If I may be permitted to enter the discussion by inserting some antipodean thoughts as it seems the RAF and RAAF experiences over time are somewhat similar.
Know in the late 90's, Australian army had enough the **** the messes were causing and started to shut them down, one base I know that had about 5K army based there shut down every NCO mess with the exception of 1 SGT's mess and replaced it with an upgraded sports bar / canteen for the enlisted, all the officer messes were shut down with the exception of two.