That is a bit harsh on him to be fair. He’s not killing the org. Covid has decimated numbers in some areas, yes. The current overly strict rules have reduced numbers, yes. I really don’t put this down to the commandant though. There will be a lot of moving parts in working out how to change the rules, it isn’t him writing up a new rulebook for use each time.
But yes, the rules need to change. I can go out with 1000+ other people in close proximity but at the squadron I have to wear a mask and be 2m apart. It doesn’t work, and the kids don’t like it.
I’ve replied to him directly on that thread. I feel sorry for Mr Kent, he’s receiving a lot of flak when all he’s doing is pointing out the unfairness of how regs are being applied.
If the comdt’s approach as stated there was applied by all, we’d have a lot less bad feeling about the masks and social distancing issue on social media.
I thought it was still 2m or 1m+ with masks. As for the 15, we’re still told we have to parade separately with two lots of 15. I think I need to speak to my OC if that is the case…
Note that while the phrase “1m+” used to mean “1m distancing plus other protective measures”, within the latest RAFAC guide the context shows that it seems to have evolved to mean “at least 1m” with requirements for masks stipulated separately.
I don’t dislike him, but it’s nowhere near an apology. He made a very definitive statement “read the latest version of our guidance” suggesting the person he was replying to was wrong.
Unfortunately he’s been embarrassed and looks to have admitted that the changes he tried to suggest had been made haven’t even been approved
There’s debate on that thread about raising issues the right way - if only that worked in this organisation. CAC is too far removed by the layers of bureaucracy that there is no faith that you won’t reach a brick wall at some level. Often you don’t get as far that, instead speaking to a door that refuses to open because they know it’s a brick wall behind.
…Go around the chain to bypass the wall, but less publicly, you get scolded for it.
Ultimate authority oversight generating a dynamic RA based on NYA guidance - nothing.
There’s technically nothing wrong with what happened especially from an external POV, just that it doesn’t match our own documentation… but his authority sits above that so…
Also considering Sir Mike and AOC 22Grp were there and aware who sit above CAC…
not only does it show that there are two levels of doing things, Sqn level and top level, but it dilutes the reason for doing it.
we’re told we need to do X because it stops/avoids Y happening…
that could be a repeated DBS, or annual Fire Training, Ultilearn courses, applying Covid-19 restrictions or completing an SMS…whatever it might be we’re told do one to prevent/stop the other
but if it turns out X isn’t required all the time, then it shows it isn’t required to stop Y happening…
it removes any clout seniority have about thou shalt when not only are they not leading by example, but are showing it isn’t necessary because it turns out the world didn’t stop turning and the event didn’t turn into a ball of fire
the optimist in me would like to post HQAC will look at this objectively and realise that we can trust ourselves perhaps it is time we trusted our CFAVs and give them to same free reign we offered ourselves.
of course that won’t happen…but imo i feel the evidence is there to show it could
i would also indicate several steps further than Dawn ever went.
he has engaged in the negative as well as the positive comments. he has given honest and blunt answers in some cases rather than corporate bull and has “stepped up” as a (the) senior bod and said “stop”.
recognising that there is an issue and “he’s got the message” - he might not be perfect (and the actions of the muster show proof of this) but he is an improvement on Dawn imo and for that I feel he deserves praise
(although recognise being an improvement on “awful” is hardly a ringing endorsement!)
