Of course I have'nt got the big picture (just the small one in incredible detail). There has always been a lot of tosh on this, plus a good deal of hypocrisy and nepotism.
I have been a Captain ( small airline) and First Officer (heavy jets, large airline) and achieved regular command standard base checks, often examined by ex-mil and big airline TRE's.
My background?
Ex Self Improver, tuggy and hangar mechanic.
Wearing a white shirt and mincing around in Jerez does not make you an airman.
Digging in to face incoming artillery.