Forgive me for being a cynic but there is plan, by the current RAF Chief of the Air Staff(CAS), to make all things rotary (stand fast the grey Lynx/Merlin, he doesn't want them), RAF manned and controlled within his tenure. This plan, balsey in anyones watch, could be achieved if the current downturn in Army Aviators continues and plays right into his hands. Makes you wonder if his plan is reaching into the TA flight going, FBH QHI training the SAS pilots on their new type etc etc. I understand (from a colleagues son at Tech Trg school) that the Harrier tech's are still doing Apache Tech as their background study in preparation to take over the AH fleet. When the CAS makes CDS (now well with his reach) I wonder if he'll fully realise his dream?
But in the end, as long as the guy's on the ground can get covering airborne firepower, be it Light/Dark Blue, Green or Marine that is all that matters, to me!