Ok, folks, calm down.
I think the men and women of the RAF are the best. Full stop. No caveats. I live in Italy, but pay taxes in the UK. Apart from the first 30 hours (oh, and the gliding bit), I have paid for all my flying over the past 30 years. I wouldn't have it any other way. I guess I am not the kind of person who wants to be told where and when they are going to fly, which is why I wold not do it for a living.
But there are other walks of life with inherent dangers,and less backup. It's just that we all have choices. however much it hurts, you may have to vote with your feet in the end.
Dont be irreplaceable. If you are, it is very hard to get promoted.