As a permanent MoD civvy, serving cheek by jowl on two dozen RAF stations and four Headquarters, I am sure that my dress, deportment and behaviour were greatly influenced, as much by airmen and airwomen as by officers.
Ten years ago I took my granddaughter to RAF Coningsby, by appointment, to visit and see the station. She planned to study Geography and now has a good 2:1 and a very good job.
"Wow!" she said, looking around her at well-groomed, well-dressed and well-disciplined passers by, and at the well-kept vehicles, buildings and roads. Unfortunately she has health problems that made the RAF a no-no. But she was very impressed indeed and still has regrets.
Would she feel the same if she visited today? Judging by the above, I fear not. Does it matter? Yes indeed, to this dinosaur.