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Having taken them off you for a few years and processed them, I can tell you that the enthusiasim is there at the beginning. However, the constant tours to Iraq and other such places are beginning to take there toll on the frontline. Harmony is an issue and come family or constant tours then the family wins!
I am not saying that life in a blue suit does not apply. However, we must career manage our people better and offer more of an incentive to either climb the ladder or be a career aviator and stay in the cockpit. Unfortunately now, that decision needs to be made very early on.
We are still not regarded as true blue by the fisheads and promotions boards show that. There has to be a through and through aviator that reaches the higher echelons to show that you can stay totally in aviation and still succeed. And before it is said, the Second Sea Lord does not count!