Akula, thank you for your valuable contribution to what was hitherto a sensible discussion. In the spirit of your post, I hope your house or car catches fire - then you might change your tune.
Having conducted an inquiry into an accident involving an RAF fire engine, I requested and was given a very comprehensive briefing and hands-on demo of the machine, including driving it and operating all of the machinery. I am under no illusion that it would be easy to train military people to operate modern engines; however, in a national emergency, I am sure the Forces could scrape up enough suitably qualified people to form a core of trainers in a fairly short space if time. I fully acknowledge the point about it being the people with highly specialist training to operate the special equipment, such as cutting gear, etc; however, if the case arises, there will be someone who can give it the best shot. The result may not be as good as that achieved by the professionals, but at least we can give Joe Public a fighting chance.
But I hope it doesn't come to that. I am well aware that there is a hidden agenda behind all the shenanegans, and I sincerely hope that something is leaked soon that will show just what a bunch of
that are running this country. Runway 31, I value highly your contribution to this thread. Good luck...