Sep. 3rd, 2004
(no subject)
Sep. 3rd, 2004 03:59 pmNewly-promoted RAF sergeants are being forced to buy their stripes on eBay after a cost-cutting "bungle" left the proud NCOs without a proper supply of the essential badge of rank,
The RAF admitted to a stripes famine after a new supplier's first batch proved not up to scratch. Those beancounters flying a desk down at the MOD have attracted plenty of flack recently for attempting to slash costs while simultaneously splashing out "£5million on ceremonial uniforms almost identical to existing ones - and £1.5million on badges and logos to prevent any confusion with RAC breakdown crews", as the Sun notes.
A poor show, but rather more worrying is the unnamed NCO's observation that: "A lot of kit is available on eBay from flying suits and helmets to berets and badges." Surely it is just a matter of time before the RAF is trawling eBay for Eurofighter spares and airbases to rent on a short-term lease. El Reg fears for Britain's air-defence capability.
The RAF admitted to a stripes famine after a new supplier's first batch proved not up to scratch. Those beancounters flying a desk down at the MOD have attracted plenty of flack recently for attempting to slash costs while simultaneously splashing out "£5million on ceremonial uniforms almost identical to existing ones - and £1.5million on badges and logos to prevent any confusion with RAC breakdown crews", as the Sun notes.
A poor show, but rather more worrying is the unnamed NCO's observation that: "A lot of kit is available on eBay from flying suits and helmets to berets and badges." Surely it is just a matter of time before the RAF is trawling eBay for Eurofighter spares and airbases to rent on a short-term lease. El Reg fears for Britain's air-defence capability.
Warren Ellis on Conventions:
"I'm Warren Ellis, bitch."
"This is my first American convention since '97. Probably my first
con of any kind since, what, 2001? And, walking between the two Dragon*Con
hotels tonight, I realised I'd forgotten the strangest thing about cons.
As a special convention guest, you're the only person there without
friends. This place is one huge tribal get-together. The bars and hotel
floors are full of people greeting each other, drinking together, making
plans for room parties or staking out table space for the night. Even the
guest suite is full of regular attendees -- walking in there is like
walking into the country bar where everyone goes quiet as you enter.
I remember why I stopped going to these things. It's life without friends."
"I'm Warren Ellis, bitch."
"This is my first American convention since '97. Probably my first
con of any kind since, what, 2001? And, walking between the two Dragon*Con
hotels tonight, I realised I'd forgotten the strangest thing about cons.
As a special convention guest, you're the only person there without
friends. This place is one huge tribal get-together. The bars and hotel
floors are full of people greeting each other, drinking together, making
plans for room parties or staking out table space for the night. Even the
guest suite is full of regular attendees -- walking in there is like
walking into the country bar where everyone goes quiet as you enter.
I remember why I stopped going to these things. It's life without friends."