HQAC, the RAF and the MOD (who hold the top-level responsibility) are vicariously liable for the actions of us CFAV, especially if what we are doing is an approved activity.
If a cadet died because I took them climbing up a multipitch climb in crap weather, even though I am not qualified and I only had approval for a short walk, then yes, that would be on me, not the MOD.
If however a cadet died, for example due to hyperthermia, and I was acting well within my approved RAs then that is more on the MOD than it is me. If I was following the RAFAC policy, then there is little more I can do? It get’s a bit grey because personally I disagree with the policy, but that’s a different matter.
I think this is a massively complex issue. That’s why courts exist…
What isn’t complex though is that our current policy [RE Heat Illness] is not fit for purpose. That’s a simple fact that needs to be fixed.
Agreed but as I stated up thread it needs a ‘purple’ response not just a parochial and empire building one. Shooting is a case in point one authority covers all CF strands, even though IIRC the RAFAC ‘screwed’ that up as well by poor representation at the vital points.
As I understand it the training we’re being asked to complete is not in direct reaction to the WBGT policy recently released but us a generic MOD expectation that all activity “commanders” complete - due to the unique way the ATC is set up anyone from an O18 Staff Cadet through SNCO and CI to officer up to and past OC Wg can “command” an activity thus its being applied universally.
There is more in the training than simply gow to react to WBGT temperature data.
This isn’t to say I disagree with what you say about the RAFAC policy to apply the WBGT use is incorrect - simply that the training course is more than that and covers the MOD by ensuring any and all “activity commanders” are trained in the risks of heat which includes reference to the use of WBGT data to influence a decision rather than a 3 hour course on how to apply WBGT data to an activity
Those three and then the one further in 2016 is what kicked the MOD’s backside to create this training package. Those 4 cases are a key focus during some sections.
RIAT 22 has then kicked the RAFAC’s too, but somehow we have a new policy that contravenes the investigation findings and training that doesn’t apply to cadets.
Interestingly, I’m doing this training now (whilst at work, you know the thing that pays my bills) and module 2, lesson 3, policy statement 3 says:
Organised AT and sporting activities should follow NGB risk management guidelines. However, if the guidelines do not cover heat illness risks, the MOD policy directive must be followed.
Is it just me or is that not what we’ve been told?
That would make a lot of sense. I’ve said it before but trying to cram an organisation larger than the RAF under 22 Gp causes issues of its own. Wings should be two or three squadrons with RAFAC Groups above them and possibly a Command above that. For these to fit under a Joint Cadet Organisation would then make more sense than under 22 Gp.
Going off my wealth of knowledge (not much) on volunteers portal is say’s you only need to do the training every 3 years. Not sure if that information is right or what???
^ neither is anyone else.
The policy almost all says every 3 years, except for the bits of policy that either weren’t updated to 3 years when it changed to 1, or the policy which suggests it’s now changed back from 3 to 1.
