I am more than a little surprised at the vitriol my original post has generated. I have never had an 'us and them' mentality, and neither does the S/L I referred to. I simply feel that some 'erbert in MT (probably a civvy) who is paid for looking after their vehicles should do the job. Same applies if the driver in similar conditions had been an SAC - IT'S NOT WHAT HE'S PAID FOR. As far as me being a 'wannabee' (whatever that is, 12 twists per inch), just 'cos I left 10 yrs ago doesn't mean I don't still work for them and am glad to do so. Wouldn't wash the damn car myself, though!