Civi's in the TWR
Defence realised that having all defence ATC units staffed with uniformed ATC is no longer viable (because they keep leaving) and a decision was made to civilianise some TWRS (not contract) and leave uniforms at others.
The reason used for the Southern Bases (RIC,NWA,ESL,EDN) to go all APS was based on traffic types and density, which then leaves the other bases for uniformed ATC, plus OAK mixed with uniforms and APS. That way uniformed staff get exposure to the traffic and ops that they will encounter when deployed. Simple as that.
Yes, you could have APS in the TWR at Willy (spots would be filled in a heartbeat) but that option was not taken. As Willy is an operational base as well as training, it was decided that it would stay all blue.
Dick,thanks for the reply. If you took that approach more often I think more would support you.