Missing the point Wizard - RAF SNCOs outside of NCA are expected to have every bit as much ability, life experience etc. as their Army compadres and why not? However, you expect a F/O fresh out of training to need a bit of hand holding I guess and I suppose the same is probably true of a sergeant with an eagle between his stripes. Still i don't know 'cos I never worked with sergeant aircrew - all the loadies I worked with down south were F/S or Masters - jeez, that was a long time ago!