FWIW
In 2008 the RAF were under-manned and
had to recruit 4559 individuals to achieve manning balance by 2011. There was a massive recruiting effort that was so successful it exceeded this number within 12 months.
. Interesting then to read courtesy of the MOD website that;
The number of Service personnel, who are not critical to current operations, will be reduced by 2,500. This will be achieved by slowing recruitment
I know this will not be all light-blue but it will feel like a kick in the teeth for all AFCO recruiters who were beaten with the '4559' stick.
manxcat