I wouldn't say elitist John,, and please do not think the following remarks are directed at you or your situation personally,
I have to say for me its more a matter of trust and team work. being part of the team, not only during the winter callouts, but during the quieter summer months, when theres no "glory", only training days and social events. When callouts are for marshalling sponsored walks etc.
When the harsh weather comes, and If I am out on a shout I want to know my team member backing me up has the skills and the fortitude to stick with the job. That only comes from a period of time working and getting to know people.
I am new as well, only recently joined my local group. but I joined and paid my money happily because it means I have a commitment not only during the odd period of snow and ice, but to train with, get to know, and even socialise with the other team members during the "off season". and also know even if I havent met them personally they have also made that commitment and have done much the same in their area.
Do I want to have as my back up someone who has seen a TV report and thinks thats fun, "Flavour of the month" joined on a whim for nothing, and when the boring summer come around and the training days is nowhere to be seen, but when its flavour of the month next year they appear again as a member, Or the guy who has been taught with me/ taught me, worked out together various methods and strategies and tested them to see if they work?
There is nothing wrong with wanting to help out when the brown stuff hits the whirly thing, however when it does in a big way I am sure you will understand the guys we havent worked with or trained with will be on last resort/soft jobs if tasked at all. At this moment in time I am to my team an unknown quantity, and do not expect until we have trained together to be included in anything other than "soft jobs", and to be honest for my and the other team members safety i wouldnt ask for it to be any other way.
Paying the very small subs, and turning up on training days shows commitment, expanding your skills in front of your peers gives all an idea of each others capabilities. and also ensures we know our own limitations.
I know if asked to go out on a night blowing a blizzard and high winds onto the moors to a remote village who I would want to be in the other vehicle... and it wouldnt be some one who only appears when the TV cameras are about !
back on the original subject,
If I go out into that howling gale and blizzard and drifting snow, not only do I need to know that the other vehicles driver is competant, I also want the reassurance if it all goes badly wrong, that there is a controller who knows where we are,. what we are trying to do and has resources at hand if it all goes tits up to get help to us/complete the job. that sort of resource and co-ordination takes time and money. As far as I know as yet 4x4 Response hasnt found a money tree to provide that. If I have to pay the equivilant of half a tank of DERV for that peice of mind, for something I choose to do, then its a small price to pay
Its not about "Elitism" its about building a team.
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