It wouldn’t be accurate to say that it does - or doesn’t create a competitive edge…
As a whole, RM at Nijmegen is not a race - experienced team leaders will only too well aware that by pushing their team, they are far more likely to incur injuries - that in turn, create much bigger problems.
That’s not to say that there is a competitive spirit when it comes to rivalry - most notably in who’s the loudest when it comes to “singing” (if you could call it singing!)
Teams that get round the routes quickly will find themselves “penalised / handicapped” by being given later start times - reducing the available time to complete each route.
I can’t see why the accommodation worries them. Ever since the creation of the adult cadet, I have not been on one camp where the accommodation actually meets the spec in full. Much bruhaha about <18 and >18 not mixing, but get there and it’s a case of make do or not have the camp. Never heard any adverse comments from cadets or parents, primarily because the former aren’t bothered and the parents get a week to themselves for not a lot.
On one camp everyone shared the same ablutions, we came up with a rota, but there were a couple instances where this didn’t happen, due to people trying to get in early. Go swimming and most pools now the changing and shower area is unisex. Never been told we can’t use them.
ACP 237 -
9. Accommodation for Staff Cadets. Staff cadets, except when undertaking supervisory duties, should, where possible, be accommodated in alternative accommodation to younger cadets. Where available this may be in junior ranks accommodation including transit accommodation.
For years there was an ‘organised’ coach from Bristol area to the Death March. Not a cadet activity, no uniform worn, activity was organised by people who sharded a common love to RM. Just the fact that I still meet up with everyone who went and they are all RAFAC members has absolutely nothing to do with it. Banning RAFAC approved non-BMC teams ultimately will lead to it going underground (or under a Dyke or some banners advertising compeed) and therefore actually being less “safe” for the participants. I have done Nijmegen Civvie a few times, and I can tell you going out there myself no one gives a jot if I am well, injured, complete, passed out in an alcoholic haze etc. At least with some RAFAC overview there is still that support and structure in place.
I did see on the group on Facebook that someone was leaving at 18 because their Wing won’t approve staff cadet requests because of the lack of accommodation on camps.
I’m sure there is something else going on there and this was perhaps a way to let them down gently without saying “you’re rubbish” but perhaps some truth to it as well
If they are determined to go down that route surely in the same accommodation as the staff is the least worst option?
I totally agree that where possible Staff Cadets and Younger Cadets should be separated with the staff in a 3rd set of accommodation. But where only the 2 exist Over 18’s with the staff rather than with the 13 year olds probably makes the most sense from a safeguarding perspective?
I read this stuff, and I take the view that the RAF want to bin the ACO - they tried to do it subtly and by accident by employing a couple of halfwits as CAC, hoping their incompetence would do for the org, but somehow it survived: now they’ve abandoned all pretence and have drafted this bloke in to just shut everything down in one ghastly, but at least effective and quick way…
I hold no candle for road marching, it seems to be about the most boring thing you can do outdoors, but it’s outdoors,some people enjoy it, and I don’t think it’s killed anyone yet…
Maybe, but I think it’s more likely that, as well as wanting to bin RAFAC off, they post useless air officers to be CAC instead of having them pull down the real RAF
Not boring if you enjoy natural scenery. Training for Dodentocht solo allowed me to find some really nice places around where I live which I’d never know existed. I’m talking like natural waterfalls and hidden caves.
Considering how recently there have been a lot of new Air Commodore posts created, maybe they have a chance to move up the promotion ladder, unlike others.
Three years and out maybe even if he hasn’t finished the job an extra three years.
