I am ex RN pilot of 22 years (cards on the table from the start!) who completed SAR tours at Prestwick, which included rescues in the mountains at night, in snow, before the introduction of NVG's (hence my everlasting admiration, respect and thanks to Observers), Culdrose and a SAR exchange tour to Miami (bang goes the anonymity). I can, perhaps immodestly, claim to have completed some very demanding SAR missions in the most difficult of conditions BUT never really understood the RAF need make the role seem so 'difficult' and 'specialised' typified by the posts of Crab@... All RN pilots were trained in it and certainly in ASW cabs, were required to conduct SCT in it on a monthly basis - enabling SAR duties to be undertaken pretty much at the drop of a hat. There are numerous examples of this from the Fastnet race to 810 Squadrons epic of a few years ago which resulted in medals all round (a rare occurrence indeed in the FAA, well done all). I have been more frightened sitting in a 40ft hover at night for hours on end with bits dangling in the water just praying everything stays working.
I was never really convinced SAR was a real 'full time occupation' for a military pilot, always an adqual - 771/772 were essentially to provide 'rest' tours from the front line and some time at home! This is not in any way to belittle the skill and professionalism of those involved - but I know it can be done just as well by a civvie outfit, (usually using the same bits of whatever flying guide), most of whom are/would be ex-mil and glad of the better equipment. I could rant on forever but will stop mid stream for breath.