Whilst not wishing to extend this futile p@@@@@@g contest or to further cast assertions on the professional ability of Officer's from any service, can I just say that there are idiots and stars in every branch and every career and trade both within the armed forces and without. Be they bus drivers, trade unionists, doctors or dentists.
The main difference between the RAF ABMs and the RN FCs is that in the RN it is a sub-specialisation. This very fact means that there are few FCs that have more than 2 or 3 tours under their belt and accordingly, very few"career controllers"They are drawn from some of the brightest of the Seaman Officer Cadre and then after FC go on to become Warfare Officer's Executive Officers and Commanding Officers. Many of the 1, 2 3 and 4 stars that have walked the halls of the MOD are ex RN Fighter Controllers. They are, on a par with Submariner's, the RN equivalent of the 2 winged master race. So whilst they may not be specialists in controlling within the UK, they have, on the whole, with some exceptions, broad and relevant experience.
It is worth mentioning some examples, such as the FC that stayed at his post in 1982, whilst HMS Sheffield burned around him and the man next to him was missing parts of his body. This event is quoted is some books and I have heard the story first hand. A bit more stressful than crossing the Manchester TMA I think. Additionally, it is worth mentioning the controllers of Gloucester and Exeter in 1991, that sat in the Northern Gulf supporting Air Operations from destroyers designed in the 1950s. This was before 8 Sqn turned up on the scene.
The new T45s will finally, give the RN FCs the kit they should have had 30 years ago and CVF with F18 or F35, will bring them into a new age of controlling.
So I have no criticism of the RAF ABMs or the crews that fly the E3s........there is plenty of mud I could sling!!!!!!!!! but I won't. Whilst both sides of the fence have similar roles, in practice, their career paths are different and they are there, for different reasons as well.
DIRIGEAMUS