You speak of it as if members of the USMC would be "posted" (the term we use is "detailed" and the person who manages our careers is our "detailer.") within this context as individuals who receive an "'atta' boy" for a prior job well done.Ron5 wrote:Damn straight it would (be viewed as a prime posting) although I've never yet met an American that likes bangers let alone mash. British food tastes rather bland to an American set of taste buds. British beer on the other hand ....Geoff_B wrote:The USMC operated their Harriers off both Ark Royal and Illustrious, and they loved it, but part of that was being able to operate as the primary air group for a change on ships configured for Harrier ops rather than playing 2nd fiddle to helo ops. Pretty sure it was covered in a documentary as they rather liked our bacon butties (and possibly the ward room for a proper drink if allowed).
Pretty sure if a Marine F-35B squadron get a regular stint on a UK QEC it will be treated as a prime posting, although it makes you wonder if they willl be UK based with either the USAF at Lakenheath who are scheduled to get F-35A or the nearby RAF Marham wil the RAF/FAA ?
While that may well be true for someone being assigned as part of RN ship's company (as Major Kelly, RM was with the USN CVN and airwing), that would not be the case for a USMC squadron chopped to OPCON of the RN. Oh, they would be a "high speed, low drag" bunch alright, but no more so than the Corps views all of their aviation assets as high speed, low drag.
That squadron would have been identified at least a couple of years in advance, and would more than likely have several RN/RM officers posted to its ranks for purposes of familiarizing the Americans with RN SOP, and yes, even aspects of British culture, because trust me when I tell you that the squadron CO would be under strictest orders to not allow his troops to be "ugly Americans," and to the greatest extent possible, blend in with HER MAJESTY'S SHIP'S company. That might present some interesting challenges visual vis-a vis punishment for violations of our Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), as well as British military law, which I will be happy to discuss on the "Ask Desertswo" thread.
Anyway, the two assigned squadrons for QEC and PoW would "work up" for deployment alongside the rest of the RN airwing. Meanwhile, back at the ranch stateside, I suspect two or more other USMC squadrons would receive some "enhanced training" oriented toward operating from the two RN CVs in the "just in case" scenario.
