Why then as big chief number one, he who has had ample opportunity to review the selection, training and recurrency training standards of his helicopter pilots for so long is he now coming out and making grandiose statements like that?.
Perhaps he should have been there during the planning phase, maybe had a look at their maps? Certainly should have checked them on their way out to the aircraft to make sure they had all of their gear. Actually, maybe he should've been in the left seat to keep on eye on 'em.
Might've been difficult for him though, after all as CDF, he's probably also responsible for the selection, training and recurrency training standards of tank drivers, ship drivers, truck drivers, plumbers, carpenters, LAME's, clerks, radar operators.....
C'mon Topendtorque....
His boss is the Minister of Defence - perhaps he should resign too?
If he's making 'grandiose' statements, it's because he's seen investigation findings that have caused him to make that assessment, with insight based on many years experience as a pilot. Make no mistake, he's not a pilot any more - he's the military CEO of Australia's largest employer (except for the Coles/Myer group).
The responsibility for 'selection, training and recurrency training standards' of his helicopter pilots lays squarely at the feet of the others in the chain of command, not the CDF.