Appoo, get your B1 and you'll be fine. You'll find on most of line stations ex forces LAEs are in the majority. For every story I've heard about an ex-RAF bloke bragging about the RAF, I'll match it with a supposed civvie expert who hasn't a clue! (lost count of the number of times I had to explain to a BA 'technician' how a maintenance manual works). On the whole you'll find little difference in outlook or ability between a civvie LAE and an ex-forces LAE.