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Post by Hawkeye on Jan 28, 2024 20:05:08 GMT
Looks like we don't have many.
Two mega costly aircraft carriers both tied up in Portsmouth Harbour with insufficient crew numbers and no aircraft whilst the threat to our nation intensifies each day.
The Navy is recruiting serving officers for their 'diversity and inclusion' programme, though, so that's alright then.
What do you think, ECB?
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Post by eggchaserbull on Jan 29, 2024 11:23:44 GMT
Looks like we don't have many. Two mega costly aircraft carriers both tied up in Portsmouth Harbour with insufficient crew numbers and no aircraft whilst the threat to our nation intensifies each day. The Navy is recruiting serving officers for their 'diversity and inclusion' programme, though, so that's alright then. What do you think, ECB? Sshh! I'm a bit concerned that the MOD will be monitoring posts like yours and that there will soon be a knock on my door, and I'll open it to find half a dozen crushers, with NP armbands on their left wrists and white gaiters* on their legs, standing there. It normally ends with one of them saying, "You need to come with us." * - They probably won't be from the Field Gun Crew. See also my thread entitled Defence of the Realm in Magic Roundabout.
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Post by Hawkeye on Jan 29, 2024 11:40:45 GMT
Looks like we don't have many. Two mega costly aircraft carriers both tied up in Portsmouth Harbour with insufficient crew numbers and no aircraft whilst the threat to our nation intensifies each day. The Navy is recruiting serving officers for their 'diversity and inclusion' programme, though, so that's alright then. What do you think, ECB? Sshh! I'm a bit concerned that the MOD will be monitoring posts like yours and that there will soon be a knock on my door, and I'll open it to find half a dozen crushers, with NP armbands on their left wrists and white gaiters* on their legs, standing there. It normally ends with one of them saying, "You need to come with us." * - They probably won't be from the Field Gun Crew. See also my thread entitled Defence of the Realm in Magic Roundabout. Oops. Missed that, sorry. Decent spoof. Would have been even better if a proof-reader had been handy. 😃
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Post by sevenoaksbull on Jan 30, 2024 18:34:23 GMT
I’m waiting for my call up on the basis I have a shotgun permit, so likely to know which end of a weapon does the damage………
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Post by eggchaserbull on Jan 31, 2024 15:07:59 GMT
I’m waiting for my call up on the basis I have a shotgun permit, so likely to know which end of a weapon does the damage……… That's not a requirement, sevenoaksbull, apparently; the MOD doesn't see the need for weapons, hence the situation where the RN does not have a single Destroyer or Frigate equipped with surface to surface missiles. Mindless! Now, call me old-fashioned, but I am of the opinion that a warship really does need to be able to fight other warships. It's all very well being able to shoot missiles and drones out of the sky, but unless you can kill another ship firing wave skimming missiles at you you won't be doing it for very long. It would also give the ability to fire missiles at targets on land, rather than flying the RAF 1500 miles to do it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2024 15:35:41 GMT
I’m waiting for my call up on the basis I have a shotgun permit, so likely to know which end of a weapon does the damage……… That's not a requirement, sevenoaksbull, apparently; the MOD doesn't see the need for weapons, hence the situation where the RN does not have a single Destroyer or Frigate equipped with surface to surface missiles. Mindless! Now, call me old-fashioned, but I am of the opinion that a warship really does need to be able to fight other warships. It's all very well being able to shoot missiles and drones out of the sky, but unless you can kill another ship firing wave skimming missiles at you you won't be doing it for very long. It would also give the ability to fire missiles at targets on land, rather than flying the RAF 1500 miles to do it. I wouldn't want to play you at computer battleships.
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Post by sevenoaksbull on Jan 31, 2024 20:10:29 GMT
I’m waiting for my call up on the basis I have a shotgun permit, so likely to know which end of a weapon does the damage……… That's not a requirement, sevenoaksbull, apparently; the MOD doesn't see the need for weapons, hence the situation where the RN does not have a single Destroyer or Frigate equipped with surface to surface missiles. Mindless! Now, call me old-fashioned, but I am of the opinion that a warship really does need to be able to fight other warships. It's all very well being able to shoot missiles and drones out of the sky, but unless you can kill another ship firing wave skimming missiles at you you won't be doing it for very long. It would also give the ability to fire missiles at targets on land, rather than flying the RAF 1500 miles to do it. Mindless is an understatement Eggy. We have ships which can’t operate in the Gulf because the a/c doesn’t work in that climate. Weapons systems are compromised left right and centre and the matelots don’t feel appreciated by the authorities. Then you have someone like Shapps as Defence Secretary. FFS….. At least Penny Mordaunt has done some service, but I’m not sure she’d be much better.
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Post by Hawkeye on Jan 31, 2024 20:28:36 GMT
Hmmm.
Seems we might just be about to send a Carrier to the Middle East.
Question is, which one? The one whose propellor shafts are perfectly aligned, or the other one?
Imagine if the vessel despatched had to be towed back to base from just around the corner of the Brest Peninsula.
And in any event, to provide a proper 'Carrier Support Group' we would need the cooperation of our European 'friends and allies'.
Yeah, right.
Despite all the bullshit and bollocks, all of this just serves to confirm that this country is FUBAR.
PS. Apart from the CCF at school, I have no military experience whatsoever. But I would trust my judgement over that of Shapps, he of the wild sort of combover/combunder who allegedly is now our Defence Secretary.
FFS!
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Post by GRL on Feb 1, 2024 13:34:55 GMT
Putin's invasion of Ukraine shattered the fiction that we can somehow get along with aggressors such as Russia, Iran and China. But the shabby state of our armed forces shows Britain has yet to adjust to that reality. We fulminate about Rwanda, the Post Office, the NHS, HS2, Prince Andrew, Lindy Delapenha and the roads. There are no votes in defence. And since votes are the preoccupation of our rulers, they continue to talk big and do little.
Max Hastings.
Mostly.
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Post by eggchaserbull on Feb 1, 2024 15:33:07 GMT
That's not a requirement, sevenoaksbull, apparently; the MOD doesn't see the need for weapons, hence the situation where the RN does not have a single Destroyer or Frigate equipped with surface to surface missiles. Mindless! Now, call me old-fashioned, but I am of the opinion that a warship really does need to be able to fight other warships. It's all very well being able to shoot missiles and drones out of the sky, but unless you can kill another ship firing wave skimming missiles at you you won't be doing it for very long. It would also give the ability to fire missiles at targets on land, rather than flying the RAF 1500 miles to do it. Mindless is an understatement Eggy. We have ships which can’t operate in the Gulf because the a/c doesn’t work in that climate. Weapons systems are compromised left right and centre and the matelots don’t feel appreciated by the authorities. Then you have someone like Shapps as Defence Secretary. FFS….. At least Penny Mordaunt has done some service, but I’m not sure she’d be much better. Grant Shapps was quoted as saying, "...it is our duty to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and we remain as committed to that cause as ever." Yes, you tosser, it is our duty, but with what? With Russia supposedly only a few years away from attacking a NATO country, and China just waiting for Trump to become President again and then invading Taiwan, the world is in a precarious position. I've heard commentators saying it's just like the lead up to the 2 world wars, but it really isn't isn't. With these idiots in charge it is much worse. Asquith greatly increased defence spending in the late 1900s because of tensions involving Germany and Baldwin did the same in the mid 1930s and Chamberlain, contrary to popular belief, carried this on. This government shows no inclination to increase defence spending, and is losing more regular Armed Forces personnel each year than it can recruit. Perhaps that's got something to do with privatising the Army's recruitment process. Maybe they should offer the people they want to send to Rwanda the opportunity to take the King's shilling.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2024 15:44:06 GMT
Mindless is an understatement Eggy. We have ships which can’t operate in the Gulf because the a/c doesn’t work in that climate. Weapons systems are compromised left right and centre and the matelots don’t feel appreciated by the authorities. Then you have someone like Shapps as Defence Secretary. FFS….. At least Penny Mordaunt has done some service, but I’m not sure she’d be much better. Grant Shapps was quoted as saying, "...it is our duty to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and we remain as committed to that cause as ever." Yes, you tosser, it is our duty, but with what? With Russia supposedly only a few years away from attacking a NATO country, and China just waiting for Trump to become President again and then invading Taiwan, the world is in a precarious position. I've heard commentators saying it's just like the lead up to the 2 world wars, but it really isn't isn't. With these idiots in charge it is much worse. Asquith greatly increased defence spending in the late 1900s because of tensions involving Germany and Baldwin did the same in the mid 1930s and Chamberlain, contrary to popular belief, carried this on. This government shows no inclination to increase defence spending, and is losing more regular Armed Forces personnel each year than it can recruit. Perhaps that's got something to do with privatising the Army's recruitment process. Maybe they should offer the people they want to send to Rwanda the opportunity to take the King's shilling. Plus Hereford are keeping our powder dry for our next invasion fixture.
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Post by Incognito on Feb 1, 2024 17:30:22 GMT
Are we going to be asked to throw mousemats and keyrings at the enemy?
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Post by Hawkeye on Feb 1, 2024 17:35:18 GMT
Mindless is an understatement Eggy.  We have ships which can’t operate in the Gulf because the a/c doesn’t work in that climate.  Weapons systems are compromised left right and centre and the matelots don’t feel appreciated by the authorities.  Then you have someone like Shapps as Defence Secretary.  FFS…..  At least Penny Mordaunt has done some service, but I’m not sure she’d be much better.  Grant Shapps was quoted as saying, "...it is our duty to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and we remain as committed to that cause as ever." Yes, you tosser, it is our duty, but with what? With Russia supposedly only a few years away from attacking a NATO country, and China just waiting for Trump to become President again and then invading Taiwan, the world is in a precarious position. I've heard commentators saying it's just like the lead up to the 2 world wars, but it really isn't isn't. With these idiots in charge it is much worse. Asquith greatly increased defence spending in the late 1900s because of tensions involving Germany and Baldwin did the same in the mid 1930s and Chamberlain, contrary to popular belief, carried this on. This government shows no inclination to increase defence spending, and is losing more regular Armed Forces personnel each year than it can recruit. Perhaps that's got something to do with privatising the Army's recruitment process. Maybe they should offer the people they want to send to Rwanda the opportunity to take the King's shilling. Well put. Except Asquith increased defence spending in the early 1900s. 😉 I would add that this government, together with HM Opposition, simply has no inclination. Period. Every government department that has been privatised, malfunctions sooner rather than later. Shouldn't be allowed. There really is little hope for our once proud nation.
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sisyphus
Senior Member
Taking no chances.....
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Post by sisyphus on Feb 1, 2024 17:55:47 GMT
All of the above comments are correct. It’s impossible to spell out the exact causes that have led to the destruction of Britains Armed Forces without being accused of numerous slurs against some minority factions that inhabit these fair isles. But most of us know the truth.
Recruitment for the Royal Navy is at an all time low, 27% less than is needed. Due to outsourcing the recruitment process, which has peed off the old salts who were previously in that role.
Unfortunately, there is not the will amongst today’s enlightened youth to join an organisation in which they will have to do as they’re told. And not be able to insta or TikTok every 5 minutes.
Personally I am too old to care too much, but I fear for the future of this land. I probably would sign up for the Citizen’s Army though. I haven’t forgotten how to clean a .303…..
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2024 18:07:47 GMT
Isn't it a product of relative peace? Weren't we in the same situation in the 1930s, playing catch up (which we hadn't by the breakout of WW2) against an enemy that was getting itself ready to rumble.
Russia are no threat beyond having nukes. They are hopeless. Their kit is all crap, and the Ukrainians are working through all their cannon fodder for us.
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Post by Hawkeye on Feb 1, 2024 18:56:38 GMT
All of the above comments are correct. It’s impossible to spell out the exact causes that have led to the destruction of Britains Armed Forces without being accused of numerous slurs against some minority factions that inhabit these fair isles. But most of us know the truth. Recruitment for the Royal Navy is at an all time low, 27% less than is needed. Due to outsourcing the recruitment process, which has peed off the old salts who were previously in that role. Unfortunately, there is not the will amongst today’s enlightened youth to join an organisation in which they will have to do as they’re told. And not be able to insta or TikTok every 5 minutes. Personally I am too old to care too much, but I fear for the future of this land. I probably would sign up for the Citizen’s Army though. I haven’t forgotten how to clean a .303….. lee-enfield.org/enfield-info/55-6-rifle-maintenance
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Post by sevenoaksbull on Feb 1, 2024 19:01:09 GMT
Just to give you more food for thought on our precarious defence forces, I belong to a fitness training group in London run by ex and current military types. One of our trainers is a Colour Seargeant in the RAMC, attached to the Guards division. Her role is a Rehab physiotherapist and we were chatting about things last week. She told me that currently approaching 20% of troops are unfit for duty due to injury, recovery from injury or having a medical condition requiring surgery or rehab. Given the army is pitifully small and the reserve non existent, if the balloon does go up, we.re pretty much done for.
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Post by sevenoaksbull on Feb 1, 2024 19:02:26 GMT
All of the above comments are correct. It’s impossible to spell out the exact causes that have led to the destruction of Britains Armed Forces without being accused of numerous slurs against some minority factions that inhabit these fair isles. But most of us know the truth. Recruitment for the Royal Navy is at an all time low, 27% less than is needed. Due to outsourcing the recruitment process, which has peed off the old salts who were previously in that role. Unfortunately, there is not the will amongst today’s enlightened youth to join an organisation in which they will have to do as they’re told. And not be able to insta or TikTok every 5 minutes. Personally I am too old to care too much, but I fear for the future of this land. I probably would sign up for the Citizen’s Army though. I haven’t forgotten how to clean a .303….. lee-enfield.org/enfield-info/55-6-rifle-maintenance I reckon i could still strip and clean a .303. Learned to do it blindfold in the CCF…….
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Post by Hawkeye on Feb 1, 2024 20:36:32 GMT
Yes. So did I. Bloody heavy things for a scrawny 14-year-old to manage, though. Thumbnail in the breech to confirm rifling all clean and tidy?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2024 20:43:02 GMT
Yes. So did I. Bloody heavy things for a scrawny 14-year-old to manage, though. Thumbnail in the breech to confirm rifling all clean and tidy? The thing I don't get is they gave you the most up to date weaponry of the time and you still weren't happy despite being so well resourced.
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