ianstone
06-03-2010, 11:09 PM
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01053/SNN2947_01_280_1053603a.jpg
Elite troops ... 'disappointed' at training abroad
myView
By DUNCAN LARCOMBE
Defence Editor
THE demands placed on our C130 Hercules planes have never been greater.
In Afghanistan they are a lifeline for forces on the ground. At home they are needed to train pilots, troops and engineers whose skills will soon be required for real.
It is only right the priority for these workhorses remains the frontline. But the sad fact is there is a shortage back home.
Equipping our forces is as much about their training as their frontline duties. That fact seemed wasted on the last Government.
There will be more than a few highly-skilled Paras who will hope it does not fly over the heads of the new regime.
Exclusive
It’s barmy as Paras rely on Omani army
THE RAF is so short of Hercules planes that Paras are being trained for Afghanistan - by OMAN'S army.
Our Boys have also been forced to travel to the US to fit in enough training jumps before going to war.
Top brass reluctantly sent them abroad for vital training because of fears not enough troops will be ready for deployment to the war zone in autumn.
Sources blame a lack of available C130 Hercules planes.
In the past two years, the number has dropped from 41 to 38. A recent crash at RAF Brize Norton has taken one more out of service.
It is the first time since World War II - when the Paras' school was formed - that training aircraft shortages have forced us to go cap in hand to foreign armies.
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01053/SNN2947_02_1053602a.jpg
Shortage ... Brit Hercules in action in Afghanistan
Sixty Paras recently went to Oman in the Middle East for training with the local army as they prepare to form part of the Airborne Taskforce.
A further 20 trained at the American Airborne School in Georgia.
Last night a source from the Parachute Regiment said many of the unit's elite troops were disappointed at being sent abroad to train.
The source added: "The general consensus was disappointment at not being allowed to earn their British wings first.
"These lads are proud and after passing their Para training it's frustrating to be told you're going to be trained by Yanks. Some are embarrassed to admit it.
"And qualified Paratroopers are angered that training has been diluted because of the cuts of the last Government who could not be bothered to replace lost C130s."
Last night senior Army sources insisted that training flights - while vital - were not as much of a priority as Afghanistan.
They said the war effort forced tough choices to be made.
An Army spokesman said there were advantages to training with our foreign allies.
He said in a statement: "This vital training with our close allies in the US and Oman has increased the number of trained parachutists in the British Army."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/2991979/RAF-being-trained-for-Afghanistan-by-Omans-army.html#ixzz0pqjWVHFL
If something is not done i forecast English will be our second language, in 20 years,its frightening ! !
Elite troops ... 'disappointed' at training abroad
myView
By DUNCAN LARCOMBE
Defence Editor
THE demands placed on our C130 Hercules planes have never been greater.
In Afghanistan they are a lifeline for forces on the ground. At home they are needed to train pilots, troops and engineers whose skills will soon be required for real.
It is only right the priority for these workhorses remains the frontline. But the sad fact is there is a shortage back home.
Equipping our forces is as much about their training as their frontline duties. That fact seemed wasted on the last Government.
There will be more than a few highly-skilled Paras who will hope it does not fly over the heads of the new regime.
Exclusive
It’s barmy as Paras rely on Omani army
THE RAF is so short of Hercules planes that Paras are being trained for Afghanistan - by OMAN'S army.
Our Boys have also been forced to travel to the US to fit in enough training jumps before going to war.
Top brass reluctantly sent them abroad for vital training because of fears not enough troops will be ready for deployment to the war zone in autumn.
Sources blame a lack of available C130 Hercules planes.
In the past two years, the number has dropped from 41 to 38. A recent crash at RAF Brize Norton has taken one more out of service.
It is the first time since World War II - when the Paras' school was formed - that training aircraft shortages have forced us to go cap in hand to foreign armies.
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01053/SNN2947_02_1053602a.jpg
Shortage ... Brit Hercules in action in Afghanistan
Sixty Paras recently went to Oman in the Middle East for training with the local army as they prepare to form part of the Airborne Taskforce.
A further 20 trained at the American Airborne School in Georgia.
Last night a source from the Parachute Regiment said many of the unit's elite troops were disappointed at being sent abroad to train.
The source added: "The general consensus was disappointment at not being allowed to earn their British wings first.
"These lads are proud and after passing their Para training it's frustrating to be told you're going to be trained by Yanks. Some are embarrassed to admit it.
"And qualified Paratroopers are angered that training has been diluted because of the cuts of the last Government who could not be bothered to replace lost C130s."
Last night senior Army sources insisted that training flights - while vital - were not as much of a priority as Afghanistan.
They said the war effort forced tough choices to be made.
An Army spokesman said there were advantages to training with our foreign allies.
He said in a statement: "This vital training with our close allies in the US and Oman has increased the number of trained parachutists in the British Army."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/2991979/RAF-being-trained-for-Afghanistan-by-Omans-army.html#ixzz0pqjWVHFL
If something is not done i forecast English will be our second language, in 20 years,its frightening ! !