Hard times for the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

[Eye In The Sky]

If people are that upset about it, apply to another Command that's flush with funds to provide personnel for the Soldiers race.  That's right there isn't one.

It's called the Obstacle Race in the interview.  Just sayin'.

And, it wasn't the Navy providing all the teams for the Race at any of the many tattoo's I've been to.  At most, I've seen 1 "RCN" team in the race.  Fact is, a lot of the CAF pers involved were PATs and were gainfully employed at the event.

 

[Stoker]

It's called the Obstacle Race in the interview.  Just sayin'.

And, it wasn't the Navy providing all the teams for the Race at any of the many tattoo's I've been to.  At most, I've seen 1 "RCN" team in the race.  Fact is, a lot of the CAF pers involved were PATs and were gainfully employed at the event.

Yes and it was also called the soldiers race by people as well. I have seen more than one RCN team though, it varies from year to year.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

I know times are tough all over BUT I think this is one major event in the Atlantic Canada region that the CAF should be extremely visible in.  IMO, I think the Admiral made a poor choice with this decision and listening to the interview, I don't agree with the 'unethical' angle. 

 

[Danjanou]

Well if they're short of warm bodies for the race, maybe go find a place in CAF that has a surplus. Disneyland on the Rideau comes to mind. A team made up of cubicle dwelling Blackerry L/Cols would be something I'd pay to see.  >

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

Do they still fit under the wire for the crawling part  ???

 

[George Wallace]

Do they still fit under the wire for the crawling part  ???

As with the Warrior Badge of days gone by; they raise the wire to accommodate the excess girth.  >

 

[blackberet17]

Do they still fit under the wire for the crawling part  ???

Not if they're on their backs...

 

[jollyjacktar]

Again, the Tatoo isn't cancelled.  Some elements aren't participating this year.  That is actually normal for many events like this.  Some years soem units participate and some years they don't.

The sky hasn't fallen.  :

And as I posted from the interview, the race (however you wish to call it), was described as a "cornerstone act" of the Tattoo and had been thus since the 1970's as was the Gun Run that preceeded it and was cut for the reasons of economy, manpower etc etc.  It is not something that has come and gone like the tides.

I can imagine the screams if the Snowbirds were cut from the Toronto Airshow or some similar high profile event they perform at on a regular basis. 

Again, however sound the reasoning by the decision makers here it comes off as if the Grinch has visited Whoville on the night before Christmas.  The optics are bad as eyes are turning our way as bad men.  Like it or not.

 

[Danjanou]

Do they still fit under the wire for the crawling part  ???

Like I said there's a reason I'd pay to watch it.  8)

 

[cupper]

Well if they're short of warm bodies for the race, maybe go find a place in CAF that has a surplus. Disneyland on the Rideau comes to mind. A team made up of cubicle dwelling Blackerry L/Cols would be something I'd pay to see.  >

But then they would change it to a test of skills to complete tasks related to their current jobs.

And it wouldn't be a race anymore.

But then they probably couldn't fit it within the 2 hour show time.

And we all know that staff activities never get completed in less that a fiscal quarter. >

 

[Michael OLeary]

But then they would change it to a test of skills to complete tasks related to their current jobs.

Competitive coffee break and waffle contest?

 

[Pusser]

And we all know that staff activities never get completed in less that a fiscal quarter. >

I think it's a little bit pretentious and unreasonable to set such impossible standards.  You have no idea how difficult it can be for staff to accomplish, well, anything...

 

[tree hugger]

I brought my hubby down to see the Tattoo this year.  I had seen it quite a few times as a kid so I told him about a few of the traditional acts but I went on and on about the gun run. 
We got to the end of the show and no gun run!  We were disappointed -almost felt like we got jipped.  When people think Tattoo, they think gun run. 

We noted after the fact the commercials advertising this years event showed the gun run.... :

 

[jollyjacktar]

I'm sorry you were disappointed, TH.  Sadly, the gun run hasn't been done for years now and I believe the Tattoo is very much the poorer for its absence.  For me too as a spectator it was the most exciting act and the best part of the show.

I'm sure as a member of the public you're not alone with your views.

 

[George Wallace]

I'm sorry you were disappointed, TH.  Sadly, the gun run hasn't been done for years now and I believe the Tattoo is very much the poorer for its absence.  For me too as a spectator it was the most exciting act and the best part of the show.

I'm sure as a member of the public you're not alone with your views.

Did the Army Gun Run (with the L5 Pack Howitzer) not make a debut at the Tattoo a few years back?

 

[jollyjacktar]

Did the Army Gun Run (with the L5 Pack Howitzer) not make a debut at the Tattoo a few years back?

I don't know, I haven't gone to a show for some years now as I've usually been sailing or overseas while it's on.  That would have been a good display though.  The only other Army race display team (other than the obstacle course) I can think of that was a good act was the Jeep race.  I don't believe it's been done for some time either.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

The jeep race was still there the last year I went...2 years ago??  I saw the gun run I believe, my first show, back around 2002-2003.

 

[dapaterson]

So, the CAF provides the manpower.  Where does the ticket revenue (and sponsorship revenue) go?  If this is a way to be in the public eye, why isn't it a public display instead of one where tickets are sold?

I'd love to do an annual show where the majority of my personnel costs are paid by someone else but I'm able to keep the revenue. It's a great way to make money.  WHether it's a good way to keep a public profile is another question entirely.