Chaps, first post ever so here goes - be kind! You all make valid points in isolation. RAF SAR is no better than RN, Military is no better than Civil. We all just do it differently. What we need is best practice from all to get the SAR Force of the future. Now that might well include civilian aircraft from a reputable companybut military registered. Then you can take the best from the civilian world - they DO keep the aircraft more serviceable then military engineers because they do it differently. You can still use NVG becase now you are in a military registered ac - lets face it, its what the best dressed person wears at night these days.
Vechookattackome you have stated why do you need NVG? You did it without for many years? Are you driving the same car you drove then? No Ford Cortina in the car park then? Why, because things got better.
Crab, same applies to us me old, we have to move with the times and adapt. Learn fast!
Lights blue touch paper .........