Haven't had chance to read the article as yet but the figures make alarming reading - assuming the sqn cdrs are all from front line sqns plus OCUs thats a fair old percentage considering the "hoops" those individuals will generally have gone through to be where they are.
It is those leaving at a natural break point (38/16 or 44/22) that aren't being captured and again, those stats are frightening- however, you can always promote from below to fill the gaps when, ultimately, you only need to be at the top of the pile to move up. Seems like more and more GD are doing barely two tours before promotion to sqn ldr. The true indication of the state of the front line will be the dilution rate (or perhaps even the average number of total hours (given that some new FJ flt cdrs may have less than 600hrs on type
). At least the one good thing about having younger and younger flt cdrs / sqn cdrs / stn cdrs is that they can't be accused of being out of touch with the "yoof" because that's exactly what they are!
But don't worry. I'm sure the re-incarnated PMA are on top of the problem. Apparantly they are recommending that the Defence Budget (or at least what's left of it) be moved to Northern Rock for safe keeping
