Bismark
You make some good points re Jointery which is why my point about attitude is so important. If I recall correctly the RN are the most deployable (ie they can deploy for more days per year than any of the other 2 Services) and the RAF the least. When I was in the RN used to deploy to Bosnia or at sea for 6-8 months but the RAF never more than 4 months (if that).
Beware generalisations. I wouldn't mention that to the SH boys or an RAF Regt gunner (to name but a few). Plus the RAF harmony guidelines are just that guidelines (I know of some people that deployed from the Balkans direct to TELIC1 having just spent 6 months deployed) whereas; I understand that under TOPMAST the seperated service limits of the RN are limits. The RAF can - if they want - deploy as much as the next man. However, there is the morale component of fighting power (and retention) to add to the equation. As the RN appears to admit in Admiralty Paper 2/00 - 'The Future Navy':
harmony – we must develop a concept of separated service, ensuring that our personnel management system impartially balances the needs and aspirations of the individual, and his or her family, with the need to sustain operational capability.
I must admit my ignorance at not knowing the exact RN details of their harmony guidleines but - mathematically - the Army's guidlines of 6 months deployed followed by 18 at home (if they are followed) are the same proportionally to the RAF's 4 months deployed followed by 12 months at home (again... if they are followed).
Oh and by the way - my last deployment was just over 6 months long.
As for Jointery the requirement for:
a deployable and sustainable force of 64 AG and 16 AD FJ
is a Defence requirement and is irrespective of 'ownership', colour scheme of the aircraft, or the uniform of pilot.
The message should be clear. The only winners in this inter-Service in-fighting - 'my conditions of service are tougher than yours' etc - are the Treasury who will happily divide and rule and the expense of us all.
16 Blades
Will FAA helos be taken under JHF command as well?
My understanding is that they will not (neither will the RAF\'s SAR aircraft) as the - non-jungly- FAA helos are not battlefeld helicopters but part of a ship's weapon system.