NI Pub Checks - weapons

[Bob Lloyd]

Don't think we need get too excited about this. I remember going into the Bogside Inn in Londonderry in 1972 with rifles at the high port. A band was playing the old 10cc number 'Rubber Bullets' and all we wanted to do was join in with our gats acting as guitars! We didn't though, we just left!

[Gwyn Nicholas]

Al, I am not looking for an argument either mate, I simply made an observation in good faith perhaps foolishly given the response. I see nothing wrong with the original question, I merely suggested that PM may be the best way to respond. As for asking the originator discreetly or otherwise to remove the post, that is not within my remit as an ordinary member (nor should it be in my opinion).

Perhaps in my old age I am getting a little too much "mother hen" and should keep my concerns to myself. As I said previously, I am not qualified to say where the line is and where it is crossed nor do I wish to find out the answer "first hand". Say no more - Mums the word.

[chow]

Waters and bridges gentlemen.water and bridges..

[Gwyn Nicholas]

Isn't that a Simon and Garfunkel number Chow? (tic)

[chow]

It was Gwyn.
Still got the album on vinyl my friend.

[ivor43]

before this is consigned to the archives or wherever. i would just like to make a couple of final points.
first. it should be a reminder to all of us who signed the OFS that even so far down the line it can still be involved.

second, during my time at RAF Wyton although i was only Registry support i was cleared to deal with stuff to SECRET level. so, as you can imagine i have been in possession of info of a much greater sensitivity than the condition of weapons. maybe this is why i have a different attitude to OSA than some of you.

so just remember guys if you signed it it was for life. No Remission.


ivor

[John Turner]

The answer to the initial question and far far more can be found on the interweb, including copies of classified documents (such as all the cards, yellow, blue etc) that are now history ..... and probably some that aren't!

I think disclosing the level of security clearance one had whilst serving, on a public forum, is more 'sensitive' than SOPs on weapons in pubs. How would a 'What level were you cleared to' thread go down?

[ivor43]

john
i did give this some thought before posting it. i do not believe the disclosure of clearance level has any significance as it was a requirement of the position,therefore in the 'job description', and based on a personal vetting process. however if i posted any thing about info i had learned from the files for which i had responsibility then i would be in breach of the OSA.
I do not believe my statement is in breach of any regulation


ivor

[John Turner]

Neither do I - just (if anything) more of an issue than the initial enquiry.

[ivor43]

ok.
now we seem to be getting issues confused. the initial question was considered by Gwyn to be requesting info that could be RESTRICTED. Under the OSA he may be right.
as you are aware RESTRICTED is the lowest category. as a 14yo ATC Cadet i had access to this level with RAF training manuals. The info contained within was needed for training but was not for release to the general public.
As a Police Officer, after being vetted, i was considered a person suitable to have access to various types of info.but any info regarding a case was Considered CONFIDENTIAL and therefore not open to discussion.
in the MOD job after having been vetted again i was cleared to SECRET level. this was a Personal clearance. and therefore not even Restricted under the OSA.
Note that i have used the word 'info' above. that is because it is the contents of a document that is classified info. i can say without any concerns that i dealt with dozens of documents marked SECRET provided i do not reveal their contents, this also applies to CONFIDENTIAL and RESTRICTED.

the initial question may have had some possible OSA concerns , but i do not believe that i have said anything that is the least bit sensitive. you could probably get more info from a James Bond Film.



ivor