Topics for the First Sea Lord

[Scoutuk]

If you had the opportunity to put a question to the First Sea Lord, what would it be?

I need to research current issues by the end of June and would appreciate any input. Thanks.

 

[Maxi_77]

Does the Chiefs of Staff have any plans for a coup with the objective of returning the country to democratic government.

Peter

 

[hammockhead]

Would he resign if Gordon scrapped/shrank the CVFs.

 

[NozzyNozzer]

Is there any chance of either restoring the old RNXS or setting up a Royal Veterans Navy, for those of us not fit enough for regular service (ie, we would fail pulheems) but are still willing to serve? Those of us with completely obsolete skills could learn something new. I've always been curious to know what Stokers did apart from unbolting and unscrewing things, turning valves and sunning themselves on deck whilst everyone else worked for their living. :lol:

 

[CheefTiff]

Do we actually need a Trident replacement or would we be better spending the money on more ships, more men and better equipment ?

 

[Old_Hand]

What is being done to improve the retention of young service personnel. I know of a lot of people who join up full of the intentions of making a career in the RN and then lose interest very quickly and leave after 3 or 4 years?.

 

[ORACLE]

Those of us with completely obsolete skills could learn something new. I've always been curious to know what Stokers did apart from unbolting and unscrewing things, turning valves and sunning themselves on deck whilst everyone else worked for their living. :lol:

I would tell the 1SL (and Noz) that us Stokers 'stoked'. :wink:

 

[sootblower]

Got to defend the stokers. Its the ME Management that spends the time sorting out deep prerservation and maintenance for the upperdeck parts of ship that get neglected by the warfare department. When did a part of ship officer last take an interest in his part of ship? About week 4 of a 4 week repair period the Logistics Branch usually clutch into the fact that there is some work going on and try to squeeze a new galley in .However we are all part of a team that should together for the common good. You take your chances when you chooses your branches. (Wish I had been a WAFU)

As for the 1SL issue, things like retention, CVF, Trident have already been discussed at various levels by people invited in from the FLEET. This was at Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 meetings. One common thread that came out was that our lords and masters are not fully aware of the cluster TopMast is and that retention is an issue across many branches. Its about time there was some open and honest reporting up the chain and we start admitting to failures of the systems in place. Toeing the company line does little except undermine morale (and ensure someones promotion).

 

[Lingyai]

What is being done to improve the retention of young service personnel. I know of a lot of people who join up full of the intentions of making a career in the RN and then lose interest very quickly and leave after 3 or 4 years?.

One thing they should ask is why most seafarers including my industry can claim back 100% tax if out of UK for 183 days per year, why doesn't Jack? I was once told it is because he is a crown servant??? What bollocks, if anyone should get this perk it is those who fight for their country.

 

[Skunkmiester]

How much wood can a wood chuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

 

[Fighting_Sailor]

As it happens, 1SL will be addressing a course I am on this week with an opportunity for questions. Suggestions welcome.

 

[Maxi_77]

As for the 1SL issue, things like retention, CVF, Trident have already been discussed at various levels by people invited in from the FLEET. This was at Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 meetings. One common thread that came out was that our lords and masters are not fully aware of the cluster TopMast is and that retention is an issue across many branches. Its about time there was some open and honest reporting up the chain and we start admitting to failures of the systems in place. Toeing the company line does little except undermine morale (and ensure someones promotion).

Actually I suspect that the top brass or at least the people very close to them do know what is going on, but in this day and age standing up and saying the minister is lying which is what you would have to do is a career and pension limiting excercise. Any way the minister would reply with facts conjured up by the civil service that evry thing was infact OK and said admiral was merely misinformed. To the present government black is white and failure is success.

Retention has always been a problem, but not with the more senior people, but about the 30 age range. The big problem also has tended to be the sea/shore ratio, particularly when people start to give the impression of settling down and having a family.

Peter