A humble observation.
The current system of pilot recruitment, training and retention is about 50 years out of date.
It is geared around finding a 21 yr old Officer pilot with excellent physical aptitude and above average intelligence. As if they are going to spend the next 25 years flying high-G dogfights in Spitfires or Hunters against the Luftwaffe or Russian Air Force.
They're not.
Most of them will never ever fly supersonically. Those that do will achieve little even if they are used in the Air Battle of 2012. What IS required are a cadre of highly specialised blokes or girls that understand all manner of battlefield tactics, crypto, comms, weapons, weapons, weapons, and yet display excellent CRM excellent emotional stability and excellent team skills.
They will require a small division of techies, many will be employed by Boeing/Airbus/Raytheon/BAE etc etc.
None will need 25 airbases covering 149 acres each with support staff and a dog with a man on a leash at the gate waiting for Harry to turn up to collect his final salary pension.
This is the truth of the Modern RAF.
Cheers
WWW
ps I've never been closer to the RAF than being in a UAS so I know nothing.
pps I dearly support the RAF and the entire UK Armed Forces. You are so sinned against while remaining saintly.