"But I can honestly say that when I joined my first ship in 1976 it was exactly the same. Nothing has changed as far as the tempo of work."
SS,
That's probably the whole point. In every other sphere of military aviation, things have changed SIGNIFICANTLY and the tempo of work has increased. Hence people are voting with their feet. I find it difficult to believe that things have remained the same in your AO. But then it's your word.......and we know how trustworthy and reliable that is, dont we? If that is the case however, good luck to you, and it's right that you all remain doing something you love. Sadly, the reality for everyone else is that the lifestyle and opportunities that were once available and loved by many, are no more. Cue the issues discussed here, and on t'other thread about leaving in droves. Hey ho...