Divisional Officers
A Divisional Officer scheme based upon the RN system was trialled at Waddington in the late 60s early 70s. The participants were mainly on their 3rd tour with significant service experience. Definitely not 1st tour copllots selected in order to broaden their career. The reception by the engineers was, should we say, less than wholehearted. Whilst I heard no stories of obstruction, there was on some occasions a distinct lack of cooperation.
The aircrew participants that I knew felt that on the whole that, given time to adjust, the DO system could make a useful contribution. But that did not happen. Sometime after I left Waddington it was either discontinued or allowed to wither for reasons I do not know. However it all goes to show that there’s nothing new under the sun, the path has been trodden before.
YS