When Sir Jock joined at RAFC Cranwell in 1968 we had a Far East Air Force, Air Forces Middle East, Near East Air Force and RAF Germany. To facilitate movements between our more distant outposts we operated staging posts in such delightful locations as Masirah, Salalah and Gan. These were, of course, occupied solely by ground trades. We also needed a much larger RAF Regt to defend them. Each Station also had its own Admin Unit, Padre and Sick Quarters. Each Command had its own Hospitals etc.
It is the reduction in full time Overseas commitments that has played the greatest part in the reduction in size of the RAF.