I have to agree with Eng(Retard), studying for a degree only gives you a qualification and enables you to do big sums. A majority of "Engineers" are academics and are therefore technically illiterate. They couldn't tell the difference between OM15 and OX26.
Whilst I agree that EngOs in the RAF are pretty much technical administrators, more so in the supposed practical tours, there are a large number that come from the ranks and do have a great deal of direct technical knowledge and experience. Being able to assess immediately whether something is viable in technical terms is what we are paid for.
We add value, at no extra cost to the taxpayer by; having a firm grasp of what upsets the growbags when the ac are not on the flight line; by covering for the lack of knowledge shown by commercial and financial staff within the procurement world; by acting as the intelligent customer in discussions with industry; by working our nuts off to try and drag out the service life of a fleet of 35-50 yr old aircraft.
The management aspects and experiences gained in all of the roles are very useful throughout life and are things that aircrew will never get the chance to experience, maybe that’s why ex RAF engineers become project managers often in a completely unrelated field. Aircrew, especially junior aircrew, have very little understanding of the real problems that lie behind getting the shiny pursuit ships off the ground but at least they’re happy in there own little worlds. Bless the little dumplings
SlopJockey