[Based on the fact he has wont hinder me too much. A sweeping statement I know but my blokes still have the 'soldier first' concept in them. I wont need to wipe his arse.
Normally the other way round!!
Sorry couldn't resist!
Please correct me if I am wrong, but does the AAC still not send a lot of its officers back to their Regiments after a tour or two? Is that not a case of 'Soldier first'?
The specialisation is not at the expense of the basics in the RAF. It is never been part of the RAF skill set to be combat troops (not Infanteers which I accept is specialised) with the exception of the RAF Regiment of course. However, I agree, all military personnel need to be able to look after themselves and those that do find themsleves in the brown stuff generally can. A DG/Rearcrew is undoubtedly more skilled in 'soldiering' but in this day and age the level of training for getting away we all recieve (talking about SH as that is my area) is pretty high. Would you have the same faith in a L/Cpl to organise the evacuation and egress of 40 odd passengers in downed bird environment as you would in letting him get stuck in with the rearguard defence while you legged it? (nothing derogatory implied there)
All I am saying is what you have already hinted at. There are different levels of training for different roles but ultimately we are trying to achieve the same aim!