role and have generally also been a SWO.
They are NOT worth more than a WO on a FL Sqn, or Logistic WO with an awful lot of moving parts. They are the same, in fact the Gp WO is quite cushy.
If said volunteer volunteers for a role, then you’d think they’d know what goes with that role. A little more socialising, and a decent suit. They are not employed to dress in civilian attire; few are, outside London/ SF / SIB.
If you set up a system where one WO is treated much better than another, why do the imaginary ‘shyte role’? Those at the top are breeding like rats at the moment, but it would seem they are encouraging the mice to get at it as well.
Good job we have all the manpower we need, where we need it, and all at correct SQEP. Otherwise it would be a pointless divisive idea.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Got to smile though, they don’t always get the message across to the troops.
Ive deleted the picture of the source if ridicule at Xmas, It’s only 5 months til it’s put out there again.