My WgExO would have lost his job a long time ago if Data protection was a big issue. Bloke loses half the stuff we send him.
5 Likes
But what do you actually have to store on a laptop anyway? It’s just a tool to access SMS?
In theory, nothing. But the likes of downloading nominal roles locally. Scanned DBS copies to send to wing etc.
Laptops are safer in my flat than they are on a squadron building that is only occupied a few hours a week.
1 Like
I had this for 3½ years as a DF Cdr in days before EWOW. Before I took over there was a cupboard which was broken into and the tuck bits nicked, which the centre management took no responsibility for. Thankfully the 4 box folders with the paperwork in wasn’t touched. I lived out of 3 crates and an attaché case which I took back and forth every night. Thankfully the uniform was held at the sqn and we did one night a month at the sqn. So I can empathise with your position. Being offered my first sqn with offices and everything else was quite a thing and I went from three crates to an attaché case.
A bit of deva ju there for me 
I did 6 years living out of my car boot and living room floor; loft bowed a bit with stored clothing as well.
Something that people in Spooners and new buildings have no idea of; lock up at the end of the night, forgetting about stuff until the next parade night.
This one of the things that Wing, Region and HQAC don’t understand what we do to keep units going and the sacrifice made indirectly by our families. Don’t quite know what my wife would have said if I told her we had to store uniform.
I have a garage full of kit, and various civcom members storing stuff too.
My husband, usually pro cadet, is becoming less so daily as it invaded our home and personal space. But I won’t let the squadron die without a fight.
You probably have already thought about these options but could other squadrons store items for you? Or even other cadet forces if your friendly with them.
I know it’s not ideal but long term it won’t be sustainable. You will move on eventual be in 4 or forty years & no one will really want to take on that extra responsibilities so it will just fall then.
So what can be done at wing or higher level to help?
What can the wider cadet community do to help ? Sponsored walks to raise fund? Even a box trailer than you could use as a mobile office would be helpful.
I was lucky it was DF which the parent sqn supported. But as I say the CoC couldn’t careless.
Ask the CWC to approach RFCA about renting a storage unit for the things you don’t need all the time. Not cheap perhaps but better to have it in one place, do a proper inventory and do some chucking out at the same time. If you don’t ask you won’t know and better to have your independence.
RFCA and wing both have said no. Civcom are looking to pay for a container which will help and largely sort things out, but paid for by the squadron. And not anywhere near where we parade.
We had to grovel And be grateful wing and RFCA agreed a move and to cover the hire cost of the new venue. No extra support. That’s been crystal clear.
We caused problems by remaining open. The entire CoC wanted us to close, it took our MP to stop it. So we’re not popular with the powers that be.
We do have friends at local squadrons and they do what they can for us, but they shouldn’t have to.
Can you arrange space in a self store unit? It would be a justified use of funds
I think the storage unit civcom are going for will do it. It’s just a shame they have to pay for it and it’s not covered as part of our hire agreement.
1 Like
RFCA CEO & CAC have both changed since your forced moved, maybe your Wg Co as well.
Fingers crossed your support will come back soon.
It was under this commandant and Wg Cdr.
I know of a squadron local to me that RFCA hired out to a school group. I believe the building and contents were damaged regularly, so it didn’t last long.
Oh, I’ve had that with a WgAdO (well, it’s what they’re supposed to do lol). My sqn was located on MoD property and they wanted our building back. I got on well with the Regulars and they offered a fantastic building. Come the day of the official “will this be ok for you tour?” with CoC from our side and the property owners. He spent most of the tour saying " you do realise they are only entitled to 180 sq metres" and “Who’s going to pay the electricity bill to heat this huge building?” - had he not realised that we NEVER sent in quarterly meter readings? Mainly because, like on most MoD owned sites, individual buildings do not have a meter!!!
I should be so lucky. We are on a Reserve centre and (officially) have one small classroom, a narrow store room (we are all on a diet lol) and a general office which will just hold 3 small desks and a filing cabinet. I have use of the drill hall and another classroom but only if the Reserves don’t have other plans.
Had that too - reported flickering lights (inside and out) to RFCA as concerned about potential harm to susceptible cadets. Answer - if it’s such a worry then don’t parade.
1 Like