So then Mick, it sounds like there is a cause to keep the sharp end on the accident investigatives, model the RAF one along these lines and have them all roughly umbrella'd under an independant authority. Makes sense to me. the authority could then tell MOD to "ram it, and get the damn things properly airworthy" to an equivalent level of standard as a civil type but with obvious military need, ESF, tank inerting etc etc.
Toodle pip I'm off for a three course corporate schmooze and a watch of some fairy pigskin kickers (what the hell - it's free)
Fly Safe