'You are expected to hit the ground running and be competent in all areas including major structural repairs - food for thought for all those guys who’ve spent their entire service careers working just engines or airframes'.
Sorry but I must take exception with this.There are lots of guys out there who are capable mechs and also sheeties,but there are also a hell of a lot who are just plain mechs who would run a mile if given a structural repair job.
OK being both is a major advantage,but not a necessity.
By the way I know a lot of sheeties who are crap at meching.