16B - I'd have to agree with your argument. Nicely put, for once. I was talking about dropping or influencing things that drop ordnance of some sort however dropping off human messengers of death achieves the same aim.
I think we can agree that every platform, be it dark or light blue (or green), has its role to play otherwise we wouldnt have it.
I also think that instead of all this willy waving we should try to objectively answer the original posters question. i.e.
RN - mainly rotary, some fixed wing. Fly from ships. Go on ops in ships, then may or may not stage ashore. Whilst onboard, live quite well, especially compared to some of those ashore. When at home, limited to a couple of major bases with a chance to see a few more places as career progresses.
RAF - all types and a greater number. Some fly from ships, most from land. Traditionally got themselves sorted into nice accommodation ashore, however this being eroded over time. When at home, opportunity to serve at more locations, but initially maybe tied to certain locations due to aircraft type then chance to see a few more places as career progresses.
Travel - does he want to spend time away from home - both.
Is he inclined to want to have stability (of sorts) whilst deployed (ie same location) - RAF (except maybe the AT fleet)
Is he inclined to want to see new places every week or so - RN
Pay - the same
Training - Cranwell vs BRNC - each to their own, on a personal note going through Dartmouth during the summer with the awesome view out the window made up for some of the BS that went on in term 1. Term 2 was a complete laugh but that was a while ago and the syllabus has changed, I believe you actually have to go to sea on IST or DTS or something now, even as a WAFU. Plus we traditionally thrashed the Crabs at both the Dartmouth and Cranwell games
dont know current stats on this though - maybe Pielander could update us
So, all in all reasonably different. Whoever you talk to, they will say their flying is the best etc, very rewarding etc however you must realise that flying from a ship and the lifestyle that accompanies it is fundamentally different from flying from ashore and the lifestyle that accompanies that. Your choice, choose wisely!
Oggin