Its amazing every time this thread turns a corner we have a new p*****g contest. Now it's who stayed in the best/worst hotels or deployed locations.
Some facts:
1. The RAF is about flying aeroplanes and the support associated with that. No flying = No need for RAF. Therefore our primary roles should be easily defined (as war fighters). Its many many years since war fighting was restricted to shooting each other on the ground.
2. Everyone in the RAF has a primary trade role in support of the above.
3. However, everyone should provide support to the additional duties, like guard etc both at home and deployed. Its a fact of life.
4. This must be done whilst maintaining good flight safety practices. This applys to all trades.
5. We are overstretched and there is a potential for a human failing to cause a major flight safety problem. To manage the current tasking levels more people are needed.
All this has little to do with who we think we are, how important we think we are or where we think we fit in. It has a lot to do with preventing a smoking hole in the ground!! We all likely to have to fly at some point. Think on it.