allen907
Answer (and please refer to other threads viz 'secondary duties' et al) - retain the GD branch but only for those who wish to partake of a full career; who wish to involve themselves with the wider aspects of service life; who don't bitch about Command and Staff courses; and who retain a passionate interest in flying but don't mind the odd ground tour where they can see how the majority of the Service works and lives. Then create an 'Aircrew' branch
They already have. The GD Branch is manned by officers of Wg Cdr rank and above (excluding specialist branches: Medical, Dental, Legal, Music). The Flying Branch is manned by aircrew officers (including those not electing to enter the career stream) up to an including the rank of sqn ldr.
I read with interest as regular contributers complain about the 'blunties' in PMA when for aircrew their desk officer would be from the flying branch, his/her supervising officer would be GD Branch (though aircrew) as would the Deputy Director, Director, Air Sec, AMP/CINC PTC and CAS - not a 'blunty' in sight! I think contributers credit the 'blunties' for having far more influence than they actually have.
Swinging Monkey
real purpose of the RAF
which is to provide capability to component commanders (LAND/MARITIME/AMPHIB/AIR/SF/LOGS) for the prosecution of joint operations.