The Dark Truth: What REALLY Happened! 

(Pull up a sandbag) when I arrived at RAFC in 86 one of the first documents we were issued with was the good conduct guide (don’t chew gum, shave daily even on holiday, don’t wear jeans unless you are mowing your lawn etc.) very 1950’s in the 80’s but it was all about drilling standards in from day 1. I presume this has been updated?

When I was in the RAF it was a FIGHTING service which culminated in the Falklands war. Now as an outsider looking in I doubt it could fight its way out of a wet paper bag. It has just become another Government department with all that entails and has lost its way.

If she reckons he should have known better, then surely she should have too. Just a thought.

When I was in the RAF back in the 1980’s Officers were not known to have relationships with the lower ranks. The Officer should have known better if the WRAF was none-commissioned or lower. If they were both single then fine from a sexual point of view, but from a moral standpoint, as an officer he shouldn’t have got involved, unless she was an officer herself. The standards of our forces have certainly dropped in the 30 years since I retired and as an ex-Armourer, we had a certain reputation.🇬🇧👍

Yes, experienced this in my ‘previous life’. A female member of staff told me of some horrendous goings-on affecting her; she even blamed herself for trying to give as good as she got and trying to deal with it by trying to be ‘one of the lads’, but it made matters worse - fuelled the fire. After unloading it all on me I told her I could have several of the characters referred to arrested. I also apologised that in the three months I’d been there I’d not seen or heard anything untoward. She said, ‘they don’t do anything when you’re here, but the previous boss was as bad as they were’. She wouldn’t make a formal complaint, saying she was happy I now knew and that she’d rather top herself than go through the enquiry process. I totally got that. She eventually left. I firmly believe that the answer is with leadership, bosses being bosses, setting out their stall and standards (like Boris should have done with his team during the lockdown days by saying “the eyes of the Nation are on us all, these are the rules, you cross that line, you’re fired”.

Bleeding heart liberal here - couldn’t agree more Tim. The Forces ethos can never be the same as in civvie street, as the Forces are expected to do something very different. I have a lot of respect for you in your position as a Standards Officer.

Well said again Tim! One of the major issues I believe, is that a just without a war to fight loses sight of what is important. And that leads to lack of focus, when the focus should be on illegal behaviours and not PC ideologies.

Hi Tim, I guess I come from a different place as a Christian and an older guy. If a man, or woman for that matter, doesn't have the judgement and character to treat others, especially their military comrades, with respect and loyalty, they are not fit to be officers and they have no business in leadership. To say that, 'oh well it's going to happen', is a moral copout. If a man, in particular, cannot control his behaviour or tongue, he should not be an officer leading others. If you cannot set an honourable example, then go find some other career. We are fast descending into a very vulgar society, and the military is reflecting that. We should expect, and demand, more from our military personnel, especially those in leadership. The Red Arrow pilots are amongst the most privileged in the RAF so, yes, we should demand more from concerning their moral fortitude and not permit any excuses. I do not expect them to behave like the typical lout in the pub late at night and we should not accept that. As far as the excessive alcohol use, the military is again turning a blind eye, especially amongst pilots. Have a daily check if necessary and put a stop to it. I will never believe that alcohol use does not affect skill level and performance and judgement. Sorry for the rant but this is all pretty basic stuff.

You either have a mixed workforce and be realistic and accept there will be slap-and-tickle, or you have a segregated workforce with a different set of standards. You can't have 1950s standards with a 21st century intake.

I was in the Army 1977-1996. During those years it was very common for relationships between non-commissioned ranks to occur (females as they were called then - were also segregated into their own barrack buildings). It was also common for relationships to form between commissioned ranks (officers), it was never condoned for inter-rank relationships (non-commissioned & commissioned ranks). The reasons are obvious to avoid, bullying, harassment, jealousy, opportunism, favouritism and the undermining of unit leadership and morale. It was called fraternization and there was an enforceable military law to prevent it. Simple fix then - reinstitute the military law that has obviously been mistakenly repealed.

We need to get away from the idea that "a service needs to represent society"... i want my services to be better than society. I want then to pick the best because we ask them to do things that are extreme. Same with politicians, i wantbthe best brains in cabinet office positions. I want talent to be over-represented in any body that needs to have elite performance.

100% agree Tim Happy New Year

I was an Armourer back in the 80s. I worked with a guy who was ex red arrows and he was just a complete arse hole. He thought that he was something special . No a drunken fool from Blackpool . He was a disgrace to his uniform . Back in the day we loved our job and as a family of Armourers kept every thing as it should have been. Now i am so disapointed in the RAF and how its gone down hill big style . Shame on them . Hope that your good mate . Take care and have a great new year. 👍👍👍👍

Thanks for all your efforts, honest views and insight this year. Lets hope 2024 is a better year for all. Keep dropping those truth bombs Tim, they don't hurt anyone except the gainsay.

I expect the ‘untouchable’ is a reference to the arrows being beyond reproach. Making for a sensational revelation. That journalism!

Remember women in teeth arms isn't about girls from council estates getting to fight for king and country. It is more so nice gals from middle class homes in the Home Counties after a managed career path get a chance of becoming CDS or CGS or 1SL.

I’m ex RAF. I was young and fit once. A Sgt PTI’s wife once propositioned me , I declined, I was a coward. Her husband would have killed me. LOL. Besides this, I had a great time.

Hi Tim .Hope you had a good holiday with you’re fam .Sober .goodluck in 2024

Sober since i watched you alcohol Video. it really tipped me over. i hope i can hold my position. greetings from germany. lets see what this Video is About ;)

A major breakdown of discipline at all levels.

Merry Christmas Tim and have a Happy and fruitful New Year all the best.

as a techi i had contact and most pilots were great fun and i like you have left so i can be honest,great blokes

100% Agree with your comments. I did my 22 from 1992 as a tech on a number of fast jet Sqns. Stuff happens. Fact. I can’t condone everything that went on but people outside the service have no idea of some of the unique environments and situations service personnel operate in. No idea. I know female junior ranks who threw themselves at aircrew to get a notch on their bedpost. Just because someone is in the military doesn’t mean they all act like saints. The fact they got there though, means that they have gone through a selection process that 98% of the public haven’t and never will have to go through.

I served in the RM in the late 70s early 80s, things were so so different in those days, we had non of this PC shite then, training was brutal you dared not complain, life in a unit was fantastic you just got on with it. I became an NHS paramedic after I left and worked in a job surrounded by beautiful females, I meet one and married her, no one batted an eyelid or made an issue. I’m absolutely lost in today’s wet woke society, I’m in my 60s now and I’m so glad I’m not starting my life off now.

Great vid Tim and well covered of all subjects, everything these days seems to be an absolute mine field sounds like clearer rules and discipline with a strong dependable leadership is needed in these environments so everyone knows exactly where they stand and the consequences for stepping out of line with a leader who will take action when required.....

I was an engineer officer for 20 years, many on flying stations living with aircrew, including those on the RA. Women threw themselves at them. There were few female members of the team then. It’s a difficult problem.

Tim, @9.28 m you said "support the team and they'll be gone in 2 years (due to costs)". I've been saying this, since all the scandals, loss of favor, costs and what happens when the Hawks need replacing

In the Army we were told that in service relationships were discouraged unless you marry and any difference in seniority was unacceptable. Tbf in civilian life seniority is still a no go. The affect men leave like myself because I wanted to start a family and being in the middle of nowhere in a 95% male base was a problem.

In civvie street, it is not unusual to have a no relationship policy amongst colleagues.

I find it difficult to have sympathy for Dave Montenegro tbh.

I first saw the Red Arrows as a child when they visited RAFG shortly after they were formed in the 1960s and I hope they continue delighting spectators for many years to come. The only next best thing for me has been watching the Lightning display aircraft and also the Tricolore.

Spot on @ 12:01 "Some people are just f&%%ing idiots" And no matter what selection, training and checks put in place, some of them still get through.

Hi Tim. Objective and informative as usual. It was very disappointing that the Reds allowed this to happen and that experienced members of the team didn't step in to stop it. The team are a national institution and looked up to by many people. Nevertheless it has been sorted and I am 100% behind the team for the 2024 season.

I only stumbled across this but you stuck up for Dave the sacked pilot, done him a solid.

Looking after The Firm rather that it's staff in common place in ALL NHS Ambulance Services' in the UK

I am guy in IT. My female superior (who hired me years back) approached me. I told her, I am taken and I don't want anything to happen. She said "ah that's fine, I prefer single guys anyway". 2 years later a customer tried to get me fired, and she stepped in to save my job. I was lucky she was a good person and she didn't abuse her power

During the 90s and Early 2000s The armed forces was infected by 'Common Purpose' as was National and Local Government departments ranging from the NHS, Education, Local Councils and the majority of the Civil Service. This Vile Outfit (Common Purpose) has been like a cancer on work place enviroments across the board whether in Civillian life or the Military. With tag lines like 'Act Beyond Authority' and ' Be a Disrupter' it sewn the seeds for a toxic culture we see in both the Corporate World and the Public Sector. They promoted 'Future Leaders' that taught them to disrupt to get to their Career Goal Levels. I honestly believe that these so called 'sexual encounters' we're the result of this 'Matrix Training' Common Purpose spewed up to these organisations. Look into CP and the deceptive tactics they taught for individuals to get what they want. BTW Common Purpose was funded purely by Central Government - THE ENEMY IS WITHIN!!!

Was the same in the nhs back in the day. Dunno if it is anymore, but it doesn’t seem so.

I went through the Royal Air Force in the 60's leaving in 1970. 200,000+ Serving Members then, started as a Boy Entrant when 15. It was a tough and robust environment but exactly as I expected. You needed a sense of humour and thick skin, something Society doesn't seem to have had for past 20 years!

Appalling behaviour from Officers. Where are the codes of conduct? .. Ie no Officer shall have relations with non commissioned personnel. At a place of work this is ungentlemanly behaviour. Like you say where are the standards... A married Sqn Ldr fucking an engineer sets a great example to the sqn. A Sqn Leader? A complete moron . The Red Arrows and all guilty persons should be ashamed of the bad press caused. There are boundries and expectant behaviors with holding a King's Commission. I still cannot believe this has occurred amongst the RAF's finest...

I am sick to death of hearing this and that it's always the males that are the sexual predators. I was a NCO on a Squadron, married, house and two children. There was an incident at work that caused a detrimental effect on my mental health. Long story short, a female senior by two ranks groomed me for her own interests. Initially, i confided in this individual after the incident. I felt easier talking to her rather than male colleagues. I eventually told her that i wasn't very happy in my life. I told her things that were personal, things that she later exploited. I left home due to my health, leaving my wife and children. I sought medical help and received the therapy i needed. Once i started to feel better, i could see through this individuals game. I was taken out of work and used for sex multiple times per day. She would come to my mess room at all hours of the night/early morning. I left the RAF in order to start again and get away from this individual. I left the force as a senior NCO, and the female in question still remains in an upper senior position. This behaviour is absolutely disgusting. It cost me my family, home, and career. 24 years wasted!

@18:36 - Knowingly or otherwise Tim, you just summed up ALL the world's ills ..... 'SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST FUCKING IDIOTS' Amen to that Sir.

I love your channel Jim!

The name that keeps coming up: Mike Wigston.

I can only assume that things are different now, but when I was in the RAF (73-85), fraternisation with lower ranks was frowned upon and discouraged.

Common Core Skills CCS is now called Individual Readiness Training Module 1 (IRT MOD 1)

Strangely I had a relationship with a PO Wren (sort of shows my age) as did several of my friends with other rank wrens, subsequently, we got married. The difference, none of us worked with our subsequent wife's.

Out of curiosity, why do you think Dave Monte is less keen on you? If i may suggest, is because you call it out as you see it in terms of standards, procedures and good old common sense? 😉 Military service by the way does work for many countries, problem is the RSMs and CPOs and Warrant officers will have double the work load trying get some of the riffraf into some sort of decent state.

You are not subversive, just saying what needs to be said. And if that can’t be taken on board we need to worry. And, and if it was a consensual relationship, that has been manipulated to sensationalise all this. That is the media! All in my humble opinion. I love your channel. Look forward to your comment.

I pay my money to be entertained in the air by the best pilots....I don't care what happens in the dorms. Sorry for anyone who was hurt in the process, but they are incredible and never seen a better flying display by a team!.

I was the Squadron Sgt/Major onboard HMS FEARLESS from 93/97. We kicked of 60 men on the Friday and embarked 60 women on the Monday….the Wrens was obsolete and these lady sailors joined as full members of the Naval Service. Despite briefings from the command and the Captain ; boys and girls started doing what boys and girls do and from the get go…..I personally banned women from the Sgts Mess as I could see the problems ahead….the lads nik named it the “ Love Boat “ , maybe one day I’ll write a book about all the shenanigans that went on….😊

I am ex R$NZAF.....There was a time when I was employed by a small regional airline.. The funny thing is that the most sexual double entendre comment I ever heard, and it was with a smirk, was from a female pilot to us tech staff.

Hang on, it was consensual but ... "He should have known better," Well surely she's an adult too? Pot, Kettle, Black.

You have a highly inlfammable sustance and you have a highly combustible substance. You have to stow them away. What do you do?

The 'Few' takes on a newer and darker meaning now.

The only RAF pilot I met who was a complete tosser (in my opinion) left a fighter squadron to join the Red Arrows. I bet he fitted in.

Good overview keep up the fantastic work. Only one comment can you tone down your halo its starting to burn my eyes!!

Hi mate, I think the Service Test was a thing when you were 'Standards'. To me it is a sensible answer to what could otherwise be abused. You can conduct 'normal' relationships with however you want, except where your rank or appointment leaves you able to compell. Basically, Respect the chain of command. And as a commander (at any level) police the prairie romances, citing the Service Test.

It’s disgusting. The men thin they can behave in such a way, ruined that poor woman’s experience of flying for the reds. They should walk amongst us in shame.

97 to 17. Its endemic.

There is zero benefit to having mixed sex Sqn's, Battalion's and Ships. There is always unnecessary drama that comes with it...

I too watched the documentary, and my question was where was any illegal behaviour demonstrated, it appears never! HOWEVER, where was the 'Service Test' applied in any of these situations, consensual or not? This is NOT just a question of morality around sexual behaviour, but of abuse of power. When a junior rank is 'pursued' or even willingly enters into a relationship with someone of superior rank, someone who can influence their career (in either direction), then the relationship surely fails the 'Service Test'. During my career I witnessed and intervened where I could in many situations where female colleagues were being treated unfairly because of their gender. The Army was a very mysogenist organisation then....and now? I now work with veterans. The widespread experience of female veterans towards their service is not a happy one. For those who served short periods many left with some issue of abuse in the background if not the reason for them leaving. For those who served full careers many testify to a culture of mysogeny that has left them with difficulties forming trusting relationships with men, and to them 'supressing' their feminity in order to succeed. This may, I hope, be historical, but for many females (and I generalise) military service hasn't been entirely happy. I firmly believe that the military needs to promote the warrior spirit, and with that comes a fair degree of confidence, pride and machismo and as a result the armed services may not be an entirely female friendly environment, but I think the RAF failed to enforce the service test in the circumstances reported in the documentary, and for that they have only themselves to blame.

I use to watch um in eastleach Gloucestershire every summer

Hi Tim , Interesting story - It was the best 12 years of my life serving in the Raf . No regrets ……. In my eyes the Red Arrows should never be disbanded ,they are the recruitment for the Raf ,but on saying that my wife used to get a bit pissed of ……. After every practice at Raf Scampton where we lived in married quarters ,the newly hung out washing was always covered in coloured diesel 😊 My blue Raf jumper sometimes had a pastel shade of red 😊 Regards Dave from Scotland

I’m sure the guys did inappropriate stuff, but the reason why traditionally fighting forces were all male was to prevent distractions and protect the women. Women want equality but end up in harms way. It is always going to end badly.

Yet again Tim you’ve nailed it. If we continue at this rate procreation will be a hell of a challenge. If society heads along this path. Why have people in general become so soft. I’m not saying genuine people who have been abused should be supported but when is the line drawn and at what point do you potentially end a career because you find a girl attractive. We’ve come a long way from cave dwellers clubbing our potential mate. I do think the ball was dropped in more ways than one. But standards had become a misty murky place. No place for a fast jet pilot with all the unnecessary baggage in the cockpit. It only can end poorly no matter if it was consensual or not it’s a distraction and sadly could of been an even bigger disaster for the reds.

You're Not Wrong 👍

Retired RCAF here. People in proximity to each other tend to interact. People are human.... Another unpopular reality is behavior is considered acceptable or not by how attractive/beneficial/desirable the person doing the behavior is. There are also some people of both sexes who will take advantage and abuse others. In the end these accusations need to be proven in a court before administrative or disciplinary action is taken. If someone has been assaulted then the punishment should be severe. If it is obviously a false accusation then the accuser must also be punished. If it just can't be proven then separate them and move on. Continuing the way we are will never result in a effective force generation. It will simply continue to erode trust and cohesiveness.

Great commentary. I think it is totally unrealistic to expect in an intense environment of fast jet flying that everyone will behave like sexless beings. I don't even think this is even desirable in terms of putting so much effort in trying to prevent "sexual goings on" as you might say if such efforts inhibit pilots and crew and ground-crew to give of their best. Don't get me wrong that doesn't mean I would endorse encouraging these "goings on" either - not by a long chalk but rather those in senior positions need to be tough enough NOT to give in to unrealistic expectations from civvy street and especially those either in or outside the services that also have an ideological axe to grind. We are talking about an armed service and a key part of our national defence force. We need folks who can be rolled out when needed to issue as many "mea culpas" as may be needed but who can also go back and ENSURE that the primary priorities are NEVER sacrificed for the sake of some "politically correct" bullshit which is too often ruled by "fashion" anyway rather than national defence (and offence) imperatives.

This always threw me. I was an Infantry SNCO and had a female medic junior join my Platoon. We were always professional but she always tried to use her status as a pretty girl to get off various duties. That never washed with me. We ended up in a long term relationship with a child, but I always said our relationship should never impact our role in work. It's human to be attracted to a pretty girl as a bloke. I was single, so not going off behind anyone's back, nor was she. Turns out she shagged half of the Platoon before me, and then made a complaint about me because she'd fallen out with me, that had the Adjutant HATE me, then she left. The same person, then becoming an Adj who decided he didn't like me from when I was with a different Unit and told him to 'fuck off' on Ops as he nearly got people killed. I had to get the civvi Police involved to save my arse because with was so malicious. I signed off shortly after, as a SNCO Rank with UKSF time due to that 1 Officer believing her with fuck all time compared to her 3 years in, and that Officer's persecution. Every single guy in my Platoon and Coy backed me, including my Rank structure, and I'd done nothing wrong. The Police proved I had done nothing wrong and the accusation was malicious, but I was so disappointed by Senior Officers and their actions from 1 false accusation. I lost my strong Mil career from a woman with a chip on her shoulder and a Public Schoolboy who rode a desk.. I was a doting dad, and a loyal fiancé. Still gutted to this day and that was 10 years ago. I threw my head up and had had enough of some prick Officer backing a known liar who had been caught, over my word with fucking proof. I learned a valuable lesson - Don't shit where you eat. And fuck that prick desk riding twat.

Channel 4 should have called it "Carry on Tornado"

Hi Tim. Ex RAF. Tornado Squadron Commander last tour. I watched this determined to keep an open mind but it soon became clear that this was a one sided stitch up by Sky. I’m sure this girl had a terrible time but my sympathy waned when she ‘found herself in his bed’. At that point I stopped watching. It seemed to me that the AVM kept a sensible head on this - it’s a disgrace she was ‘named and shamed’. I know what I would have done in this circumstance (same as you I’m guessing ) - kill it right at the beginning, don’t let it get anywhere near this far. But in those days that would be seen as sensible leadership. Now they would be making up the cross to crucify me. Keep it up - I enjoy watching your videos - probably because I agree with pretty much everything you say! Cheers.

It feels like every year they have a big controversy, them drinking and staying up the night before an airshow was really dangerous

Nature trumps all rules and doctrine. This stuff will always happen.

My favourites were, a good mates wife, then going on a horse riding course at Warminster and an officer WREN. Coming back from Ely hospital and being picked up by WRAF driver oh the car broke down. Plus guard duty and a coffee in the safety equipment department and finally a Cpl s wife on a Sqn do. All consensual and I was lower rank but happy

Interesting video, thank you. How bad must the culture have been for Nick Critchell to resign? He must have been really stoked to get a place in the team after a lot of hard work, and to then give that up completely? I think I read that the RAF say he left for career reasons or some other BS. The above is based only on what I've read and seen.

Will the guys now be maintaining sim currency?

The discipline of service life means not hopping into bed with your colleagues just because you are away from home and fancy a bit even if it is consensual. Your mate Dave was the boss and there was a clear gradient in the power dynamic in the relationship he formed and clearly for him that relationship was transactional because when the pressure went on, he tried to wriggle out of it. The squadron boss's behaviour should be beyond reproach as it is they who set the standards. As for the wider point on diversity I believe a large part of the context and culture is being ignored by Timothy. The RAF must put performance and the higest professional standards above all else, it must recruit the best. Tim clearly has an unconscious bias as he is assuming that the best is inherently the hetrosexual white male. The RAF responsibility is to create a professional environment that means the best irrespective of gender, sexual orientation can flourish or at least get by without suffering a toxic environment. As ex-services I can state without question that the armed forces has consistently fallen short in this regard.

What you are is doing is good. Holding a mirror up to the RAF. You were clearly a good officer/leader and they should pay attention. Not wishing to blow smoke up your behind of course because your ego is large enough but it is not inappropriate stuff.

Good and fair video Tim. When I was at Halton we were threatened with violence by some seargants one person got punched in the chest by some RAF Reg. I complained and I has many apologies from the Station WO and the Wing Commander. They dealt with it and disciplined the people involved but sadly it was too late for me as it soured me of the RAF an organisation I have loved since I was 4. I think there are some rotten things going on within it in places but generally once you're in proper it's fine. I really really wish I'd stayed and ridden through it all. but Shite happens... I love the Red Arrows. They are the best in the world and at least this appears to be sorted now. A shame about Monty I don't think he necessarily did enough wrong to warrant being sacked. I've met Bondy a couple of times he's awesome and I'm sure he will lead the Red to great things.

I thought the red1 case was he was married and had an affair with the female and she was a junior officer and then fell pregnant; he persuaded her to have an abortion? As for Pam Ayers? Different time different ethos

They'll try to cancel or smear anything we have to be proud of so as a brit and a fan... I honestly don't give a shit. Looking forward to seeing these guys at two airshows this year.

Tim!? Why is common sense being equated to backward thinking or even...misogyny? Jesus, the fact it is so difficult to spell a bit like dyslexia should tell you everything. Love the channel, you're a legend!

Another story was a Cpl I knew well he had a bit of a fling with another Cpls wife. Well as these things often do they end poorly. Well the first cpl was being posted overseas and we had a leaving do for him. Well he gave the second cpl a present as they were good friends. Well the present actually contained a pair of used knickers belonging to

Prepare yourself for the military to lose the next significant conflict - would be my take.

Good old Debs is clearly a woman on a mission. Anyway, while I agree with most of what you said, any commander must know that he/she should not have a 'consensual' relationship with someone under their command. The boss of the RAFAT should have informed his CoC as soon as it crossed the line. One of them should then have been re-assigned.

You can not even put your hand on somebody's shoulder know days with out being accused of assault . This country is F🤬cking finished

There's a simple solution to all this, of course.

In the documentary it stated that the female Air Commodore did not pursue the case because it was outside of her chain of command and there was insufficient evidence to open a case. Are we really saying that somebody of Air rank does not have the authority to pick up a phone and make some discreet but pointed calls? I don't believe it. More likely is she didn't want to make waves and stop her inexorable rise up the ranks.

is it true what you say at 9.30?? are they going to be axed?

Sounds like 'Carry On Up The Tail' in the RAF....

I was in for 22 years and I never sought relationships with serving members of the opposite sex, for me it just looked like a minefield. I did meet some over the years where I nearly succumbed, it was the hat that did it for me.😇 Ironically I was best man for my mate who married an officer at the same station without telling anybody until it was all over bar the shouting. Not going to give any more detail because I think they were one of the first, trailblazers so to speak.🤠 All the best for the new year.🥳

I think society could do with military service to teach the yoof some manners and respect......

The standards had dropped way below in the mid 00’s. I remember watching the SWO in uniform on his mobile phone in his right hand going through camp. For those that don’t know it was drummed into us to keep your right hand free in order to salute if required. You can’t instill discipline when the head of discipline screws it up. Glad I’m out of it, TOT means absolutely nothing these days it seems

with extreme trepidation

You make some good points. It can be a hugely difficult area. Here we are in a world that is potentially facing population collapse because there is not enough shagging but at the same time we are trying to advance civilisation by determinedly giving everyone a fair chance in life. I have seen a army unit run largely on the basis of who was shagging who back in the 70s and it was dreadful, a naval officer who thought it was OK to touch people up regardless of gender, ATC chain of command not facing up to their responsibilities regarding the safety of underage girls. I think we're in a far better place now but still there are people who don't seem to get this civilisation thing, and yes, booze is no help to decision-making in these or any other matters. You mentioned leadership and that I think it is a key part of this problem. Officers and NCOs. Is it possible that the role of the officer in the RAF is too much associated with flying and not enough associated with leadership?

Never a good idea to shag the payroll but it's going to happen. Hope the Military have learnt a few lessons here. All the best to the Reds for 2024.

You really think they'll scrap the Reds?

There is a very simple solution. Just make the forces exclusively male. Also you could have compulsory national service (as they do in UAE) for 1 year (but with a proviso that you could not be forced to fight abroad). Certainly would ‘man up’ society.

Why don't you get the girls on for their side of the story!