Dunnjumpin
I don't think that my view is blinkered; yes maybe I was being cynical and tongue in cheek but, after 20+ years as an ATCO I have seen much change in certian directions such as a massive reduction in military traffic levels, a couple of serious incidents that knocked the specialization for 6 and the fact that our specialization still suffers from an element of stagnation and same-old, same-old tour after tour.
But at the end of the day why do we all go out to work; for the pounds, shillings and sixpences of course. In doing so we all expect, and deserve to expect, a half decent quality of life. IMHO both aspects can be achieved with less stress as a civilian ATCO. Look at the pay, the working environments and the stabilitly. Not wishing to start a political debate in world events but, notwithstanding the views of the guys and girls in uniform, I know that their families and loved-ones are overly keen on the risks associated with the OOA ops.
If you enjoy being an ATCO, as I have and still do, look at the big picture and you will see why I said that there is only one way the ATCO will go.
You say that my blinkered outlook is why we are here we are. I don't agree; I say it as I see it. If I am correct in thinking who you are, then unlike you, I speak as as ATCO and someone who has experienced just about all of the facets of the specialization that this subject relates to . Had my lot been somewhat different I would have made the move to NATS but I was not in a position to do so. I have, however, given my all to my job and remained open minded. In 1999 I was in a position where I was asked formally to give my views on amalgamation of the ATC and FC specializations. I wrote a paper in support of a combined specialization but received no feedback. If we are to move forward then we need to be bold and accept that we cannot afford to be precious; to this day I still think we should amalgamate and offer ATCOs a wider range of skills and opportunities.