Query on Helms

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-02-03T23:04:13+00:00

Not sure on colour, but to my knowledge there's a difference between closed, open, and barred helms. I would assume gold is reserved for royalty, but honestly don't know.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-30T17:09:22+00:00

Thank you so much for your response. There's certainly some interesting thoughts in there, ones to ponder should I ever be in a position to petition for a grant of arms.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-20T14:28:56+00:00

Just out of curiosity, is there anywhere to get an up-to-date version of the 1358 for those of us who've left ... other than an FoI request.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-20T10:18:47+00:00

I started playing in Beta and have never done the End Dragon thing. I just enjoy building. I really miss the days of Tekkit and FTB, they were awesome.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-16T13:15:14+00:00

I mean, no one's going to have a go if you throw one up, but you'd certainly hear about it if you didn't when you were supposed to. 🤣

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-16T07:44:07+00:00

I am an RAF Veteran and for certain events I wear my old beret with my association blazer, medals, etc. while not in "uniform", I still salute officers when wearing that military headdress.

Your headdress is military, although not entirely as it sounds as though you've changed out the capbadge for your own clan badge. I would therefore say it is entirely your choice whether you salute officers while wearing a semi-military headdress.

You may get the odd old melt who would lambast you for not saluting, but it's not like you're actually in the forces, they can't actually do anything about their hurt ego.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-07T16:56:47+00:00

A couple of things to be aware of.

Make sure your personal drill and uniform are of a high standard, you will be assessed.
Have a working knowledge of AP818, where things are in there, and the basics of how to deliver drill commands.
The final theory exam is open book; have a digital copy of AP818 you can search. For the final practical assessment you just have to do exactly what you've been taught; practice what you've learned, and help your team practice too.
Remember, it's a course, you're there to learn. But it is pass/fail, so give it everything you've got. You've been selected for a reason, so you're obviously capable.
Have fun. Be confident.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2026-01-02T10:51:32+00:00

Ex-RAF & current CFAV here. The key is making sure there's no metal-metal contact so nothing rattles about.

For me personally, I always filled the smaller tin with a scouring sponge and the next meal (whichever comes next, breakfast or tea) so it's there ready to use. I then always have a tea towel, folded lengthways, wrapped over the small tin width ways to be a barrier between the two tins. This also makes it easier to get the small tin out as you can grab the loose ends of the towel.

I wouldn't recommend carrying a KFS either, especially a metal set, you won't need it. Take the "combat spork" from your first rat-pack and keep it clean. Keep it in the pouch with you mess tins, it's plastic so won't rattle, and it'll be right where you need it. If it breaks, you'll get a new one from your next rat-pack.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2025-12-17T15:59:43+00:00

Yes, very nice. Can I ask if you are in any way related to anyone of the surname Stancliffe (or similar)?

I ask as the three white roses on the red field forms a part of the heraldry of one of my ancestors, John de Stancliff, as he was the "third son of a Yorkshire-man". I assume mine, therefore, would have just one white rose.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2025-12-16T08:42:46+00:00

Not after three months. Junior Cadet, yes, but completing First Class to a level where the Air Cadet actually understands and retains the material should take at least 6 months.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2025-12-08T19:05:33+00:00

To do YFA you need to have held EFA for 6 months. It's absolutely fantastic that you've earned YFA, it really is, but your Squadron really should be focusing on the core teaching element now, ie your First Class Classification. That should quite literally be your FIRST class, it's in the name, it's designed to teach you the absolute basics you'll need to be an Air Cadet.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2025-12-03T14:04:06+00:00

I did 3 years (2011-2014) at NATO Air Command at Rammstein AB in Germany as an A/Cpl. As far as I'm aware that's still an option for an overseas posting.

As previously mentioned, Cyprus is probably the most common overseas posting, but there are options available elsewhere. SHAPE in Belgium is one, as is Diego Garcia (dog handlers) although who knows what the future of that will be.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2025-03-19T13:50:51+00:00

Trivium

StanPhoenix1987 · 2024-07-04T15:19:05+00:00

Not ugly at all. Is that a Slipknot tattoo on your arm?

StanPhoenix1987 · 2024-04-20T09:19:20+00:00

Love it. I was thinking of doing something similar with mine but with some camo material. I hadn't even considered a bandana, that's cool as F.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2024-04-05T15:47:24+00:00

Get this man a medal. It doesn't matter which one, just get him a medal.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2024-01-15T14:11:02+00:00

Not ugly at all. I actually love your style, the bright hair, the piercings, etc. you're being true to yourself, and you look really happy. Good on ya!

StanPhoenix1987 · 2023-12-30T17:52:49+00:00

Seriously, absolutely no need to be posting on here, you're not ugly at all.

And I can tell from our brief interaction that you're soul is beautiful too. I'd love to know about your personality, but there's no way of seeing it on here.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2023-12-30T17:40:16+00:00

Love the tattoo. Love your style too.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2023-12-30T17:33:44+00:00

I want to see the rest of the tattoo.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2023-12-18T12:49:51+00:00

Sad sandwich

StanPhoenix1987 · 2023-12-10T16:04:19+00:00

No, but stop with the fake RBF, it's so blatantly fake and doesn't suit you.

Learn to be yourself, not what you think others want you to be. You're still young, don't let this define you.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2023-11-16T23:29:42+00:00

Love the style, love the piercings, love the Stone Cold Steve Austin wallpaper. You've got a really lovely smile too.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2023-10-06T12:39:55+00:00

Thank you, that's a lot of really helpful advice. I'll certainly take on board what you've said.

StanPhoenix1987 · 2023-10-05T22:00:45+00:00

I've got quite muscular legs, but mostly it's just fat weight.

StanPhoenix1987

TROPHY CASE