Cuts on the way ???

Both the RAFAT and the BBMF receive some commercial sponsorship already but clearly very little when compared with the cost of running both sqns. That said, the cost of these 2 well loved organisations is in itself, very little when compared to some other areas of the Military but they are not “front line.” At the moment, if it ain’t front line: read deployable to the Stan, it ain’t safe. We shall see soon enough.
One small example of the way things are going. I was amazed last Thursday when walking out of the 1960s fun palace at Cranwell at lunchtime to meet some visitors, to find the rose bed in front of the building, which has been there for the last decade to my personal knowledge, being ripped out and replaced with soil which was then seeded with grass seed. The roses were, of course, now coming into bloom. I was told that this was happening at many locations on “Campus Cranwell” because it lowers the grounds maintenance contract costs. Small savings but they can and do, have an effect on morale. As for me, I’m now a civvy so my blood pressure doesn’t get up so much these days but its still sad to see the military declining in some ways. However, like I said, we will see. The RAF is still recruiting but the numbers going through Cranwell for example, are lower at the moment. Less than 2 years ago we were preparing for a surge which seems to have abruptly halted, which I guess is not particularly surprising given the financial uncertainty.

The Red Bull Arrows?

J Boyle – I am not convinced that the Olympics is ring-fenced! It certainly should NOT be as far as public funding is concerned. Let private investors pick up the tab if it’s that lucrative.

Yes, the writing is on the wall for the UK armed force (sans Trident replacement).

The worst case scenario for the RAF is disbandment. Imagine the ground attack element (Tornado GR4 and Harrier GR7) being taken over by the FAA (with its JSF based on both land and on the two new aircraft carriers being built, though I would imagine that only one will end up being launched),

The Typhoon would be taken over by two or three squadrons within the Air Defence Regiment (ADR) of the British Army, who would also operate the helicopter force (AAC). Imagine all transport (sans tactical) and training being taken over by a consortium of private companies. Result: goodbye RAF.

That said the government have just announced that the SAR fleet will remain in place, which was to be privatised. Maybe…

Regarding the BBMF. It is a memorial, but does it need to fly would be the argument? I would imagine that the argument given to ground the fleet on the grounds that private examples are plenty, which would be placed on display at either Cosford or it‘s current home.

THE BBMF WILL NOT BE SOLD – what ever happens.

I would imagine that the Red Arrows could be reduced in number and replaced with the new Hawk or cheaper replacement.

Regarding base closures. Goodbye Scampton, Lyneham, Cottesmore, which we know about and many smaller aerodromes, such as Weston-on-the-Green, Syerston, Kirton in Lindsey, Church Fenton, Woodvale, as well as one or two major sites might also close. That said, I would imagine that the British Army will probably leave Germany – ending up on one or more former RAF camp.

Whatever happens we will still have nuclear weapons and horses. One is needed to keep us on the top table while the other is needed to keep the Queen entertained during Troop in the Colour.

Won’t be long before the three services become combined forces at this rate.:rolleyes:

hey… they could call it the Royal Armed Forces…! :rolleyes: Im sure the Navy would love that…

Zeb

As an interested “outsider” allow me to guess…

The UK loves its history…the effort and sacrifices it put into the war not long ago have become a touchstone of a country with a thousand years of history behind it. Churchill was right about people remembering that it was the nation’s finest hour.

The BBMF is a mere pittance of the annual defense and overall government budget.
I can’t see them binning it, knowing the backlash there would be.
Especially from a conservative government.
The funding troubles of TVOC and to a lesser extant, the Sally B, have probably thrown some cold water on those who were confident that the private sector or enthusiasts would fund anything with unlimited reserves.

As far as the Red Arrows, NOT having a team would put it in the minority of regional air forces. Disbanding it would be a huge public admission that the country was broke. With the Olympics around the corner, I’m not sure that is likely.

The Arrows – binned (after all they don’t defend or attack anything).

Not strictly true, they would/could have a daytime fighter role with gunpods, etc
They told me themselves a few years ago that that was a reason they would be one of the last to switch the lights off in the RAF.

Won’t be long before the three services become combined forces at this rate.:rolleyes:

Was chatting to one of my seniors yesterday and he mentioned it is feared by my regiments upper echelons that we may be looking at a 1 in 5 manpower cut.

I know for certain that personnel that are medically/physicaly unfit are being discharged at a faster rate and MO’s are being told to identify these cases with some urgency.

New discipline procedures also make discharge from service alot easier for the MoD.

Whilst it is becoming increasingly difficult to join HM Forces (my brother is a recruiter) as they are begining to raise the bar again.

Make it harder to get in, an easier to get rid of you! Am I being paranoid or is this a new trend being established. If this government cuts what is an already overworked and undermaned Armed Forces it is only going to be serving soldiers, sailors and airmen along with their families that will suffer. But when has that ever bothered any politician? Each one is as bad as the next.

Apologies, rant over!

“Meteorology is a science: good meteorology is an art.”

Love that strap line, especially when trying to make sense of Channel Islands forcasts and actuals !

Oh and well put Red Hunter.

Even though I was a military Met Man for more than 40 years, and – towards the end of my career – worked in areas close to the top end of MoD, etc, I cannot claim to have any forecasting ability with regard to any Defence cuts. However, if the current administration has cut Govt Minister’s pay by 5% they didn’t do that without “malice aforethought”!!!
My guess is –
The Arrows – binned (after all they don’t defend or attack anything).
BBMF – flogged off to the highest bidder (TVOC?).
As is usual in cases where an incoming administration has to clean up the mess left by the previous administration there are NO Sacred Cows. The writing came on the wall then CDS and the MoD Permanent Secretary were summarily sacked!
Draw your own conclusions!
HTH
Resmoroh

I think you may well be right. However I suppose we will not know anything more until the Defence Review in the Autumn, unless we hear hints in the Emergency Budget next Tuesday. Like you I would hate to see them reduced or axed but there are many other activities too which are bound to be cut and whose supporters will feel equally aggrieved. But it is beginning to dawn on people just how serious our situation is.