Alt, you only have to look at the RED FLAG detachments last year, 1(F) Sqn bought more people and equipment than would have been needed for a permanant detachment! They even sea freighted nearly a dozen ISO containers for a 2 week det plus the usual Hercs, VC10s and, nearly forgot, a Tri* as well.
Althenick, you are right about manning ratios, best example is the Safety Equipment section on a squadron, your Naval Air Squadron has ONE SE rating, whilst at Cottesmore i counted at least 8.