I understand the reasons you say and I guess it might not work everywhere. But take Kinloss as an example. Once upon a time it could handle heavy aircraft. Why would that suddenly stop?
It’s easy to find reasons why not but I bet an Army Garrison CO could have found ways to borrow steps and fire engines if it meant helping his Soldiers out.
I know it’s a simplistic view but the military is meant to be a ‘can do’ organisation, not a ‘can’t do’ organisation.
As an example. A 54 Sqn detachment to Turkey in 2004/5 ended up with many personnel being flown directly into Coltishall in a VC10 with dysentery.
If it could be done then, why couldn’t it be done more often?
BV