He did well though (apart from one incident, reported elsewhere on Arrse!).
He was no cowboy and I had no time for cowboys!
The system of selection changed 76-78. It used to be on merit and all round driving ability. Most RCT drivers were Cpl's due for promotion to Sgt (RAF about the same). Some,for whatever reason didn't have all their quals. and this created problems for M&Rs in Glasgow when they were due for posting out.
At the same time,the CO of 8 Regt suggested to M&Rs that,to ensure all potential Mission drivers had their quals. and to facilitate their PV's, they should all go through his Regt (Empire building at it's worst).
Looked great on paper but...he recommended to M&R, who he thought would make a good driver. Given that,he had never been in the Mission and, wasn't privy to any of driving skills required, I personally thought it stank.
I met him at the Mission in 80 and, when asked what I thought of the system...I told him. When I was a driver,the average age was 25-27, most had been through Div units and, picked up their skills for x-country driving etc. When I went back for the second tour,the average age was closer to 22-23, with a skills gap.
The RAF maintained the supply of mature drivers,that said I had to get one of their drivers posted out, whilst he was a superb staff car driver, his skills in other areas,left a lot to be desired. The problem with getting rid of unsuitable drivers was...their replacements.
All selected drivers,were required to attend a 'Special Duties' course, which included a number of subjects and skills,not normally associated with driving,the course lasted a month and, roughly 2 or 3 a year. This meant that there was a reluctance to post an unsuitable driver out and, be shorthanded. Even with the 'new system', drivers still had to attend the course in Ashford before coming to the Mission.
One of the biggest problems with new drivers was...slowing them down. The myths abounded in Munster...souped up cars,rally driving cross country, the thrill of the chase,etc.