I do not disagree with the majority of what has been said but for what its worth here are some casual observations.
A health warning first, the Apache training program is complicated and has many component parts that are inextricably linked, its resource heavy and it is not an easy task to simplify the various facets and make valid criticisms/suggestions…..
The RAF recruits their FJ community from around 30 million able bodied UK civilians who could apply to fly. The AAC “specialist” aircrew cadre consists of a few DE Officers a few more LE Officers but mainly WO/SNCOs. So by definition the bulk of AAC DE Officers are not (aviation) specialists and as already mentioned have to adhere to the MS template that has been handed down over the years to all budding CGS’s, so they dip in and out of the system for some of their career and are not a guaranteed bum on a seat. Here lies a problem, the AAC only has about 200 (ish) “suitable” WO/SNCOs and a cupful of LE's to recruit their Apache aircrew from. Two questions, is this pool big enough? And does it have the people with the right qualities? Any aircrew out there will be able to answer those questions in a nano second, don’t get the wrong idea though, there are some very able people out there and those that have converted have all reached the required standard, but clearly the barrel is only so deep. To reinforce the point how many RAF puma mates are being re-treaded onto typhoon? Why not? Think a few years ahead, where are all the “suitable” recruits coming from? “Fixes” could include longer flying tours for DE’s (being looked at), direct entry college boys/girls as WO aircrew Apache and “Joint” aircrew. The issue about being a Soldier and having an understanding of the battle does not hold back the DE Officers who in essence have attended the Sandhurst indoctrination course (part of which is becoming joint) and a two year “civvy” flying course!
Think of the trainers, think about how many you need, then double it…seriously!
Analogies drawn against the backdrop of the introduction of Lynx etc. are not helpful, think Harrier.
Dilution by Staff workers of “the truth” is a criminal offence in my book, our leaders need the correct facts and figures so that realistic “plans” can be made, most of the icebergs that have hit the programme were foreseeable….Fact.
Money, money and more money, welcome to the Apache!
UOR’s, plan now, have them ready to go.
Perspective, although there are issues the Apache is still the only aircraft that can keep a smile on my face and whatever is said, the programme will be made to work.
