TimC
DON'T PANIC (Written in large friendly letters on the cover)
Obs in the Navy is a good job, I don't think you've missed anything at all. I preferred pilot, also something to do with the fact I was too thick to pass the Obs bit of the apptitude tests..... used to struggle to add up the 3 SKJ fuel guages!!
Observers get as much bad press/banter as RAF Navs do, but when it comes down to it the pilots usually shut up when it's a ****ty black night and the only way back to 'mum' is the guy on the radar. They also have fun telling PWOs and other assorted fish-heads to f### off when they're 'running' the ASW battle -all good fun
(Standing by for comments from the cheap seats)
Sagey,
That guy got chopped downstream and at that time he was 'happy' just to have a career in military aviation even in a job he didn't prefer.
So what are you going to say at the AIB if they tell you , OBS or nothing?
Don't forget also that some elements of the RN still believe the "Naval Officer first, Aviator second idea" so it shouldn't matter what you do.....
Hope this helps