Don't Miss the Point
Sidewayspeak has a valid point - don't compare him to the Army, he didn't join the Army. He probably made a decision not to and he chose the RAF.
I'm very proud of the British Army and what they do. They are the best - but they chose that way of life and most of them love it that way.
The RAF way of life is different and we should not be afraid to recognise it.
I don't know Sidewayspeak, but he may be very good at his job, and his job may make a serious contribution to the 'effort'. He happens to have a sharp focus on his family's needs and and he won't do a 6 month tour again - so he takes your advice and leaves. That's one less good aircrew/engineer/supplier/admin/regt/medic in the team.
War Fighter first specialist second - the phrase is dead. The fat JT that mends the jet on the line and gets it airbourne is worth 10 slim sport playing techies that are never there 'cos they are on exped! You can't have it both ways.
Recognise that we don't have to be all the same..........