PC brigade ban pin-ups on RAF jets - in case they offend women and Muslims
5th June 2007
Daily Mail
Royal Air Force chiefs have risked a bust-up with pilots by forcing them to black out pictures of glamorous pin-ups painted on their jets.
Since the 1940s British airmen have posted pictures across their aircraft as risque as their crews' missions were risky.
Hello Sailor: But these RAF pilots can appreciate Caroline's charms too
Back then it was Rita Hayworth and Jane Russell adorning Lancaster bombers and US Flying Fortresses.
More recently, pilots fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan have decorated aircraft with a series of glamour models.
But politically correct bosses fear offending female crew and Muslim locals and have now banned the practice.
Model Michelle Marsh signing a 'regulation' silhouetted image of herself on a Harrier plane during her Afghanistan trip
Senior commanders shot down arguments in favour of harmless tradition and ordered that any drawings on Harrier jets be blacked-out to silhouettes immediately.
Sally B: Too riske and risky for RAF chiefs
RAF Strike Command worried that too much flesh on display could put off female recruits who may view the images as sexist.
In a country where many women wear full burkhas, there was also the concern that pictures offending local culture could spark a diplomatic incident.
Deadly nightshade: But this British lass is one of the most covered up
They have now said that even silhouettes remain liable to offend and have ordered the images be removed completely.
Lucy Pinder, a 23-year-old page 3 model visited Afghanistan with friend and fellow model Michell Marsh last November.
She was on a morale-boosting tour, and even signed one of the planes carrying her picture. She said she thought the pictures were "harmless fun".
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Lucy, of Winchester, Hants, said: "It's very flattering, and it's nice that they get to do something that takes their minds off things for a while.
"It's a shame they had to change them to silhouettes. Rules are rules, but I don't think it's offensive.
"It's just the way it goes these days. They're doing a very hard job out there and we should all appreciate it.
"It's a very serious situation out there and this was a bit of frivolity allowing the lads a bit of fun and light relief.
"Anything that can cheer them up for a bit must be nice."
Memphis Belle: A traditional pin-up adorns the RAF plane
The Ministry of Defence today said the "nose art" had now been removed.
RAF bosses defended the ban as entirely appropriate, saying in a statement: "The Royal Air Force values and recognises the contribution of service personnel regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or social background.
"To this end, the RAF promotes working in an environment that is free from harassment and where personnel are respected both for the contribution they can bring to the team and the value and potential they offer as individuals."
dailymail.co.uk
5th June 2007
Daily Mail
Royal Air Force chiefs have risked a bust-up with pilots by forcing them to black out pictures of glamorous pin-ups painted on their jets.
Since the 1940s British airmen have posted pictures across their aircraft as risque as their crews' missions were risky.
Hello Sailor: But these RAF pilots can appreciate Caroline's charms too
Back then it was Rita Hayworth and Jane Russell adorning Lancaster bombers and US Flying Fortresses.
More recently, pilots fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan have decorated aircraft with a series of glamour models.
But politically correct bosses fear offending female crew and Muslim locals and have now banned the practice.
Model Michelle Marsh signing a 'regulation' silhouetted image of herself on a Harrier plane during her Afghanistan trip
Senior commanders shot down arguments in favour of harmless tradition and ordered that any drawings on Harrier jets be blacked-out to silhouettes immediately.
Sally B: Too riske and risky for RAF chiefs
RAF Strike Command worried that too much flesh on display could put off female recruits who may view the images as sexist.
In a country where many women wear full burkhas, there was also the concern that pictures offending local culture could spark a diplomatic incident.
Deadly nightshade: But this British lass is one of the most covered up
They have now said that even silhouettes remain liable to offend and have ordered the images be removed completely.
Lucy Pinder, a 23-year-old page 3 model visited Afghanistan with friend and fellow model Michell Marsh last November.
She was on a morale-boosting tour, and even signed one of the planes carrying her picture. She said she thought the pictures were "harmless fun".
Show Time: A saucy mistress atop a missile
Lucy, of Winchester, Hants, said: "It's very flattering, and it's nice that they get to do something that takes their minds off things for a while.
"It's a shame they had to change them to silhouettes. Rules are rules, but I don't think it's offensive.
"It's just the way it goes these days. They're doing a very hard job out there and we should all appreciate it.
"It's a very serious situation out there and this was a bit of frivolity allowing the lads a bit of fun and light relief.
"Anything that can cheer them up for a bit must be nice."
Memphis Belle: A traditional pin-up adorns the RAF plane
The Ministry of Defence today said the "nose art" had now been removed.
RAF bosses defended the ban as entirely appropriate, saying in a statement: "The Royal Air Force values and recognises the contribution of service personnel regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or social background.
"To this end, the RAF promotes working in an environment that is free from harassment and where personnel are respected both for the contribution they can bring to the team and the value and potential they offer as individuals."
dailymail.co.uk