pr00ne
But don't the g/c and pilots percolate throughout the mob taking their skills with them? Surely this can only have a positive effect on the "non-display" side. Centuries ago when I was "in" it was thought to be a Good Thing (tm) to have an ex-Red g/c or pilot on the sqd as, generally they were considered tidy and diligent workers. But maybe that's all changed these days.
Public perception of the RAF is still, and always has been, that we drop bombs, kill people and break their stuff. That and the "Spitfire" and handlebar moustaches.
As for "some poor sod" being in for a shock after leaving training . . .well, it has
always be thus, and you know it.
But strangely people still do elect to join because of what they see of the RAF. They all seem to want to be pilots of course, but still readily accept entry to the ground trades (or become navs!) Unfortunately, in the current politically correct climate, the discipline, skills, self-reliance and general attitude imbuded in service personnel are actively frowned upon - and easily denigrated.
So, the Reds do a good job and are probably the
only worthwhile
PR the UK has! Or do you think the likes of Beckham and the football crowd do it better?