AGH,
That applies to all ranks/branch/trade. Sorry techies,aircrew,rocks,pigs,stackers,squippers,air tragic,scopies etc. If you don't like this concept, then its time to leave
I don't think it's the concept of having a 'war' role and mucking in on deployed ops that is the problem. What is (IMHO) going to drive people out is the relentless nature of deployed ops, coupled with reduced quality of life back in the UK and a lack of a career path for those that valued the variety of different jobs rather than same job, different location.
All this forward and depth stuff is ok, but where are people going to get the breadth of experience in the future to prepare them for more senior management (branch or trade)? The IPT's are also having to cut back their military manpower but still need the jobs done and are likely to go out to contractors to do this. It is difficult to recruit civil servantsto do the jobs because of salary and expereince needed but contractor support is a different cost - more expensive, but different budget.
Therefore, in 5 - 10 years time there will be no depth in the knowledge of 'the management', and that can't be good.
sw