Flying. Without a doubt. Couldn't do something with as much fun, and be paid for it, elsewhere.
The people. Read post 2 on the Remembrance Day 2009 thread. It may say soldier but it could equally be airman. You do not, and can not, get such unswerving loyalty anywhere in 'the outside world'. It may not seem it at times but the enemy are not the staff officers at High Wycombe / Main Building etc.
The fact that, finally, many of our leaders (even at 2*/3*) are experienced in the modern way of conducting warfare. Sure we might still be a bit top heavy (and the new CAS has less (proper) medals than most junior airmen) but we have people in place who are still in touch with the front line and are not cold war warriors stuck in the past. More importantly, the good guys seem to be getting put into places of influence.
Yes, there are things that are bad, frustrating and can get on your t1ts. But if it was that bad why hasn't every one walked with their feet and why is recruiting so buoyant (well, up until it was stopped that is
). And its not because of the economy - the jobs are there if you look hard enough.
What would make it even better - more money for where its needed (rather than robbed from Peter to pay Paul) and less in-Service and inter-Service fighting (from which only the government can gain from). And less armchair Air-Marshals!
PS - don't tar the whole Service because of the behaviour of, at most, half a dozen individuals. The H-C report has clearly stated where the 'buck' stopped. The Catterick crash inquest has also made it quite clear, albeit without saying so in so many words, where the finger of blame should be pointed.
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