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**Montigny-La-Palisse** · 12-07-12, 18:19

Originally Posted by tommo

That's not quite what I am saying. I said it is more a buggerance factor having to cancel stuff, but it's the reason why that's the annoying part.

I'll get my coat I don't seem to be explaining well.

I do get your point mate.

**TheCommunicator** · 12-07-12, 20:02

Just to clarify regarding Wimbledon - up until a few years ago it was "duty" and came with an entitlement to T&S etc. That has changed now, anyone who "works" Wimbledon has to take leave for it and fund it themself.

Olympics - Well aware of what we were told last year regarding be prepared to work and more than happy with that. Being called upon to work the Olympics during the planning stage is more than acceptable. Being stitched with a couple of weeks to go because of mis managment by private security firms is not acceptable.

Life in a blue one and make sure you have travel insurance - fine if you are recalled / leave stopped for reasons of conflict or national emergency etc. Personally, at this late stage, for the Olympics, I think it's pretty sh1t.

How about we send those in the forces who aren't already on duty for Olympics on leave with permission to work for G4S et al. Let these companies who are now laughing at us pay for us rather than get free labour.

I am already lucky enough to be working the Olympics and spent last weekend in a doss bag on the floor of a TA centre. Bloody torch! Won't be stood down until after the Paralympics either. Holiday with the kids? not this year shippers!

**Ninja_Stoker** · 12-07-12, 20:12

Must admit, I empathise with various viewpoints on this matter, not least because there are no end of "government interest companies" that win contracts without a hope in hell of meeting the requirement within their tendered "quote". No surprise there. As we've only 4 days to parliament recess, a politically sensible time to release the fire-storm whilst MPs reap the savings and added share dividends on their vested interests by utilsing the cost-free armed forces, whilst watching the Womens Beach Volleyball courtesy of your free MP privilege tickets. Win/win, what,what.

From a service-persons perspective, being tasked to "fill the gap" in this particular politically beneficial financial enterprise, delaying this years jaunt to a Spanish holiday isle with your loved-ones is probably a far less bitter pill to swallow than being sent to fight & be killed in illogical and un-winnable wars.

Irksome yes, unexpected, erm, no...

**SONAR-BENDER** · 12-07-12, 20:19

Originally Posted by finknottle

Except for submariners who are on duty down there, they will be billeted at the Ritz.

Hotel AND subbies Finks - get it right!!

**Sharkey** · 12-07-12, 20:34

Last jolly I was on they put us in the Holiday Inn, no Evian water with your meals and if you wernt up early for breakfast there wasnt a fromage frais in the place, bloody disgrace.

**Montigny-La-Palisse** · 12-07-12, 20:39

Originally Posted by TheCommunicator

Being stitched with a couple of weeks to go because of mis managment by private security firms is not acceptable.

Life in a blue one and make sure you have travel insurance - fine if you are recalled / leave stopped for reasons of conflict or national emergency etc. Personally, at this late stage, for the Olympics, I think it's pretty sh1t.

Seriously, this should be no surprise at all to anyone, we all saw this coming. There was always a HUGE chance that the initial call up wouldn't be enough G4S fuck up or no. It's not really being stitched up at short notice because we all knew from aeons ago that the Olympics were happening and there was every chance all leave would be stopped anyway. Those rumours only went away prior to Easter leave but we were all told on numerous occasions to stand by. It's like those who whine about failing their fitness test because they didn't feel up to it on the day, you knew it was coming mate, it wasn't a curveball. We are always subject to recall, boo-hoo.

Originally Posted by Ninja_Stoker

From a service-persons perspective, being tasked to "fill the gap" in this particular politically beneficial financial enterprise, delaying this years jaunt to a Spanish holiday isle with your loved-ones is probably a far less bitter pill to swallow than being sent to fight & be killed in illogical and un-winnable wars.

Irksome yes, unexpected, erm, no...

Amen to that.

**janner** · 12-07-12, 21:39

I assume that G4S used to be known as Group4. Who ever awarded them a contract after the cockup they made up of transporting prisoners (read let escape) a few years ago should be put against a wall and shot.

Lets hope that the Forces costs (including wages) are charged to G4S (and pigs might fly) but I think we all know that they will get away with little or no penalty and those in on the act will walk away with the money.

It wouldn't have been difficult to advertise more widely for ex service and police, at least that would have given them a good core to start with. Instead like a lot of the Olympics they are relying on volunteers to carry the main work (I appreciate that some security people were undergoing some basic training) whilst the great and the good ride the gravy train.

In case you haven't got it yet, I'm not a fan of the way the Olympics are run. Far to expensive with to much money disappearing into the ether which could have been more usefully spent on sorting the UK out.

If you volunteer and work your guts out for several weeks you get to keep the "free" uniform, mind you have to pay all travelling etc. out of your own pocket.

**TheCommunicator** · 12-07-12, 23:18

Originally Posted by Montigny-La-Palisse

Seriously, this should be no surprise at all to anyone, we all saw this coming. There was always a HUGE chance that the initial call up wouldn't be enough G4S fuck up or no. It's not really being stitched up at short notice because we all knew from aeons ago that the Olympics were happening and there was every chance all leave would be stopped anyway. Those rumours only went away prior to Easter leave but we were all told on numerous occasions to stand by.

No surprise but that doesn't make it right. Luckily it's what we all do in the Armed Forces regularly, we suck it up, drip about it, crack on and have a good time, then get on the lash afterwards! Those near and dear to us who also bear the consequences put up with it again.

Changing tack slightly. For a considerable period during the planning and preparation there was significant push back against any visible military involvement in the games. Oh how that has changed! From "out of sight out of mind" we are now going to come along and save the day

**broadside** · 13-07-12, 05:26

Originally Posted by Stirling

''The home secretary was repeatedly asked whether G4S would be financially penalised if it has broken its contract - but the contract is with the Games' organisers, not the Home Office or the Ministry of Defence.''

I was speaking to an ex-G4S director the other day (recently moved on to pastures new) and he says that the Olympic Games organisers were much more switched on than MoD or Home Office when it comes to contracts and penalty clauses. QUOTE - "Quite apart from the embarrassment and loss of reputation (I queried that bit but didn't dwell on it) G4S are going to face a pretty hefty contractual breach and probable compensation claim" END QUOTE

I do hope so!

**paybobsquarepants** · 13-07-12, 09:04

I wonder if the payment/ fine/ penalty from G4S will go to the MOd Budget, and if the Olympic budget will be charged for manpower costs and thence transferred to MoD?

(Typical white mafia attitude )

PSP