By 'combat flash' I take it you're refering to the DZ patch? Most RAF trades can now come face to face with the enemy, not just the guys and girls in pointy things. Things have changed in the last few years, do try and keep up dear.
I always thought that a DZ flash was there to enable troops to quickly identify their unit and muster on the DZ post para drop.
Unless I'm mistaken only II Sqn and some elements of TSW still have a para capabilty within the RAF.
I really don't count sitting behind a desk in the J1 pod for 4 months as coming face to face with the enemy - unless you count irate JPA users!
