I did the Army pilot course in 1985. After selection at Biggin Hill we went through Beaver training with the option to get a PPL on the side, then Basic and Advanced Rotary, a year at Wallop in total. Upon arrival at a Squadron we went through Theatre Qualification training (similar to Line Training for a civvy NS pilot), then the usual Standards/Check flights every 6 months.
Two courses after mine they changed to the "P2" training system where the pilot course was cut to 6 months and after Wings parade people were sent to Squadrons to carry out "continuation training". After a period determined by the Squadron QHI the pilot returned to Wallop and went through a Command course. Aircraft Commanders didn't fly as a routine, sitting in the LHS as weapons/sight operators.
It all seemed a bit a**e about face to us. The US had tried the P2 system and abandoned it a few years before.
From this thread it appears things have morphed even more. No idea whether it's for better or worse ?
NEO