William and the Sea King

[azimuthaviation]

"Free flight training"? Really, that's what you think this should be considered? The CF just got more positive, public exposure, then all their recruiting & PR ads over the past 10 years have given them, and for a fraction of the cost.

For the cost of one hour of flying on the Sea Thing (which is what, somewhere in the $8K range) - hundreds of thousands of Canadians, not to mention the larger world-wide audience, learned something new about the CF. That our pilots train to do something that no other air force or navy in the world teaches their pilots.

RAF Flight Lieutenant Wales just told Canadians, the citizens of other NATO countries, and the rest of the world, that the quality of training in the CF is second to none. Thanks F/L Wales, that was very nice of you. I'm sure CF Public Affairs really appreciates you giving them a hand at doing their job.

They could send a demo team to every air show in Canada and not get as much exposure.

PR? Theyre the armed forces they dont need to be concerned about maintaining their public image let alone celebrity endorsements from the Duke of Cambridge (or whatever he is). Quite the opposite in fact, (military correct me if Im wrong), doesnt it go against military strategy to show what our capabilities are? What if Canada had real enemies? Do we want them knowing we have helicopters that can land on a lake?? I mean keep a card up your sleeve just in case no?

[AOW]

PR? Theyre the armed forces they dont need to be concerned about maintaining their public image let alone celebrity endorsements from the Duke of Cambridge (or whatever he is). Quite the opposite in fact, (military correct me if Im wrong), doesnt it go against military strategy to show what our capabilities are? What if Canada had real enemies? Do we want them knowing we have helicopters that can land on a lake?? I mean keep a card up your sleeve just in case no?

You ever watch one of those May Day parades? There's a fine (or not-so-fine perhaps) line between bragging about your capabilities and divulging strategic secrets. As per the Sea Thing is far from modern technology, and not exactly an offensive platform, showing off its capabilities has far more benefit than risk.

[. ._]

And ya gotta admit- it's kinda funny our guys can do that and if the Marines tried to do it in the Potomac, good old POTUS would be going for a swim.

(Even though, yeah, THOSE guys can probably do it better than our guys, but hey, let's keep the dream alive that we're so badass.)

[flyinggreasemonkey]

the prince pay? HAHAHAHA riiiiight
we're wasting over $2 million having them here to begin with....

[Beefitarian]

And ya gotta admit- it's kinda funny our guys can do that and if the Marines tried to do it in the Potomac, good old POTUS would be going for a swim.

(Even though, yeah, THOSE guys can probably do it better than our guys, but hey, let's keep the dream alive that we're so badass.)

Sorry Nark you know I love you but... I think our guys can probably do it better than them, they would just have equipment designed to do it without the yellow tape if they wanted it for that role.

[cdnpilot77]

Theyre the armed forces they dont need to be concerned about maintaining their public image

You are joking right?

[Beefitarian]

Well that's nice.

Totally, I'm a good guy like that.

[azimuthaviation]

the prince pay? HAHAHAHA riiiiight
we're wasting over $2 million having them here to begin with....

2 million in currency that will soon have his picture on it.

[niss]

the prince pay? HAHAHAHA riiiiight
we're wasting over $2 million having them here to begin with....

2 million in currency that will soon have his picture on it.

I'd rather have his wife's pic on it. Then I would keep my money in the spank bank.

[Brewguy]

PR? Theyre the armed forces they dont need to be concerned about maintaining their public image...

You obviously don't remember the 1980's and heck, even into the 90's. Back then if someone said they were in the forces, or thinking of joining the forces, a lot of our fellow Canadians would respond "We have a military? Really? Huh, who knew!". Unlike the US, you don't see a lot of CF members appearing on game shows in uniform.

The military needs to maintain a massive and ongoing PR campaign to keep them in the public's mind. Otherwise, they (the public) don't bat an eye as the military is eroded away to nothing by budget cutbacks. And now that there is a government in office that's doing a military spending spree - its just as important for Canadians to see and understand what the CF actually does on a day to day basis.

[azimuthaviation]

the prince pay? HAHAHAHA riiiiight
we're wasting over $2 million having them here to begin with....

2 million in currency that will soon have his picture on it.

I'd rather have his wife's pic on it. Then I would keep my money in the spank bank.

Shes not too bad looking, and right now just a few hours drive away. Princess Diana dumped her prince for some greasy Arab guy so Im sure I have a shot too.

[mcrit]

...so Im sure I have a shot too.

Not on your paycheque.

[azimuthaviation]

You may be shocked to learn but theres actually women out there who will give you attention without having to be paid.

[winds_in_flight_wtf]

the prince pay? HAHAHAHA riiiiight
we're wasting over $2 million having them here to begin with....

If you cannot embrace the people which make up your countries history +traditions then I suggest you find another home. I hope they buy him a private C17 so you shit your pants.

[Siddley Hawker]

Edited.
Oops. Already said he same thing on another thread.

[mcrit]

AA, son, when it comes to women you always end up paying for it one way or another.

[. ._]

... when it comes to women you always end up paying for it one way or another.

+1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o0V6VPX_E0

[Guido]

the prince pay? HAHAHAHA riiiiight
we're wasting over $2 million having them here to begin with....

I'm relatively anti-monarchy these days, but even I have to admit that they're probably bringing more than $2 million in benefits to Canada. I'm on vacation in PEI at the moment and they've drawn lots of tourists to the North Shore on top of the usual busy season... I think financially it's probably a wash overall.

My concern with the monarchy isn't so much that it's a waste of money, but that no person should have a blood right to rule over another - we're not in feudal times (yet) and we shouldn't act like it either.

[Rockie]

My concern with the monarchy isn't so much that it's a waste of money, but that no person should have a blood right to rule over another - we're not in feudal times (yet) and we shouldn't act like it either.

Royal rule effectively ended with the signing of the Magna Carta on June 15, 1215. It is the democratically elected government that rules in Great Britain and Canada today. Perhaps you're thinking of Saudi Arabia?

[Siddley Hawker]

Probably why it's called a Constitutional Monarchy. I can supply a reason why it's a good idea using just four words: Chairman Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Hell, I can do it with three words: President Jean Chretien.

[Brewguy]

As far as I'm concerned, a Constitutional Monarchy is just about the best system of government you can hope for.

Sure, on paper other systems of government may look more appealing - but in practice, we have one thing others don't. And that one thing, is a fail-safe or a 'trump card' if you will, against any possibility of a dictatorship. Our monarch's only real power or authority, is in being able to pull the plug on a government that over steps it's legal bounds. And also having the monarch as the head of the armed forces, gives us pretty good protection against the possibility of a military coup.

If you look at most other forms of government, particularly republics, it's actually a bit scary the level of unquestioning loyalty most soldiers give to an individual elected person as their commander-in-chief.

Had Germany become a constitutional monarchy after WWI (in a similar manner to what we have now), what chance do you think Hitler would have had in gaining absolute control of the government & military?

Given the right set of circumstances (martial law or similar after a catastrophic disaster or major terrorist act) do you think it's remotely possible, even if improbable, that a US or Russian president could stage a military coup and become a dictator? i.e. Soldiers "just following orders", and their Officers with orders that come "directly from the commander-in-chief"?

Not to sound all conspiracy theorist - just food for thought for all of those who are so quick to damn the monarchy in favour of a republic.

[rigpiggy]

just think, with 4more hours, and some more touch and go's he can get tc to stamp a float rating on his license.

[sean.j]

I think he did a hell of a job in front of the cameras

[Guido]

As far as I'm concerned, a Constitutional Monarchy is just about the best system of government you can hope for.

You make a good point, Brewguy - definite food for thought.