was his. However, it’s not and our masters in NATO have insisted that we reinforce the region – tout-suite. Accordingly, we’ve come up with the following plan – and this is where you come in, Todd.’
In an instant it came to him. He could now predict exactly what his father was going to say – and it didn’t please him in the slightest.
‘Todd, the flypast will go ahead – and on schedule – on the second of April, just seven days from now. It works nicely, as the second was the day the Argentines started the whole business.’
‘But…’ Todd tried to object.
‘Just listen to the whole plan and then you’ll see the sense of it. The flypast goes ahead on the second, and then the relevant contingent of the flying package will transit direct to Brindisi in Italy to act as our element of the reinforcement force. The press will advertise the flypast/deployment prominently so that the general public will be encouraged to watch. It’s a perfect solution. NATO appreciate the importance of the flypast and have agreed the plan. And the icing on the cake is that you will be detachment commander in Italy, with the acting rank of Wing Commander. Now you can comment Todd.’
Todd immediately realised that this was an ambitious project.
‘There are a thousand and one things to do between now and next Saturday. I can’t be expected to run a flypast and organise an Operation Order for a move to Italy!’
OC 619 broke in.
‘We realise that. I have been tasked with organising the logistics and admin side of the move, so all you need to do is get the team to Brindisi after the flypast. I will hand over to you on your arrival. It’ll be hard work but it’s possible - just. We’ll get full co-operation from all agencies – this will be the number one project within the RAF for the next week. We can kill two birds with one stone, and with the least amount of disruption. What do you think, Todd?’
Todd’s mind was racing. At first glance it looked possible but he’d need a lot of help. However, the early promotion far outweighed any hassle he might encounter. He decided to be positive, resisting the temptation to identify any possible objections at this stage.
‘Well, sir, I’d better get started. I take it that the call-out is for all this?’
‘Yes, Todd, all units involved with the flypast have been called out this morning – nationwide - so that aircraft and personnel can be transported here by close of play tomorrow. All station personnel will be alerted to our plan by tannoy at 0600 hours – thirty-five minutes from now. The other stations involved in our formation – RAF Coningsby, Wyton, Lyneham and Brize Norton are all being briefed as I speak. Clearly, this is going to cause some inconvenience for their personnel, but I’m afraid that can’t be helped. The three other major formations are to work independently, and may well send elements to Dharan in due course – but they are not your problem. Just ensure that their formation leaders get the essence of the Flypast procedures and plan, and they will practice independently. Andy, can you arrange for your OC Ops to co-ordinate that aspect?’
Andy Millar nodded and Todd realised that the plan was a fait accompli, so he be well advised to just get on with it. Complaints would fall on deaf ears.
‘Right sir, I’ll need to go away and think about this for an hour or so, just to gather my thoughts and make a skeleton plan. We can add the bones as we go along. There’s a lot to think about.’
Todd got up to leave
In an instant it came to him. He could now predict exactly what his father was going to say – and it didn’t please him in the slightest.
‘Todd, the flypast will go ahead – and on schedule – on the second of April, just seven days from now. It works nicely, as the second was the day the Argentines started the whole business.’
‘But…’ Todd tried to object.
‘Just listen to the whole plan and then you’ll see the sense of it. The flypast goes ahead on the second, and then the relevant contingent of the flying package will transit direct to Brindisi in Italy to act as our element of the reinforcement force. The press will advertise the flypast/deployment prominently so that the general public will be encouraged to watch. It’s a perfect solution. NATO appreciate the importance of the flypast and have agreed the plan. And the icing on the cake is that you will be detachment commander in Italy, with the acting rank of Wing Commander. Now you can comment Todd.’
Todd immediately realised that this was an ambitious project.
‘There are a thousand and one things to do between now and next Saturday. I can’t be expected to run a flypast and organise an Operation Order for a move to Italy!’
OC 619 broke in.
‘We realise that. I have been tasked with organising the logistics and admin side of the move, so all you need to do is get the team to Brindisi after the flypast. I will hand over to you on your arrival. It’ll be hard work but it’s possible - just. We’ll get full co-operation from all agencies – this will be the number one project within the RAF for the next week. We can kill two birds with one stone, and with the least amount of disruption. What do you think, Todd?’
Todd’s mind was racing. At first glance it looked possible but he’d need a lot of help. However, the early promotion far outweighed any hassle he might encounter. He decided to be positive, resisting the temptation to identify any possible objections at this stage.
‘Well, sir, I’d better get started. I take it that the call-out is for all this?’
‘Yes, Todd, all units involved with the flypast have been called out this morning – nationwide - so that aircraft and personnel can be transported here by close of play tomorrow. All station personnel will be alerted to our plan by tannoy at 0600 hours – thirty-five minutes from now. The other stations involved in our formation – RAF Coningsby, Wyton, Lyneham and Brize Norton are all being briefed as I speak. Clearly, this is going to cause some inconvenience for their personnel, but I’m afraid that can’t be helped. The three other major formations are to work independently, and may well send elements to Dharan in due course – but they are not your problem. Just ensure that their formation leaders get the essence of the Flypast procedures and plan, and they will practice independently. Andy, can you arrange for your OC Ops to co-ordinate that aspect?’
Andy Millar nodded and Todd realised that the plan was a fait accompli, so he be well advised to just get on with it. Complaints would fall on deaf ears.
‘Right sir, I’ll need to go away and think about this for an hour or so, just to gather my thoughts and make a skeleton plan. We can add the bones as we go along. There’s a lot to think about.’
Todd got up to leave
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