British Military Current Events

[SeaKingTacco]

Only 600m? ???  Clearly the pilot chickened out with a proper ‘PIO’ (pilot-induced offset).  Normally pilots are good for at least a few grid squares.  Nine grid squares is the standard LZ offset, so that it can easily be blamed on transposing the grid digits on an easting or northing...double score for 12.7k out  For both a easting and northing transposition.

;D

Geek...

 

[dapaterson]

Only 600m? ???  Clearly the pilot chickened out with a proper ‘PIO’ (pilot-induced offset).  Normally pilots are good for at least a few grid squares.  Nine grid squares is the standard LZ offset, so that it can easily be blamed on transposing the grid digits on an easting or northing...double score for 12.7k out  For both a easting and northing transposition.

;D

See, further evidence that we need Air Navs to keep pilots from getting lost. Again.

 

[Good2Golf]

See, further evidence that we need Air Navs to keep pilots from getting lost. Again.

Apparently Navs don’t like to do tents on a regular basis, so they’re not lining up for postings to Army bases, to be strapped in beside the flight engineer with no actual flight station in the chopper. :nod:

 

[dapaterson]

Apparently Navs don’t like to do tents on a regular basis, so they’re not lining up for postings to Army bases, to be strapped in beside the flight engineer with no actual flight station in the chopper. :nod:

Clearly the lack of a nav station is the fault of the guy who ran the project to buy the 'Hooks.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Clearly the lack of a nav station is the fault of the guy who ran the project to buy the 'Hooks.

I've been lost on Salisbury Plain before. Usually at night because it's a, well, 'plain', with a bunch of oddly oriented re-entrants all over the place reflecting the ambivalent drainage patterns.

One of the 'Actions on Lost' drills I adopted was to make it to the highest piece of ground I could find and look SW, right around where Stonehenge is located, and wait until someone opened a car door (usually to chuck out a few condoms) and the interior lights came on

 

[dimsum]

Apparently Navs don’t like to do tents on a regular basis, so they’re not lining up for postings to Army bases, to be strapped in beside the flight engineer with no actual flight station in the chopper. :nod:

If Pilots can't figure out VFR and visual nav, there's not much a Nav can help with...

 

[Good2Golf]

If Pilots can't figure out VFR and visual nav, there's not much a Nav can help with...

Oh it’s not that they can’t...it whether the self-loading ballast deserves it. ;D

 

[Kirkhill]

This isn't current but I thought it might be of interest.

My father, on the right, on leave in Ismailia, Egypt from Palestine in 1947.  He and his mates travelled as a group.  And they travelled armed.

Top left pockets each have a bulge. The bulge is caused by the locally acquired (in Palestine) 22 calibre Berettas.  Never left home without them.  Nor the issue fighting knife whose scabbard was sewn into their right trouser pocket. Just what the well equipped gentleman, and aspiring Field Marshall needs in event of a punch up.

Kidding aside - streets in 1946 Palestine were risky places for "off-duty" Paras. Sgts Paice and Martin of the Int Corps.

https://sergeanttombstoneshistory.wordpress.com/2018/06/12/cold-steel-the-fairbairn-sykes-fighting-knife/

He also locally acquired a spare kukri which I still have in my possession.

 

[daftandbarmy]

This isn't current but I thought it might be of interest.

My father, on the right, on leave in Ismailia, Egypt from Palestine in 1947.  He and his mates travelled as a group.  And they travelled armed.

Top left pockets each have a bulge. The bulge is caused by the locally acquired (in Palestine) 22 calibre Berettas.  Never left home without them.  Nor the issue fighting knife whose scabbard was sewn into their right trouser pocket. Just what the well equipped gentleman, and aspiring Field Marshall needs in event of a punch up.

Kidding aside - streets in 1946 Palestine were risky places for "off-duty" Paras. Sgts Paice and Martin of the Int Corps.

https://sergeanttombstoneshistory.wordpress.com/2018/06/12/cold-steel-the-fairbairn-sykes-fighting-knife/

He also locally acquired a spare kukri which I still have in my possession.

Every time I wind up in a group of people who are going on about what wonderfully peace loving people the Israelis are, I suggest that they Google ‘King David Hotel Bombing’. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_David_Hotel_bombing?fbclid=IwAR1nM3mZpNerhpqGHlwR-X6Ih2jgqrHN5izqomv2L0RCduM8ufc396Yhuvo

 

[daftandbarmy]

Extinction Rebellion showing their usual degree of humility and respect at the National War Memorial in London.

That’s it, right above the Queen’s wreath, mate:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR1wfXIFh1vxy1HuTxHHI8tJmpY_lw1kXhY32Nsc_ZhoigTb42F6jEG0koI&feature=share&v=pV-rLLLDkbo

 

[FJAG]

UK military to get biggest spending boost in 30 years

The largest military investment in 30 years is set to be announced by the prime minister - an extra £4bn a year over the next four years.

The money will fund space and cyber defence projects such as an artificial intelligence agency, and could create 40,000 new jobs, the government said.

Boris Johnson said it would help the UK to "bolster our global influence".

The Ministry of Defence's annual budget is around £40bn, so the £16.5bn over four years is about a 10% increase.

The extra spending is on top of the Conservatives' 2019 manifesto commitment.

Then, the government pledged to increase defence spending by 0.5% above the inflation rate, which is currently at 0.7%, for every year of the current Parliament.

So based on forecasts of inflation, the government said it expects the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to get a total overall increase of about £24.1bn over four years, compared with last year's budget.

...

See whole article here.

:cheers:

 

[dimsum]

See whole article here.

:cheers:

such as an artificial intelligence agency

...at least there will be some intelligence now  :rofl:

 

[daftandbarmy]

...at least there will be some intelligence now  :rofl:

I admire your confidence, but don't hold your breath


Brit envoy forced to apologise for drunk soldiers’ boozy rampage on leave in Croatia

BRIT squaddies went on a boozy rampage in a Croatian city — forcing a top envoy into a grovelling apology.

Soldiers stripped to the waist, started fights, hurled bottles, grabbed waitresses’ bums and urinated in front of tourists.

Others set off extinguishers in a club sparking a stampede, fled restaurants without paying and insulted locals.

One was reportedly beaten up by a dad after playfighting with a child aged three in a garden.

Troops on leave from a recent Nato exercise were involved in at least 20 incidents.

Local paper Slobodna Dalmacija raged: “It is not about rogues or vagabonds, or criminals and hooligans but British soldiers who terrorised Zadar with wild behaviour.”

Chef Danijel Duvacic, 39, added: “I walked past loud and aggressive British men at 9am. I saw them grab the bottoms of three waitresses, making them scream and run away.”

Five troops landed in court for disorder and indecent behaviour. Police said: “Four aged 22 to 29 were from one incident. The fifth was older. All were fined.”



https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9457447/soldiers-drunk-croatia/

 

[CBH99]

See whole article here.

:cheers:

Goodness gracious!

The Brits go from sacrificing basic capabilities due to budget shortfalls, to massive spending boosts on an almost annual basis - it's a wonder they can get any long term planning implemented! 

 

[Halifax Tar]

I admire your confidence, but don't hold your breath


Brit envoy forced to apologise for drunk soldiers’ boozy rampage on leave in Croatia

BRIT squaddies went on a boozy rampage in a Croatian city — forcing a top envoy into a grovelling apology.

Soldiers stripped to the waist, started fights, hurled bottles, grabbed waitresses’ bums and urinated in front of tourists.

Others set off extinguishers in a club sparking a stampede, fled restaurants without paying and insulted locals.

One was reportedly beaten up by a dad after playfighting with a child aged three in a garden.

Troops on leave from a recent Nato exercise were involved in at least 20 incidents.

Local paper Slobodna Dalmacija raged: “It is not about rogues or vagabonds, or criminals and hooligans but British soldiers who terrorised Zadar with wild behaviour.”

Chef Danijel Duvacic, 39, added: “I walked past loud and aggressive British men at 9am. I saw them grab the bottoms of three waitresses, making them scream and run away.”

Five troops landed in court for disorder and indecent behaviour. Police said: “Four aged 22 to 29 were from one incident. The fifth was older. All were fined.”



https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9457447/soldiers-drunk-croatia/

Is this a surpise to anyone ?  Its basically the modus operandi of the RN when ashore.  Drunken disasters.  And great fun to tag along with lol

 

[SeaKingTacco]

Oh it’s not that they can’t...it whether the self-loading ballast deserves it. ;D

I would like to point out that this particular Nav has more “tent and trench” time than most 1 Wing pilots. And more sea time than many NWOs, but I digress...

 

[Cloud Cover]

UK to become ‘foremost naval power in Europe’ says PM


https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-to-become-foremost-naval-power-in-europe-says-pm/

Look for an announcement of new class of surface combatant T32 Frigate- no details available.

 

[daftandbarmy]

UK to become ‘foremost naval power in Europe’ says PM


https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-to-become-foremost-naval-power-in-europe-says-pm/

Look for an announcement of new class of surface combatant T32 Frigate- no details available.

And this has nothing to do with Brexit, right?

 

[Cloud Cover]

Savetheroyalnavy has more details but from what is written over there PM Johnson has pretty much made it clear that it has everything to do with Brexit and promoting British independence and not just with the RN.
All he has to do now is propose that all the ships will be built in Scotland, LoL. Probably right before the next Scottish referendum.

 

[MarkOttawa]

BoJo's announced British Military budget increase:

Four pieces:

1) The Drive "TheWar Zone":

Everything We Know About The United Kingdom's Big New Defense Spending Plan
The United Kingdom is looking to add billions to its defense budget for new warships, advanced aircraft, AI, and space and cyber capabilities.
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37722/everything-we-know-about-the-united-kingdoms-big-new-defense-spending-plan

2) "Thin Pinstriped Line":

Money, Money, Money - the MOD budget announcement
https://thinpinstripedline.blogspot.com/2020/11/money-money-money-mod-budget.html

3) "THE LINDLEY-FRENCH ANALYSIS: SPEAKING TRUTH UNTO POWER"

Britain Sets the Defence Agenda
http://lindleyfrench.blogspot.com/2020/11/britain-sets-defence-agenda.html

4) And a snarky column at The Independent:

Boris Johnson’s defence statement: what he said – and what he really meant

What Boris Johnson said: Mr Speaker, I will update the House on the government’s integrated review of foreign, defence, security and development policy.

And what he really meant: Mr Speaker, I will engage in low politics, trying to embarrass the Labour leader with the views of his predecessor, while giving the impression that I am running an important country, despite the chaos in my private office over the past few days. 

What he said: For decades, British governments have trimmed and cheese-pared our defence budget.

What he meant: Whichever party has been in power for the past 10 years should hang its head in shame. 
Watch more

What he said: If we go on like this, we risk waking up to discover that our armed forces – the pride of Britain – have fallen below the minimum threshold of viability, and once lost, they could never be regained.

What he meant: If I keep talking, no one will notice that I’m talking nonsense. “Minimum threshold of viability”, indeed. Give a medal to the Ministry of Defence wallah who thought that one up. 

What he said: So I refused to vindicate any pessimistic forecasters there have been by taking up the scalpel yet again. 

What he meant: I gave the chancellor a bit of a talking to and he agreed to spend even more money he hasn’t got. 

What he said: I have done this in the teeth of the pandemic, amid every other demand on our resources, because the defence of the realm, and the safety of the British people, must come first.

What he meant: I have done this because it is all funny money and my survival as prime minister must come first. 

What he said: I pay tribute to my right honourable friends the chancellor and defence secretary, who believe in this as fervently as I do.

What he meant: The chancellor and defence secretary have been at each other’s throats, and to prove how important I am, I have decided in the defence secretary’s favour. 

What he said: The international situation is now more perilous and intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War.

What he meant: Nobody believes this, but the Labour Party is so frightened of its own shadow – in the form of Jeremy Corbyn, the independent MP for Islington North – that it has to support my attempt to look like a prime minister making important decisions. 

What he said: My choice – and I hope it will carry every member of this House – is that Britain must be true to our history, to stand alongside our allies, sharing the burden. 

What he meant: We must repeat the mistakes of our history, stand by the US come what may, and spend more than we can afford in the deluded belief that we are still a world power. 

What he said: Extending British influence requires a once-in-a-generation modernisation of our armed forces, and now is the right time to press ahead. 

What he meant: Restoring my influence in the Tory party requires a big, bold announcement, and I will now invent some reasons for doing it today. 

What he said: Because emerging technologies, visible on the horizon, will make the returns from defence investment infinitely greater.

What he meant: Returns on investment? From defence spending? Another medal for the genius who thought that one up. 

What he said: The latest advances will multiply the fighting power of every warship, aircraft and infantry unit many times over. 

What he meant: The more we spend, the better value for money we will obtain. You can get 25 per cent off if you buy a 12-bottle case of Tignanello. 

What he said: Our warships and combat vehicles will carry “directed energy weapons”, destroying targets with inexhaustible lasers and for them the phrase “out of ammunition” will become redundant.

What he meant: Whizzo. Just like a computer game. 

What he said: The returns will go far beyond our armed forces. From aerospace to autonomous vehicles, these technologies have a vast array of civilian applications, opening up new vistas of economic progress, creating 10,000 jobs every year – 40,000 in total – levelling up across our country.

What he meant: Quite an expensive job-creation scheme, I think Rishi muttered in one of our meetings. 

What he said: We shall use our extra defence spending to restore Britain’s position as the foremost naval power in Europe. 

What he meant: I ignored Rishi asking awkward questions about why we need two aircraft carriers.

What he said: This will spur a renaissance of British shipbuilding across the UK – in Glasgow and Rosyth, Belfast, Appledore and Birkenhead – guaranteeing jobs and illuminating the benefits of the Union in the white light of the arc-welder’s torch. 

What he meant: We must build ships we don’t need because the Scottish people show alarming signs of supporting independence. 

What he said: We shall reshape our army for the age of networked warfare.

What he meant: We shall spend more money. 

What he said: We shall invest another £1.5bn in military research and development, designed to master the new technologies of warfare, and we will establish a new centre dedicated to Artificial Intelligence and a new RAF Space Command, launching British satellites and our first rocket from Scotland in 2022.

What he meant: Robot spies! The militarisation of space! What could possibly go wrong?

What he said: Our plans will safeguard hundreds of thousands of jobs in the defence industry.

What he meant: Our defence policy is dictated by fear of unemployment and Scottish separatism. 
Watch more

What he said: We all take pride in how British resolve saved democracy in 1940.

What he meant: Many of us live in the past. 

What he said: British internationalism – directed by Clement Attlee – helped to create Nato and preserve peace through the Cold War.

What he meant: Some of us even take an interest in ancient disagreements in the Labour Party, not that we are remotely scared of it. 

What he said: Now we have a chance to follow in this great tradition, to end the era of retreat, transform our armed forces, bolster our global influence, unite and level up across our country, protect our people, and defend the free societies in which we fervently believe.

What he meant: Those socialists David Cameron and Theresa May shouldn’t have cut the defence budget. By making impossible spending promises and retreating from the EU, I shall end the era of retreat.
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/boris-johnson-defence-statement-spending-b1745019.html

Mark
Ottawa