The Air Corps organisation/management

[Lurk]

Silver, the only changes required are to stop living on past successes, and live to the future.

We need a management structure separate from Army culture, and with the balls to express truth to Ministers and Government.

We need a modern commercial type management structure that will instil productivity and morale.

We need a "can do" attitude, instead of a "why we cant" attitude.

We need a constitutional change that will allow the Corps work in the public interest, without having to express ridicolous procrastinations about defending the territorial airspace. Then we can provide a modern service to SAR, HEMS, Fisheries, Garda, Customs & Excise etc.

[yellowjacket]

Quote (Lurk @ 31 Dec. 2003,12:12)

Then we can provide a modern service to SAR, HEMS, Fisheries, Garda, Customs & Excise etc.

Every single one of those roles you mention is civilian/non-military.

What about military roles such as supporting the rest of the DF?

What you suggest would turn the a/c into a government flying service. This is probably the way things have been heading for a long time, but does no-one see the need for an actual military aviation setup? I'm not really even thinking of the "fast-jets" here, more of helicopters supporting army and naval service operations in a meaningful way.

[Silver]

I have often read here (and elsewhere) compaints about the current organisation and management of the AC.

So what exactly is wrong ?
And what needs to be changed ?

[Silver]

What, no opinions ?!

[cygnet]

As an Ex member of the Air Corps there has always been and always will be problems with military management because thats what they are military ! Even the so called 'Good Technical Eng's ' are forced to do military type management courses and they change !and not for the better I might add !People should come up through the ranks and get the higher positions but that is taboo in Ireland the idea of a ordinary serving man joining their ranks without being brainwashed ! outlandish ! accept it for what it is as it will never change .

DS
 

[clan]

Sounds about right Cygnet, "the Irish still have the old British class system in the army/NS/Air Corp and seem to change what good individuals they do get into one of there robots" That is a quote from a Naval buddy of mine.
It needs action from the Top down, instead of wish lists for equipment go the British and the Yanks and our European neighbours see what they do not want, strike a deal . Free use of Shannon for a year or Knock for 4 F16's. Germany Hawk jets for a sense of Humour, etc. But everytime I  read something from Mangan, Smithy or the GOC of the Air corps it comes across as Horlocks.
If some troops get killed in Liberia because they were driving a 30 year old armoured car with not enough protection, we then might see some action. But I doubt it, Professional soldiers NO. Civil Servants YES.

[Silver]

So the new GOC is not the man to bring in major reforms ?

....or are 'his hands tied', so to speak, regarding what he can do ?

[alpha foxtrot 07]

his hands are tied as were all the previous GOC's before him, you will never see anything other than a yes man in the aer corps head job. its a shame but the aer corps is essentally run by the army who appoint the GOC. i dont like to say this but with the garda trying to do their own flying and the DoM taking over the SAR role whats left for the corps except to be a private airline for bertie.

[FiannaFail]

Silver,
I think the issues are much wider than Air Corps Management - in my view we all have to sit down and develop strategies on how Air Corps and Defence matters generally are pushed up the political agenda. Regardless of ones political views we need to do this. Perhaps in the contex of the developmet of an ERF or IAC Sopportive roles in future UN peacekeeping/enforcement missions.
The question is are there anyone around to co-ordinate this lobby group/activity?
Kind regards,
FiannaFail '>

[clan]

How about the DOD advertise in the UK for Irish members of the RAF to apply for the senior job at the Air Corp. This way they get a leader that has not been brought up through the ranks of the Air Corp has a fresh approach, does not stand for Bul***t and organises the corp like a normal countrys air force. And he would not be used to being treated like a 5th class citizen. Tell Mangan to retire. and organise the corp like it should be done, and if that means no more chocolates for the Salad Dodger(Harney) then so be it.