The AAC has an ongoing need to support Regular units on Ops, especially those that fly the 'beast' that is AH-64, the RA has a diminished need for TA Cloudpunchers. One TA Re-Balancing exercise later and - Voila - 6 Regt !
As we all know Afghanistan is (at the very least) a three year commitment but 6 Regt is going to take some time to get off the ground
so to speak.
No cab rides in the Apache, certainly, but Gazelles, Lynxes, yes. Rigger Marshaller, Landing Point Commander, Helicopter Handling Instructor courses on offer as well as the aviation specialist training (fuel, comms etc.).
Dealing with officers ? Yeah, I can relate to what you are saying, 'A-B-i-W'. After 20 years in the TA you would think that I would know better as well !! But I still reckon that being in the mob has done me some good over all these years.