Priorities

Britain's Afghanistan mission is without a rudder and public support is plummeting as a result, the Army lacks adequate kit, ammunition is low, proper air support is non-existent, relations with the US forces is frayed, the defence budget faces another round of insane cuts, and there's talk of out-right surrender to the Taliban, but don't worry, the MOD is leaping into action to rectify the situation by... deploying an all-girl Merlin helicopter crew.

Yes, I know I said "girl". I'm doing so because a) I do not subscribe to Newspeak and b) to highlight the utter fatuousness of this stunt–which, no reflection on the ladies, it most certainly is.

Dambusters Scoop

There have been a couple of stories about Peter Jackson's remake of The Dambusters this week, but we at Ephemeral Isle are proud to present this exclusive clip of the upcoming epic.

Caution: Spoilers!

Another Nail

The Red Arrows get their first female pilot, even though there are only TEN female fighter pilots in the entire RAF. But don't say that this is due to any orders from on high to put sex before competence. Not if you know what's good for you.

After all, it's not as if New Labour has its priorities skewed.

Vulcan To The Sky

Help keep the last Vulcan flying.

Let's Do The Timewarp Again

The Guardian still delivers, as this headline demonstrates:

RAF concerned about weakness on Hercules since second world war

This shows remarkable foresight, given that the Hercules wasn't even thought of until 1951.

The Shrinking Shield

In another throat-slitting cost-cutting measure, the government plans to decommission a quarter of the RAF's frontline bomber forces, leaving only SIX squadrons to carry the can.

When will they learn that it's supposed to be a defence budget, not a suicide pact?

Not a Spectrum, But a Circle

From thisislondon.co.uk:

PC brigade ban pin-ups on RAF jets - in case they offend women and Muslims

And thus feminism and dhimmitude join hands.

I guess it's true that extremes eventually do meet.

Jaguar Retires

The Jaguar ground attack aircraft is being retired from RAF service next month after thirty four years of protecting the realm.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant

Fighting Fashion

Just to show that the MOD has its priorities straight in a time of war against barbarians bent on our destruction, we present the RAF pink and blue bikini. Available soon at a high-street shop near you.

Go away. Just go away.

Live Long & Prosper

An Avro Vulcan will take part in the Falklands War anniversary fly past in London on 17 June.

And I'm stuck on the wrong side of the planet!

Save the Arrows

Having eliminated nearly all of our ancient institutions and traditions, the Blairite government is looking at disbanding the Red Arrows aerobatics team to save a few pennies.

Sign the petition and let a bit of sanity in.

RAF Nimrod Crew Use Teapot to Plug Hole

Tea: Is there nothing it can't do?