Sorry guys, (and please excuse the "old money" terminology) whilst commissioning for ALM's and Eng's has ceased - at least until they realise their mistake - there will remain the requirement for commissioned Rearcrew (Up to 100ish) on the ISTAR fleet beyond 2020. And they will be a mix of Nav's and AEO's, so there will be limited opportunities for AEOp's to go to Cranwell. I mention 2020 because the aspiration is that all Officer ALM's and Eng's will have gone by then, although I suspect a few will still be knocking about.
With respect to MACR doing the job; that is not quite right, certainly not in our "Fighting-by-Flt" environment. They will be dealing with the tactical level stuff, as they always have, and very well too. But the Flt Cdr’s will do the higher-level management, if you are lucky. If you are unlucky, it'll be by done by a spotty Fg Off as an associated tertiary duty.
In short, I think you've been sold a pup.
Hey ho, fingers crossed, eh?
Roger, Out!