Question on the modern RNZAF.

[hairy]

From an RNZAF document dated 1954;

"Q. What are the primary and secondary aims of the air force?

A. The primary aim of the air force is the protection of New Zealand, Great Britain, her overseas possesions and the British Empire from aerial attack. To attack at the heart of the enemy, destroy his economic, military and industrial systems and break his will to fight.
The secondary aim of the airforce is co-operation with the other two services."

How would you answer that question today?

Possibly..........

Primary aim - To carry the army and look for lost yachties.
Secondary - To carry politicians and reporters on junkets and photo oppertunities.

-I have lifted this question from my "Mother Lode" thread because it may have been overlooked and I would really like to see other peoples interpretations (tounge-in-cheek or not) of the aims of the modern airforce.

Cheers

[Dave Homewood]

Today's official line seems to be on this page
www.airforce.mil.nz/about-us/govt-policy/default.htm

[hairy]

admin said:

Today's official line seems to be on this page
www.airforce.mil.nz/about-us/govt-policy/default.htm

Thats the official line, whats your personal perception?

I feel the replies (if any) will give a view of how the RNZAF is currently perceived by people.

[Dave Homewood]

It's obvious the RNZAF is no longer there for the defence of Britian. Nor is it here for the defence of New Zealand.

It is there for:
Support of the Army
Relief Work
Search and Rescie
Support of Police operations
Support of UN Peacekeeping operations
Transport of VIP's
Tri-Service 100-man Honour Guard parades for dignatories

Secondary role
Airshow entertainment in name of recruiting
Butt of many jokes, all uncalled for yet sadly mostly true

[tfly]

Maybe it should be re-branded RNZAS? Royal New Zealand Air Service! I'm still finding it hard to face the loss of the Strike Wing......how can the stated government policy (item 1 from RNZAF website) be upheld without one (strike force that is)?

To defend New Zealand and to protect its people, land, territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), natural resources and critical infrastructure;

Doh! How do they (HC & Co) propose to 'defend' New Zealand then? Couple of Frigates won't achieve much...didn't anyone advise HC on how vast our coastline actually is?

Grumble grumble!