PN
I agree.
If I try to get to the bottom of why I sound so negative it goes back to a personal experience.
As a very junior QFI I once had a bird make a hole in my canopy (right above the students head). A diversion followed and (based on my current level of experience I can say objectively) I handled it very well.
Now I know lots of people who’ve had similar and, in some cases, far more exciting incidents than that. I also know people who have been written up for far less. I had a particularly weak Flt Cdr at the time and I guarantee the thought of writing anything up would not have crossed his mind.
I guess my point is where do we make the distinction between gallantry awards (which are rightly awarded sparingly) and a written pat on the back. Why must GEs be given sparingly?
Surely a well handled incident (slightly more than just any minor caption) that resulted in a safe outcome should be sufficient?
Just my thoughts.
BV