this thread is too contentious to let it die. Pause for thought - wouldnt it be better to increase the length of postings for airships, so someone actually becomes culpable for some of the shocking decisions we have seen? Rather than have higher echelons consisting of, say, 5000+ individuals intent on forging ahead with their own career, why cant we have a degree of culpability which may in some way contribute turning the higher echelons into cohesive units, which could then (possibly) recognise many of the problems highlighted in this thread. I wont be holding my breath. Credibility is the key. Lack of credibility creates yawning chasms between chiefs and indians, which is why the majority of people i know are PVR'ing. What makes matters even worse is the arrogant attitude that this is no major loss. Not for those chaps maybe, but for the sqn that experience loss is crucial. Consequently, although i (we) tire of the eager ramblings of the wannabes the airships need this influx of bare faced enthusiasm to counter and replace the growing numbers of super-cynical old g*ts like myself becoming alienated from the service. However, this experience drain will come back and bite whoever viciously on the @rse. Oh yes and we're over 300 pilots short - ooh bugger.