As a serving 30-something millennial, who rarely goes near a mil aircraft, yet alone flies in one, being termed an 'aviator' doesn't bother me too much. I haven't worked in a light blue environment for 10+ years, and although I'd go as far as to say the name change is a tad clumsy, it won't impact how I approach my job or how I deal with those around me. I suspect that those who are getting riled up about this have in the main, either never served, or have already left the RAF.
Generally speaking, the things that matter are:
- Are you professional?
- Can you do your job well?
- Can I get on with you?
Now that this appears to have been formally announced, I'd like CAS to move on sorting out some of the creaking infra that our people have to endure, as well as the numerous outdated policies that cause people to leave.