Maj Happy

British Army Officer. Interested in Leadership, Personal Development, Military Capability, Security, Technology, and all things Defence. Own views etc.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

Brecon, you tease! 😉
A fabulous start to the day with this view, getting into the Ex today.
Last night could see the Milky Way, Jupiter, Saturn, shooting stars and the ISS (no photo, so you'll have to imagine it 🌠 ✨).
#Training in #Wales. ⛰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🌄

[RUSI @RUSI_org]

Electronic warfare has shifted from a niche force multiplier to an all-arms concern. Our new report by @Jack_Watling and @noahsylvia_ explores the changing nature of electronic warfare on the battlefield. https://t.co/68GASdLY9t

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

Cut through the headline, and why is no-one picking up or questioning the implied admission that we're not ready for war now.*
* Not that I agree you can ever be truly READY for war.

BBC News - UK must be ready for war in three years, says Army head
https://t.co/84KQ5C82zD

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@BriW74 Actions speak louder than words.
Beyond the words of our politicians and senior military staff, what is actually being done to learn from lessons like these so that we can be better prepared.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

This is so important.
Would love to think we're learning from this and taking action.

[Michael Kofman @KofmanMichael]

Troops arm themselves with spectrum analyzers to detect signals from Zala, Orlan, and Supercam UAS types. Persistent Russian ISR behind the front lines is a growing challenge, especially since there will be less cover to conceal positions come winter. 9/

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

Really interesting.
The ebb and flow of this conflict continues.
A lot of important observations that we need to bring into our thinking and mindset.

[Institute for the Study of War @TheStudyofWar]

NEW: Select Russian military commentators continue to complain about superior Ukrainian drone & electronic warfare (EW) capabilities on the battlefield, highlighting the rapid and constant tactical and technological innovation cycles that are shaping the battlespace in Ukraine.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@AlexLuck9 @salisbot Seconded.
And also Jack Campbell 'The Lost Fleet' series are well worth dipping into.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@jen6061 Best of luck on the outside. While you may not have a big party, you'll have made an impact on many throughout your career and they'll always be grateful.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@AstroLauraUK I must have missed that comment/discussion point; I thought it was generalising about differences, not proposing to treat any of the services in a different manner! Can't see how that would stand up to any sort of rigour or be written into a Jt policy.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@AstroLauraUK I'm the same this summer (6 since 2015). I don't *think* your experience is typical though, but beyond "space" don't know you/your trade etc. I know it's a generalisation (more mobile Army) but that shouldn't equate to ignoring the RAF/you - which as a Jt policy, it shouldn't.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@AstroLauraUK FYI you've tagged a parody Mark François account above.
Also, while not arguing your point about RAF disruption it's generally less than Army cohorts but that's more based around the fixed platforms & ignores staff. The blog below is a fair reflection. 🖖
https://t.co/aVoaMkmXXL

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@pinstripedline Good capture.
Thing is, many who would be better off, but now won't be.
Some are already caught in this, & feel let down.
Some stoked flames with false generalisations & assumptions.
Trust is key, & is damaged.
Almost all are alienated & feel undervalued. Watch outflow rates...

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@totallykeen @SercoGroup I had a similar experience in Serco accom with both a boiler and a shower fixed & replaced next day.
By comparison I have prev had no heating in Feb for 3 weeks (Amey) and no working shower for 3 months (Pinnacle/VIVO).
Why is one contract so utterly & appallingly different?

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@harryclax @matelotjonah For Army, yes. RAF and RN have a different criteria but it would have impacted them.
Should be a link to a Sway presentation in the originally quoted tweet with further detail.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@Special_KL I agree. It may cost more for some though, & I believe everyone is paying the same for the property types regardless of rank.
I personally think the implementation is key to how this lands. And it may take 3 or more years to see how it impacts service life for those affected.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

The New Accommodation Offer is a hot talking point.
Below links to a petition asking for a review into it. Some heated comments too.
In trying to apply a metric to the cost of accommodation is the MOD missing the value of the proposition to it's people?
What will the impact be?

[Ed O'Brien @EdOBrien]

MoD’s “New Accommodation Offer” is about to be launch. While the changes are good for some, most married officers will have their housing entitlement cut by around 40%.

This significant cut in conditions which will drive many officers out of the services.
https://t.co/H982SwSxkr

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@NotAdvocate Very true. Anything above 50% though and you have the most likely. And even then the view is often a subjective one based on prior experience & knowledge and deduction. Therefore it can be blind to something new & not seen before.
And pretty sure the Army will soon be below 73K.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

Words have meanings.
"Unlikely" isn't exactly reassuring.
The mixed messaging does nothing for morale.
How's this going to play out?

[BFBS Forces News @ForcesNews]

The head of Britain's Armed Forces @AdmTonyRadakin_ believes the expected cuts to the British Army should be the last. 💂🇬🇧

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@MsPolleeTickle Been busy, but not given up completely. There's plenty of good news out there to share still. I recently witnessed the presentation of an award to a soldier who saved a life by giving immediate first aid.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

Reason to feel happy today... selected for promotion! 🍾
Congrats to everyone on the list, and sincere commiserations to those that were unlucky this year.
I've been humbled by the personal messages throughout the day.
Unusually somewhat lost for words at times.

[Maj Happy @SO2_Optimism]

@MrSnaplegs Many thanks! 😄