Fatobs,
If you work away from VL and CU then you will still get the badge, they were just the easiest place to issue them first. You're right about the writing thing but people still assume the pilots and obs inside the aircraft are RAF.
Tourist,
Your absolutely right about Top Gun but where is the money, interest from film makers etc. This sort of glossy stuff costs lots of dosh which as Making Waves proved doesn't always come off. Even the Fleet Air Arm TV programme made by ITV has yet to air because the network won't take it up.
SW,
The point is (as you well know) most Aircrew do not join the RN as a first choice (went to the RAF first) and actually quite a few don't like going to sea. The real issue is by a ratio of 7 to 1 they aren't getting off their butts and are going to the RAF.
As a general comment a recent trawl to find people to be involved in FAA specific
PR led to only 6 Pilots (4 who had just got wings) coming forward with another 8 Observers out of a total cadre of 1000. If you want to help volunteer for all the
PR, shows and opportunities to talk to young people. It is refreshing to talk to them, blow your own trumpet and be generally impressed at their enthusiasm for life and their interest in what you have to say. All those who have done it so far this year have enjoyed the opportunity and the chence for a runa shore outside the norm.
